CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
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T H U R S D AY, M AY 1, 2025 | PAGE 7
Advocate for access to justice John C. Sciaccotta President, Chicago Bar Association
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respect and a focus on actionable solutions. Balancing different perspectives involves identifying core values and aligning on overarching objectives while respecting vary- ing approaches. By fostering a culture of inclusion, we ensure that all voices are heard and considered. Leadership from the legal community is essential in uniting diverse perspectives to promote justice and equality. Lawyers have a unique ability to shape policy, drive reform and advocate for systemic change, making their leadership critical to achieving the principle of “ out of many, one. ” Despite progress, missed opportunities remain. Greater collaboration is needed among Illinois legal organizations to address disparities in access to justice, strengthen pro bono efforts and support legislative reforms that promote equity. By working together, we can build a legal system that truly serves everyone.
the Black Men Lawyers ’ Association. When legal organizations come together — sharing resources, insights and strategies — we can better tackle systemic challenges in the ad- ministration of justice. This cooperative approach ensures that all voices, especially those of marginalized com- munities, are considered in decision-making processes. Mentorship and professional development programs also offer powerful ways to collaborate. By establishing cross-organizational mentorship networks, established at- torneys can provide guidance to our bright future — diverse new attorneys and law students. These initiatives foster a sense of community within the legal profession, ensuring that the next generation is prepared to continue advocating for justice. Additionally, legal organizations should work together to advocate for policies that advance the profession and the rule of law. When organizations unite to support leg- islation, judicial appointments or legal reforms, their collective impact is far greater than any individual group. BWL A ’ s work with diverse partner organizations on the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening enables us to push for transformation that benefits all members of society. By embracing unity and diversity, bar associations and legal organizations can work together to build a more just and equitable legal system that honors the Constitution ’ s call for a nation of many that respects the rights of every individual. Collaboration is essential to advancement Cindy L. Medina-Cervantes President, Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois
“ Now, more than ever, the legal community must unite for the public good and defend our Constitution. ”
Since our founding in 1874, the Chicago Bar Association (CBA) has been committed to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, ensuring equal access to justice and promoting judicial independence. Now, more than ever, the legal community must unite for the public good and defend our Constitution. Together, we can help to achieve the ideal of “ out of many, one. ” As one of the oldest, most respected and active metropolitan bar associations in the United States, the CBA proudly continues to convene attorneys, judges, law- makers and law students to advocate for access to justice and promote ethical standards within the legal profession. Through continuing legal education offerings, mentorship and pro-bono projects, we provide resources and op- portunities for attorneys to collaborate with colleagues and keep informed on the modern practice of law. Our judicial evaluation committee provides a vital public service by conducting judicial evaluations designed to inform the public and the courts about the qualifications, independence and integrity of judicial candidates. As lawyers, we have a responsibility to do all we can to ensure that the legal system remains fair, impartial and accountable to all individuals. The future of our democracy hangs in the balance and all of us in the legal community can play a part in this cause. In partnership and collaboration with the Chicago Bar Foundation and other bar associations, we can make an impact by advocating for change through legislation, supporting equal access to justice through pro bono service and lending our voices to strengthen our democracy. I hope this year ’ s Law Day theme inspires all of us to unite in bridging our differences to build a more perfect union together. Advance justice through collaboration Sarah F. King President, Women ’ s Bar Association of Illinois
Work together, find common ground Denise Baker-Seal President, Illinois Defense Counsel
“ Collaboration is vital in any volunteer organization and is especially beneficial in the legal community. ”
As the president of the Illinois Defense Counsel, col- laboration has always been an important tenet and goal of mine. Both personally and professionally, I often have drawn on the words of Helen Keller, “ Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. ” None of the IDC ’ s programs, publications or events could occur without attorneys throughout Illinois working to- gether to share experiences, successes and even failures. Collaboration is vital in any volunteer organization and is especially beneficial in the legal community. I recently attended a seminar session on the value of collaboration among organizations. The concept was certainly not novel to me but it was a good reminder of how groups, even those with differing interests, can work together to find common ground and jointly advance shared interests and goals. Could we do better? We certainly can. Collaboration among attorneys (IDC members and non-members alike), the judiciary, Illinois legislature and other attorney or- ganizations can start with simple communication. Each of us is stronger if we open our arms to collaborating with others in the legal process and embrace it. While my term ends soon, I am confident that my successors will continue the process of communication and collaboration for the betterment of the legal profession.
“ Active listening, shared purpose and strong partnerships are vital to advancing our mission. ”
The Hispanic Lawyers of Illinois (HLAI) has been dedicated to empowering Hispanic attorneys and ad- vocating for justice. Since its formation in 1995, HLAI ’ s mission extends beyond professional development — we are deeply committed to serving the community, pro- moting fairness and increasing access to justice. Through one of our new initiates, the Response Net- work, we mobilize legal professionals to assist individuals facing urgent legal challenges, particularly in immigration, civil rights and other critical areas. In addition to our advocacy work, we provide con- tinuing legal education programs, mentorship and social events to support our members ’ growth and strengthen their presence in the legal community. Our charitable arm, HLAI Charities, focuses on fundraising for schol- arships, ensuring that the next generation of Hispanic attorneys has the support needed to pursue their legal careers. Collaboration is essential to advancing our mission. This year, HLAI has partnered with the Diversity Scholarship Foundation, Chicago Bar Association, Black Women ’ s Lawyers Association, Women ’ s Bar Association of Illinois and other bar organizations to create impactful pro- gramming, expand professional opportunities and foster inclusion within the legal field. By working together, we amplify our collective voice and ensure that Hispanic attorneys have the resources and support necessary to succeed. I am honored and proud to serve this growing or- ganization. Through HLAI, I have witnessed firsthand the power of mentorship, advocacy and collaboration in driving meaningful change. I have also learned that active listening, shared purpose and strong partnerships are vital to advancing our mission. As we continue to grow, I look forward to expanding our reach, deepening our alliances and ensuring that HLAI remains a pillar of support, leadership and opportunity for Hispanic lawyers and the communities we serve.
Equip judges with knowledge, skills
“ Leadership from the legal community is essential in uniting diverse perspectives to promote justice and equality. ”
Mary Colleen Roberts President, Illinois Judges Association
The Women ’ s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) is committed to improving the administration of justice by promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession. Through mentorship programs, advocacy ini- tiatives and continuing legal education, we work to ensure that the legal system is accessible and fair for all. Our efforts include judicial evaluations, policy advocacy on issues affecting women and families and pro bono ini- tiatives that serve underrepresented communities. Collaboration is key to our success. Legal organizations best work together by building coalitions around shared goals, fostering open dialogue and actively engaging diverse stakeholders. WBAI partners with bar associations, law firms and community groups to advocate for policy changes, provide professional development and increase representation in leadership roles. Through these partnerships, we have learned that effective collaboration requires active listening, mutual
“ Preserving judicial independence is a cornerstone of the IJA's mission. ”
The Illinois Judges Association (IJA) plays a vital role in enhancing the administration of justice for people in Illinois. Our association is committed to promoting the principles of judicial excellence, fostering professional development and advancing education of judges and the public. Through its mission, the IJA ensures that judges across Illinois are equipped with the knowledge, skills and ethical foundation necessary to administer justice ef- fectively and impartially.
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