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Conversation, connection may be antidotes for incivility in law

Shielded behind computer screens, some people behave in ways that are downright rude — or worse. As the practice of law moved online with the COVID-19 pandemic, those familiar hazards to civility arose in the legal profession as well.

By Grace Barbic

The incivility monster: Why being bad feels good

Practicing attorneys are acutely aware of the potential consequences of incivility. And yet, incivility persists. Could it be that attorneys are hard-wired to lose their cool? Does it pay to be belligerent? And how do the pandemic and other stressors contribute?

By Emma Oxnevad

Zealous advocacy and beyond: Leaders share views on civility

Terry A. Fox of the Illinois Defense Counsel, Patrick A. Salvi II of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and Stephanie Villinski of the Illinois Commission on Professionalism contemplated our questions on what’s going right — and wrong — with how attorneys act.

By Chicago Daily Law Bulletin staff

Collaborative conversations require a mindful approach

Contributors Dan Cotter and Pat Eckler reflected on how they behave as media partners — and why civility is the necessary foundation of the conversations about the law they want to convene.

By Pat Eckler and Dan Cotter

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The 2023 Law Day magazine is available for browsing or to download.

Law Day Letters

Listening, learning and leading

Founded in 1987, the Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms is an organization of 45 law firms committed to working together to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession. Through professional development workshops, business development programs, leadership skills training, networking events and educational programs, our member firms tirelessly fight to advance our mission. The Chicago Committee recognizes that civility, respect and professionalism are essential parts of creating an inclusive profession. Moreover, listening to, and learning from our colleagues in the legal community builds trust and understanding.

By Sharon Hwang

Safeguard civility, openness in discourse

We take civility very seriously at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Law schools are laboratories for democracy, and lawyers are charged with the highest duty of creating, upholding and promoting legal structures that protect everyone equally. This must be done with respect.

By Michèle Alexandre

Robust debate encourages healthy communication

Law Day and its purposes are welcome companions to the aspirations of legal education. Law schools have a special role in advancing the rule of law in our society; they educate the next generation of lawyers.

By Thomas J. Miles