Section Newsletters

Articles on Young Lawyers

Discover the ISBA Mentorship Program By Nichol Benson Young Lawyers Division, November 2024 The Illinois State Bar Association offers an amazing mentorship opportunity for its members. The idea of the program is that a new attorney is matched up with a more experienced attorney. The new attorney is someone who has been practicing for under five years and the more experienced attorney has been practicing for more than five years. Apply for ISBA's Mentoring Program by December 31, 2024.
Preparing for Trial By Courtney A. Berlin Young Lawyers Division, November 2024 As a young lawyer, getting ready for trial can be both exhilarating and daunting. The stakes are high and the pressure to perform can feel overwhelming. However, successful trial preparation is grounded in a few essential principles that can set you on the path to victory. By remembering the basics and prioritizing organization, you can navigate the complexities of trial work with confidence. 
Why Is It Important for Young Lawyers and Law Students to Attend ISBA’s Midyear Meeting? By Genevieve E. Miller, Esq. Young Lawyers Division, November 2024 Young lawyers and law students are without a doubt beyond busy, especially during the holiday season and the month of December. ISBA’s Midyear Meeting occurs annually in downtown Chicago, and it is truly such a wonderful and enjoyable networking opportunity you won’t want to miss! This year it is hosted at the JW Marriott in Chicago’s loop on December 12 and 13. Why should YOU make attending this annual affair a priority this holiday season?!? Please allow me to explain. 
3 Reasons YLD Members Should Attend the Solo and Small Firm Conference By Diana Servos Young Lawyers Division, August 2024 The annual Solo and Small Firm Conference is an invaluable opportunity for lawyers at any stage of their career, but it holds particular benefits for members of Young Lawyers Division.
Thinking About Making a Career Move? Here’s How to Pick the Right Next Step By Justin Ian Sia Young Lawyers Division, May 2024 Career advice for young lawyers yearning for a new role.
New Year’s Resolutions By Christine Hunt Energy, Utilities, Telecommunications, and Transportation, February 2024 Ten professional resolutions for the new year.
5 Critical Missing Functionalities When Your Smartphone No Longer Functions By Kenneth Matuszewski Young Lawyers Division, January 2024 Five aspects of professional and personal life that may be impacted without an operating smartphone.
New Year’s Resolutions By Christine Hunt Young Lawyers Division, January 2024 Ten professional resolutions for the new year.
Longing for Authenticity: The Human Connection in a Digital Workplace By Christopher A. Garcia Bench and Bar, December 2023 For over two years, young associates missed out on the rhythms, dialect, and grammar of oral arguments—skills that are not learned on social media.
Shaping the Mind of a New Attorney: Clerkship With the Cook County Circuit Court Chancery Division Offers Exposure to Breadth of Legal Matters Among Other Benefits By Andrew Miller Civil Practice and Procedure, December 2023 Although law students today have a more expansive understanding of what they can do with their legal education upon graduation, this has, in some ways, made it increasingly difficult for law students to develop a career path following graduation.
From the Inside looking Out: An In-House Perspective By Susannah Price Young Lawyers Division, November 2022 Four considerations for law students and young lawyers considering a future as an in-house lawyer.
Changes to 430 ILCS 65 (FOID Statute) By Rahnesha C. Williams Young Lawyers Division, February 2022 An overview of recent modifications and additions to the Firearm Owner's Identification Card Statute.
5 Things an Associate Can Do to Keep Up By Vaughn J. Richardson Young Lawyers Division, December 2021 Five lessons one young lawyer learned during the first year of practice.
An Associate’s Checklist for Preparing for Trial By Susannah J. Price Young Lawyers Division, December 2021 Seven tips for associate attorneys to prepare to try a simple case to jury verdict.
The Class of COVID-19: New Attorneys Navigating the Pandemic By Robert O’Connor Young Lawyers Division, December 2021 Three attorneys share their experiences transitioning to different firms during the pandemic. 
Distinguishing Yourself in a Crowded Legal Marketplace By Stephanie Tang Young Lawyers Division, December 2021 Three tips to help young associates network and find their niche within the legal field.
Evaluating Objections to Workplace Vaccine Mandates By Terrill A. Wilkins Young Lawyers Division, December 2021 An overview of current guidelines for evaluating requested medical and religious exemptions from employer vaccine mandates.
The Six-Figure Elephant in the (Court)room By Kaleigh Barrett Young Lawyers Division, December 2021 Although student loan debt has long been the elephant in the courtroom, it is starting to become a leading topic of discussion.
How and When to Say No to a Client or Potential Client By Christine Hunt Young Lawyers Division, September 2021 Attorneys, especially new attorneys, can be afraid to say no to a client or a potential client, but it’s an essential skill to learn.
How to Manage Client Expectations By Judith Conway Young Lawyers Division, September 2021 Advice for managing client expectations.
Eight Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Next Appellate Brief By Phillip G. Palmer, Jr. Young Lawyers Division, April 2021 Common mistakes to avoid when drafting appellate court briefs.
An Introverted Look By Trent Cameron Young Lawyers Division, April 2021 Reflections from an introvert after a year of COVID-19.
Preparing for Adverse Fact Witness Depositions By Bruno R. Marasso Young Lawyers Division, April 2021 A four-step framework to help new attorneys prepare for depositions.
Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Forms Racial Justice Coalition By Azar Alexander, Chastidy Burns, & Kenny Matuszewski Young Lawyers Division, September 2020 A look at the Racial Justice Coalition formed by the Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyers Section in response to the devastating loss of so many lives at the hands of law enforcement.
Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Forms Racial Justice Coalition By Azar Alexander, Chastidy Burns, & Kenny Matuszewski Racial and Ethnic Minorities and the Law, September 2020 A look at the Racial Justice Coalition formed by the Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyers Section in response to the devastating loss of so many lives at the hands of law enforcement.
Words of Wisdom From a Not So ‘Young Lawyer’ By John Bathke Young Lawyers Division, September 2020 Three mantras to live by in your career as a lawyer.
Cranberry Scones: From Ingredients in Your Pantry By Hannah R. Lamore Young Lawyers Division, April 2020 A recipe for scones using pantry staples.
So You Got a Railroad Worker Case? By Susannah Price Young Lawyers Division, April 2020 The distinction between a workers’ compensation case and a Federal Employer's Liability Act case highlight why it is so important to research and ask questions from your supervisors or consult with other practitioners when you get a new case and you are unfamiliar with the area of law.
‘They Didn’t Teach This in Law School’: Five Tips for New and Young Attorneys That Can Help Build Confidence in Practicing Illinois Law While Adding Value to Your Firm By Gregory R. Jones Young Lawyers Division, April 2020 Tips to become a more confident and efficient lawyer.
5 Reasons Face-to-Face Networking Is Critical Now More Than Ever for Young Lawyers By Genevieve E. Niemann Young Lawyers Division, February 2020 Although electronic networking can save you time, it is no replacement for face-to-face communication to build your network.

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