CBA Record July-August 2026

Leadership Profiles

residents of the Fourth Judicial Circuit a lens into what it means for court to be “in session” in Springfield. Likewise, the justices had the opportunity to interact with the community, answer questions, and hear new perspectives. Other initiatives to increase access to justice center around more traditional concerns such as access to legal representation. Justice Tailor spoke about the Supreme Court’s most recent efforts to strengthen legal infrastructure in underserved areas. Through conversations and work with organizations such as the ARDC, the justices identified rural areas and smaller counties as areas of concern. As they continue to help generate solutions, he notes that, “It can help to look at things more holistically. A one-size-fits-all approach will not work, but what we’re doing in one place may have a practical application someplace else.” Justice Tailor also shared his excitement about steps the Supreme Court has taken to integrate technology into more common resources. For example, Illinois Court Help (ILCH), a Supreme Court initiative launched in 2021 to assist people in navigating the court system, maintains an informative website, and the ILCH team connects users to court information. Leadership Behind the professional accolades, Justice Tailor is a man dedi cated to his calling, passionate about advocating for others, and committed to effectuating positive change in peaceful ways (“satyagraha,” or nonviolent resistance, as encouraged by Mahatma Gandhi). Perhaps unsurprisingly, he draws inspira tion from Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, and Harold Washington. Justice Tailor leads by example with discipline, hard work, and residents of the Fourth Judicial Circuit a lens into what it means w as areas of concern. f As they continue to help generate solutions, one place may have a practical a application someplace else.” Supreme Court has taken to integrate technology into more a Supreme Court initiative launched in 2021 to assist people in Behind the professional accolades, Justice Tailor is a man dedi and committed to effectuating positive g change in peaceful Mahatma Gandhi). a Perhaps unsurprisingly, he draws inspira Justice Tailor leads by example y with discipline, hard work, and

a calm, steady hand. He honed these leadership skills through a variety of experiences. Admittedly “not an expert in one thing,” he believes that his willingness to step outside his comfort zone and his commitment to never stop learning have served him well over the years. Justice Tailor’s approach inspires future leaders to remain open minded to learning, to different perspectives, and to admit ting mistakes. Being a good listener, he notes, is also an impor tant leadership quality. That includes keeping one’s ears open for viewpoints and opinions different from your own, not simply hearing like-minded voices. With respect to decision-making, he recommends, “Make the call and then stick by it, but be open to taking another look.” Finally, he advises, “Remember that it is never wrong to admit an error.” As Justice Tailor has done at every stage of his career, he is embracing his Supreme Court era with gusto, determination, and grace. He is proud to continue, and now participate at its highest level, in “a rich tradition of an engaged judiciary.” When asked about his aspirations for the next generation, he com mented, “I hope they see someone they recognize, so that they know they too can play a role in shaping this country.” a calm, steady hand. y He honed these leadership skills through a variety of experiences. f Admittedly “not y anexpertinonething,” ting mistakes. Being a good listener, he notes, is also an impor tant leadership quality. That includes keeping one’s g ears open for hearing like-minded voices. With respect to decision-making, to taking another g look.” Finally, he advises, “Remember that it is As Justice Tailor has done at every stage of his career, he is embracing his Supreme Court era with gusto, determination, and grace. He is proud to continue, and now participate w at its mented, “I hope they see someone they recognize, y so that they

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