CBA Record March-April 2026

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CBA’S CAREER ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM By Kathy Morris S ince the CBA launched its Career Advancement Program in 2013, this member benefit has offered hundreds of hours of complimentary one-on-one career coun seling sessions as well as educational programming. Online career counseling makes it easy for members to fit career development into their busy lives. Members can ask focused questions about their legal job search or broader professional development issues, such as how to improve time management and speaking skills. Counseling can also assist with curating an online professional persona. Learn how to make the most of your session by watching this video at www.chicagobar. org/onlinecounselingexplained. The Career Advancement Program recently joined with Susan Feibus, owner of WriteRight – Legal Writing Coaching, to host a counseling day devoted to legal writing. CBA members received assistance with a broad range of issues spanning how to avoid drafting mistakes ( see sidebar ), writing for nonlawyers, emails, cover letters, and use of AI tools. Members also received guidance on writing books, essays, or articles. Career counseling days will continue to be offered throughout the year. Upcoming dates include March 26, May 7, and May 14. Sign-up information can be found at www.chicagobar.org/CAP. Appointments fill fast, but check back frequently for cancel lations or send an email to cle@chicagobar.org for assistance.

by Susan G. Feibus While effective legal writing is a craft that takes time to master, implementing these tips will improve your writing immediately: 1. Edit your first drafts ruthlessly. Reduce introductory material and make it pithier. Cut every unnecessary word. Combine paragraphs that make similar points; omit your weakest point entirely. 2. Be concise. Eliminate throat clearing (“It is important to note that...”). Cut adverbs and qualifiers that weaken your points. Use active voice. 3. Be clear. If a sentence requires re-reading, rewrite it. One idea per sentence, one theme per paragraph. 4. Use the Oxford comma. It prevents ambiguity. “I’d like to thank my parents, Mother Teresa and the Pope” suggests disturbing parentage. “I’d like to thank my parents, Mother Teresa, and the Pope” is clear. 5. Use a professional, readable tone. Avoid legalese (“hereinafter,” Five Tips for More Effective Legal Writing “aforementioned”). Write like you’re explaining the issue to an intelligent colleague, not showcasing a learned vocabulary. Contractions are generally fine but avoid them in court filings or more formal client communications.

An experienced trial lawyer, Kathy Morris is the CBA’s featured career counselor, owner of Under Advisement Ltd., a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, and former Director of Career Counseling at Northwestern University Prizker School of Law.

Susan Feibus is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer, a former legal writing instructor at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, and owner of WrightRight, providing one-on-one legal writing coaching.

The CBA Judicial Evaluation Committee is Looking for Members to Serve in its Investigation Division The Judicial Evaluation Committee plays a vital role in maintaining a fair, competent, and ethical judiciary. Our investigators interview judges and judicial candidates, review professional histories, and help prepare evaluations that voters rely on to make informed decisions. All CBA members with 2+ years of legal experience are encouraged to apply to join the JEC. You will learn a great deal about the legal profession and expand your professional network while assisting in the JEC’s mission to improve the Cook County judiciary. All investigative work can be done over the phone. Applications are available for download at www.chicagobar.org. Please direct your questions to Phyllis Lubinski at plubinski@chicagobar.org.

14 March/April 2026