CBA Record November-December 2025

Looking Ahead I end my time as a commissioner with gratitude and optimism. Gratitude for the dedicated staff and fellow commissioners who have poured their energy into this mission. Gratitude for the law yers and judges across Illinois who have engaged with our pro grams and embraced the call to higher standards. And optimism that the Commission’s next decade will be even more impactful than its last. For those who have not yet engaged with the Commis sion, I urge you to do so. Volunteer as a mentor. Participate in

CBA President Judge Nichole C. Patton welcomed attorneys and judges to the CBA to celebrate the legal profession and the new Coalition of Chicagoland Bar Associations. A big thank you to our featured speaker, Juan Thomas, President Elect of the National Conference of Bar Presidents. The orga nization is expanding. Learn how your bar association can get involved by emailing CBA Executive Director Beth McMeen at bmcmeen@chicagobar.org. Coalition members as of October 1: Black Men Lawyers’ Association; Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago, Inc.; Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago; The Chicago Bar Association Bar Association; Chicago Council of Lawyers; Decalogue Soci ety Of Lawyers; Haitian American Lawyers Association of Illi nois; HLAI - Serving the Hispanic Lawyers of Illinois; LAGBAC - Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Bar Association; North Suburban Bar Association; Puerto Rican Bar Association, Inc.; South Asian Bar Association of Chicago; and Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. professionalism training. Read and reflect on the Commission’s reports. Each of us has a role to play in shaping the culture of our profession, and the Commission offers a roadmap for how to do it. Nine years on the Commission has reminded me that profes sionalism is not a static trait—it is a practice, one that requires constant attention and recommitment. The Commission has been, and will continue to be, a vital partner in helping Illinois lawyers meet that challenge.

BAR COALITION RECEPTION

Pictured: Gina Crumble, Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney; CBA President Judge Nichole C. Patton, Circuit Court of Cook County; and Nisha Dotson, Office of the Cook County Public Defender.

Pet Insurance SAVE ON Protect your furry family members with exclusive CBA Member discounts on pet insurance, offered through our partnership with MetLife.

CBAINSURANCE.ORG/PETS

CBA RECORD 35