CBA Record

distinct age-groups interacting, but often speaking different languages. Baby Boom- ers are interviewing Millennials with Gen Xers down the hall and Centennials on the way. How does that impact any given firm or the practice of law generally?” Alternative Dispute Resolution. This committee will focus on the pros and cons of ADR. In Judge Mulroy’s observation, docket overcrowding led to a fundamental shift in focus by the judiciary. “Twenty years ago, judges went from hearing cases to managing caseloads.” This led to a wide- range of ADR innovations. But Judge Mulroy senses that the legal community must keep in mind the purpose of ADR. Is it to move cases along, or to provide an inexpensive forum for handling disputes? If it is the latter, is ADR truly serving that end, or would some parties be better off staying in court. Judicial System. This committee will explore access to justice for civil proceedings in state court. For example, it will address issues related to “ghost-written pleadings” as well as the role and complexities of “lim- ited representation,” where an attorney is engaged for a specific motion. It will also address issues such as technology in the courtroom. The committee’s proposed recommendations, however, cannot come with a prohibitive price tag. “Our courts are financially strapped. So the solutions this committee proposes cannot involve the expenditure of already-strained court resources.” Law Firms. This committee will address common issues confronted by law firms of all sizes, from large mega-firms to solo practitioners, and will include issues such as billing, ethics, training, and mentoring. New Business Structures. This committee will focus on the rapidly changing legal indus- try and confront issues such as artificial intelligence and the role of non-lawyers in the legal profession. Mental Health Series Judge Mulroy is concerned with mental health issues, how they impact the justice system, and, most importantly, how the

At podium of special luncheon for Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, with Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans, Circuit Court of Cook County, and Monsignor Kenneth Velo.

At the Justice John Paul Stevens Awards luncheon, with Justice Stevens and Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Judge William J. Bauer

justice system impacts those suffering mental illness. “We all know someone with a mental illness. It is critical that judges and attorneys get involved in this problem, to make sure that the justice system is help- ing to create solutions and not adding to the problems.” With Mark Epstein, Judge Mulroy has developed a seminar series on this subject that revolves around a practi- cal, hypothetical situation and ways loved ones, police officers, attorneys and judges

can deal with the issues presented. “Mental illness presents an opportunity for law- yers to view the law in the context of the broader society.” Continuation of the Curbing the Violence Summit The gun violence epidemic continues to plague Chicago, and Judge Mulroy wants the CBA to work toward remediating the continued on page 56

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