Illinois has 336 new attorneys

Posted on May 9, 2020
Illinois Supreme Court, Chief Justice Anne Burke. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Among the many ways the pandemic has disrupted everyday life – and special events, too – is the swearing-in of new lawyers.

Rather than have ceremonies scattered about the state, presided over by members of the Illinois Supreme Court, Chief Justice Anne Burke presided over one statewide ceremony – virtually.

Burke invoked the words of Illinois’ best-known lawyer: “Once, when giving advice to new lawyers, (Abraham) Lincoln said, ‘Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbor to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a super opportunity of being a good man.”

Burke’s own advice: “Listen.”

336 new lawyers participated.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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