It's critical to the success of your law firm to recognize the value of requiring you and your staff to work well within the parameters of IL legal ethics in everything you do. Set an example to your staff by comporting yourself with the highest of ethical standards and make it clear that you expect the highest of Illinois professional responsibility from everyone in your employ.

Educate your staff on exactly what the phrase "Illinois lawyer ethics" means not only with respect to the legal definition but to you as an individual as well. Create a specific code of ethics for your office and make sure it's distributed to everyone and discussed frequently. Set up precise procedures for reporting and dealing with violations.

1. Know the Illinois legal professional ethics that apply to you.

2. Educate yourself and your staff on IL professional responsibility.

3. Report Illinois code of legal ethics violations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Provide access to the Illinois code of professional responsibility

Make access to the code of ethics that govern your office and the legal behavior of yourself and your staff widely available. Post the information in several locations and routinely check to make sure it's updated so everyone can find answers to any questions they may have.

I recommend: The Illinois State Bar Association website allows you to search for ethics opinions to help you answer legal and ethical questions. The State of Illinois provides comprehensive rules of conduct to help you behave appropriately.

Meet Illinois legal professional responsibility ongoing education requirements

Keep continuing education a high priority. Schedule seminars for ethical behavior on an annual basis and consider offering other ways to train your staff, including home study programs to allow them to learn at their own pace.

I recommend: Law Seminars International provides a home study seminar entitled Ethics for Illinois Lawyers to help you maintain your accreditation.

Report violations of legal ethics in the state of Illinois

Know the proper ways to file a request for an ethical inquiry and make sure you follow those guidelines when you need to make such a request. Keep the appropriate paperwork on hand at all times so anyone in your office can file such a request without having to ask someone else for assistance.

I recommend: Visit Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission in order to find the precise steps you need to take to file an ethics complaint or request an ethics inquiry be performed. Lawyers.com provides you with the instructions on how to file a complaint for an ethics violation as well as the information on how to contact the appropriate Illinois governing body.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Utilize webinars, seminars that take place online rather than in a classroom to ensure your staff stays up-to-date with the mandatory credits for legal ethics in the state of Illinois. Such webinars are credited toward continuing education as well.