Ill. Supreme Court announces creation of Executive Committee on Practice of Law

On Nov. 21, 2023, the Illinois Supreme Court announced the creation of the Supreme Court

Executive Committee on the Practice of Law (Executive Committee). This new committee is charged

with making recommendations on issues impacting the practice of law and unmet legal needs.

“There are many things affecting the practice of law for this committee to evaluate. One key

area is the gap between those who can afford legal services and those who cannot continue to grow,”

Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis said. “This is unacceptable and we must explore all options to close

that gap. The Court looks forward to reviewing the committee’s recommendations.”

The Executive Committee will consist of 13 members appointed by the Supreme Court.

Attorney Tim Eaton, a partner in the Taft Law Firm, will serve as Chair. Eaton has a distinguished

career in commercial and appellate litigation and has served as President of the Appellate Lawyers

Association, Chicago Bar Association, and the Ill. State Bar Association.

Retired attorney, Timothy L. Bertschy, Chair of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary

Commission, will serve as Vice Chair. He is the former Managing Partner of Heyl, Royster, Voelker

and Allen, P.C., is a past President of the Ill. State Bar Association and served in the American Bar

Association House of Delegates for over 15 years.

The Committee’s recommendations are not limited to accepting or rejecting the specific

proposals or issues referred to it and may include sharing notice of proposed recommendations with

bar associations and providing an opportunity to submit feedback.

Additional members of the Committee include: Linda R. Crane, Chicago; John K. Kim,

Bloomington; Allison L. Wood, Chicago; Joseph Torres, Chicago; Patrick B. Mathis, Belleville;

Wesley A. Gozia, Carlyle; Larry R. Rogers, Jr., Chicago; Melodi D. Green, Peoria; Patricia C. Bobb,

Chicago; Jennifer J. Howe, Lake Forest; David M. Baron, Kankakee. Terms will run for three years

with a term limit of three full consecutive terms, consistent with the Supreme Court Committee

Guidelines. Initial terms will be staggered to ensure continuity.

The Executive Committee will meet quarterly or as needed, and at least one meeting per year

will be held outside of Chicago. A two-thirds majority vote is required for adoption of

recommendations. For more information, contact: James Brunner, Public Information Officer of the

Ill. Supreme Court at 217.208.3354 or [email protected].