The law can be used to justify harm and to shield the people who cause it. When enforcement hides behind legality, cruelty is reframed as responsibility.
Justice demands more than simply following the rules.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kle...
Time-sensitive opportunity through the Illinois State Bar Association to serve as a volunteer investigator in the 2026 judicial retention cycle.
If you’re looking for a substantive introduction to judicial evaluation work, this is a powerful way to start!
chicagocouncil.org/judicial-inv...
The Supreme Court struck down Trump's tariffs as unconstitutional.
www.nbcwashington.com/news/nationa...
Continuing a long-standing commitment to judicial integrity, transparency, and accountability, the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening has issued its evaluations of judicial candidates ahead of the 2026 primary election.
Learn more: chicagocouncil.org/alliance-of-...
It’s a stark reminder of why defending civil liberties and the Rule of Law matters now more than ever.
Held’s powerful statement calls on all those committed to justice to uphold fundamental rights and accountability in the face of aggression.
We stand with our Board Member and constitutional advocate, Robert Held, as he speaks out against an unprovoked attack by an off-duty ICE agent.
Read his full statement: chicagocouncil.org/statement-fr...
Cases like this underscore the role that informed advocacy and professional oversight play in protecting the integrity of our courts.
David Melton, Acting Executive Director of the Chicago Council of Lawyers, emphasized why adherence to the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct is essential to maintaining public trust in the judiciary.
www.injusticewatch.org/judges/judic...
The Chicago Council of Lawyers joined other bar groups in urging closer attention to these standards, emphasizing the importance of public trust, impartiality, and respect for the rule of law.
The Illinois Supreme Court has reversed its decision to return Judge James R. Brown to the bench after local bar associations raised concerns that his commentary ran afoul of the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct.
cwbchicago.com/2026/01/supr...
Join Law for Black Lives for their town hall on January 28th, 2026, at 5 pm CT.
Learn more and register here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Multiple news outlets are reporting on the criminal charge filed against an ICE agent following an incident in suburban Chicago.
These reports raise critical questions about accountability, transparency, and the protection of civil rights.
NY Times: www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/u...
Warrantless arrests. A binding consent decree. And thousands of people caught in between.
When the government stopped following the rules, the courts were forced to intervene, and the consequences are still unfolding.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNWN...
Register and join the Civil Disagreements Virtual Program ‘Unitary Executive Theory: Legitimate Constitutional Theory or Path To Dictatorship?’ on January 22, 2026, at 1 pm EST.
1 hour of CLE will be available to Illinois lawyers from the CCL.
americanbar.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
When someone is in crisis, care saves lives, not confrontation.
Non-police crisis response teams work, but access in Chicago is still far too limited, and we need to change that.
youtube.com/shorts/5EUFD...
Robert Held, a Chicago attorney and member of the Chicago Council of Lawyers, described a recent incident in which he was assaulted by someone he believed was a federal agent while legally filming from a public sidewalk in Brookfield.
Read the article here: www.rblandmark.com/2026/01/06/a...
Why do police board reforms matter?
After the Laquan McDonald shooting, Chicago confronted deep accountability failures. These reforms were designed to protect fairness, transparency, and public trust in our justice system.
www.youtube.com/shorts/QX2VY...
When federal power started moving toward Chicago, the state of Illinois had to immediately act.
Moments like this ask a hard question: who decides when military force enters a state, and what happens when constitutional lines are tested?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHQz...
The Chicago Council of Lawyers has submitted a letter to the Illinois Supreme Court regarding retired Judge James R. Brown, underscoring the importance of judicial integrity, accountability, and public trust in our courts.
chicagocouncil.org/letter-to-th...
We encourage you to share your input as part of this important process.
ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-res...
📧 Submit comments to Stacie Ryan at sryan@illinoiscourts.gov
⏰ Deadline: January 4th at 4 p.m.
Public input plays a crucial role in shaping our judiciary.
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford is seeking public comment on 11 applicants for an At-Large Circuit Judge vacancy in the 16th Judicial Circuit, created by the upcoming retirement of Judge Kevin T. Busch on Jan 29, 2026.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers and Chicago Appleseed for Fair Courts announced a significant change in their relationship, effective January 1, 2026.
chicagocouncil.org/chicago-coun...
An upcoming Illinois Supreme Court ruling could determine whether arbitration hearings in serious police misconduct cases must remain open to the public.
David Melton explains why public access to these proceedings is essential while providing historical context.
www.pbs.org/video/how-an...
We show up with words, not weapons, but we've been met with force.
This firsthand account from Broadview reveals what peaceful protesters are facing simply for speaking out.
www.youtube.com/shorts/oitog...
Knowledge is power, especially in moments of fear.
This video breaks down how to report #ICE activity safely using the SALUTE method and where to turn for support.
www.youtube.com/shorts/oHIPE...
In a new Daily Herald op-ed, Robert Held, a member of the Board of Governors of the Chicago Council of Lawyers, examines the constitutional safeguards meant to hold federal power accountable and what’s at stake when they fail.
www.dailyherald.com/20251218/col...
Civil rights attorney Locke Bowman exposes the brutal truth behind Operation Midway Blitz and the unlawful force used against our communities.
His words are a reminder of why we must defend the Constitution when those in power choose to ignore it.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdMU...
These 51 students from 22 schools worked closely with lawyer mentors to explore how the law can be a tool for dignity and real change.
Read their inspiring work now at the link below:
chicagocouncil.org/new-future-j...
