Professional Development

Abraham Lincoln: A model for ethical leadership

Abraham Lincoln had two careers; one as a lawyer and one as a politician—professions known for severe moral and ethical dilemmas. Given the events of the time, Lincoln faced new levels of dilemmas as he made decisions that helped start the Civil War and those that would finally end the conflict—and slavery with it.

Feb 13, 2025 11:31 AM CST

Are you a neurodivergent lawyer? The ABA wants to hear your story

The ABA Commission on Disability Rights is seeking neurodivergent legal professionals for a new project that will highlight their valuable contributions to the workplace.

Feb 12, 2025 10:28 AM CST

Jurist Doctors: These physicians went to law school for new challenges

Established physicians who go to law school are seeking new challenges and opportunities—ranging from facing the demands of law school to earning new credentials to starting a new career.

Feb 12, 2025 8:53 AM CST

Benefits of hybrid work examined in new study, while firms’ quest to bring lawyers back to office continues

Adding a wrinkle to the debate over remote work is new research suggesting that hybrid schedules can increase productivity. In a study published in June, employees who work from home for two days per week were found to be just as productive and as likely to be promoted as their in-person colleagues. In addition, employees with hybrid schedules were less likely to quit.

Feb 11, 2025 1:29 PM CST

Should lawyers get billable-hour credit for time off? It should be encouraged, ABA House says, but not before debate

What can make the ABA House of Delegates have an hourlong lively debate? Apparently, it’s a resolution aimed at helping ease lawyer stress and achieve a better work-life balance.

Feb 3, 2025 6:58 PM CST

What questions about criminal history are appropriate to ask bar applicants?

The ABA House of Delegates at the ABA Midyear Meeting in Phoenix on Monday overwhelmingly passed a resolution urging bar admissions authorities to limit the scope of inquiries into an applicant’s criminal record.

Feb 3, 2025 4:44 PM CST

2025 ABA Midyear Meeting brings members to Phoenix

ABA members will come together in Phoenix this week to discuss and debate the latest issues and trends impacting the legal profession.

Jan 28, 2025 8:51 AM CST

Bar associations could be targeted, Trump DEI order says, spurring response from 2 of them

Bar associations could be targeted for investigation under President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end “illegal preferences and discrimination” in government and the private sector.

Jan 23, 2025 10:55 AM CST

Federal judge fed up with ‘fiddle-faddle’ requires lawyers to meet for lunch; how did it go?

Lawyers who met for lunch upon the orders of a federal judge have submitted their report as directed.

Jan 21, 2025 2:17 PM CST

2025 Outlook for Legal Leaders: It’s time to focus on big-picture strategies

As we begin 2025, three emerging trends point to a future where legal teams will have the insights they need to play an integral role in their organization’s revenue goals. Here’s a look at how these shifts will transform legal work.

Jan 8, 2025 10:47 AM CST

Remembering President James Earl ‘Jimmy’ Carter, ever the teacher

Educators and students preparing to begin a new semester can make good use of lessons about leadership and purposeful service that can be gleaned from the beautiful life of former President James Earl “Jimmy” Carter. That is especially so for law school communities for at least two reasons.

Jan 7, 2025 8:51 AM CST

Tune in to our favorite podcasts of 2024

The ABA Journal staff have conversations with fascinating lawyers every day. But in our podcasts, you get to listen in on some of those discussions. Here are our favorite episodes from 2024.

Dec 23, 2024 9:57 AM CST

Florida Bar drops diversity and inclusion language from its internal policy

The Florida Bar’s board of governors on Friday eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion language from its organizational policy, a move that follows the Florida Supreme Court’s February mandate for the bar to stop funding diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Dec 16, 2024 10:07 AM CST

Jones Day has hired nearly 100 SCOTUS clerks in a dozen years; how many are in this year’s class?

Jones Day has hired 10 former U.S. Supreme Court law clerks from the October 2023 term, adding to an “already-deep bench of talent,” according to Noel Francisco, the partner in charge of the law firm's Washington, D.C., office and a former U.S. solicitor general.

Dec 12, 2024 12:43 PM CST

California judge admonished for doing this after telling newbie attorney to stop shaking her head

A California judge has received a public admonishment partly for flinging court papers at a newbie defense lawyer because he thought that she was shaking her head at him.

Dec 12, 2024 10:21 AM CST