The Future Is Now: Legal Services Conference 2026
The Future Is Now: Legal Services Conference 2026 is a premier event dedicated to exploring the intersection of legal professionalism and innovation. Organized by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, this conference aims to equip legal professionals with the tools and insights needed to navigate the evolving landscape of the legal industry.
Key topics at the conference include client-centered lawyering, the integration of generative AI in legal practice, and strategies for enhancing well-being within the profession. Sessions will delve into how lawyers can better align their services with client needs, leverage emerging technologies ethically and efficiently, and promote mental health and substance abuse awareness among legal practitioners.
Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders, as well as access to an expo hall showcasing the latest legal technologies and services. Notable speakers will share their expertise on various subjects, providing valuable perspectives on current trends and challenges in the legal field.
This conference is ideal for legal professionals seeking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment. By participating, attendees will gain actionable insights and strategies to enhance their practice, uphold ethical standards, and contribute to a more equitable justice system.
Speakers(19)
Anne M. Burke
Chief Justice at Illinois Supreme Court
Anne M. Burke is the Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, with a background in child welfare services and appellate court experience.
Bree Buchanan
Attorney and Well-Being Advocate
Bree Buchanan is a global leader in the study of health and well-being in the legal profession, focusing on attorney mental health and substance abuse.
Brian Cuban
Author and Addiction Recovery Advocate
Brian Cuban is a Dallas-based attorney, author, and addiction recovery advocate, known for his work on mental health and substance abuse issues in the legal profession.
Deanie Brown
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts
Deanie Brown is the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, specializing in nondiscrimination and human rights law.
Dr. Larry Richard
Founder and Principal at LawyerBrain LLC
Dr. Larry Richard is the Founder and Principal of LawyerBrain LLC, specializing in the psychology of lawyer behavior and organizational performance.
Erika Harold
Executive Director at Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism
Erika Harold serves as the Executive Director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, leading initiatives to promote professionalism, civility, and integrity in the legal profession.
John Kim
Commission Chair at Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism
John Kim is the Chair of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, overseeing efforts to enhance professionalism and civility among Illinois lawyers.
Jordan Furlong
Principal at Law21
Jordan Furlong is a legal sector analyst and Principal of Law21, focusing on lawyer formation, licensing, competence, and legal services regulation.
Julia Roundtree Livingston
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager at Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism
Julia Roundtree Livingston serves as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager at the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, promoting inclusive practices within the legal profession.
Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford
Justice at Illinois Supreme Court
Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford serves on the Illinois Supreme Court, with a background in trusts and estates, real estate, and family law.
Katherine Jeffery, PhD
CEO at KJ Consulting
Dr. Katherine Jeffery is the CEO of KJ Consulting, a generational strategist helping organizations navigate generational differences in the workplace.
Katherine Jeffrey, Ph.D.
Generational Strategist and CEO at KJ Consulting
Katherine Jeffrey, Ph.D., is a generational strategist and CEO of KJ Consulting, specializing in navigating generational differences in the legal workplace.
Kendra Abercrombie
Professional Development and Legal Recruiting Manager at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Kendra Abercrombie is the Professional Development and Legal Recruiting Manager at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, focusing on generational dynamics in the legal profession.
Mark C. Palmer
Chief Counsel at Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism
Mark C. Palmer is the Chief Counsel at the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, focusing on advancing professionalism and civility in the legal community.
Michelle Silverthorn
Founder and CEO at Inclusion Nation
Michelle Silverthorn is the Founder and CEO of Inclusion Nation, specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal workplace.
Nicole (Niki) Black
Principal Legal Insight Strategist at MyCase
Nicole (Niki) Black is the Principal Legal Insight Strategist at MyCase, focusing on the intersection of law and technology, including generative AI applications in legal practice.
Patrick R. Krill
Attorney and Well-Being Advocate
Patrick Krill is a global leader in the study of health and well-being in the legal profession, focusing on attorney mental health and substance abuse.
Stephanie Villinski
Deputy Director at Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism
Stephanie Villinski is the Deputy Director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, working to advance professionalism and civility among Illinois lawyers.
Tiffany M. Graves
Pro Bono Counsel at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Tiffany M. Graves is the Pro Bono Counsel at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, focusing on client-centered lawyering and bridging the gap between legal services and client needs.
Event Details
- Date
- April 30, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Chicago, United States
- 180 N. Stetson Ave., Suite 1950
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Legal professionals, including attorneys, paralegals, and law students.
- CLE Credits
- 4.0 hours of professional responsibility CLE credit in Illinois, including 1.0 hour of diversity and inclusion credit and 1.0 hour of mental health and substance abuse credit.
- Attendees
- Information not available.