“There are few people who have dedicated so much time, passion and energy to improving the profession,” wrote a fellow lawyer in nominating Reardon for consideration. Through her work on ethics and professionalism, she became nationally recognized as a thought leader, lecturer, teacher and commentator about civility and professionalism in the legal system. Reardon also served as an ABA leader in various roles, including chairing the Standing Committee on Professionalism, and her current role as a member of the Standing Committee on Public Protection. The Commission on Professionalism is charged with promoting greater integrity, professionalism and civility among both lawyers and judges in Illinois fostering a commitment to the elimination of bias and divisiveness within the legal and judicial systems and ensuring the legal and judicial systems provide equitable, efficient and effective service to Illinois citizens.

In 2006, she was appointed deputy director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism and in 2009 was appointed executive director, where she remained until her retirement in 2021. She spent a decade in that role, enforcing the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct and studying recurring disciplinary issues. The award recognizes an individual whose contributions reflect the highest level of dedication to legal professionalism.Ī University of Michigan J.D graduate, Reardon joined the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) as disciplinary counsel after a career as a trial attorney. Reardon, a former trial attorney who became one of the nation’s leaders in lawyer professionalism and ethics, is the 2023 recipient of the Michael Franck Professional Responsibility Award, one of the American Bar Association’s top ethics honors.

Trade, Sports & Professional AssociationsĬHICAGO, – Jayne R.

Rules of civility