Cultivating professionalism and building public trust, starting at the courthouse door

By Mark C. Palmer, Chief Counsel, Commission on Professionalism

For the past 10 years, the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism has been invited into courthouses across the state to deliver our unique Courthouse Professionalism Training. The program brings together stakeholders across the courthouse - including judges, attorneys, deputies, courthouse security personnel, public defenders, state's attorneys, clerks, court reporters, and more - to explore how professionalism can be infused into all their interactions with court users.

For many Illinoisans, a visit to court (whether in person or virtually) is their first contact with the justice system. As court employees, it can be easy to lose sight of your role as ambassadors of the Illinois justice system amid the rush of daily tasks. However, as a central point for justice across Illinois communities, the courthouse embodies the promise of fairness and accessibility, offering an essential public service and ensuring all Illinoisians have access to efficient, effective, and equitable justice.

From the moment an individual steps into an Illinois courthouse, their interactions with courthouse administration and staff shape their perception of the quality of justice they will receive.

Courthouse as a place and a service

Since 2015, we have visited courthouses across the state, from Edwardsville to Markham to Rockford.

Most recently, the Commission on Professionalism and the Access to Justice Division of the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts (AOIC) partnered with courthouse leaders in Sangamon County on July 11, 2025 and in Lake County on September 12, 2025 to deliver the training in each location. The trainings were centered on civility, accessibility, effective communication, and empathy in everyday court operations.

In interactive sessions and small group discussions, staff from the Commission on Professionalism and the AOIC led participants in both courthouses through real-world scenarios, unpacking challenges unique to high-volume court environments, and practicing skills that instill dignity in tasks at every stage of the judicial process.

Importantly, Commission and AOIC staff emphasized the pivotal role that every courthouse professional plays in strengthening public trust in the justice system.

"During the training in Lake County, members of our courthouse community were encouraged to think about their roles in a holistic way, considering the significant impact their work and actions have on the experiences of court users and the administration of the courthouse," said Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Daniel B. Shanes. "Participants walked away with a better sense of how we can work together to ensure public confidence in our court system."

Why courthouse professionalism matters

Court personnel often encounter individuals facing stressful, confusing, and sometimes traumatic situations. As seen in broader judicial wellness efforts, nurturing a healthy and respectful courthouse culture supports better decision-making, reduces instances of frustration and misunderstanding, and safeguards the integrity of our justice system.

"Trust is built in small, consistent steps. By demonstrating empathy and clear communication, courthouse professionals can have a meaningful impact on courthouse users who are navigating challenging circumstances," said Kathy Pine, Commissioner at the Commission on Professionalism, who helped facilitate the training in Sangamon County.

Courthouse Professionalism Trainings are also a chance to break silos and bring together a broad array of courthouse professionals, many of whom are not often exposed to each other. In the past, we have heard that these trainings are one of the few times that individuals from across the courthouse community are able to gather in the same room.

"In addition to the takeaways for court users, the training in Sangamon County was a unique opportunity for us to learn what challenges our colleagues in other departments face," said Sangamon County Seventh Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Ryan M. Cadagin. "By sharing ideas from across the courthouse ecosystem, we found new ways to support each other and raise the bar in providing excellent service."

Coming to your courthouse

As the Commission on Professionalism continues to deliver the Courthouse Professionalism Training statewide, its impact grows, not just among courthouse staff but throughout the communities they serve.

These trainings remind us that professionalism and justice are inseparable, and that every courthouse interaction is an opportunity to advance fairness, respect, and access to the courts.

There is no cost associated with the training, which includes 2.0 hours of professional responsibility CLE credit.

For judicial circuits or counties interested in bringing the Courthouse Professionalism Training to your courthouse, please contact [email protected].