Only one who has a license to practice law in Illinois may do so.

The preparation for such a license and legal practice requires a great deal of time, hard work and expense. The licensed lawyer must graduate from an accredited law school and thereafter must pass the Illinois State Bar examination, a rigid test of knowledge in all fields of law. Finally, he or she must submit to an examination of personal character and fitness to practice law before being admitted to the bar.

Most people select a lawyer who they have met or is recommended by friends or relatives. When this is not possible, help is available by contacting a Lawyer Referral Service, either locally or through the Illinois State Bar Association at http://www.illinoislawyerfinder.com. Once the selection is made, you should have confidence in the lawyer to represent you.

Your lawyer must be completely loyal to you with no conflicts of loyalty. This means he or she must have no competing loyalties to other persons. Your lawyer's duty is to uphold and protect your rights and interests with all the knowledge, skill and resourcefulness at his or her command.

To do this, he or she must know all the facts of the case - including those that may appear unfavorable to your cause - but your lawyer must not disclose those facts to anyone else without your consent unless they are required to do so by law. Your lawyer must keep your confidences.

At the same time, your lawyer must be loyal to the administration of justice, of which he or she is a sworn supporter, and to society. Thus, while he or she may use in your behalf all legitimate means, your lawyer must not resort to illegal or unethical tactics or untruths. A lawyer is at all times an officer of the court as well as being your advocate.

Many lawyers in Illinois are members of the Illinois State Bar Association, which was founded in 1877. The organization provides professional services, including continuing legal education and practice-oriented publications, to help its members maintain and improve their skills.

Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.