Jayne R. Reardon (University of Michigan, J.D.) is the recipient of the 2023 Michael Franck Professional Responsibility Award. Ms. Reardon is a national leader in the field of civility and professionalism in the legal community and has served in numerous leadership roles at both the local and national level.
After a successful career as a trial attorney, Jayne joined the Illinois' Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) as Disciplinary Counsel. She spent a decade in that role, enforcing the Rules of Professional Conduct and studying recurring disciplinary issues. In 2006 Jayne was appointed deputy director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism. 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 the citizens of Illinois. Jayne served as deputy director of the Commission until 2009, when she was appointed as Executive Director, where she remained until her retirement in 2021. During her tenure, Jayne led the Commission to becoming a national role model in educating lawyers, judges, and the public about civility and professionalism in the legal system.
As a volunteer, she has been an active leader in the American Bar Association in various professionalism-related roles, including chairing the Standing Committee on Professionalism, and her current role as member of the Standing Committee on Public Protection. In addition to her work and Bar Association involvement, Jayne has become a national thought leader, lecturer, teacher, and commentator about civility and professionalism in the legal system. She has made guest appearances on several podcasts including on the Legal Talk Network and has been quoted in publications ranging from Above the Law to Law360.
Please join us in congratulating Jayne R. Reardon as the 2023 winner of the Michael Franck Professional Responsibility Award. Ms. Reardon will be presented with the ABA Michael Franck Professional Responsibility Award on June 1, 2023 during the 2023 ABA National Conference on Professional Responsibility in New Orleans, LA.