International Human Rights Clinic Co-Hosts “Attorneys as Public Citizens” Training
Attorneys as Public Citizens Training
On Friday, February 20, Attorneys from all over the Chicagoland area joined the UIC International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC) and the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois for the “Attorneys as Public Citizens Training”.
The training was grounded in the Rules of Professional Responsibility and discussed how lawyers as public citizens have a special responsibility for the quality of justice. The training identified ethical foundations for lawyers as “public citizens” under the Rules of Professional Conduct, distinguished lawful community engagement from conduct that puts communities at risk, analyzed the first amendment protections relevant to attorneys participating in protests and rapid response, and applied de-escalation and nonviolence strategies consistent with professional responsibility obligations.
The purpose of the program was to equip attorneys with the information and training necessary to participate in rapid response advocacy and observation, while complying with professional responsibility obligation. It also provided frameworks for disciplined, nonviolent presence in high-stakes, public-facing situations.
“This training grew directly out of attorneys asking how they could show up safely, ethically, and professionally in support of their communities,” said IHRC Staff Attorney Alejandra Palacios. “We grounded the program in the ethical foundations, and clarified the difference between lawful community engagement and conduct that may place communities at risk.”
“During a time of so much uncertainty and fear, events such as these are exactly what we need to bring solace to our community,” said IHRC Community Outreach student clinician Jaime Marban.
The event ended in a call to get involved with various programs supporting and promoting the rule of law, including habeas litigation, election protection, emergency family planning, pro bono immigration work, and more.