Regulations & Rules
Click Here To Download The In Court Bar Program Brochure
The In-Court Bar Program offers a service to both the courts and the public by providing quality
legal counsel at a reasonable cost to defendants who appear in court without private counsel and
need an attorney.
In-Court participants are a qualified, select group of attorneys who exemplify the finest qualities
of the legal profession and possess knowledge and expertise in the criminal courts.
Because of the special and unique relationship between the In-Court attorneys and the Court
system, In-Court attorneys are held to the highest standards of professional conduct in
accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility of the Illinois Supreme Court. In-Court
attorneys must at all times display exemplary behavior, while serving as an attorney for the In-
Court program or otherwise, and always must be careful to avoid even the appearance of
impropriety.
Participation in the In-Court Bar Program is a privilege and not a matter of right; continued
participation is contingent upon adherence to the high standards required by the Combined
Minority Committee, as well as the Code of Professional Responsibility, the Rules of the Circuit
Court of Cook County, and the In-Court Bar Program Regulations and Rules.
Lawyers participating in the In-Court Court Bar Program must abide by the following rules:
1. The attorney must appear promptly on dates assigned and be available for the entire court
call.
2. The attorney must be willing to accept all referrals for conference without fee. If an
appearance by the attorney is filed, that attorney will enter into a fee agreement with the
client and is thereafter required to continue with the case to conclusion unless withdrawal
is allowed by the court (representation at preliminary hearing is concluded by a finding of
probable cause, no probable cause, or plea).
3. The attorney should remember that the In-Court Bar Program is designed to provide
quality legal counsel to defendants who appear in court without private counsel and
desire representation.
4.The attorney is required to assist the Court in making a determination of indigency at the
Court’s request without fee.
5. The attorney is required to pay an annual registration fee as established by the Cook
County Bar Association for the In-Court Bar Program and must be a member in good
standing in one of the following organizations; Cook County Bar Association, Black
Women Lawyers Association, Hispanic Lawyers Association, Asian Bar Association,
Puerto Rican Bar Association, or The Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago.
6. The attorney is required to attend seminar(s) and training sessions held by the Cook
County Bar Association.
7. The attorney is required all times while enrolled and active in the In-Court Bar Program
to maintain a malpractice insurance policy that is current and in force. Copies of the
renewal are to be forwarded to the Cook County Bar Association and made a part of the
attorney’s In-Court Bar Program File.
8. All assigned dates are made to a specific attorney and are solely that attorney’s
responsibility and not assignable to any other attorney outside of the Combined Minority
In-Court Bar Program.
9. An assigned attorney must report to the In Court Bar Administrator any need for
cancellation at least 24 hours in advance of court appearance. A conflict with a court
date shall not be considered an acceptable reason for cancellation of court assignment.
Sanctions may be taken against attorneys who fail to appear on assigned court dates, who
cancel assignments because of court date conflicts, or who appear late in court or leave
prior to the end of the court call. In the event that the assigned attorney cannot reach the
ICBP Administrator, the attorney must immediately contact a member of Combined
Minority In-Court Bar Program Committee.
10. Misinformation in the attorney’s application for the program shall be grounds for denial
of application or removal from the program.
11. ANY violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility of the Illinois Supreme Court
or the Rules of the Circuit Court or failure to comply with any of these Regulations and
Rules shall result in the removal of the attorney from the program. No In-Court attorney
is permitted to initiate contact with a prospective client. Any form of solicitation is
strictly prohibited. This rule will be strictly enforced.
12. All attorneys must submit: the application for participation in the In-Court Bar Program,
verification of professional liability insurance coverage, ARDC card, and the requisite In-
Court Bar Program annual registration fee or be automatically suspended from
participation in the program.
13. Three (3) Years Legal Experience:
Exception: Attorney’s who have at least two years experience that have
handled over 250 criminal and traffic cases, including over 25 hearing and or trials.
14. Courtroom Experience. ICBP participants are required to have a minimum of three (3)
years legal experience and the following trial experience:
i. DUI’s: 5
ii. Felony’s 5
iii. Suspensions 15+
iv. Misdemeanors 15+
