b'20252029 Strategic Plan November 2024 Introduction The Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) is an administrative agency of the Illinois Supreme Court, established to oversee the registration, regulation, and discipline of attorneys practicing law in Illinois. The ARDC plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of the legal profession by ensuring thatattorneysadheretothehigheststandardsofethicalconductandprofessionalism.Throughits comprehensive disciplinary system and proactive educational initiatives, the ARDC works to protect the public and preserve confidence in the legal system. Impetus for Developing a Strategic Plan The development of this strategic plan comes at a critical juncture for the ARDC. Due to strong past leadership, the ARDC is internationally recognized as a leader in its field. With new leadership at the helm, theorganizationisnowpoisedtocapitalizeonemergingopportunitieswhileaddressingsignificant challenges facing the legal profession. Impending changes in technology, law practice management, and client expectations necessitate a forward-looking approach to regulation and attorney support. Moreover, there has been a noticeable decline in public trust and confidence in the legal profession, driven by broader societal shifts and specific incidents of misconduct within the profession. Recognizing these factors, the ARDC has embarked on a strategic planning process to ensure it remains responsive and effective in fulfilling its mandate. Overview of the Strategic Plan The ARDCs strategic plan is designed to serve as a guiding framework for the organization over the next several years. Key elements of the plan include: 1. Revised Mission, Vision, and Values: The plan outlines a revised mission that shifts emphasis from primarily focusing on attorney discipline to a more balanced approach that includes strongersupportforattorneysthrougheducationandrestorativeservices.WhiletheARDCremainscommitted to upholding the integrity of the legal profession, the new mission underscores theimportance of proactive measures and represents a broader commitment to fostering a healthyand ethical legal community, rather than solely acting as a disciplinary body. The vision statementprojects a future where the legal profession in Illinois is widely respected for its ethics, integrityand service to the public.The core values of accountability, empathy, open mindedness, and pioneering excellence arehighlighted as foundational to the ARDCs work.The ARDC also embraces the core values of theIllinoisJudicialBranch,especiallyasARDCanditshearingandappealsboardsaddressandadjudicate allegations and complaints of misconduct against lawyers in Illinois.The Branchsvalues are: fairness, accountability, integrity, and respect.20252029 Strategic PlanARDC 1'