The State of the Judiciary is… a Marketing Opportunity ?

columns at a courthouse

SCOTUS usually makes headlines with its end of the year report (for 2024, Chief Justice Roberts focused on threats to judicial independence), and everyone's still talking about President Trump saying “Thank you again. Thank you again. I won’t forget.” to Roberts following this year’s State of the Union address.

Meanwhile, your state court’s State of the Judiciary address or report is likely slipping by unnoticed. And ignoring it is a missed opportunity. These reports are more than just ceremonial updates; they offer a roadmap for where the courts are headed and how those changes could impact your practice. Bringing attention to them can also be a great way to promote your practice.

What to Look for in Your State’s State of the Judiciary Report

Here are a few different topics to look out for if you are checking out your state’s State of the Judiciary report this year:

  • Court Priorities & Reforms – The report often highlights upcoming procedural changes, new case management systems, or shifts in judicial philosophy that could affect litigation strategies.

  • Funding & Resource Allocation – If courts are underfunded or planning tech upgrades, this could affect case timelines, filings, and court accessibility.

  • New Rules & Ethics Considerations – Reports sometimes signal upcoming changes in court rules or professional responsibility guidelines that attorneys need to anticipate.

  • Access to Justice Initiatives – If there are major pushes for pro bono requirements, expanded legal aid, or court simplifications, lawyers at small and mid-size firms might need to adjust their approaches to client service.

  • Judicial Trends & Political Climate – Understanding how the judiciary is positioning itself on key issues can help attorneys predict how cases might be received and whether appellate trends favor certain legal arguments.

In short, the State of the Judiciary report isn’t just for policymakers and bar associations. It’s a key source for attorneys who want to stay ahead of the curve. If you’re not already following these updates, now is the time to start.

Then What?

Beyond altering your overall practice or strategy in an individual case in response to what the judiciary announces, you may also want to turn your thoughts on what was said into a blog or social media post. Or reach out to a reporter you think would be interested in what was said and your take on it.

Sharing your insights can demonstrate to potential clients how in-tune you are with changes in the law, while highlighting your knowledge. It’s the sort of behind-the-scenes info that lends you credibility and authenticity.

Contact Kelchen Consulting

If you are trying to figure out how to get your thoughts on emerging legal trends out there, let’s talk.

Emily Kelchen