Percentage of older lawyers growing

SPRINGFIELD -- If you think younger people are pushing their elders out of the way in the work force, step inside a courtroom or law firm.

In Illinois the number of older lawyers is climbing.

According to a study by the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, 39 percent of the lawyers in 2008 in the Land of Lincoln were between 50 and 74 years old.

Fifteen years ago, the same age group accounted for 22 percent of the state's lawyers. Not only that, but the group expects the percentage to keep climbing for the next five to 10 years.

James Grogan, the commission's chief counsel and deputy administrator, says part of the reason is the work: The older lawyers seem to like what they do, are relatively healthy, and they don't want to retire.