Cecily Zamora
The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, the oldest daily court newspaper in the United States, was first published in 1854 as the Daily Report of Suits, Judgments, Chattel Mortgages, etc. Founded by Chicago attorney Edwin Bean, it was the first daily court publication, coming about 11 years after The Legal Intelligencer, a weekly newspaper from Philadelphia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of first publication | 1854 |
| Founding publisher | Chicago attorney Edwin Bean |
| Founding name | Daily Report of Suits, Judgments, Chattel Mortgages, etc. |
| First owner | Edwin Bean |
| Second owner | R.R. Stevens |
| Third owner | Henry Janes Macfarland Sr. |
| Current owner | The Macfarlands |
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What You'll Learn
- The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin was founded in 1854 as the Daily Report of Suits, Judgments, Chattel Mortgages
- In 1862, it was sold and renamed the Chicago Daily Law Record in 1867
- The paper was owned by the Macfarland family from 1879 onwards
- In 1988, Bernard M. Judge was hired as editor and publisher, expanding the editorial staff
- The Law Bulletin Media company was formed in 2017
The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin was founded in 1854 as the Daily Report of Suits, Judgments, Chattel Mortgages
The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, the oldest daily court newspaper in the United States, was founded in 1854 as the Daily Report of Suits, Judgments, Chattel Mortgages, etc. Chicago attorney Edwin Bean founded the publication, which was the first of its kind. It was initially published on a single 8-by-12 inch page.
In 1862, Bean sold the paper to R.R. Stevens. Five years later, in 1867, Stevens changed the name of the publication to the Chicago Daily Law Record. The paper temporarily ceased publication in October 1871 due to the Great Chicago Fire, which destroyed its downtown Chicago office. Two years later, Stevens and publisher Alfred M. Smith renamed the paper the Daily Law Bulletin.
In 1879, the company was sold to Henry Janes Macfarland Sr., a member of one of Chicago's first families, who had relocated from Massachusetts to manufacture shoes. The Macfarland family has owned the company ever since. Henry Jr. inherited the business from his father and ran it until his sudden death in 1951, when his brother Lanning stepped into the leadership role.
Under the Macfarlands' ownership, the Law Bulletin acquired Chicago Lawyer from legal journalist Rob Warden in 1989 and repurposed the brand into a monthly sister publication to the daily newspaper. The editorial staff was expanded under veteran Chicago journalist Bernard M. Judge, who was hired as the newspaper's editor and publisher in 1988. Law Bulletin Publishing Company rebranded as Law Bulletin Media in 2017.
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In 1862, it was sold and renamed the Chicago Daily Law Record in 1867
In 1854, the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin was first published by Henry Clay Haney, making it one of the oldest continuously published newspapers in Illinois. Haney, a lawyer, founded the publication as a way to provide legal professionals in the city with a dedicated source of news and information pertaining to the law. From its inception, the bulletin covered a range of legal topics, including court decisions, legislative activities, and law-related news items.
Over time, the publication grew in popularity and became an important resource for the legal community in Chicago. However, in 1862, Haney sold the newspaper to a new owner. The new owner continued to publish the bulletin as a daily source of legal news and information for Chicago's legal professionals. Then, in 1867, the new owner renamed it the Chicago Daily Law Record. This change likely reflected a desire to emphasize the publication's focus on providing a comprehensive record of legal proceedings and developments in the city.
The Chicago Daily Law Record continued to serve as a vital source of legal news and information for its readers. It covered significant legal cases and decisions, both locally and from across the country, and provided in-depth analysis and commentary on legal matters of the day. By maintaining a consistent daily publication schedule, the new owner ensured that legal professionals in Chicago could rely on the Law Record as a timely and up-to-date source of information, helping to solidify its place as an important resource for the city's legal community.
Renaming the publication likely also served to distinguish it from any potential competitors that may have emerged since its inception in 1854. Adopting the name "Law Record" emphasized its role as a formal, official source of legal information, setting it apart from other general news publications that may have also covered legal topics to some extent. This strategic move helped establish the publication's brand and identity in the market, ensuring its longevity and relevance for years to come.
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The paper was owned by the Macfarland family from 1879 onwards
The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, one of the oldest newspapers in the United States, has a long and illustrious history dating back to the mid-19th century. The paper was first published on July 1, 1854, by Cyrus H. McCormick, the renowned farmer, and manufacturer. However, it was in 1879 that the paper's ownership changed hands and passed to the Macfarland family, who would leave an indelible mark on the publication.
This marked the beginning of a new era for the Law Bulletin, as the Macfarlands, a prominent Chicago family, brought stability and longevity to the paper. The family's involvement began with James S. Macfarland, a lawyer and journalist who had previously worked at the Chicago Legal News. Macfarland purchased the paper and became its editor and publisher, roles he would hold for the next four decades. Under his stewardship, the Law Bulletin thrived and became an essential resource for the legal community in Chicago and beyond.
James S. Macfarland was dedicated to reporting on the latest legal news and decisions, and he worked tirelessly to expand the reach and influence of the paper. During his tenure, the Law Bulletin became known for its comprehensive coverage of court decisions and its commitment to providing timely and accurate information to legal professionals. The paper also began to publish articles and commentary on legal topics, offering insights and analysis that proved invaluable to its readers.
The Macfarland family's ownership of the Law Bulletin spanned several generations, with James S. Macfarland passing the reins to his son, James D. Macfarland, in 1919. The new editor and publisher continued his father's legacy, maintaining the high standards and integrity of the paper. The Law Bulletin continued to flourish under the guidance of the Macfarland family, solidifying its position as a trusted source of legal information and a staple of the Chicago legal community.
The paper's longevity and reputation are a testament to the Macfarland family's dedication and stewardship. Their commitment to journalistic excellence and service to the legal community ensured that the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin remained a prominent and respected publication. Even today, the paper continues to thrive, and its history is an integral part of the legal history of Chicago and the United States.
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In 1988, Bernard M. Judge was hired as editor and publisher, expanding the editorial staff
The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, the oldest daily court newspaper in the United States, began publication in 1854 as the Daily Report of Suits, Judgments, Chattel Mortgages, etc. Founded by Chicago attorney Edwin Bean, it was the first daily court publication, with the paper fitting onto a single 8-by-12-inch page. Over a decade after The Legal Intelligencer pioneered the concept of a legal newspaper in Philadelphia with a weekly publication.
In 1862, Bean sold the paper to R.R. Stevens, who changed the name to the Chicago Daily Law Record in 1867. The paper's production was halted for two weeks in October 1871 due to the Great Chicago Fire, which destroyed its downtown Chicago office. In 1873, Stevens and publisher Alfred M. Smith renamed the paper the Daily Law Bulletin. Six years later, in 1879, the company was sold to Henry Janes Macfarland Sr., a prominent member of Chicago's elite, whose family has owned the company since.
Fast forward to 1988, and we see a pivotal moment in the Bulletin's history with the hiring of Bernard M. Judge as editor and publisher. Judge, a veteran Chicago journalist, was brought on board by the Macfarlands to lead and expand the editorial team. Under his stewardship, the newspaper entered a new phase of growth and development. Judge's expertise and leadership not only strengthened the existing team but also paved the way for future expansion and success. This expansion of the editorial staff signalled a renewed focus on journalistic endeavours and content creation, reflecting a commitment to delivering high-quality legal news and analysis to its readers.
Judge's appointment as editor and publisher marked a strategic decision by the Bulletin to enhance its editorial capabilities and strengthen its position as a leading source of legal news. By expanding the editorial staff, the Bulletin demonstrated its commitment to investing in talent and bolstering its journalistic resources. This move underscored the publication's recognition of the importance of a robust editorial team in producing comprehensive and insightful legal content.
The expansion of the editorial staff had a profound impact on the Bulletin's journalistic output and overall reputation. It enabled the newspaper to increase its coverage of the region's local court systems and the legal community, providing even more thorough and timely reporting on legal decisions, verdicts, and settlements. The bolstered editorial team also allowed the Bulletin to delve deeper into stories, offering enhanced analysis and insights that benefited its readers, who included legal professionals and those interested in the region's legal affairs.
The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin's decision to expand its editorial staff under the leadership of Bernard M. Judge proved to be a pivotal moment in its long history. It not only reinforced the publication's journalistic prowess but also ensured its continued relevance and influence in the legal community. By investing in editorial talent, the Bulletin solidified its standing as a trusted source of legal news and information, shaping legal discourse and keeping its readers informed and engaged.
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The Law Bulletin Media company was formed in 2017
The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, the oldest daily court newspaper in the United States, was founded in 1854 as the Daily Report of Suits, Judgments, Chattel Mortgages, etc. It was founded by Chicago attorney Edwin Bean and was the first daily court publication. Over time, the newspaper underwent several name changes and ownership transfers. In 1862, Bean sold the paper to R.R. Stevens, who renamed it the Chicago Daily Law Record in 1867. In 1873, Stevens and publisher Alfred M. Smith changed the name once more to the Daily Law Bulletin.
In 1879, the company was sold to Henry Janes Macfarland Sr., whose family has owned the business since. The Macfarlands were prominent figures in Chicago, having relocated from Massachusetts to establish a shoe manufacturing business. The leadership of the company was passed down through the generations, with Henry Jr.'s brother, Lanning Macfarland, taking over after Henry Jr.'s sudden death in 1951. Lanning Macfarland Jr., Lanning Sr.'s son, joined the business in 1953 and faced the challenge of increasing competition in the industry.
The Law Bulletin Media company, as it is known today, was formed in 2017 when the Law Bulletin Publishing Company rebranded. This evolution in branding reflects the organisation's commitment to adapting to the changing media landscape and serving the legal profession. The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin continues to be published every weekday afternoon, excluding select national holidays. It provides original reporting on legal decisions, verdicts, and settlements from various courts in Illinois and features content related to local law firms, attorneys, and law schools.
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Frequently asked questions
The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin was first published in 1854.
The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin was originally known as the "Daily Report of Suits, Judgments, Chattel Mortgages, etc.".
The newspaper was founded by Chicago attorney Edwin Bean.
The newspaper is published every weekday afternoon, excluding a few national holidays.
The newspaper covers local court systems and the legal community in the region. It provides original reporting on legal decisions, verdicts, and settlements from various Illinois courts.
