In Illinois, the absolute litigation privilege provides litigators with broad protection for statements made in the course of representing clients. But that protection has limits every trial lawyer should understand. At its core, the doctrine shields attorneys from civil liability for allegedly defamatory statements made in connection with a judicial proceeding, so long as those communications are pertinent to the case. Illinois courts describe the privilege as “absolute” because it applies even if the plaintiff claims the lawyer acted with malice or used harsh language. The goal is to allow lawyers to advocate vigorously, communicate candidly with courts and clients, and develop the record without constantly looking over their shoulder for defamation suits.