Donna-Jo Rodden Vorderstrasse is halfway through a term as president of the Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County that began with her installation May 3 in Lake Forest's historic Deerpath Inn.

Bar leadership is nothing new in her century-old Waukegan law firm. Diver, Grach, Quade & Masini has already spawned three presidents of the Lake County Bar Association.

The founder, Clarence W. Diver, headed the LCBA in 1929 and 1930, and Thomas W. Diver held the office in 1968. Most recently, David R. Quade was president in 1992-93.

“DJ” Vorderstrasse, who celebrated her 50th birthday on Sept. 25, has served on three Lake County Bar committees and was treasurer of the AWALC for four years. A St. Louis native, she is a 1984 graduate of the Washington University Law School.

The tradition of leadership at Diver Grach seems scheduled for continuation. Gretchen A. Neddenriep is vice president of the Association of Women Attorneys.

Jane D. Waller, former chief judge of the 19th Circuit, was keynote speaker at the installation dinner. She noted that Aug. 26, 1970, the date she entered law school at the University of Illinois, was the 50th anniversary of women's suffrage.

For information about future events of the organization, contact Vorderstrasse at (847) 662-8611 or djvord@divergrach.com.