The newsletter of the ISBA’s Standing Committee on Women and the Law

October 2008, vol. 14, no. 1

In This Issue…

• Celebrate Women’s Equality Day on August 26th
  At the behest of Rep. Bella Abzug (D-NY), in 1971 the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day.”
• Chair's Column
  It is my distinct pleasure to serve as Chair of the Women and the Law Committee this year.
• Women Everywhere: Partners in Service —Agency Service Day, June 13, 2008
  On June 13, 2008, Women Everywhere held its annual service event, in which volunteers from bar associations, law firm and individual attorneys provide service to agencies across the Chicago area that serve women and children.
• An overview of TIF districts
  The stated purpose of the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act, 65 ILCS 5/11-74.4-1 et seq. (West) hereinafter referred to as the TIF Act, in the State of Illinois is to provide a mechanism for local governmental units in Illinois to spur economic development, in specific geographic areas that are deteriorating and/or declining, by providing gap financing for projects that would not occur without such public assistance.
• Home is where the court is
  It occurred to me the other day that we, as lawyers, spend a great deal of our time at the courthouse. Well, let me take a step back.
• Class action challenging unconstitutional DCFS practices concludes after 11 years
  In 1997, a class of parents and child-serving professionals filed a lawsuit against the Department of Children and Family Services, seeking extensive reform of DCFS investigations, based on violations of due process.
• Difficult Conversations—Applying the principles from the best-selling book to the practice of law
  The practice of law is filled with difficult conversations: telling someone who has been severely injured that their case is worth less than they think; explaining child custody rules to a divorcing spouse; and explaining to the senior partner who hired you why you have decided to leave your law firm.
• New law adds remedies, enhances protections for DV victims
  “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” —Jackie Robinson
• Apology
  The article “Disparity between Women and Men’s Compensation and Leadership Responsibilities Still Significant, NAWL Survey Concludes” printed in our last edition of the Catalyst was printed without acknowledgement of its author, Ms. Katherine Kelleher. Ms. Kelleher practices with the firm of Francis P. Tighe III, Ltd., Ten South Riverside Plaza, Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60606-3801.