January 2018 Women and the Law Newsletter

By Melissa Olivero

A message from WATL Committee Chair Melissa Olivero.

By Alice Sackett

Learn more about Committee member Jennifer Bunker.

By Margie Komes

Find out more about new WATL appointee Emily Rapp.

By Emily A. Hansen

The national conversation regarding sexual misconduct has led to action and will lead to reform. What can you do? Raise your voice and encourage other women to speak up to stop sexual harassment. Help review and improve workplace policies on sexual harassment. Show your support by joining the January 20, 2018 March to the Polls, the Second Annual Women’s March in Chicago and around the country.

By Maxine Weiss Kunz

As of January 1, 2018, the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act has been amended again, this time with the intent to protect women from being charged more for certain services than men.

By Cindy G. Buys

As of 2017, the legal profession is 64% male and 36% female, meaning that there are 5% more women practicing law today than in 2009. Women make up approximately 22% of the partners in private law firms, but only 18% of equity partners. Women also account for approximately one-third of the judiciary, ranging from 33-35% of federal judges and 29-35% of state court judges. These numbers show some improvement in some categories, but the upward movement is small.

By Beth McCormack

As lawyers, be confident in your abilities, know yourself, know what you are willing to do, and know what other people are capable of doing as well. Find the area of the legal profession that fits you and your personality best, and never make assumptions or underestimate a person.