2018 Articles

2018 ISBA Awards Ceremony By Kelly Thames Bennett & Melissa Burkholder October 2018 An overview of the 2018 ISBA Awards Ceremony.
Book review: The Woman Behind the New Deal by Kristin Downey By Cindy G. Buys December 2018 A review of The Woman Behind the New Deal, a book about the life of Frances Perkins, the first female member of the U.S. Cabinet.
The career of Lois Wood By Erin Hodgson March 2018 Ms. Lois Wood has recently retired from practice, but her years of dedication to The Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation has created a lasting impact for the elderly and low-income residents of Illinois.
Chair column By Melissa Olivero March 2018 How can you help to empower women and girls during Women's History Month?
Chair column By Melissa Olivero January 2018 A message from WATL Committee Chair Melissa Olivero.
Chair’s column By Lori Levin December 2018 A note from the Committee on Women & the Law chair, Lori Levin.
Chair’s column By Lori Levin October 2018 A note from the Committee on Women & the Law chair, Lori Levin.
Chair’s column By Melissa Olivero May 2018 A note from Melissa Olivero, chair of the Standing Committee on Women and the Law.
“Don’t ever mistake my silence for ignorance, my calmness for acceptance or my kindness for weakness.” By Beth McCormack January 2018 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.
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Fast facts about our female U.S. Supreme Court justices By Andrea Kmak December 2018 Although the women who have served on the U.S. Supreme Court represent a small minority of the justices, they have nevertheless contributed to the Court in their own unique ways. 
Getting to know Kelly Giraudo By Margie Komes Putzler October 2018 An introduction to a new appointee to the Standing Committee on Women and the Law, Kelly Giraudo.
Good News March 2018 Many of our members have been selected for prestigious 2018 awards!
Good news column December 2018 Uplifting updates from various members of the Standing Committee on Women & the Law.
If you are a woman, or if you know one… By Elizabeth M. Rochford October 2018 A summary and review of RBG, the film that chronicles the life of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Illinois legislators continue to combat the wage gap By Elizabeth Reynolds March 2018 Read about Illinois’ latest attempt at legislation specifically intended to narrow the wage gap.
Lowering costs of healthcare by increasing access to midwives and nurse practitioners By Tracy Douglas March 2018 Medical debts-- like those associated with childbirth-- are a leading cause of foreclosure and bankruptcy. One way to decrease the cost of healthcare is to expand access to freestanding birth centers, midwives, and nurse practitioners.
Methods to ensure appropriate diligence and promptness in representing clients By Jennifer L. Bunker March 2018 Author Jennifer Bunker shares some practical advice for ensuring deadlines are met.
New law intends to create transparency for women consumers By Maxine Weiss Kunz January 2018 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.
Personal branding for the female lawyer By Tracy Douglas October 2018 An overview of the upcoming CLE program, “Personal Branding for the Female Lawyer."
Slow change at the top By Cindy G. Buys January 2018 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.
Spotlight on Emily Rapp By Margie Komes January 2018 Find out more about new WATL appointee Emily Rapp.
Spotlight on Jennifer Bunker By Alice Sackett January 2018 Learn more about Committee member Jennifer Bunker.
Spotlight on Maxine Weiss Kunz By Emily Rapp March 2018 Learn more about Maxine, and where she was when she realized she wanted to start her own law firm.
Spotlight on Renea Amen By Erin M. Wilson December 2018 An interview with committee member Renea Amen.
Spotlight on Sara Davis By Margaret Manetti May 2018 Sara Davis is a trial attorney who gets it done with gravitas, grit, and a love of the law.
The times, they are a changin’ By Emily A. Hansen January 2018 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.
WATL August spa outing By Erin Wilson October 2018 The Women and the Law Committee hosted a unique networking event after a recent meeting.
Why I support the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment By Kelly Thames Bennett May 2018 Kelly Thames Bennett writes about the history of women's rights and why she supports the Equal Rights Amendment.
Women rule the legal profession in Cuba By Elizabeth Reynolds December 2018 A discussion of the legal system in Cuba.
A year as chair of the American Bar Association Judicial Division By Judge Ann Breen-Greco October 2018 Judge Ann Breen-Greco reflects on the opportunities she has had to work on justice and the rule of law as her year as Judicial Division chair with the American Bar Association comes to a close.