2025 Legislative RoundupBy Marylou Lowder KentOctober 2025Learn more about the legislation that has been supported by the Women and the Law Committee and signed by Governor Pritzer earlier this year.
Abortion Bans: How Post-Dobbs Restrictions Will Impact States Without Their Own Abortion LimitsBy Olivia St. Clair Long & MK ClaytonMay 2025Florida’s new six-week abortion ban has created a healthcare crisis, forcing many to travel out of state for care and putting lives at risk, as seen in Anya Cook’s near-fatal miscarriage. The law includes limited, hard-to-access exceptions and disproportionately impacts marginalized groups. It also strains healthcare systems in nearby states and may influence national public health and political dynamics.
Annual Tea CollageMay 2025On Friday, March 14, 2025, the ISBA Standing Committee on Women & the Law hosted the Afternoon Tea to celebrate Women’s History Month at Loew’s Chicago Hotel. Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy V. Cunningham was the keynote speaker.
Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Judith ConwayFebruary 2025At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Chair’s ColumnBy Deanna HoytMay 2025A note from the chair: "It has been my honor working with all of you over the 12 months. We have done some great things through all your incredible dedication and hard work."
Chair’s ColumnBy Deanna HoytFebruary 2025A message from the chair regarding volunteering in your community.
Dr. Hillary Langley to Speak to ISBA on Managing Trauma Experienced in the Legal ProfessionBy Debra L. ThomasFebruary 2025WATL sought out a specialist to help attorneys best understand what trauma really is as it relates to the legal profession and attorneys’ daily lives. On May 7, Dr. Hillary Langley will present a Zoom CLE seminar where she will explain how trauma can manifest and impact the individual’s mental health, physical health, and emotional well-being, and then also provide tips for managing the trauma. Dr. Langley answers a series of questions in anticipation of the program.
Equal Rights Amendment Update: Where Are We Now?By Cindy G. BuysMay 2025At its Annual Meeting in Chicago in July 2024, the American Bar Association adopted a resolution recognizing the ERA as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution because it satisfies all requirements of Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The ABA did so with support of the ISBA. The ABA Resolution rejects the argument that the ratifications are time barred because the time bar is not part of Article V of the Constitution and because it was contained in the text of a congressional resolution and not in the language of the amendment itself.
Event Recap: What It Takes to be a Trial Lawyer if You’re Not a ManBy Kristine HoniotesFebruary 2025A synopsis of the University of Illinois College of Law's Fall Symposium from November 8, 2024, entitled, "Teaching the Next Generation of Trial Lawyers: What It Takes to be a Trial Lawyer if You’re Not a Man."
Interview With Justice Amy SholarBy Zoé Lemon & Olivia St. Clair LongOctober 2025Justice Sholar shares her insights about practicing as an attorney, joining the bench, and the importance of networking.
ISBA 2025 Solo and Small Firm Conference PhotosOctober 2025The Illinois State Bar Association hosted the 2025 Solo and Small Firm Conference: The Innovative Lawyer: Smart Strategies for Small Firms in the Age of AI on September 25–26 at the Embassy Suites in Naperville, IL.
LAWPAC Needs You!February 2025The Illinois Lawyers’ Political Action Committee (LAWPAC) needs your help to fulfill its mission to support the legislative goals of the ISBA and Illinois’ legal community.
Maaria Mozaffar: Someone You Should KnowBy Mona ElgindyMay 2025An interview with Maaria Mozaffar, who has been trailblazing across the State of Illinois in her role as a legislative advocate and civil rights attorney. Her successes have served not only the women of Illinois but also so many others. In this interview, Mozaffar discusses her most recent accomplishments.
Member Spotlight: Debra L. ThomasBy Jessica DurkinMay 2025A spotlight on a new member of the ISBA Standing Committee on Women & the Law.
Mentorship: The Power of “Small” ActsBy Rachel KolbSeptember 2025Mentorship and networking are important resources in the legal field. Be sure you are utilizing your personal and professional connections to enhance your experience!
New Member Spotlight: Angela ReaneyBy Hannah R. LamoreOctober 2025Angela Reaney, another new member of WATL, describes her career path and provides advice to aspiring attorneys.
Recap of WATL-Sponsored Event: “Trailblazing Through the Law: Lifting as We Climb”By Jennifer Bunker SkerstonSeptember 2025The ISBA and the Woman and the Law Committee hosted a very successful event in Springfield, "Trailblazing Through the Law: Lifting as We Climb," where attendees received a tour of the Capitol Building and the Illinios Supreme Court.
Women & the Law’s Book Drive: 492 Books Collected for Young Readers in IllinoisBy Laura CastagnaMay 2025Literacy is the single most important skill a child needs to be successful, yet many children lack access to books of their own. In an effort to promote book ownership and help children create pathways to success through engagement with text, the Women & the Law Committee organized a book drive to coincide with ISBA’s 2024 Midyear Meeting. From November 2024 until the Midyear Meeting, the WATL Committee invited its members and the greater ISBA membership to collect new and gently used children’s books as well as monetary donations for four non-profits serving communities throughout Illinois.
