November 2009 Racial and Ethnic Minorities and the Law Newsletter

By Sonni Choi Williams

As the Peoria County Bar Association celebrated its 6th Annual Diversity Luncheon, I looked at the crowded room filled with more than 300 attendees including judges, ISBA representatives, school board members, students, and lawyers and felt proud that so many came out to support the commitment to diversity. But my celebratory mood dampened when I was also reminded of how easily the call and commitment to diversity can be overshadowed by a five-star event and the all-so-convenient excuse of the current economic downturn.

By Paula H. Holderman

Julie A. Bauer is an equity partner with the international law firm of Winston & Strawn LLP, headquartered in Chicago. 

By Sharon L. Eiseman

Like any occupation, the legal profession has not been immune from workplace problems like discrimination, hostile environment, harassment and retaliation

By Yolaine Dauphin

According to The Skeptics Guide to the Global AIDS Crisis, a book authored by Dale Hanson Bourke, approximately 8,500 people die of AIDS every day.

By Daniel R. Saeedi

The City of Chicago has recently renewed its Minority and Women Business Enterprise Program, an affirmative action program in construction with goals for awarding 24% of City construction contracts to Minority-owned Business Enterprises and 4% to Women-owned Business Enterprises.