Section Newsletters

Articles on Women

Should Illinois require women on corporate boards of directors? By Beverly Garland Women and the Law, June 2019 States have started the process of legally requiring companies to have at least one woman on their board of directors.
Slow change at the top By Cindy G. Buys Employee Benefits, June 2018 Over the past decade, women have made strides in the legal profession. However, the numbers show that progress is slow. 
Good News Women and the Law, March 2018 Many of our members have been selected for prestigious 2018 awards!
“Don’t ever mistake my silence for ignorance, my calmness for acceptance or my kindness for weakness.” By Beth McCormack Women and the Law, 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.
1 comment (Most recent January 18, 2018)
New law intends to create transparency for women consumers By Maxine Weiss Kunz Women and the Law, 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.
Slow change at the top By Cindy G. Buys Women and the Law, 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.
A senior woman’s travel through Iran By Eugenia C. Hunter Senior Lawyers, October 2017 Late last year, author Eugenia Hunter was invited to join a small group of women for a cultural trip to Iran.
1 comment (Most recent October 16, 2017)
Women in Leadership in the American Bar Association’s Judicial Division By Hon. Ann Breen-Greco Women and the Law, September 2017 For the first time in the history of the ABA’s Judicial Division, there will be four women in leadership!
Thoughts on Hamilton and the women of his life By Tracy Douglas Women and the Law, May 2017 Rachel Faucette, Eliza Hamilton, Angelica Schuyler Church and Maria Reynolds each have a story to tell about sexism in the colonies and early republic.
1 comment (Most recent April 26, 2017)
Using your voice By Erin Wilson Young Lawyers Division, April 2017 As lawyers, we have a unique ability to use our education, voice, and reputation for the better.
Using your voice By Erin Wilson Women and the Law, February 2017 As lawyers, we have a unique ability to use our education, voice, and reputation for the better.
The IHRA: Extending protections for pregnant women in the workplace By Catherine D. Battista & Michael Wong Diversity Leadership Council, June 2016 The amendments to the Illinois Human Rights Act are a step in the right direction, but will likely create many logistical problems and headaches for Illinois employers as they seek to comply with the law.
A successful Laughter in the Law Luncheon By Kelly Parfitt Women and the Law, June 2016 On March 8, the Illinois State Bar Association’s Women and the Law Committee hosted its annual luncheon, ‘Laughter in the Law,’ at Maggiano’s in downtown Chicago.
Business Travel and Breast Milk/Pumping: Milk Stork Review By Emily N. Masalski Women and the Law, March 2016 The author shares her successful experience with Milk Stork.
1 comment (Most recent March 22, 2016)
Minding the gap: International Women’s Day By Emily A. Hansen Women and the Law, March 2016 International Women’s Day was observed on March 8th to celebrate and promote the economic, cultural and political achievement of women.
Upcoming Attorney Moms Lunch Women and the Law, March 2016 We will be hosting an “Attorney Moms” lunch at the ISBA Chicago Regional Office on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 from 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Zonta celebrates 97 years of advancing the status of women By Melissa M. Olivero Women and the Law, March 2016 Zonta International is the only international service organization dedicated to advancing the status of women.
Recent studies confirm much still needs to be done for women to gain parity in the profession By Michele M. Jochner Women and the Law, February 2016 Although the distribution of men and women in our profession is at roughly a 2 to 1 ratio, men are three times more likely than women to appear in lead roles in civil cases—especially in those matters which are financially lucrative and high-profile.
SUFFRAGETTE: Women’s fight for the right to vote By Meg O’Sullivan Women and the Law, November 2015 A look at the movie "Suffragette," which leaves viewers with the realization that the fight for the right to vote for women is far from over.
Lessons from One Size Never Fits All: Business Development Strategies Tailored for Women (and Most Men) By Michele M. Jochner Women and the Law, October 2015 Dr. Arin Reeves’ most recent book illustrates that although we have certainly made numerous advances in the legal profession, much still needs to be accomplished to achieve full inclusion and equality for women who practice law.
Making airports nursing friendly: Senate Bill 0344 —“Lactation Accommodation in Airports Act” By Emily N. Masalski Diversity Leadership Council, June 2015 If passed by the Illinois House and signed by the Governor, the Act will require Illinois airports that conduct commercial operations of more than 1,000,000 enplanements a year to update airport facilities on or before January 1, 2017, to provide a clean and private place for nursing mothers to express breast milk.
The ACLU’s Illinois Judicial Bypass Coordination Project By Mary F. Petruchius Child Law, April 2015 The ACLU’s Judicial Bypass Coordination Project provides minors with information about the state’s parental notice law for those seeking abortions and assistance in obtaining what is called a “judicial bypass.”
The ACLU’s Illinois Judicial Bypass Coordination Project By Mary F. Petruchius Women and the Law, April 2015 The ACLU’s Judicial Bypass Coordination Project provides minors with information about the state’s parental notice law for those seeking abortions and assistance in obtaining what is called a “judicial bypass.”
An overview of Illinois’ pregnancy fairness laws By Justin L. Leinenweber Government Lawyers, April 2015 As of January 1, 2015, new provisions in Illinois law establish that pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or child birth are now protected under the Illinois Human Rights Act.
Save the Date— “Because You’re Worth It! Achieving Advancement and Fair Compensation in the Legal Profession” Women and the Law, April 2015 Save the date-- May 7, 2015-- for this exciting program.
Unique opportunities in the legal profession for moms By Jennifer A. Haase Young Lawyers Division, April 2015 Does the legal profession get an unfair reputation when it comes to offering flexibility and alternative options for working mothers?
Helping young homeless mothers get a fresh start By Kristen Prinz Women and the Law, February 2015 On Saturday, February 7, a group of ISBA Women and the Law Committee members spent the morning helping New Moms, Inc. prepare apartments for young homeless mothers and their children.
1 comment (Most recent February 16, 2015)
Illinois Pregnancy Discrimination Law By Brian M. Dougherty Labor and Employment Law, February 2015 What employers need to know about this new law.
“Mr. Turner” and the issue of rape By Alexandra Martinez Women and the Law, February 2015 The author shares her thoughts on the film "Mr. Turner and the issues it raises about rape and consent.
Wanted: Male attention—A focus on gender disparity in the law By Carl Newman Young Lawyers Division, February 2015 Young lawyers especially need to be aware of gender disparities in order for the landscape to change.

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