The Electronic File That Followed Her Home: Reproductive Health Records ActBy Judge Megan GoldishWomen and the Law, August 2026On June 24, 2026, Governor JB Pritzker signed the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act into law. This law is designed to protect patients who seek lawful reproductive health care in Illinois from out-of-state investigations and penalties. The Act addresses the practical problems that arise when reproductive health care is legal in one state, restricted or contested in another state, and documented in electronic systems that are intended to share information across providers and state lines.
How the First Female Detective Helped Stop a Plot to Assassinate President-Elect Abraham LincolnBy Meredith FrancisWomen and the Law, August 2026In 1856, a young widow walked into the Chicago offices of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency looking for work. The job she wanted didn’t yet exist—that is, not for women. But Kate Warne would change that when she became the nation’s first female detective, later playing a key role in foiling an apparent assassination plot against president-elect Abraham Lincoln.
Navigating Executive Function in Modern Law PracticeBy Melynda L. BenjaminWomen and the Law, August 2026In a profession that demands we always be “on,” many of us have become high-level practitioners of performance masking: the pattern of compensating for neurodivergent traits to blend into neurotypical expectations. We tell ourselves to “just focus harder,” as if a mechanic could fix a stalled engine by simply staring at it with more intensity.
Beyond the Cubicle, Behind the Bruises: Domestic Violence and Women in the WorkplaceBy Judge Megan GoldishWomen and the Law, December 2025Employers can play a key role in detecting and protecting against domestic violence, which becomes especially important in the age of COVID when remote work became more dominant. Recent legislation has paved the way for workplace strategies to reduce the impact of DV, but employers can also implement policies to advance this goal.
Join Us at the ISBA & IJA Midyear Meeting—a Taste of What’s AheadBy Ted M. NiemannWomen and the Law, December 2025The Joint Midyear Meeting, hosted by the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges Association, is a can't-miss event, offering CLE programs on democracy preservation and the ethical use of AI; a Member Appreciation Reception featuring Glow Bingo and prizes; the Illinois Bar Foundation for the Champions Breakfast; the IJA/ISBA Joint Midyear Meeting Luncheon; and a Holiday Reception honoring the Supreme Court of Illinois. Register today!
Paris and the Rule of 10-10-10By Diane E. ElliottWomen and the Law, December 2025The Rule of 10-10-10 can be utilized to make decisions in all facets of life. Just ask yourself these three questions: What are the consequences of my decision in 10 minutes? In 10 months? And in 10 years?
WATL Donation Drive: Support Special Olympics Illinois!Women and the Law, December 2025This year, WATL is proud to support Special Olympics Illinois through our annual Donation Drive. We are gratefully accepting contributions in the form of Amazon Wishlist items from Special Olympics Illinois ormonetary donations. Every donation directly supports athletes and their volunteer coaches at pools across Illinois.
2025 Legislative RoundupBy Marylou Lowder KentWomen and the Law, October 2025Learn more about the legislation that has been supported by the Women and the Law Committee and signed by Governor Pritzer earlier this year.
Hannah Lamore Joins WATLBy Debra L. ThomasWomen and the Law, October 2025Get to know Hannah Lamore, a new member of WATL, and her thoughts about the upcoming bar year.
Interview With Justice Amy SholarBy Zoé Lemon & Olivia St. Clair LongWomen and the Law, October 2025Justice Sholar shares her insights about practicing as an attorney, joining the bench, and the importance of networking.
New Member Spotlight: Angela ReaneyBy Hannah R. LamoreWomen and the Law, October 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 SkerstonWomen and the Law, September 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.
Annual Tea CollageWomen and the Law, May 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.
Women & the Law’s Book Drive: 492 Books Collected for Young Readers in IllinoisBy Laura CastagnaWomen and the Law, May 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.
Re-Cap of Women and the Law’s Annual Afternoon TeaBy Jessica SparbeckYoung Lawyers Division, April 2025Last month, the Afternoon Tea was held to celebrate Women’s History Month. The ISBA Standing Committee on Women and the Law hosts this event annually. This year’s Tea took place on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Loew’s Chicago Hotel.
Chair’s ColumnBy Deanna HoytWomen and the Law, December 2024A note from the chair.
Safeguarding Your FutureBy Athena ClarkWomen and the Law, October 2024This article explores where these legal fields converge, offering insights for anyone looking to protect their assets and loved ones.
