Chair’s column

It is hard to believe that this is my final column as chair of the Standing Committee on Women and the Law. As I reflect back on the past year, so many things have changed for me personally and professionally, that it is difficult for me to think back to last June at the Abbey, where I chaired my first Women and the Law Committee meeting, and try to sum up this year’s activities. Surely, it has been a busy and productive year. The Committee planned and contributed several Cable TV programs and other CLE events. We nominated several deserving women and men in recognition of their service and contribution to the legal profession and public. We analyzed legislative proposals and contributed to the discussion and debate on issues effecting women and the law. And, we had fun! In fact, I think it is fitting that our last major event of the year took place in my hometown. As mentioned in my previous columns, the Women and the Law Committee and Racial and Ethnic Minorities Committee sponsored a reception and program “Women in the Illinois Judiciary” that was held in Mt. Vernon on April 26^th. It was well supported by the bar association and we had over 100 attorneys and judges attend the evening’s three-part event: we started with a tour of the historic 5^th District Appellate Courthouse, followed by the reception and program with keynote speaker Michelle Jochner at the fabulous Mitchell Museum Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, and the festivities concluded at past ISBA President Mark Hassakis’ home with dessert and live entertainment. I believe everyone had a fabulous time. Please take a moment to peruse the pictures of the event in the most recent edition of Illinois Lawyer Now, and in the pdf version of this newsletter. Additionally, as a result of the generous sponsors for the program, we were able to benefit the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation from donations received from attendees that evening. Thank you to all of my fellow committee members who gave so generously of their time and resources to make this year so successful. It has been a great privilege and honor to serve alongside some spectacular men and women and I am confident that the committee will continue to serve the members of the bar and the legal profession in great and exciting ways in the years to come.