WBAI Newsletter - Spring 2019

NEWSLETTER SPRING 2019

WWW.WBAILLINOIS.ORG

2019 JUDICIAL RECEPTION Meet the 2019 Mary Heftel Hooton Award Honorees celebrated for their efforts in advancing the causes of women lawyers.

WBAI NEWSLETTER

MEET THE EDITORS Natalie Scruton Federle is Corporate Counsel at Outcome Health and specializes in employment law.

Natalie is a co-chair of the Newsletter, Community Outreach, and Legislative Committees, and is a member of the Judicial Evaluation Committee. Natalie has also served on numerous Annual Dinner committees and the Judicial Reception committee.

Natalie enjoys running, playing with her rescue dog, reading and spending time with her husband and friends. In law school, Natalie served as a Symposium Editor of the Wake Forest Law Review.

Aurelija Fitzpatrick is a matrimonial attorney at The Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C., where she represents individuals in a wide range of complex domestic relations matters, including divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities (formerly known as “custody”), parenting time, child support, maintenance, orders of protection, analysis of complicated marital estates, division of marital property, and prenuptial agreements. Aurelija also serves as a pro bono child representative though Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, representing children in high-conflict domestic relations matters. Aurelija practices in Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will, and Kane Counties.

Aurelija currently serves as a co-chair on the WBAI Newsletter Committee and WBAI Domestic Relations Committee. Aurelija graduated law school from Loyola University Chicago and graduated from University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana for her undergraduate studies.

Hayley Graham Slefo is an associate attorney at Anesi, Ozmon, Rodin, Novak & Kohen, Ltd., where she represents injured workers in workers’ compensation and Social Security disability claims.

An active member of the WBAI, Hayley has co-chaired various events and committees, including the Annual Dinner, Young Lawyers/Law Student Outreach and is currently a co-chair of the Newsletter Committee. Hayley completed her undergraduate degree at Columbia College Chicago, where she studied journalism. She worked as an award-winning journalist for several newspapers prior to attending DePaul University College of Law. Hayley has since served as a mentor to DePaul law students. She has also acted as a guest coach for the mock trial team at a local high school. Most recently, she volunteered with Urban Alliance to help CPS seniors develop college admission and scholarship essays. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, pottery, traveling and spending time with her husband.

Lauren L. Witkowski is a trial attorney with Zurich North America focusing her litigation practice on defending employers in the area of Workers’ Compensation. Lauren’s practice involves formulating appropriate case strategies that take into account the facts, medical issues, legal issues, and geographic considerations including the arbitrators and judges associated with the case.

Lauren is an active member of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois serving on the Board of Directors for the 2016-2019 bar years. Lauren currently serves as Co-Chair of the Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program, CoChair of the Newsletter Committee and as Recording Secretary.

WBAI SPRING 2019 NEWSLETTER EDITORS Kathryn Conway

Naseem Hosseini

Rita McCarthy

Blaire Theuerkauf

Elsie Holzwarth

Danielle Luisi

Lynn Taylor

Christine Walczak

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WBAI NEWSLETTER

EDITOR’S COLUMN

NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS By: Lauren L. Witkowski It is with great excitement that I write the final Editor’s Corner of this 2018-2019 bar year. This year started with WBAI President Karie Valentino conveying her theme, “Ability to Promote, Opportunity to Advance” in her speech to this membership and its supporters at the June 2018 Annual Dinner. I am proud to say that the WBAI has delivered on this theme by providing WBAI members with educational seminars and members-only events designed to inspire networking within the WBAI and with other bar associations and organizations who share our passion to promote women in the legal community.

When I think about what it means to have the ability to promote and facilitate the opportunity to advance, I ask myself, how can I help someone advance in their legal career? What knowledge have I gained in my 10 years of practice that I can impart on a newly admitted attorney as they search for their first job? What professional development insight can I share with a law student as they prepare for their first job, clerkship or internship? We all have the ability to help promote each other in the legal profession, and I encourage you to continue to think about how you can promote one another as we bid farewell to the 2018-2019 bar year and enter into the 2019-2020 bar year.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Karie J. Valentino President Corinne Heggie First Vice President Kathryn Conway Second Vice President Dina Ninfo Treasurer Elizabeth Winiarski Financial Secretary Jeanine Stathopoulos Corresponding Secretary Lauren Witkowski Recording Secretary DIRECTORS

Sarah King Courtney Lindbert Margaret Manetti Meredith Rudolfi

When I think about what it means to find the opportunity to advance, it forces me to reflect back on my legal career. What have I accomplished? Where am I now? Where do I want to be? What opportunities are out there that I want to grasp?

Natalie Scruton Federle

We all have the opportunity to advance ourselves, but isn’t it easier with the help and guidance of others? Isn’t it beneficial when you have someone to confide in and learn from? The WBAI continues to provide its membership with opportunities so that they can advance themselves both professionally in their careers and personally in their daily lives.

Lauren Tuckey Murray

I am very thankful to the mentorship and guidance that the WBAI has provided to me since I first joined as a law school member. It has been through the cultivation of relationships and networks that I have learned the importance of the “Ability to Promote, Opportunity to Advance.” I look forward to this upcoming 2019-2020 bar year when the WBAI explores additional partnerships and hosts events celebrating our heritage and advancing into the future, as we commemorate and celebrate the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution – women’s right to vote.

I personally invite you, as a WBAI member or supporter, to broaden your horizons and networks and to participate in the events the WBAI has planned for this 2019-2020 bar year.

Whitney Siehl Melissa Tannehill Melanie VanOverloop Bethany Whittles Harris

STAFF

Monique Austin Executive Director 321 S. Plymouth Court Chicago, IL 60604 312.341.8530 wbai@wbaillinois.org

Lauren L. Witkowski is a trial attorney with Zurich North America focusing her litigation practice on defending employers in the area of Workers’ Compensation.

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WBAI NEWSLETTER

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

REFLECTIONS FROM THE PAST YEAR Dear WBAI Members and Friends, As the 2018-2019 bar year comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you. The WBAI’s success this year is a direct result of our amazing members who are incredibly talented, our dedicated Board of women leaders who work tirelessly to promote the WBAI’s mission and our devoted supporters and sponsors. Our theme this year has been the Ability to Promote, the Opportunity to Advance. As I promised all of you at the 104th Installation Dinner, the WBAI worked very hard to promote and advance each other and those in the legal community.

There have been so many diverse initiatives, events and MCLE programs that were delivered this year. The efforts of WBAI Board members, the Committee members, co-chairs and volunteers enabled us all to work together to promote and support each other and the legal community at large. Since our last newsletter, the Mentor/Mentee Committee held its kick-off meeting for the Mentor/Mentee Program on February 4, 2019. This is a very rewarding program allowing our seasoned members to provide mentorship to our younger membership base.

On March 7, 2019, we celebrated truly remarkable Judges at the WBAI Annual Judicial Reception. This year we saw great success with over 600 judges and attorneys in attendance to recognize accomplishments of Judge Russell Hartigan, former ISBA President, First District Appellate Court Justice Joy Cunningham, Judge Llana Rovner of the Northern District of Illinois, Federal Court of Appeals and Chief Justice Lloyd C. Karmeier of the Illinois Supreme Court, as each received the Mary Heftel Hooton Award. I had the great honor of introducing and presenting this award to Judge Russell Hartigan, who has also served as a mentor of mine in my legal career and a mentor to others.

On April 5, 2019, the WBAI Membership Committee held its Annual Women in the Law Summit which was an all-day CLE and provided a robust discussion about bias in the workplace, at the John Marshall Law School. The event offered a platform to keep the conversation going about diversity, unconscious bias and issues

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WBAI NEWSLETTER

facing minorities in the legal profession. On April 23, 2019, the Civil Litigation Committee held a sold-out private dinner with Judge Kay Hanlon, and provided a forum for a very interactive discussion concerning mediations. On May 6, 2019 the WBAI partnered with Swanson Martin & Bell to host our annual CLE program “How To Get The Business: A Continued Conversation with Givers and Getters.” The event was a huge success and well attended. There have been countless of other wonderful events that the WBAI has offered this Spring, finishing the year on a strong note.

“As I promised all of you at the 104th Installation Dinner, the WBAI worked very hard to promote and advance each other and those in the legal community.”

I am so proud and honored to have had the opportunity to be counted among the fearless female trailblazers of an organization as influential and altruistic as the WBAI. Acting as the WBAI President over the past year has been both challenging and rewarding. I greatly appreciate every leadership opportunity and friendship the WBAI has provided me throughout my legal career.

I look forward to celebrating our accomplishments and promoting our mission in my Ex-Officio capacity, as I continue to pay forward every opportunity and experience the WBAI has given me, and I am happy that we have been able to promote and advance each other.

Sincerely,

Karie Jane Valentino 2018-2019 President Women’s Bar Association of Illinois

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WBAI NEWSLETTER

INCOMING PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE WELCOME FROM THE 2019-2020 WBAI PRESIDENT

Welcome to the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois’ 2019-2020 Bar Year! It is with great energy that I share with WBAI members and friends that the WBAI will commemorate a civic milestone’s centennial year and the spirit of collaboration and partnering that made it a reality: the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

As Illinoisans, we can take pride that Illinois was a vanguard in the suffrage movement. More than 100 years ago in June 1913, Governor Edward Dunne signed Illinois’ suffrage bill into law giving women the right to vote for President and local officers. Five years later, the United States Senate passed the 19th Amendment by two votes over its two-third required majority, 56-25. The 19th Amendment was sent to the states for ratification and was signed into law in August 1920.

The 19th Amendment is a seminal piece of legislation that was the result of a hard-fought battle spanning two centuries and nearly 100 years. Women united across the country to advocate, collaborate and partner, met at times with adversity and opposition, with each other and men. We are grateful for their perseverance that resulted in granting women the right to trade with the currency of our democracy: the vote.

The WBAI will honor this civic centennial and the spirit of promoting and advancing women in the profession by collaborating with partners throughout the State of Illinois. I am thrilled to announce the WBAI and the Illinois State Bar Association’s (ISBA) Women and the Law Committee (WATL) have formed an ad hoc committee to become the resource for officials in the State of Illinois, Cook County and the City of Chicago to fill state, city and municipal board vacancies with qualified female candidates who want to serve. The WBAI is energized by this unique opportunity to capitalize on the change in Illinois’ leadership and help contribute to the State’s progress with the ISBA.

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WBAI NEWSLETTER

The WBAI’s partnerships continue this fall. On October 16, 2019, the WBAI, in partnership with ISBA’s WATL, the Black Women’s Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago, and the Chicago Bar Association’s Alliance for Women will commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment at the Union League Club. Our soon first-to-be-female Chief Judge of the Northern District of Illinois, the Honorable Rebecca Pallmeyer, will speak at the luncheon.

On behalf of the WBAI, I am grateful for the generosity of spirit and talent our bar association partners have and will bring to this collaboration.

“It is with great energy that I share with WBAI members and friends that the WBAI will commemorate a civic milestone’s centennial year and the spirit of collaboration and partnering that made it a reality: the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution.”

Finally, the WBAI is fortunate to have a partner in Alison Henderson, of Moving Image Consulting, during the bar year.

Alison will educate us about the power of communications and how, when effective, those communications can invigorate productivity, collaboration and career and professional growth and advancement.

I would like to personally invite you to the WBAI annual golf outing taking place on August 9, 2019 at the Glenview Park District Golf Course.

The WBAI cannot wait to see you at one of our upcoming events!

Thank you for your continued support of the WBAI as we uphold its mission of promoting and advancing women in the legal profession!

Sincerely,

Corinne C. Heggie 2019-2020 President Women’s Bar Association of Illinois

If our WBAI members and friends do not want to wait until the fall, join us this summer in June when the WBAI will present a program to examine the status of the law and business advantage to authenticity for the Transgender population in the workplace.

The WBAI is proud to partner with Alliance Bernstein, the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Greater Chicago, as well as the Lesbian and Gay Chamber of Commerce, to have this timely discussion with the legal community.

SPRING 2019

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WBAI NEWSLETTER

BODY LANGUAGE TRAINING

THE #1 WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR PRACTICE By: Alison Henderson Nonverbal communication is unfortunately not taught in most universities. Body language cue training has been relegated to mock trial or future litigators. Current learning remains focused on what we say rather than how we say it, even though the famous Albert Mehrabian study at UCLA found spoken words account for only 7 percent of our in-person communication. Tone of voice and visual body language cues make up the rest. Busy professionals are left to fend for themselves when it comes to interpreting nonverbal behavior.

Since nonverbal behavior is such an important part of communication, learning to improve this type of communication has far reaching positive impact on law firms. The WBAI is partnering with advanced body language expert, Alison Henderson, to bring nonverbal behavior training to the membership. Ms. Henderson is founder of Moving Image Consulting and is one of 26 Certified Movement Pattern Analysts worldwide specially trained to observe nonverbal behavior signals which connect to the decision-making process of the brain.

It is important to realize the impact of nonverbal communication outside of the courtroom since so few matters make it to court. In the 2018 American Bar Association Magazine article, Persuasion Through Body Language In (and Out of ) the Courtroom, attorney Kathleen Balthrop Havener stated, “In the courtroom, the boardroom, the conference room, and the office, the messages our bodies convey provide information to our listeners that reinforces or detracts from what we say. If we want to be more persuasive communicators, we must master certain aspects of presence and performance that, although they may seem to have little to do with speech and language, have everything to do with communication.

Our physical cues (or miscues) bear serious consideration--indeed, even practice.”

Body language isn’t only useful for personal presentation.

Attorney Jay M. Tiftickjian in his article, Four Strategies for Criminal Jury Selection that do not Involve Candles, Magic Powders, or other Voodoo Supplies, addresses the need to read others’ behavior. He states, “People often say what they think they are expected to say rather than what they actually believe.

However, because people are not always aware of their own nonverbal communications, body language is often more honest than mere words, which are consciously chosen to accomplish the speaker’s objective.” Understanding nonverbal behavior allows attorneys to see why their gut is telling them that someone is less than authentic or truthful.

Observing cues from others is equally or more useful when it comes to persuasion and effective communication. Alison teaches how to read others and change your verbal and nonverbal content to communicate in the way others need to hear it. Clients, jurors, witnesses and colleagues should walk out of meetings being curious as to why and how the meeting went so smoothly!

Alison’s informal research of attorneys has brought several top concerns to light: 1. Business development. Finding new clients through effective networking and relationship building shouldn’t only be relegated to the partners. Train everyone to be more

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effective when meeting and greeting. Clients will join more quickly and stay longer. Be the firm which is top of mind when attorneys need to make a referral. When everyone in the firm is responsible for its success, there is more “skin in the game” which can help with #2.

2. Attorney retention. Large and small firms struggle with retention for many reasons. Improving communication can make an attorney more effective when asking for what she wants and needs from a firm during performance reviews. Her only option shouldn’t have to be going solo. Providing training for young attorneys can stop the cycle of bouncing from firm to firm. By providing leadership and development skills (like advanced body language training), they will be more affective while working for you and will be more loyal to the firm and less likely to jump ship.

3. Lack of women leaders. Until parity in all aspects is reached, understanding and using the differences in male and female body language patterns will give women more confidence and power. Many of the current biases against female behavior are addressed and mitigated.

Nonverbal skills can be one pillar in addressing the attrition rate of female attorneys.

The true bonus of understanding nonverbal behavior is that the meaning of the signals you read remain the same whether you are observing a witness, juror, judge, colleague, opposing counsel or client. Furthermore, the signals are the same for business and personal interactions!

Here is to a great year of growth in all areas of your practice!

Feel free to contact Alison to bring her into your committee meetings. Look forward to video tips, conversations and more resources to come.

Alison Henderson is founder of Moving Image Consulting—a firm dedicated to improving leadership and communication, providing unique, practical insight into the meaning and impact of non-verbal communication– body movement, posture shifts and gestures. As one of 26 Certified Movement Pattern Analysts in the world, Alison brings a unique awareness of what visual cues reveal about the decision-making and action patterns of individuals.

She is on mission to bring the world out of their devices and into clear, effective communication!

YOU’ R E I N V I T E D TO

VOLU NTEER

ON A WBAI COMMITTEE WBAI committees are a great way to get involved. As a member, you have an opportunity to:

Engage with WBAI and really have an impact on industry issues

Build skills and expand your knowledge to support your professional growth

Network with other members

Learn more at www.wbaillinois.org/committees

WBAI NEWSLETTER

WBAI HOSTS 2019 JUDICIAL RECEPTION By: K. Courtney Gustin

The WBAI hosted its Annual Judicial Reception on March 7, 2019 to honor four of Illinois’ most deserving judges. Once again, this year’s reception was sold-out. Hundreds of attorneys and judges attended the event at the Chicago Cultural Center to celebrate the honorees. The honorees included: •

Justice Joy V. Cunningham The Illinois First District Appellate Court

•

Judge Russell E. Hartigan (Ret.) The Fifth Municipal District of the Circuit Court of Cook County

•

Chief Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier The Supreme Court of Illinois

•

Judge Ilana Rovner The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals

All honorees were welcomed by a room full of buzz and excitement.

Each shared stories of their involvement with the WBAI, promotion of women in the courtroom, and personal ties to Mary Heftel Hooton – the namesake of the award.

Thank you to all who joined us for another night under the Tiffany Dome.

The event was generously sponsored by several law firms, legal support companies, and law schools. The event was planned and coordinated by the WBAI Judicial Reception Committee under the leadership of cochairs Courtney Lindbert, Lauren Tuckey Murray, and Whitney Seihl.

Thank you for your continued support and attendance.

K. Courtney Gustin is an associate at Cunningham, Meyer & Vedrine where she focuses her practice on insurance defense in the areas of medical malpractice, federal civil rights defense, nursing neglect, and toxic tort.

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WBAI NEWSLETTER

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WBAI NEWSLETTER

FASHION, ESQ.

PROFESSIONAL FASHION MUST-HAVES FOR SPRING By: Kathryn Conway At last, spring has sprung! The days are getting longer, and the weather is finally getting warmer! If you are anything like me, you get inspired during springtime to clean out your closet and update your wardrobe to reflect the lighter, brighter season. Here are some professional “must-haves” to incorporate into your work wardrobe this spring: 1. A white blazer: A sharp, white blazer is a great investment for spring. Throw it over your usual black or navy shift dress, and your look is rebooted. Check out Zara, Ann Taylor Loft, and Nordstrom Rack for affordable options. Or, if you are looking for a longerterm investment, check out Theory, REISS or Brooks Brothers.

2. A light dress or suit: Why stop at a blazer? A white, pale pink, light blue or other pastel-colored dress or suit is striking and will mix and match with your current wardrobe and your new, white blazer.

3. A floral kimono: Kimonos were all the rage last season and can be thrown over a basic shift dress or blouse + cropped pant combo for a beautifully comfortable, seasonal outfit.

4. Cropped pants: I love a cropped pant, and spring is the perfect time to add a pair or two to your wardrobe. A wellfitted cropped pant will be cut just an inch or two above your ankle. Have an old pair of pants you don’t seem to wear as much anymore? Take them into your tailor and crop them to the perfect length.

5. Colorful flats or pumps: Spring is a great time to experiment with color. And, accessories are an easy way to do so.

Designers are showcasing lots of pinks, blues, yellows and oranges. Check out J.Crew for some fun options.

6. Silk scarves: Swap out your heavy wool scarves for lighter silk or soft linen options. A floral scarf is an easy way to take a dark outfit and transform your look for warmer weather.

7. A brighter bag: Updating your everyday tote or briefcase to match the season is an easy way to refresh your look. There are several light-colored and patterned leathers, linens and woven bags on the market that evoke spring and summer vibes.

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What are your favorite looks for spring? Share with us on social media

at www.facebook.com/wbaillinois and on Instagram at @wbaillinois.

Also, we welcome your thoughts, comments, and suggestions for future columns. Please email me at kconway@prslaw.com to make topic

suggestions or to submit an article you have written on a professional fashion topic.

Kate Conway is a trial lawyer with the law f irm of Power Rogers & Smith where she represents injured people and their families in cases involving wrongful death, medical malpractice, premises liability,

product liability, automobile and trucking collisions. She also serves as an Off icer of the WBAI Board of Directors.

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WBAI NEWSLETTER

CHOOSING SENIOR LIVING SERVICES By: Jan Steiner

Do you know a senior or the children of a senior who are overwhelmed by their senior living options? Senior Transitions Concierge (STC) was established to focus on and address this growing problem and provide truly independent and objective information for seniors and their families. STC advocates for the senior and their family, and is devoted to the best interests of the client, therefore, not accepting referral fees from any senior community!

Listening to the client’s wishes, discerning the needs and budget of the family, and finding the best services available is what sets them apart.

Whether the move is to an Independent Living Community, Assisted Living, Memory Care, or Continuous Care Retirement Community determining the best place can be a daunting task. This is especially true for the children of the senior who have fulltime jobs, growing families, and other commitments leaving little to no time to investigate the breadth of living options for their beloved parent.

When STC walks a family through this important transition, they eliminate family stress; they give the family confidence in their choice; and they save the family enormous amounts of time. STC’s knowledge of the industry, vetting process and guidance are unsurpassed.

Senior Transitions Concierge provides the peace of mind families need in the process of transitioning their loved ones to a safer, simpler lifestyle. Jan Steiner is the founder of Senior Transitions Concierge.

Jan founded Senior Transitions Concierge in 2016. Her work in residential real estate and senior living communities is what prompted her to create a better model for families in finding homes for their aging loved ones.

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WBAI NEWSLETTER

RETAINING WOMEN IN THE LAW

REFORMATION OF FLEXIBILITY FOR ALL IS KEY By: Stacey Mosesso McConnell and Kristin Lim Difficulty in addressing the problem of the retention and advancement of women in legal careers is prevalent, deserves scrutiny, and likely will continue to make headlines. Given the complexity of the problem and the variety of angles from which to analyze it, there are any number of arguably valid ways to assess the problem, as well as affect change.

Data suggests that women leave law in general because of a pervasive environment of disparate challenges and negative stereotypes surrounding their work in firms. Unpacking this reality a bit, it seems at least some energy should be spent addressing and working to “update” firm culture to accommodate the needs of modern women and families.

In the United States, a majority of women take on the lion’s share of home and child responsibilities. Within the legal world this holds true, and there are not many flexible options to accommodate women during times where family responsibilities are particularly onerous. The fact that the term “mommy track” has existed for decades and has been used openly in firms demonstrates how pervasive the assumption is that women will leave their jobs to care for children, and, further, that gender alone will absolutely determine the trajectory of a woman’s legal career—and not in a positive way. The recent litigation surrounding this “mommy track” practice highlights that women are no longer willing to accept that this feature of Big Law is fixed; rather that it is an illegal form of discrimination.

It can be argued that women need some accommodations during these years; however, the problem won’t be entirely solved with a focus only on women. Rather, firms must adopt a large scale gender-neutral flexibility strategy that not only allows for women to downshift without penalty, but also encourages men to be open to doing the same. We will never move the needle if women are the only ones taking advantage of flexibility…that will simply be the “mommy track” rewritten and repackaged to seem less malignant.

Allowing for gender-neutral flexible roles that would help keep women in law would be an important first step in helping women

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stay on track in their careers. However, few top firms have been open to truly flexible arrangements. But there is reason for hope.

Linklaters is leading the way in the UK, recently announcing a gender-neutral flexibility policy that doesn’t require the individual to explain why they need flexibility. This should become the norm. Linklaters has expressly stated it hopes to take away the stigma attached to flexibility requests. Ideally this should encourage men to feel they can help downshift at work in order to equally share household and outside responsibilities without suffering career punishment as statistics suggest it is not common for men to do so. As firms increasingly institute these policies they will become absolutely critical to the recruitment process for top talent. Firms that adopt these policies now will be able to retain the best lawyers later, as such policies will become a critical differentiator.

“Data suggests that women leave law in general because of a pervasive environment of disparate challenges and negative stereotypes surrounding their work in firms. Unpacking this reality a bit, it seems at least some energy should be spent addressing and working to ‘update’ firm culture to accommodate the needs of modern women and families. ” Aside from suffering from a lack of flexibility policies, we see a tremendous amount of difficulty for women attempting to return to legal careers. Once a woman has downshifted, it can

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be nearly impossible to return with any success within the trajectory previously established. There is reason for hope given the recent focus on “returnships” within the legal community and beyond. The work of Caren Ulrich Stacy and the Diversity Lab’s OnRamp Fellowship is inspiring, and most certainly is helping to remind firms and companies that they’re missing out on incredible talent when negative assumptions are made about those who temporarily left a workforce known for inflexibility. It seems there could be a fairly measurable impact of piloting these programs within firms.

One perplexing detail that is hard to square with the reality of the difficulty in retaining women lawyers is that data strongly supports robust participation by women. Evidence suggests that when women are in leadership roles, a company’s bottom line improves. Furthermore, when women have leadership roles in companies, more women are recruited, promoted and retained.

The fact that many firms and companies are not prioritizing the retention of women and promotion to leadership roles goes against good business sense. While women have a long way to go to obtain a fair percentage of leadership roles in firms, hopefully

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the success of companies in efforts to elevate women with an eye to profits will be instructive for the legal community.

A flexibility wave could go a long way to changing the culture in firms where women feel relegated and aren’t incentivized to stay on. Women should feel on equal footing with men as they progress through their careers. As with many examples of inequity within the legal community, and despite the data to suggest it is to their benefit to change, assuming firms will self-correct is foolhardy. Clients absolutely hold some keys here—once there is a corporate insistence upon gender diversity—change will likely happen more quickly. Like all consumers with the power of the purse, clients can push firms to make flexibility and the retention of women a mandate.

Stacey and Kristin are the co-founders of The ALT Group, an elite network of freelance attorneys who partner with f irms and companies to provide sophisticated legal support. ALT ’s mission is promoting the retention and advancement of women in legal careers. www.adeptlegaltalent.com

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

BETHANY WHITTLES HARRIS Bethany Whittles Harris started Get-Togethers, an event venue and party boutique company, in November 2018. After practicing personal injury law in Chicago for six years, Bethany moved back to her hometown of Holland, Michigan with her three young children and started Get-Togethers a month later. The idea began when Bethany realized the area lacked a venue well-suited for hosting bridal and baby showers, so she set out to create one. Get-Togethers’ services have expanded since opening and now include event styling and custom balloon garlands and large-scale installations.

Bethany is excited to provide Get-Togethers’ services in Chicago as well. Her many WBAI connections have proven to be great clients in the party realm. “Many of the women lawyers I know are so generous and passionately celebrate those around them, but their time is limited due to the demands of busy practices. I love helping my lawyer friends plan and style their events that they pour so much into—celebrating those big moments in life is a way to show love to the people we truly care about.”

Get-Togethers’ storefront has operated solely as an event space since mid-February, dropping the original retail component as event bookings increased. Bethany continues to offer and sell party ware and décor through direct consultations with clients. She has found that the fundamentals of serving clients in the law and in the event planning sphere are largely the same: follow up and follow through with people, pay attention to what matters to them, and provide excellent, honest service.

Bethany plans to keep her Illinois law license active and was sworn in to the State Bar of Michigan on April 30, 2019. Her husband continues to work full time in Chicago, providing even more reason to live “Chi x MI” and serve clients on both sides of the lake.

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Website www.get-togethers.co Email info@get-togethers.co Instagram @get_togethers_ Facebook facebook.com/gettogetherszeeland/ Phone 312-273-2223

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WBAI NEWSLETTER

WBAI HOSTS SPRING CIVIL LITIGATION DINNER A CONVERSATION WITH THE HON. JUDGE KAY HANLON (RET.) By: Kelly Sabo Gaden

The WBAI hosted its Spring Civil Litigation Dinner with the Honorable Judge Kay Hanlon (Retired) on April 23, 2019. The intimate event, hosted at Hotel Allegro, was attended by civil litigators and respected judges. The night began with a cocktail hour, allowing civil litigators to network and meet one of the Law Division’s most respected trial judges and newest mediator at ADR. During dinner, Judge Hanlon put on an interactive presentation allowing attendees to hear first-hand from several judges about settling cases, specifically discussing the differences between pre-trials and mediation.

Judge Hanlon started her presentation with the quote “Behind every great woman there is a bunch of other great women.” The collaborative discussion lead to valuable insights, such as: disclosing your settlement memorandum versus keeping it confidential, the strengths and weaknesses of mediating a case early in litigation, and the opportunity to have exparte communications or a pre-mediation with the judge about your case. Finally, Judge Hanlon discussed best practices to make a pre-trial conference or mediation successful along with several other judges in attendance who provided their input and advice.

Thank you to Judge Kay Hanlon for participating in this event and for sharing your stories and wisdom with WBAI members and supporters.

The event was generously sponsored by ADR and Power Rogers Smith.

The event was planned by the Civil Litigation Committee, and chaired by Kelly Sabo Gaden, of Malman Law; Marla Izbicky, of Lowis & Gellen LLP; and Alison Field, of Smith Blake Hill LLC. Kelly Sabo Gaden is a Senior Trial Attorney at Malman Law where she concentrates her practice in prosecuting abuse and neglect matters in long term care facilities and complex medical malpractice litigation against hospitals, physicians, and healthcare providers.

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SPRING 2019

WBAI NEWSLETTER

SPRING 2019

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WBAI NEWSLETTER

FITNESS FOCUS

FIND MOTIVATION + INSPIRATION TO STAY FIT By: Leanne Kurtzweil The hibernation of the winter months has ended and it’s time to prioritize our health (and maybe, just maybe, get ready for summer!). This serves as motivation for many people, yet after the initial excitement wears off, how do you stay motivated? How do you get inspired? And how do these things totally differ?

Begin by thinking about what truly motivates you to make fitness a priority in your life. Since finding another hour in the day is never easy, we need something (a practice), someone (a coach, instructor or workout buddy) or a tangible goal (train for x, lose x inches / pounds) to PUSH us, or help us feel motivated.

Here are some tips for finding what inspires YOU. •

Find your “why” and don’t forget it. This could be as simple as knowing your family health history and deciding you want the best odds, maybe you want to be able to participate in an activity with your children, or you just want to feel your best everyday. Your “why” matters and will help pull you forward when the days get long and excuses plenty.

•

Change the script in your mind to one of gratitude. Negative self-talk is a real “roadblock” — it creates clutter in our minds, which then stands in the way of achieving something. Instead of opening the gates of negative self talk, shift your mindset to be grateful for what you have accomplished and inspiration is more likely to come. For example, you can choose the script “I am grateful for my 10 minute walk each day.” This will feel much more inspiring than the negative, “I have not worked out for a month.”

•

Listen to podcasts or music to reinforce your commitment.

Sometimes all we need is an outside voice to remind us that we matter, that we are not alone, and that, yes, we can achieve our goals.

Wherever you are in your wellness journey, motivation will help you: •

Find and try something new. When you do try it, results won’t happen overnight, so you will need to commit to at least 2-3 weeks of your routine. Give yourself time to see what that practice can contribute to your fitness goals. Once is never enough.

•

ommit to consistency. A key to staying motivated is setting C realistic goals (will you work out 1x, 2x, 3x per week?) that fit into your lifestyle. Start with an achievable goal - 1

•

2x per week and ease into anything more.

•

mall goals lead to big results. Whatever your practice, setting S small goals makes them achievable and will keep you motivated to eventually reach a bigger goal!

Inspiration, on the other hand, comes from inside of us - when we feel inspired, we have forward momentum that PULLS us in the direction we want to go. Individuals who feel inspired are more likely to stay the course.

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With just a few simple changes to your daily routine and mindset, you will find yourself well on your way to a fitness journey that will undoubtedly lead to long term benefits for both mind and body.

Leanne Kurtzweil co-founded SALT Fitness, a boutique fitness studio which features three main disciplines: barre, cycle and FIT (Foundational Interval Training). SALT Fitness has three Chicagoland locations (Bucktown, North Shore and Northbrook). She is passionate about fitness, entrepreneurship and supporting working women who desire to find balance in their work and personal life.

SPRING 2019

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WBAI NEWSLETTER

TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT HEADSHOT By: Shannon Cicle

These days, your headshot is your first impression with potential clients. The approachability of an individual’s headshot is often a contributing factor to landing the next great client. However, a headshot that comes across as outdated, stiff, unfriendly or too casual can result in missed client opportunities.

TIME FOR A NEW HEADSHOT?

If you recently changed firms, have a new high-profile case on the horizon, or if your old headshot just does not look like you anymore, it is time to update. Professional headshots should be updated about every two years, or more frequently if any major changes have occurred, such as hairstyle, hair color, or significant changes in appearance.

CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

To ensure you receive the best professional headshot, make sure you select your photographer wisely, as they are responsible for capturing your essence in a single image and creating an impactful first impression.

Choose a photographer that specializes in professional headshots as opposed to events or wedding photography.

A professional photographer should be able to answer any questions you might have. They will likely ask you questions about your profession and if you have any particular requirements or requests, in order to make your photography session as successful as possible.

Professional portrait photographers will typically have a photography studio with different lights and backgrounds they can utilize for different photography needs.

Read the reviews! Most portrait photographers get their client base from word of mouth and great reviews, so client satisfaction should be key!

Steer clear of photographers who promise to give you all of the images from your session at a low flat rate. While the cost may be attractive, this typically means the images will be of lower quality and unretouched. Consider your return on investment from having

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one fantastic headshot that you feel great about, versus 20 mediocre shots you don’t feel confident about.

Make sure the photographer includes retouching for your selected headshot. If you are feeling unfit or have any problem areas you would like addressed, make sure to let your photographer know during your session, so you can love the end result!

Ask your photographer if they have a set-up in their studio that allows you to view the images during your shoot. This is key and is a great way that we ensure that our clients love their images.

COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Let your photographer know your vision for your headshot. Talk about this before your session, so that the photographer is prepared and has a plan.

If you have the freedom to dictate your own branding, send your photographer examples of what inspires you, be it a solid studio background, an environmental setting with architectural elements, or both! On the other hand, if you need to have your background match your colleagues’, make sure to send your photographer a sample of what it needs to look like.

If you are not comfortable in front of a camera, you’re not alone; make the most out of your session by showing up with a good attitude. A professional photographer will likely be able to sense if you are camera shy and will take the time to keep you engaged enough to capture a genuine emotion.

WHAT TO WEAR – CLOTHING, HAIR, MAKEUP AND JEWELRY

When you feel good, you look good… and vice versa. When choosing clothing, select pieces that are professional and reflect the image you would like to convey. Your best bet is to bring a number of options.

This will also help you to make the most of your session as shooting for a few “looks” provides you with the most variety and versatility.

We find that most of our clients shoot for two or three images

SPRING 2019

WBAI NEWSLETTER and like to come away with a casual headshot, in addition to the professional ones, for use on LinkedIn, social media, etc. It’s always a great idea to have more than one option for different uses.

Avoid black and white if at all possible. Deep saturated colors such as eggplant, teal, magenta and jewel tones generally work very well. Pair these with neutrals like charcoal gray or navy for a look that pops.

Textured fabrics can also add visual interest to a solid color in their highlights and shadows.

Don’t be afraid of patterns; while some can be distracting in a headshot, others can look beautiful layered with a solid. Typically, geometric, color-blocked, monotone, or more abstract patterns are more successful than florals.

Your photographer or stylist should be able to let you know if a print is too busy, so always have another option, especially if you plan on incorporating a print. The same goes for neckties and scarves!

JEWELRY

As far as jewelry, bring a mix of items. When it comes to necklaces, choose a chunky option as opposed to a skinny chain. Larger beaded pieces look lovely in fun colors like turquoise, coral, citrine, sapphire, or emerald.

HAIR AND MAKEUP

Do not overlook your locks! It is a great idea to have your hair blown out or styled before your session. If you are due for a trim or color, make your way to the salon prior to your photo session.

Having your makeup done by a professional makeup artist is a great way to really make your headshot look fabulous! You will feel confident and look fantastic.

Talk with your photographer for any recommendations; they should have a couple go-to hair and makeup stylists or salons they work with frequently.

If you want to do your own makeup your makeup should subtly even your complexion and accent your features. Steer clear of nude lips. Beige, skin-toned, or pastel lipstick can wash lighter skintones out, so keep lips at least a shade or two darker than their natural tint.

SPRING 2019

BOOK YOUR HEADSHOT

If you feel that your confidence in the courtroom doesn’t translate to the camera, not to worry, a professional photographer has lots of experience helping people relax, capturing a great headshot in the process.

For further inspiration and tips and check our website: http:// www.nicolethomas.com/wbai Shannon is the studio manager and stylist at Nicole Thomas Photography in Glenview, Illinois. She has over fifteen years of experience art directing and styling, working with art departments nationwide.

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Maybe you haven’t heard that the top rehabilitation hospital in the world for 28 years running is right here in Chicago. We’re not offended. We’ve been busy helping patients from 70 countries and every state achieve faster, better outcomes. When recovery is at stake, no distance is too far to travel.

WBAI NEWSLETTER

WBAI PRESIDENT KARIE VALENTINO HONORED TO SPEAK TO THE DAISIE FOUNDATION By: Lauren L. Witkowski

WBAI President Karie Valentino was asked to speak on a Leading Ladies Panel discussion for the Daisie Foundation on February 20, 2019. Karie was honored to speak about the leadership opportunities and paths available to women in the legal profession sharing her own experiences as a female attorney working in Chicago.

T:11”

B:11.25”

S:11”

The Daisie Foundation provides ongoing opportunities for under-resourced women and children in Chicago and beyond. And through their combined efforts, women gain a platform to be heard, children are inspired to dream bigger, and families share more opportunities to succeed. For more information on the Daisie Foundation, visit www.daisiefoundation.org.

Lauren L. Witkowski is a trial attorney with Zurich North America focusing her litigation practice on defending employers in the areas of Workers’ Compensation.

THANK YOU

TO OUR RETIRING WBAI OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS! WBAI thanks our retiring Officers and Directors for their service to the association and legal community. We wish them the best in their future endeavors!

SPRING 2019

Kristin Barnette McCarthy

Bethany Whittles Harris

Dina Ninfo

Jeanine Stathopoulos

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WBAI NEWSLETTER

DOMESTIC RELATIONS ROUNDTABLE By: Lauren L. Witkowski

The WBAI Domestic Relations Committee hosted the Eighth Annual Domestic Relations Roundtable on May 2, 2019 at Petterino’s. The event was moderated by Aurelija Fitzpatrick, who co-chaired the event alongside Kathryn Michelson, Hon. Jeanne Reynolds, and Helen Sigman. After the Roundtable, attendees had the opportunity to network with the speakers and informally discuss the trending topics in Domestic Relations.

The Domestic Relations Committee is proud to provide WBAI members with a one-of-a kind opportunity for the intermediate family law practitioner to interact with members of the Domestic Relations Bench and discuss complex issues and out of the box solutions involving a variety of family law matters.

Lauren L. Witkowski is a trial attorney with Zurich North America focusing her litigation practice on defending employers in the areas of Workers’ Compensation.

THE WBAI SUPPORTS EQUAL PAY DAY CHICAGO 2019 By: Lauren L. Witkowski

The WBAI supported Equal Pay Day in Chicago on Thursday, March 29, 2019. The nationally observed Equal Pay Day was observed on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. The Chicago event was held at the Daley Plaza and was the 9th annual Equal Pay Day rally the city has hosted.

The goal of Equal Pay Day is to raise awareness of pay inequality in Chicago and around the nation. #EqualPayDayCHI Lauren L. Witkowski is a trial attorney with Zurich North America focusing her litigation practice on defending employers in the area of Workers’ Compensation.

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SPRING 2019

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Team Salvi’s Female Lawyers.

We are proud to support the efforts of The WBAI as they serve as an influential voice promoting the interests of all women through its active involvement with legislative initiatives and public policy.

salvilaw.com MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

•

PERSONAL INJURY • WRONGFUL DEATH

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WBAI NEWSLETTER

SOCIAL MEDIA FOR #LAWYERS By: Lauren L. Witkowski

WBAI Member and Immigration Committee Chair Fiona McEntee provided an interactive workshop designed to help WBAI members with their social media marketing success.

Members learned about practical, efficient and ethical ways they can use social media to build their online presence and gain their ideal client.

2019 VANGUARD AWARD WBAI PRESENTS AWARD TO HONORABLE LYNN M. EGAN By: Lauren L. Witkowski The 2019 Vanguard Award Luncheon was held this year at The Standard Club on April 10, 2019. The area bar associations joined together to honor the individuals and institutions who have made the law and legal profession more accessible to and reflective of the community at large.

The WBAI presented its 2019 Vanguard Award to Honorable Lynn M. Egan. Judge Lynn M. Egan was a Cook County Circuit Court judge from 1995–2017. She served in the Law Division for nearly 22 years. She presided over high volume motion calls, an Individual Commercial Calendar, an Individual General Calendar and bench and jury trials. Judge Egan now presides over alternative dispute resolutions in Illinois at Webster Egan Mediations.

The WBAI congratulates the other 2019 Vanguard Award Honorees:

The event was generously sponsored by McEntee Law Group which focuses on Immigration Practice and Social Media Coach. The event was held on March 19, 2019 at the ISBA Mutual Insurance Company.

Lauren L. Witkowski is a trial attorney with Zurich North America focusing her litigation practice on defending employers in the area of Workers’ Compensation.

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Rishi Agrawal, South Asian Bar Association of Chicago Hon. Marvin E. Aspen, Chicago Bar Association Karina Ayala-Bermejo, Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois Hon. Edmond E. Chang, Chinese American Bar Association of Greater Chicago Hon. Lynn M. Egan, Women’s Bar Association of Illinois Rudy Figueroa, Filipino American Lawyers Association Mitchell B. Goldberg, Decalogue Society of Lawyers Andy Kang, Asian American Bar Association Juan Mendez, Puerto Rican Bar Association Robert J. Pavich, Serbian Bar Association Polish American Association, Advocates Society Rouhy J. Shalabi, Arab American Bar Association of Illinois Chester Slaughter, Cook County Bar Association Hon. Mary S. Trew, Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago Andrea L. Zopp, Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago, Inc. Lauren L. Witkowski is a trial attorney with Zurich North America focusing her litigation practice on defending employers in the area of Workers’ Compensation.

SPRING 2019

GRANT & EISENHOFER

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Grant & Eisenhofer’s Lisa B.Weinstein Fights for Children with Birth Injuries Lisa Weinstein leads the birth injury practice at Grant & Eisenhofer (“G&E”) and has built a reputation for her successful and passionate representation of victims in birth injury litigation. The children she represents often face a lifetime of care as a result of catastrophic birth injuries arising from alleged hospital and healthcare provider negligence. Hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements have been obtained on behalf of her clients.

Ms. Weinstein’s recent casework includes: a $12.5 million settlement in which her client’s child suffered brain damage due to lack of oxygen during the labor and delivery process a $9.75 million settlement on behalf of her client who sustained injuries at birth that led to spastic quadriplegia In 2017 and 2018, Ms. Weinstein obtained for her clients over $54 million in confidential settlements in birth injury cases. Overall, she has played significant roles in over 40 birth

injury cases totaling nearly $300 million in settlements and verdicts.

At only 38 years old, Ms. Weinstein is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which is reserved for the less than 1% of lawyers who have obtained million-dollar-plus settlements and verdicts. In 2018, Ms. Weinstein was recognized as one of Law360’s Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Rising Stars. Also in 2018, Ms. Weinstein was selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement award by America’s Top 100 Attorneys®. For the past eight years, Ms. Weinstein has been selected for inclusion to Super Lawyers’ list of Rising Stars and honored by The National Trial Lawyers in the “Top 40 Under 40”.

In addition to her trial practice, Ms. Weinstein regularly speaks at various professional conferences. She was a speaker at the 2015 New Jersey Association for Justice seminar presenting “When Medical Malpractice and Mass Tort Overlap,” and at the 2016 North American Brain Injury Society’s annual conference, speaking on “Representing Children with Acquired TBI.” She spoke at the American Conference Institute’s 17th Annual Advanced Forum on Obstetric Malpractice Claims and presented at the American Association for Justice’s 2018 Annual Convention Speaker Service Center on the topic of “The Initial Intake and Investigation of Birth Injury Cases – An Approach to Managing Risk.”

I

n early 2019, G&E’s

Ms. Weinstein is the co-chair of the American Association

Chicago office

for Justice’s Birth Trauma Litigation Group and an active

welcomed the

member of AAJ, Women Trial Lawyers Caucus, the

addition of

Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, and the Illinois Trial

attorney Karyn Bass Ehler to

Lawyers Association.

launch the firm’s civil rights litigation

Ms. Weinstein is the author of “Understanding Newborn

practice. The practice litigates

Strokes,” published in the May 2017 issue of Trial

matters involving private prison

magazine. She lives in Chicago with her husband and

abuse, wrongful conviction, Section

three children.

1983 claims, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other egregious civil rights violations.

Grant & Eisenhofer

BIRTH INJURY LITIGATION GROUP For more information about G&E’s Birth Injury Litigation Group or birth injury matter refferals, please contact: Lisa B. Weinstein Director

(312) 610 5351 lweinstein@gelaw.com G&E welcomes referrals from co-counsel across the country and appreciates the opportunity to review any potential birth injury matter

WBAI NEWSLETTER

WBAI WOMEN IN LAW SUMMIT 2019

MOVING THE NEEDLE ADVANCING WOMEN IN LAW By: Kathryn Conway On April 5, 2019, the WBAI hosted its 2nd annual Women in Law Summit. Building off last January’s Inaugural Summit, this year’s programming focused on skill-building, networking, analysis, and group discussion designed to advance women in the legal profession.

The day began with an enlightening workshop conducted by Andrea Kramer and Alton Harris, titled “It’s Not You, It’s the Workplace,” named after their upcoming book. Andie & Al discussed why women’s workplace relationships can be challenging and examined the circumstances that give rise to these work environments. Andie & Al explored actionable steps to overcome and avoid workplace conflict and build on the positive aspects of women working with women and provided attendees with strategies and tools to succeed regardless of their environment.

Next, Elizabeth Winiarski led a panel discussion titled “The Art of Self-Promotion – Making the Ask.” The panel featured Susan Levy, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Northern Trust, Yondi Morris-Andrews, Founding Partner, Knight, Morris & Reddick Law Group, Tracy Ferak, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath, and Nubia Willman, Supervising Attorney, Legal

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Assistance Foundation. Panelists provided diverse perspectives on self-promotion for women lawyers and discussed strategies for women lawyers to be successful in the how, when, and why of making the ask.

During the afternoon session, Amy Gardner of Apochromatik led an interactive workshop on “Political IQ: Your Secret Career Weapon.” While many people hear “high political IQ” and imagine a person who can recite the name of every member of Congress, high political IQ actually means you have the combination of political skills and will that help some professionals become more successful than the rest. These political skills aren’t kissing babies and raising money; in the legal field, networking, developing your executive presence, and building your self-awareness are all political skills that can help you build the career and network that you want. As Amy explained, every lawyer can strengthen her executive presence, networking skills, and self-awareness, which in turn build your influence and increase your political IQ. Amy guided participants through a workbook, identifying specific skills worth developing, and providing pragmatic and practical steps to do so.

SPRING 2019

WBAI NEWSLETTER

“This year’s programming focused on skill-building, networking, analysis, and group discussion designed to advance women in the legal profession.”

Courtney Wylie, Chair of the newly-established WBAI Mental Health & Wellness Committee, led a session entitled Harnessing Your Inner Critic. Courtney acknowledged that we all have inner critics that can be full of doubt, frustration, or disapproval, which can hinder our ability to think creatively, take risks, manage stress and approach difficult situations with confidence and ease. She provided ways to practice identifying negative or self-defeating thought patterns and explored the research behind working with negative thought patterns, such as neuroscience, cognitive behavior, mindfulness, and positive psychology. Attendees were able to ask questions and share experiences while gaining practical tools to harness their inner critic, manage stress more effectively, and improve their overall well-being and legal practice.

panelists included Heidi Hennig Rowe, Deputy Practice Group Leader of Construction at Schiff Hardin LLP, Patrick Salvi, Founding Partner of Salvi Schostok & Pritchard, and Kal Shah, Intellectual Property Litigation Practice Group Co-Chair at Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP. Panelists shared their views on legal practice in the era of the #MeToo movement, how men can be allies for women in the workplace, and how women can create opportunities for their female counterparts.

Thank you to the John Marshall Law School for hosting the 2nd Annual Summit and thank you to our generous sponsors: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff; Barlit Beck; and Drinker Biddle & Reath. The Summit was chaired by Sarah King of Clifford Law Offices, Andrea Kramer of McDermott, Will and Emery LLP, Elizabeth Winiarski of Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP, Courtney Wylie of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, and Kate Conway of Power Rogers & Smith, LLP. Kate Conway is a trial lawyer with the law f irm of Power Rogers & Smith where she represents injured people and their families in cases involving wrongful death, medical malpractice, premises liability, product liability, automobile and trucking collisions. She also serves as an Off icer of the WBAI Board of Directors.

The final session included a collaborative discussion between panelists and the audience regarding how Men and Women Create Positive Change toward equality and create opportunity in the workplace. Moderated by Peter Bensinger of Bartlitt Beck,

SPRING 2019

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WBAI NEWSLETTER

LEADING WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT LAW By: Meredith Rudolfi

On March 11, 2019, the WBAI hosted a panel discussion focusing on “Leading Women in Government Law.” The members of the panel consisted of: Cook County State’s Attorney Kimberly M. Foxx, Cook County Public Defender Amy P. Campanelli, Judge Judith C. Rice, Judge Melissa A. Durkin, and April D. Preyar. Both WBAI members and non-members gathered at Cook County’s Domestic Violence Courthouse, located at 555 West Harrison Street in Chicago, to listen to these fascinating women talk about why they chose the government sector, the paths that they took to get to their current position, and how they unwind from the daily stresses of their high-profile positions. After the panel discussion, many attendees stayed to chat one-on-one with the panelists and each other. The WBAI was honored to have these dynamic women gather together to participate in this event.

Meredith Rudolfi is an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and a Director with the WBAI.

WOMEN EVERYWHERE CELEBRATED 20TH ANNIVERSARY By: Lauren L. Witkowski

The Women Everywhere’s 20th Anniversary Celebration on February 28, 2019 celebrated “20 Years Strong!” and honored Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans, who received Women Everywhere’s Steadfast Advocate Award. All proceeds from the Celebration directly fund the annual scholarships and underwrite the cost of the annual Education Day project.

WBAI Director Sarah King is proud to serve as the Vice President of the Women Everywhere Board for Women and loved being Co-Chair of the Celebration/Fundraiser. Clifford Law Offices was a “Projects Underwriter”- the highest level of sponsorship.

Women Everywhere is a non-profit organization driven by the volunteer efforts and goodwill of attorneys, judges, bar associations, and others in the Chicagoland legal community dedicated to creating opportunities for women and children in need through education and community service. Thanks to the generosity of annual fundraiser sponsors and attendees, each year Women Everywhere awards scholarships to young women attending Chicago public high schools who wish to make a difference in their community by pursuing a legal career.

Lauren L. Witkowski is a trial attorney with Zurich North America focusing her litigation practice on defending employers in the areass of Workers’ Compensation.

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SPRING 2019

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EXPERT BEAUTY TIPS FOR BUSY WOMEN By: Ellen Bone

On February 27, 2019, the WBAI hosted its Expert Beauty Tips for Busy Women at Goldplaited Salon in River North. WBAI attendees sipped wine while popping in and out of beauty stations to learn pointers on eyebrow filling, contouring, highlighting, lip color and more. The event was also the perfect opportunity to connect and reconnect with current and potential WBAI members, while learning tips and tricks on how to efficiently apply make-up to look their best for a day in the office or at court.

This event was sponsored by Plant Depos, which gives best-in-class court reporting, videography, videoconferencing, interpretation and trial services throughout the United States and abroad.

The event was planned by WBAI’s Membership Committee which is chaired by Kate Conway at Power Rogers & Smith, Bethany Whittles Harris at Innovative Law Group, Margaret Manetti at Sosin, Arnold & Schoenbeck Ltd., and Elizabeth Winiarski at Benesch Law. Assistance in organizing the event was also provided by committee members Ellen Bone at KPMG LLP, Elizabeth Watchowski at Harrison Street, and Megan Rossman at Axiom Global Inc. Ellen Bone is an associate attorney at KPMG LLP and concentrates her practice on Mergers and Acquisitions.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

TIPS TO MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF SELF- AND SOCIAL-AWARENESS FOR THE WORKING LAWYER The WBAI Committee on Mental Health hosted the first installment of its Emotional Intelligence program in May 2019 providing members with tips to maximize the power of self- and socialawareness for the working lawyer. Be on the lookout for the second installment this 2019-2020 bar year..

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SPRING 2019

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MOVERS & SHAKERS Danielle R. Luisi

Danielle R. Luisi has joined Husch Blackwell LLP in the firm’s Chicago office as an attorney in the Mass Tort & Product Liability practice specialty center.

Natalie Scruton Federle

Congratulations to WBAI Director Natalie Scruton Federle and her husband Julian who welcomed baby girl Claire Jennings Federle into the world on April 4, 2019.

Jeanine Stathopoulos

Congratulations to WBAI Director Jeanine and Jimmy Stathopoulos on the birth of their baby girl, Alexandra, on May 10, 2019.

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Honorable Debra B. Walker

Commissioner Hon. Debra B. Walker received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Illinois College of Law.

Whitney K. Siehl

WBAI Board Director, Whitney K. Siehl, has joined Hagens Berman Sobol and Shapiro, LLP as a Plaintiffs’ class-action litigator focusing on sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and sports law. Whitney is representing the actress and entertainment industry class v. Harvey Weinstein and The Weinstein Company for sexual assault, sex trafficking, and racketeering and the student class v.

USC and Dr. Tyndall for sexual abuse, among others.

SPRING 2019

WBAI NEWSLETTER

SPRING 2019

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321 S. Plymouth Court Chicago, IL 60604