WBAI Newsletter - Spring 2017 by Women's Bar Association of Illinois

NEWSLETTER

2017 Spring Edition

SPRING 2017

WWW.WBAILLINOIS.ORG

WE ARE STRONG

Facing challenges that are shared by others, and, that in facing an uncertain future we discover that we are not alone and stronger together because #WeAreTheWBAI

IN THIS ISSUE 7th Circuit Provides Protection for Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman and Judge Lynn Egan are Honored Members of the WBAI are Sworn in to the U.S. Supreme Court Equal Rights NOW

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Women’s Bar Association of Illinois law practitioners and judges to meet, mingle and discuss recent developments in the law. I wanted to thank Judge Jeanne Reynolds, Aurelija Fitzpatrick and Kathryn Mickelson for all of their hard work to make this event a success. We also had fun networking events throughout the year. This spring, we held a cooking event at Naveen’s Cuisine thanks to Jennifer Yu and PohlmanUSA as well as a sweatworking event with spinning and networking over smoothies following the workout. At the end of May, we partnered with Decalogue for a LinkedIn for Lawyers event. JD Gershbein of Owlish Communications offered great marketing tips and suggestions as to how to increase business through LinkedIn. I want to thank Helen Bloch for all of her hard work obtaining our speaker and organizing the event. It was great to network with members of Decalogue. Last, but certainly not least, members of the WBAI traveled to Washington D.C. on Law Day, May 1, 2017 for a ceremony at the U.S. Supreme Court. Thirty-seven WBAI members were sworn in as members of the bar of the United States Supreme Court. I had the honor of moving for the admission of our members. We had breakfast in a lovely room at the U.S. Supreme Court, surrounded by portraits of the Chief Justices. We then moved to the courtroom for the swearing in ceremony where Chief Justice Roberts administered the oath to the new bar members. Following the ceremony, we were so honored to meet with Justice Ginsburg. I am sure that I speak for everyone when I say that Justice Ginsburg is as wonderful as we thought she would be. Some of our members also were fortunate to run into Justice Gorsuch in, of all places, the Supreme Court bookstore! We capped the day off with a tour of the U.S. Capital. It was truly a special day, one I will never forgot. Thank you to all of the WBAI members who shared in this wonderful experience.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear WBAI Members and Friends: It is hard to believe that my year as President of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois is almost over. As I reflect on the past year, I first want to thank all of the WBAI board members, committee co-chairs and members who have worked hard to make this year a great success. Our theme this year has been “We are the WBAI” and we have focused on our membership. In recent surveys, our members requested more CLE and networking opportunities. Throughout the bar year, our committees have worked hard to bring innovative and insightful programming to our members. We kicked off the year with our inaugural New Lawyers Bootcamp, focusing on interviewing skills, the job search, networking and wellness. We also kicked off our Legally Moms group for working mothers.

The WBAI truly offers something for everyone. Whether you are a first year lawyer or a seasoned practitioner, there are CLE programs, networking and social events for you. I am thankful for the privilege of serving as President of this great organization. I look forward to attending many exciting events in the years to come. I hope you will join me. Get involved. Join a committee. Attend an event. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed. As the cover of this edition of our newsletter so eloquently states, we are strong together and together, we are the WBAI.

As a part of our community outreach program, the WBAI partnered with After School Matters. We held a holiday bazaar at the After School Matters shop and this spring, we held a workshop for high school students interested in a career in the law. The After School Matters students and alumnae are truly inspiring and the WBAI has been honored to partner which such a terrific organization that is doing so much for the young people of the City of Chicago.

Very truly yours,

Adria East Mossing

This spring, thanks to our friends at Swanson, Martin & Bell, we held a business development seminar titled “How to Get Business: Continued Conversations with Givers and Getters.” Women business leaders discussed the selection of panel counsel and they provided tips for growing a book of business. Seasoned practitioners also weighed in on ways to develop and grow business. The seminar was followed by a networking reception. The feedback I received from the attendees was phenomenal. A special thank you goes out to Patti Kocour, Partner at Swanson, Martin & Bell, for all of her hard work and effort to develop this wonderful program.

Adria East Mossing WBAI President 2016-2017

We held our Domestic Roundtable in May which allowed family 2

2017 Spring Edition attorney in the United States admitted in 1869. Judge Rovner is a true role model for all women in our profession, and we were so fortunate to recognize her, and have her as our keynote speaker. Thank you to all the WBAI members for your confidence and support! Sincerely,

Kristin Barnette McCarthy, 2017-2018 President WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS

INCOMING PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Members, I am so privileged and honored to serve as your 101st President of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, and to be given the oath of office by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas Kilbride. I am humbled to celebrate the start of the new bar year with over 700 of our closest friends and supporters at the Palmer House. It is essential that I first extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Adria Mossing for her service and dedication to this organization throughout the last bar year, and her years of service leading up to her presidency. Thank you, Adria! It is with a grateful heart I write this first letter as President, and thank all of you who are making the 103rd Annual Installation Dinner so special. I especially want to thank my tireless Co-chairs, Kathryn Conway, Sarah King, Lauren Tuckey Murray, Aurelija Fitzpatrick, Executive Director Monique Austin, the Annual Dinner Committee women and men, and all of our generous sponsors. I would like to congratulate the Officers and Directors that are being sworn in. The WBAI is so fortunate to have this incredibly talented and extremely dedicated team of amazing women leaders to continue promoting our mission day in and day out through our vast array of initiatives, both in the legal community and the community at-large. Since it was founded in 1914, the WBAI has been a strong voice for all women, and in taking the oath before you tonight we assure you that we remain committed to working together to make a difference every day. We know from the extraordinary female leaders who paved the way before us that we have the opportunity to make history every day, and we will strive to do exactly that. At the Installation Dinner we are also gathering to honor one of these exceptional female leaders, Judge Ilana Kara Diamond Rovner, with the WBAI’s Myra Bradwell Award. As the first woman to sit on the United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, Judge Rovner exemplifies everything the award stands for, as it was named for the first female 3

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Women’s Bar Association of Illinois IN THIS EDITION

OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President’s Message ....................................................... Page 2

OFFICERS President: Adria East Mossing

Editors’ Column ............................................................. Page 5 Recent Events ................................................................. Page 7 Legal Developments ..................................................... Page 21

First Vice President: Kristin Barnette McCarthy

WBAI Law Student Perspective ................................. Page 24 Members in the News................................................... Page 26 Professional Development ........................................... Page 27

Second Vice President: Karie Valentino

Monique Austin, Executive Director

Financial Secretary: Jennifer P. Irmen

321 S. Plymouth Court, Suite # 4S Chicago, IL 60604 wbai@wbaillinois.org / www.wbaillinois.org 312-341-8530 (telephone) / 312-341-8533 (facsimile)

Treasurer: Rebecca Dandy Corresponding Secretary: Dina Ninfo

Newsletter Committee Member-Editorial Assistants: ALISON FINN ANNA LIISA SCHOUREK

Recording Secretary: Jeanine Stathopoulos

AURELIJA FITZPATRICK BLAIRE THEUERKAUF CHRISTINE WALCZAK

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kathryn Conway Natalie Scruton Federle Bethany Whittles Harris Corinne Heggie Courtney Lindbert Kristen Lukaszak Mary Melchor Lauren Waninski Julia Williams Elizabeth Winiarski

DANIELLE BELLO ELSIE HOLZWARTH EMILY WESSEL FARR HAYLEY GRAHAM SLEFO JUN QIU KATHRYN ‘KATE’ CONWAY LYNN TAYLOR MARI BIRMAN SARAH KING SOCIAL MEDIA LIAISON: REBECCA (BECKY) DANDY

EX-OFFICIO Hon. Jessica A. O’Brien

EDITOR CO-CHAIRS: PLEASE CONTACT THE NEWSLETTER EDITOR CO-CHAIRS, JULIA WILLIAMS [JWILLIAMS@ WILLIAMSLAWCHICAGO.COM] OR LAUREN WANINSKI [LWANINSKI@INMANFITZGIBBONS.COM], IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE WBAI NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE.

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2017 Spring Edition EDITORS’ COLUMN

In her estate planning and administration practice, Ms. Williams assists individual in developing their estate plan including preparing Will, Trust, Power of Attorney, and other estate planning documents. She represents clients in probate matters including representing estate administrators or executors and individual in contested litigation.

By: Lauren Waninski & Julia Williams As this bar year comes to an end and we are all celebrating our success and the new adventures that lay ahead, we reflect on how bar membership and particularly membership in the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois makes us stronger lawyers, both for ourselves and our clients. This is clear from the various programming and advocacy that the WBAI has provided throughout this year including continuing legal education programming that produces stronger advocates through substantive education and to our Professional Development.

Ms. Williams assists and advises companies in all aspects of the business. She can assist from the crucial first steps in business organization and the selection of the proper legal entity. Further, she has experience in drafting and negotiating the accompanying documents such as partnership agreements, operating agreements, and bylaws. Ms. Williams provides guidance and expertise to businesses in their business transactions as well as in their employment matters and negotiations.

The WBAI strengths your mind through substantive continuing legal education programming such as the recent panel addressing issues of privacy, data protection, and date litigation put on by the In-House Counsel and Privacy and Emerging Technology Committees. You can also look to the excellent Legal Development articles that keep you abreast of upcoming statutory changes and case law developments.

Finally, Ms. Williams’ business litigation experience includes numerous consumer matters such as mortgage fraud, fraud in the sale of educational services, business contract disputes including a settlement with a Fortune 500 company that permitted the corporations involved to maintain their business relationship, and business litigation including the dismissal of claims against individual shareholders of a corporation. She also has experience with class action litigation, legal malpractice attorney fees disputes, and insurance coverage matters.

The WBAI further strengthens your legal practices with events on “How to Get the Business” and “Keys to Success.” Even if you cannot get out to an event, the WBAI still strengthens your practice with Judge Michael Panter’s (Ret.) article “How Women Can Take First Chair.” A key advantage to membership in the WBAI is the building strength of body and soul. The WBAI literally fed your body with our innovative Cooking Class and then worked your body with “Sweatworking.” We frequently focus on ways to develop business, bring in clients, advance our careers, work, work, work--but that is not all that bar membership is about. It is about friendship and practical tools to make your life less stressful and more enjoyable. Our membership committee has worked tirelessly this year to remind us all to take care of ourselves and each other.

Ms. Williams is very active in the bar community and is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and Illinois Bar Association. She serves as a director of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois and Co-Chair the Community Outreach Committee, Mentor Committee, and editor of the WBAI Newsletter. Lauren L. Waninski is an associate at Inman & Fitzgibbons, Ltd. in Chicago, Illinois. Lauren provides counsel to businesses defending workers’ compensation and general liability claims and focuses 100% of her legal practice to litigation. As an associate at Inman & Fitzgibbons, Lauren’s goal is to deliver the highest quality service in a timely and cost-effective manner. Client service is her first priority.

Speaking of taking care of each other, the WBAI has been on the forefront of important issues such as ratification of the Equal Rights Act. Past-President Sharon Eiseman wrote a piece that first appeared on our WBAI blog and is also in this edition about history of the ERA and how important at it is for all of us to support its passage. The WBAI also participated in the Equal Pay Day rally which promotes awareness of pay discrimination, particularly the harsh impact on woman of color. There is strength in numbers--only together can we affect change. Finally, we reflect on the strength from the inspiring minds around us. This Spring the WBAI hosted a trip to Washington D.C., where several members were sworn in to the United States Supreme Court. This event, full of friendship and fun, was topped off by a meeting with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Her inspiring story and brilliant legal mind reminds us all that we are truly stronger together. #WeAreWBAI #WeAreStrong

Prior to joining Inman & Fitzgibbons, Lauren was an associate at a law firm specializing in defending workers’ compensation claims before serving as an Assistant Attorney General in the Workers’ Compensation Division of the Illinois Attorney General defending workers’ compensation claims brought against the State of Illinois. Lauren has been a member of the WBAI since beginning law school at The John Marshall Law School. Lauren is an active member of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois serving as a Director on the Board of Directors for the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 bar years. She is coeditor of the WBAI Newsletter, co-founder of Women & Wealth, chair of WBAI Document Retention, chair of the WBAI Career Center, an active mentor for the WBAI Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program and serves as a committee member on various other WBAI .

Julia Williams owns and operates as a solo practitioner at Williams Law, LLC in Chicago. She also serves as Of Counsel with the Clinton Law Firm. Ms. Williams focuses her legal practice on business law, estate planning and administration, and commercial litigation. Her broad practice includes advising business clients regarding organizational matters, contract negotiations, business disputes, and employment law and policies. Ms. Williams also advises individual clients in estate planning and administration and probate litigation. 5

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Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar Association of Illinois

2017 Spring Edition RECENT EVENTS WBAI’s Spicy Networking Event

at the Mayflower Hotel, where many of the women were staying. This beautiful, historic hotel provided a great escape for us. Following the reception, we had time to catch up with each other over dinner and drinks.

By: Christine Walczak

The WBAI spiced things up by hosting a culinary networking event at the kitchen of Naveen’s Cuisine on April 11, 2017. Attendees networked with one another as they chopped, minced, tossed, kneaded, marinated and stirred ingredients to create six of Chef Naveen Sachar’s Northern Indian and Thai inspired dishes.

On Monday, we all met at the Supreme Courtroom for the swearing in ceremony. The attorneys being sworn in were able to bring guests, so the room was packed with parents, spouses, and siblings. Prior to the ceremony, we had a private breakfast in one of the Supreme Court conference rooms. The Court’s clerk ran through the schedule of the morning before we were led into the Supreme Court.

Attendees were separated into six groups and assigned one of Chef Naveen’s flavorful dishes, namely lemongrass shrimp, Thai meatballs, samosas, paneer crostini, lettuce wraps and chicken kabobs. After a brief instruction on the ins and outs of meal prep and the basics of Indian and Thai cooking, attendees rolled up their sleeves, separated into their groups and were told to curry on. Throughout the evening, the atmosphere in the kitchen was relaxed and comfortable, which allowed attendees to mingle and sip wine as they prepared and sampled Chef Naveen’s delectable dishes. Chef Naveen shared cooking tips and jokes as he oversaw each group’s cooking. The evening was a perfect fusion of food, fellowship and fun. Thank you to the WBAI Membership and In-House Committees for hosting and to PohlmanUSA for sponsoring this perfectly delicious and flavorful event. Christine Walczak is an associate at Sosin, Arnold & Schoenbeck, Ltd. where she focuses on municipal law and commercial transactions.

The Supreme Court was stunning. I had been in there once before for a tour, but this was my first time seeing court packed with lawyers and guests. The guests waited in the gallery of the Court and the attorneys being sworn in were sitting in front of the bench. We anxiously waited for the Justices to take their seats and begin the day’s session. Finally, the buzzer sounded and the United States Marshalls motioned for us to stand. Like rock stars coming onto the stage, the curtains pulled back behind the bench and the Justices walked to their chairs.

D.C. SCOTUS Swearing In By: Stephanie Cueman

As I neared the end of my third year of law school, all I could think about was my upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. with the WBAI. I was lucky enough to join the WBAI on the D.C. trip to see 37 attorneys be sworn into the Supreme Court of the United States. Even though I couldn’t be sworn in, I knew this was an amazing opportunity and couldn’t wait to see the Justices sit at the bench for the ceremony.

Eight of the nine Justices were at the Court that today. Unfortunately, Justice Sotomayor was not on the bench that day, but we got the chance to see the other eight Justices, including the recently appointed Justice

The trip to D.C. took place April 30, 2017 to May 1, 2017. The WBAI weekend kicked off with a Sunday afternoon drink reception 7

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Women’s Bar Association of Illinois It has been more than 50 years since President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law in 1963. Despite significant progress in narrowing the wage gap after the Equal Pay Act was enacted, it has remained essentially stagnant at 77 percent for more than a decade. Since 2004, the wage gap has only narrowed by half a cent, according to the National Partnership for Women and Families. For the first time in a decade, 2015 marked a slight decrease in the wage gap to 78 percent. The wage gap has continued to narrow marginally to 80 percent in 2016. While it is encouraging that the wage gap continues to narrow, real change needs to be effectuated within the Equal Pay Movement.

Gorsuch. Before the swearing-in ceremony, Justice Breyer read two opinions: Venezuela v. Helmerich & Payne Int’l and Bank of America Corp. v. City of Miami. After the reading of the opinions, the attorneys were sworn in. Adria East Mossing, President of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, presented a motion to Chief Justice Roberts for the 37 attorneys from the WBAI to be admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States. She read each member’s name as they stood in front of the Court. All members took the oath to be sworn in as a member of the United States Supreme Court. The highlight of the morning was meeting Justice Ginsberg. She came to our conference room to take a photograph with the attorneys that were sworn in. She also took a photograph with the incoming WBAI board members that were part of the group. Before leaving the room, she spoke briefly with the women that were just sworn in to the Court.

On average, women earn 80 cents per every dollar of their male colleagues for equal work, according to the 2015 U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey. Across the country, women working full time lose nearly $500 billion dollars due to this wage gap despite the fact that women currently comprise nearly half of the U.S. labor force. Additionally, women are becoming the primary source of family income at an increased rate. This continued disparity is unacceptable and has devastating consequences on the American economy and the stability of families.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, we had a few hours free for lunch and sightseeing. In the afternoon, we met up for a tour of the Capitol building. It was an amazing weekend that reminded me why I decided to go to law school. I’m so proud of the women that were sworn in to the Supreme Court, and hope they get to deliver arguments one day. I can’t wait until I can be sworn-in. I would love to lead a trip of WBAI members back to Washington, D.C. to become members of the United States Supreme Court.

Equal Pay Day Chicago 2017 By: Dina Ninfo

Equal Pay Day represents how far into the next year a woman must work to equal the earnings of her male colleagues from the previous year. Equal Pay Day originated as a public awareness event in 1996 and was created by the National Committee on Pay Equality. This year Equal Pay Day Chicago took place on April 4, 2017 at Daley Plaza. Once again, the WBAI was a proud co-sponsor of this event. Of note, this year’s Equal Pay Day took place eight days earlier than it did in 2016. An executive order entered by President Trump on March 27, 2017, just days before Equal Pay Day, impacted away many protections aimed at closing this wage gap and other serious issues women face in the workplace. This executive order revoked the 2014 Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces order put into place by Former President Obama. This previous order ensured that companies with federal contracts comply with 14 different civil rights laws including paycheck transparency, a ban on forced arbitration clauses for sexual harassment, sexual assault and discrimination claims and protections of parental leave. The implications of these changes causes concern for both recent and future progress in decreasing this wage gap. The Master of Ceremonies for Equal Pay Day Chicago 2017 was Sally Lou Loveman, Founder of Lovespeaks. Rapper and activist FM Supreme opened and closed the ceremony by performing. A number of speakers were present, filling the room with hope and encouragement that the gender gap can continue to narrow with awareness assertion and activism. These inspiring women included Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, Maria Pesquiera, President and CEO of Mujeres 8

2017 Spring Edition Latinas; Janice Glenn, Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Human Rights; Liz Radford; Ann Scholhamer and Jessica Sheller, the Co-Chairs of the Women’s March on Chicago; Sharmili Majmudar, of Women Employed; and Dorri McWhorter, of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. Maria Pesquiera spoke about the issue that Latina women must work almost two years to earn the equivalent of their white male counterpart, earning only 54 cents to their dollar. Janice Glenn stated that in 2016 approximately 2000 complaints were filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights, which account for approximately 60 percent of the total complaints filed.

topic and interrelated issues. Text of the Equal Rights Amendment (“ERA”) as proposed by Congress in 1972 Section 1: Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of sex. Section 2: The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article. Section 3: This amendment shall take effect two years after ratification.

We must stand together on this important issue, now more than ever, and demand equal pay and transparency in wage discrimination. Spread the word that The American Association of University Women is offering free salary negotiation workshops in Chicago. Details about these workshops can be found at https://salary.aauw.org. We must also follow the wise words of Lieutenant Evelyn Sanguinetti, “We must be mentors for generations to come in this fight for gender equality ... We (as women) have to be our best advocates and pay it forward ... “ If you were not able to attend this important event, you can view the ceremony in its entirety at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Jsi3g5IbQ3o. Dina M. Ninfo is a partner at Angelini & Ori, LLC whose practice focuses on paintiff’s workers’ compensation, personal injury, civil rights and employment discrimination. She will be installed as the WBAI treasurer at the Annual Dinner.

Amy Jo Conroy, Elizabeth Wells, Sharon Eiseman, and Beth McMean

Brief History of Recent Efforts to Pass the ERA In 1972, more than a half century after Alice Paul and one of her colleagues first proposed an Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (which she drafted) to guarantee gender equality in this country, and due in part to the advocacy of the National Organization for Women (‘NOW’), our Congress took the bold step of approving the ERA which then required ratification by three-fourths—or at least 38—of the States. It is widely believed that this Congressional action was also fueled by the growing feminist movement begun in the mid to late l960s. In its passage of the ERA, Congress established a deadline of 1979 for the fifty States to vote their individual approvals, a deadline which Congress extended once--to 1982. By the time 1982 arrived, 35 of the states had met the requirement, leaving the necessary ratification number three states short. Sadly, Illinois was one of the States that failed to ratify the ERA.

The Equal Rights Amendment: Why Now? By: Sharon Eiseman

On October 31, 2016 the Chicago Bar Association graciously hosted a two-hour live CLE program about the ERA entitled ‘The Equal Rights Amendment: Why It Still Matters and How It Will Affect Our Future.’ The program planning was spearheaded by the CBA-WBAI Joint Task Force on Women and Aging, founded in 1999, which was joined by co-sponsors: the CBA and its Alliance for Women and YLS Women in the Law Committee, the WBAI, the ISBA’s Women and the Law Committee and the ABA’s Commission on Women in the Profession. On stage for this CLE event were: Illinois State Senator Heather Steans, State Representative Louis Lang, Illinois Solicitor General of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office David Franklin, Attorney Deane Brown, partner with Hughes Socol Piers Resnick Dym, Ltd. and Larry Suffredin, CBA Legislative Lobbyist and program moderator. Through individual presentations from each speaker, followed by a moderated panel discussion among the four of them, more than 100 audience members—in the room and online—were treated to a detailed explanation of the process by which the Equal Rights Amendment, like any proposed amendment, would become embodied in the U. S. Constitution; what impact the failure by the requisite number of states to ratify Congress’ 1972 passage of the ERA may have on subsequent efforts; what the effect would be on future efforts to pass the ERA of the rescinding by several states since 1982 of their earlier ratifications; and whether, when and how the U.S. Supreme Court will weigh in on the issues. To help the reader better understand the references in this article, the following information is offered as an introduction to the

Recent Actions to Promote Support and Passage of the ERA In succeeding years, the issue, though not forgotten, fell off the radar, perhaps because of other intervening concerns and the negative reaction to the ERA in many states that continued to be fomented by anti-feminist Phyllis Schlafly who seemed able to convince many citizens that an ERA was unnecessary. Moreover, her message that housewives would lose their “protections” seemed to resonate with certain segments of the populace. In 2012, however, to mark the 40th anniversary of Congress’ passage of the ERA, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced a new version of the ERA in Congress and called for its passage by means of a “fresh start approach.”. Thereafter, on July 24, 2015, Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA), with Congresswoman Maloney by her side, held 9

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a press conference on the Supreme Court steps in Washington, D.C. to announce her proposal for passage of the ERA through legislation that advocates for the “three-state solution” which would eliminate the timeline by seeking ratification from three more states.

legal profession in particular. That recorded interview is available to CBA members for viewing through the CBA website.*

These concrete steps (figuratively and, in reality, leading to the U.S. Supreme Court!), and the attention they have attracted, along with the ‘buzz’ about the recently released documentary ‘Equal Means Equal’ (one of whose producers is screen and TV actress Patricia Arquette), and certainly including action by the Illinois General Assembly toward passage of an ERA Resolution (discussed below), have mobilized a new generation of women and men and awakened those who are older into recognizing a flaw in our Constitution. Despite many state statutes and local government laws requiring equality in various areas of our existence, such as access to pay equity and employment opportunities and in sports and education, women still lag far behind men in many areas of their daily lives. To complicate matters, there is no consistency among states, or between states and the federal government, in how their respective agencies ‘and even our courts’ interpret and enforce gender equality and non-discrimination laws and regulations.

The October 31st two hour CLE presentation began with an engaging mini-seminar given by Illinois Solicitor General David Franklin, who not only has been an Associate Professor at several law schools and served as a Vice Dean at DePaul College of Law but also clerked for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Naturally, he knows how to get the attention of the audience and the lawyers present were treated to a deja vu experience of being in their law school classrooms—and the nonattorneys among us got a crash course in the history of, and the process required for, enacting constitutional amendments that was delivered by Solicitor General Franklin with vigor, charm and humor.

What the Audience for the October 31st ERA Program Learned

Mr. Franklin outlined the specifics of the efforts in the 1970s and early 80s to pass the ERA through ratification of Congress’ proposed amendment by three-fourths of the 50 State legislatures, and the impact of the later rescissions by five states of their previous ratifications. Franklin suggested that the movement for ERA passage may have lost momentum due to the focus during that very era on expanding protections for women through other vehicles, such as Title IX and Title VII amendments, the Roe v. Wade decision covering women’s reproductive rights, and the passage by some states of amendments to their own constitutions that guaranteed equality of the sexes.

Thus, TODAY the time seems ripe for reconsidering this Amendment to our United States Constitution. For this reason, legal organizations and non-profit legal aid and advocacy groups have expressed support for reinvigorating the movement for ERA passage. As one example, in June of 2016 the Illinois State Bar Association, with the unanimous vote of its 300+ member policy-making Assembly, approved by motion the ISBA’s support of the Equal Rights Amendment. In addition, the CBA and its leadership are currently preparing to take a public stand in support of the ERA following a public comment period the Association provided for its membership to weigh in online concerning whether the Equal Rights Amendment should be passed (or ratified) and whether the CBA should advocate for its passage by the Illinois Legislature.

The Solicitor General also offered an overview of several U.S. Supreme Court Opinions that addressed whether the creation of gender classifications for certain purposes should be subject to intermediate or strict scrutiny, pointing to the landmark case of Frontiero v. Richards, 411 U.S. 677 (1973). The journey of that case to our highest court began when a request made by Air Force Officer Sharron Frontiero for increased medical, dental and other benefits for her husband was denied by the military. The basis for denial was the administrative provisions of the U.S. Code which required him, as a male spouse, to prove he was in fact ‘dependent’ upon his wife for over one-half of his support. Conversely, wives of male service members were, for administrative convenience, considered as ‘dependent’ without the need to present any evidence.

Recent Actions of the Illinois Legislature to Move the ERA Forward In 2014, Sen. Heather Steans initiated a plan to reinvigorate the ERA in the Legislature with her introduction of Joint Resolution SJRCA75 into the Senate. When it was called for a vote, the Senate approved the Joint Resolution by 39-11, more than the three-fifths majority necessary for its passage, thereby sending it on to the Illinois House. Shortly thereafter, State Rep. Louis Lang furthered the plan by introducing the Resolution into the House, although it has not yet been called for a vote. Despite inaction for a few years, that Resolution stands as evidence that the ERA still matters and that its passage would positively affect the future of Americans. Moreover, Rep. Lang recently stated, at the October ERA Program, that he is ready to bring the matter to a vote— as a new resolution or by re-introducing the 2014 Joint Resolution in our House of Representatives—once some of the State’s critical budget issues are resolved and he believes he has sufficient support from his fellow representatives.

In his Opinion for the Court, Justice Brennan noted an increase, over the past decade, in Congress’ sensitivity to “sex-based classifications”, and he cited as support certain relevant provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Section 1 of the (then pending) Equal Rights Amendment passed by Congress on March 22, 1972—shortly before Frontiero was decided. (Id. at 687). Following that theme and departing from the intermediate scrutiny that had generally been used in equal protection challenges for evaluating classifications based upon sex, Justice Brennan applied strict scrutiny to the subject classifications for military benefits that treated men and women differently solely on the basis of their gender, which the Court described as an ‘immutable characteristic’ determined solely by accident of birth. As a result, the Court concluded that the statutory scheme under scrutiny in Frontiero was “constitutionally invalid,” (Id. at 688) and held that, “…by according differential treatment to male and female members of the uniformed services for the sole purpose

In preparation for the October 31, 2016 Equal Rights Amendment Program that was hosted by the CBA, Past CBA President Laurel Bellows was interviewed by Larry Suffredin, the CBA’s Legislative Counsel and Lobbyist, about how the ERA would benefit women in the 10

2017 Spring Edition of achieving administrative convenience, the challenged statutes violate the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment…” (Id. at 691). Of interest, Mr. Franklin observed, was Justice Powell’s view that it was “inappropriate to decide at this time whether sex is a suspect classification” since the “Equal Rights Amendment has been submitted to the States for ratification.” (Id. at 678.)

determined to keep the issue alive. The Senator also noted, during the panel discussion, that she believes if Gov. Rauner can be persuaded to support the ERA Resolution, the Republican legislators would be more inclined to vote in favor of it, as they would not feel they are betraying their party. Representative Louis Lang is similarly passionate about advocating for women’s rights on the legislative front. He remarked on the various

The Solicitor General also explored the issue of pursuing further steps to ratify the ERA passed by Congress in 1972 or as approved more recently. He noted that, since the deadline imposed in the 1970s for ratification by the required 38 states was not imbedded in the text of the ERA Resolution, it can be argued that Congress has the authority to set a new deadline. Additionally, the validity of the rescissions by five states could be subject to challenge on the basis that Article V of the Constitution, which provides for amending that document by means of Congressional determination that an amendment is necessary, followed by ratification of the proposed amendment by threefourths of the State Legislatures, does not empower the States to rescind their ratifications. However, if such a challenge is raised, the issue is likely to end up once again in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Cooney and Conway is a proud

Following the opening act, we heard from two Illinois legislators who are firmly committed to furthering women’s rights in general, and to supporting passage of the ERA. Senator Heather Steans focused on the reasons we must, as a nation, pass the Equal Rights Amendment and she identified two significant areas where gender inequality impairs us as a country. First, women are still far behind men in their work earnings. While progress has been made from the 59 cents women averaged in the 1970s to every dollar men earned (for the same work, of course), and that number is now about 77 cents, women’s salaries have been stuck at that level for many years—and when over half of the population is disadvantaged due simply to their gender, everyone…every family, every community and every workplace suffers. Achieving pay equity would be far easier with a gender equality amendment in the U.S. Constitution. Sen. Steans also noted that the United States cannot be a leader and a global force for other countries to treat women fairly, instead of depriving them of basic human rights and abusing and torturing them, if, as a world power, we cannot manage to incorporate into our own Constitution a provision that prohibits the denial and abridging of rights based upon sex. Finally, as Rep. Lang also noted, Sen. Steans reminded us that Florida is waiting for Illinois to ratify the ERA by passing its Joint Resolution so that they can follow that same path—and that Virginia might not be far behind. Moreover, she is

supporter of the

Women’s Bar Association of Illinois and wishes to congratulate their trial attorney and friend Kathy Byrne on her selection as a 2017 Top Woman Lawyer in Leadership ___ Cooney & Conway National Asbestos Attorneys and Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers www.CooneyConway.com

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incremental ways in which women still face barriers in their dealings with landlords, financial institutions and corporations. His main point, however, concerned the need for mustering adequate support for pursuing the ERA Joint Resolution in the House. Rep. Lang would not want to reintroduce it and then call for a vote if he isn’t certain the measure would achieve the requisite numerical support. While the Democrats still hold a majority in both the House and the Senate, according to Rep. Lang, there are a number of Democratic legislators from the southern part of the State and the more rural areas who are skeptical of the ERA and not certain it is necessary. Those are the legislators who might be persuaded to change their views by calls from constituents urging their support of the ERA Joint Resolution and offering reasons for such support. Rep. Lang made it clear to audience members that he is always available to work with those who are eager to see the Illinois Legislature succeed in passing the Resolution this time around.

that Deane Brown offered was of a video that one company showed at a work-related conference as an example of ‘teamwork’. It filmed three or four men standing side by side at urinals in a men’s bathroom, their backsides from the waist up facing the camera. Each man was helping one of the other men, or being helped by one of the other men, to light a cigarette or to consume a drink, all of them doing so presumably while urinating—which is why they needed each other’s assistance. Surely this must be one of the grossest real-life scenarios that, without words, reflects the most base of male attitudes one can imagine facing in a workplace setting—and the gasps from audience members in the room were a reflection of that sentiment. Fortunately, we were spared a viewing of the video! During the panel discussion, Ms. Brown expressed hope that, if passed, the ERA might be construed to include members of the LGBT community. In the meantime, we should be encouraged that the EEOC has recently expanded its guidelines and procedures concerning its interpretation of sex discrimination to include misconduct directed against those who identify as belonging to one or another of the groups encompassed by that informal class designation. Thus, for the first time, they have begun investigating complaints of that nature. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has recently decided that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is a form of discrimination because of sex, which is prohibited under Title Vll in Kimberly Hively v. Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana.

Our final speaker before the panel discussion took place was attorney Deane Brown who concentrates her practice in the area of employment law. Ms. Brown summarized a number of cases in which her female clients could be exemplars of the toll that gender inequity takes on women in the workplace. She also pointed out the lack of coverage in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for certain kinds of workers or employees, such as those in public office and those who are working under contract, and for those who work for employers with less than a certain number of workers. Of even greater concern is that sex discrimination cases brought under the Equal Protection Clause are often dismissed for lack of evidence of intent on the part of the alleged perpetrator.

Ms. Brown also opined that the ERA would be an additional tool to use in seeking justice for women—and men too. Having the ERA in one’s ‘toolbox’ might bring better results for pregnant women who are

From the scenarios Ms. Brown described, we were reminded (of what no longer shocks us, though it should) that in many businesses it is the men who are assigned the better clients and the more lucrative territories; that when men retire, their ‘book of business’ goes to the younger men in the firm, corporation or company; and that the younger men, not the accomplished women, are groomed for taking on the more desirable clients with whom they have opportunities to interact on golf outings, at sporting events and in ‘gentlemen’s clubs’. Thus, it is no surprise to hear, on a fairly regular basis, that despite the continual debunking of the myths that women are not strong or assertive enough to be leaders, there is a pitifully low percentage of women in upper management of law firms and of corporations in other sectors of the workforce. Further if women do make it to that level, they often do not get the support of their partners or colleagues and so there is a built-in mechanism for failing that must be overcome. Ms. Brown also described situations, ripe for litigation, in which the mistreated or ignored women complained of the discrimination they had experienced and quickly found themselves out of a job or demoted. Understandably, in difficult workplace environments women often won’t report discrimination or harassment due to their rational fear of retaliation. One of the more explicit and disturbing examples of a poisonous work environment for women 12

2017 Spring Edition not afforded appropriate accommodations, in the workplace (unless individual states enact laws mandating accommodations as Illinois has done) for being in a condition that affects only women. However, it should be mentioned, as an important legal issue perhaps for analysis at another seminar, that David Franklin expressed reservations as to whether the Amendment, if passed, would cover actors in the private sector. In that vein, he noted some cases in which causes of action filed against private actors were dismissed for lack of standing.

Schichtel, Partner, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP and Maria Vathis, Of Counsel, Bryan Cave. Both the “Givers” and “Getters” agreed first and foremost, it is imperative to be an excellent attorney to generate business. The “Givers” expect attorneys to be responsive, creative, and problemsolvers. They advised against acknowledging potential issues without offering solutions. For young associates, the “Givers” are impressed by associates who act like partners, meaning they take on challenges, take responsibility, and are confident in their advice. The “Getters” discussed the importance of understanding a potential client’s business and anticipating their future needs.

In general, the interactive panel discussion, so ably and thoughtfully moderated by Larry Suffredin, revealed not only the well-articulated views of the four speakers, but also that there is serious resolve among a group of individuals from different disciplines to work for passage of the ERA and to enlighten others about the process and the benefits that can result. Moreover, each of the five men and women in this collective will do so with their unique individual abilities to positively influence how the future for gender equality can evolve. Perhaps that is why so many audience members stayed after the program concluded: to chat with our five amazing program participants and to let the sense of community and hope for achieving a common goal linger a bit longer. We just need to be willing and prepared to help them and others with similar objectives get to the finish line.

Building a book of business is ultimately about creating relationships. All panelists encouraged getting involved in the community through bar membership, volunteer organizations, and activities that spark passion to create genuine relationships. Both panels suggested ways to cultivate new and existing relationships, including speaking engagements, publishing on a niche practice area, and taking time each day to connect with potential clients. Relationships and business can come from unexpected places, so it is necessary to be open and adaptable regarding practice abilities. One panelist suggested beyond finding just one great mentor, to cultivate a personal board of directors with many members to assist in setting and achieving goals. Finally, both panels emphasized successful business developers are authentic, proactive, and not afraid to ask for the business.

*You will find the ERA program materials at www.chicagobar.org/ ERAcomment. You may access (without MCLE credit) the ERA program at https://youtu.be/Y4yHijhForU Sharon Eiseman is the Land Acquisition Bureau Chief in the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. She is the co-chair of the WBAI / CBA Joint Task Force on Women and Aging.

Whitney K. Siehl is an associate attorney at Cassiday Schade LLP. She maintains a diverse civil litigation defense practice, including medical and professional liability, general liability, and employment law. She will be installed as a new member of the WBAI Board of Directors at the Annual Dinner on June 8, 2017.

WBAI and Swanson, Martin & Bell Host Second “How to Get the Business” CLE By: Whitney K. Siehl

The 2017 WBAI Judicial Reception

By: Maria Phillips and Hon. Darlene Redmond

The second installation of the popular business development CLE, “How to Get the Business: Continued Conversation with Givers and Getters”, jointly hosted by the WBAI and Swanson, Martin & Bell, took place to a sold-out crowd on April 4, 2017 in the CBA building. The two-part panel generated a lively discussion regarding the best practices for business development and attorney career advancement.

The WBAI hosted its 103rd Annual Judicial Reception on March 1, 2017 at the Chicago Cultural Center. Saved from demolition in 1972 by Eleanor “Sis” Daley, the Mayor’s wife, and converted from a library in 1989 by Mrs. Lois Weisberg, the first Commissioner of Cultural Affairs, the Chicago Cultural Center (also known as “The People’s Palace”) is the perfect venue for the WBAI, and has been the home for the Judicial Reception for the past two years.

The “Givers” panel included: Kate Boege, Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Wintrust Financial Corporation; Patricia Charles, General Counsel, Marmon Energy Services Company; Sara Kagay, Associate General Counsel, Securities and Employment, Brunswick Corporation; and Kelly Sullivan, Chief Risk Officer, Associate Vice President and Associate General Counsel, Rush University Medical Center.

The sold-out event welcomed a diverse group of about 600 attendees from seemingly every culture. Amongst the attendees were 185 state and federal members of the judiciary, including Illinois Supreme Court Justices Anne Burke and Mary Jane Theis, state and local representatives, various government officials, litigators and transactional attorneys alike, as well as other diverse and esteemed members of the community.

The “Getters” panel included: Kendra Mosley Ayuk, Attorney, Mosley Ayuk Law Firm, LLC; Maja Eaton, Partner, Sidley Austin; George Fitzpatrick, Partner, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP; and Adria Mossing, WBAI President and Partner, Mossing & Navarre, LLC.

The 2017 Honorees included Mary Heftel Hooton Award recipient, the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman, Northern District of Illinois, and Women with Vision Award recipient, the Honorable Lynn Egan, Circuit Court of Cook County. Women with Vision Award recipient. Judge Coleman served first as a Circuit Court Judge and later as an Appellate Court Judge before being appointed to the Northern District bench in

The informative and empowering discussion was moderated by Kay 13

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Women’s Bar Association of Illinois Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman, graciously began her acceptance speech by thanking each member of the committee for selecting her for the award. In addition to expressing gratitude for being selected, Judge Coleman also highlighted that she had served as a Circuit Court Judge in the Law Division alongside co-award-recipient, Judge Lynn Egan. She added that they also happened to be pregnant at the same time. Their fates were once again intertwined as they were honored that night.

2010. Upon her appointment, President Barack Obama referred to her as one of the “best and brightest.” She attended Washington University School of Law. Judge Egan was first appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in 1995. She has been retained in 1996, 2002, 2008, and most recently in 2014. She attended The John Marshall Law School. Both women were selected by the WBAI for their role in advocating for women in the profession and advancing women’s interests. The Judicial Reception Committee, led by Margaret Batthersby Black, Rebecca Dandy, Lauren Tuckey Murray, and Jill Webb, commenced the evening with a photo on the iconic Washington Street entrance staircase. The Roman-inspired décor showcases some of the world’s rarest marbles; Italian Carrara (white) and Irish Connemara (dark green), as well as mosaics designed by some of the most revered artists of Shepley Rutan & Coolidge and Tiffany Studios. The architectural jewels, the grand staircase and the ornate fish-scaled Tiffany Favrile dome overhead, greet visitors upon arrival. Following the photos, the evening began with cocktails, great food, and networking.

Maria Phillips works with the Business and Professional Services and Technology and Management Consulting Groups of RSM US LLP. Her practice is primarily focused around providing services to law firms. She is extremely passionate about diversity and inclusion and is active in several WBAI committees, while also heading up her firm’s professional development initiative for the Chicagoland ¡HOLA! (Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Advancement) employee network group. The Honorable Darlene Redmond is an Administrative Law Judge for the Village of Oak Park and an Arbitrator for FINRA, American Arbitration Association and Circuit Court Cook County. She is an active member of the WBAI and serves on a number of committees.

The presentation commenced at about 6 p.m. The room was so lively, that co-chair Lauren Tuckey Murray enlisted one of the Judges to help her quiet down the audience. Mary Heftel Hooton Award recipient,

2017 WBAI Judicial Reception

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Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar Association of Illinois

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Women’s Bar Association of Illinois Key To Success

professors and school administrators to discuss what law students can do now in order to become attorneys prepared to leave their mark on the profession. Chicago-Kent’s Society of Women in Law would like to thank the panelists and participants who made this memorable night possible.

By: Stephanie Gersetter “The sky is the limit.” “You are not defined by what you’re doing now, but by who you are.” “Don’t give up on something that you really want in your career – keep working toward it, and make it yours.”

Stephanie Gersetter is a second-year law student at Chicago-Kent College of Law. Stephanie is the WBAI Liaison for Chicago-Kent’s Society of Women in Law, and currently works as a Law Clerk at Corboy & Demetrio, P.C.

These motivational quotes did not come from a random posting on Pinterest or Facebook, like those scrolled past on a daily basis. They came from three of the Chicago legal community’s female leaders, as words of advice to the next generation of female attorneys poised to enter the profession.

Legally Moms Happy Hour By: Jennifer Bekkerman

The ladies of our newly formed WBAI Legally Mom initiative took a break from educational programming for a networking happy hour on March 9, 2017. The 20 women in attendance were WBAI members and women brought by members who were interested in joining WBAI to the happy hour at Sidebar Grille in the loop. The event was sponsored by Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC.

On April 5, 2017, Chicago-Kent’s Society of Women hosted a panel from the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (“WBAI”) titled “Keys to Success: Tips for Advancing your Career in a Healthy Way.” The panel discussion was held at Chicago-Kent College of Law. WBAI members Andrea Kramer, of McDermott Will & Emery; Karie Valentino, of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP; and Elizabeth Winiarski, of Jones Day, spearheaded the discussion, fielding questions from a moderator and guests on a wide range of topics including: wealth management, career development, healthy lifestyle choices, and their involvement with WBAI. Mrs. Kramer also generously raﬄed off copies of her book Breaking Through Bias.

As a membership initiative, Legally Mom events have successfully recruited a number of new attorneys to the WBAI. In our debut year, Legally Mom programming has provided attorneys balancing family and career educational resources on topics like alternative careers and schedules and navigating Chicago Public Schools, as well as social outings where members can network, collaborate, and sometimes,

Immediately following the panel, guests enjoyed a networking reception. Conversation continued into the night, as the panelists joined 18

2017 Spring Edition commiserate on the challenges busy moms face, while maintaining their career.

Topics of discussion included how companies tackle breach prevention and deal with post-breach response, the types of theories that are and are not working in the realm of data breach litigation following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Spokeo v. Robins, the role the EU-US Privacy Shield and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) have in influencing companies’ priorities with respect to how they treat data, and possible changes on the horizon for privacy legislation and regulations under the Trump administration.

The final Legally Mom event of the bar year was a roundtable discussion and lunch sponsored by Northern Trust titled “Legal Life Hacks,” on May 4, 2017 from 12-1:00 p.m. at Northern Trust, 50 South LaSalle Street B-6. The discussion focused on members’ experiences, good and bad, with services and resources that are meant to make life easier. Jennifer Bekkerman is a Partner at Bekkerman Law Offices, representing individuals injured by the negligence others of others.

Amy and Caitlin used their differing professional backgrounds to provide an engaging discussion about these hot topics, and members of the audience often jumped in to ask questions or provide insightful commentary.

Emerging Issues in Privacy and Technology Law CLE Panel

Thank you to our excellent panelists for their expertise and work on the panel, to the In-House Committee and the new Privacy and Emerging Technology Committee for organizing, and to Edelson PC for sponsoring.

By: Sydney Janzen

The Privacy and Emerging Technology Committee and In-House Committee co-hosted a panel luncheon on February 15, 2017. The discussion covered trends in data protection, data breach litigation, and potential changes in the regulatory landscape after the presidential election. The panel took place at ISBA Mutual and was sponsored by Edelson PC.

Sydney Janzen is an attorney at plaintiffs’ class action law firm Edelson PC, where she handles consumer privacy- and technology-related cases.

Sweatworking with the WBAI By: Blaire Theuerkauf

WBAI members came together to build and strengthen their networks, as well as their bodies, for a Sweatworking event at Studio Three on May 15, 2017. The women of the WBAI motivated each other, as well as the regular Studio Three participants, to push themselves to complete a 45 minute spin class led by Antonia Desantis. These women climbed hills, sprinted and lifted weights on their bikes to build muscle and to work up a good sweat throughout the workout. Antonia led the pack by playing upbeat music and shouting words of encouragement to all the cyclers in the room. This event was uplifting by allowing WBAI members to find their own inner strength and encouraging women (and some men) to reach their full potential. Whether they were first time cyclers or veterans, everyone came out of the class “glistening” from a great workout and were rewarded with amazing smoothies from Graze, Studio Three’s “Damn Good Smoothies.” At Graze, WBAI members strengthened their networks through upbeat conversations. All members left with the satisfaction of a great workout and new connections. The WBAI would like to thank Studio Three for allowing us to put on this wonderful event and Antonia Desantis for leading us through a tough, but rewarding workout. Blaire Theuerkauf is a rising 3L at DePaul University College of Law.

Vanguard Awards

By: Stephanie Cueman The Chicago Bar Association, along with other bar associations, hosted the Vanguard Awards at the Standard Club on April 6, 2017. The Vanguard Awards are co-hosted each year by many of the bar associations to honor the individuals and institutions who have made the law and legal profession more accessible to and reflective of the

The program presented a multi-faceted view of the issues from privacy class action attorney Amy Keller, of Wexler Wallace LLP, and in-house counsel Caitlin Klein, who leads Aon Corporation’s United States privacy team. 19

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Women’s Bar Association of Illinois catch up in between acceptance speeches. The WBAI congratulates all the Vanguard Award recipients.

community at large. The first Vanguard Awards ceremony was held in 1999 and was hosted by the Chicago Bar Association and three other bar associations. This year, 15 bar associations took part in the event and recognized 15 honorees for their commitment to our community.

Stephanie Cueman is a third year student at DePaul University College of Law.

The event started with a reception before moving to the dining room for the awards presentation. Daniel M. Kotin, president of the CBA, served as the emcee during the lunch. The co-sponsoring bar associations named one recipient on their behalf. Following the speeches, the president of the respective bar organizations presented the award to its honoree. The Women’s Bar Association of Illinois bestowed its Vanguard Award to Andrea S. Kramer, partner at McDermott Will & Emery. In her taped acceptance speech, Andie spoke about her experiences with the WBAI’s community outreach committee and providing services to women and children in need. Andie’s speech followed the theme of the afternoon. Other Vanguard Award recipients spoke on the importance of reaching out to members of the community to educate voters and provide legal services to those in need. The room was filled with law students, lawyers, and judges that have devoted their time to strengthening the legal community. The room was abuzz throughout the luncheon as friends and colleague had a chance to

2017 Spring Edition LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS A Big Change is Coming to Child Support Calculations

activities, child care expenses, health or medical coverage or health care needs not covered by insurance. The court may order either or both parents to contribute to those additional expenses on top of basic support.8 These additional expenses will typically be totaled and then proportionately shared between the parents based on their respective percentage of income.

By: Rachael Toft

Since 1984, child support in Illinois has been calculated solely on the non-residential parent’s net income.1 The income of the residential parent was not considered and a flat percentage was applied to the nonresidential parent based on the number of children. In contrast, the new law (the “income shares” model) considers both parents’ income in calculating child support, such that each parent is responsible for his or her own prorated share of the basic child support obligation.

Shared Parenting Time and the Shared Care Child Support Obligation Currently, child support is paid by the non-residential parent to the residential parent, regardless of the amount of time a non-residential parent may spend with the child. The new law addresses the situation where a “non-residential” parent has significant parenting time. Specifically, the new law establishes a threshold shared parenting time such that when a child spends 40% of the time with a parent (at least 146 overnights a year), then the “non-residential” parent’s support obligation may be reduced.9

The new law will take effect July 1, 2017 for all child support calculations. Illinois will join 39 other States that have already enacted an income shares model.2 An income shares model attempts to consider a family’s actual child rearing expenses and more accurately allocate responsibility for those costs between the parents.3 Public Act 99-764 (Illinois House Bill 3982) amends sections 505 and 510 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (“IMDMA”) for calculating child support. 4

Existing Support Orders

The Income Shares Calculation

The new law going into effect does not automatically change the terms of an existing child support order. Nor does the enactment of the new child support law constitute a “substantial change in circumstances” for purposes of modifying a previously established support order.10 Pending cases that will be heard after July 1, 2017 will be calculated pursuant to the new guidelines.

The first step is to calculate the net income for each parent. The definition of income will continue to be all income from all sources, although a few exemptions were included such as, TANF, SNAP or SSI.5 Unlike the current child support law, the new law includes a provision for imputing income to a voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parent.6

Conclusion

The second step is to compare the combined net income of the family to a schedule that provides the basic child support obligation. The schedule is based on estimates for child rearing costs for an average intact family with similar income and number of children. The schedule will be published by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (“HFS”).7

The income shares model seeks to better serve the financial support needs of a child and create flexibility for shared parenting schedules. Rachael Toft focuses her practice on family law and adoption. She founder of Law Offices of Rachael Toft, www.toftlaw.com.

The third step is to allocate child rearing costs to each parent. The allocation is based on each parent’s percentage share of the total net income. The basic child support obligation does not include extracurricular 1 750 ILCS 45/et al. now since repealed. Illinois Parentage Act of 2015 750 ILCS 46/et al, effective January 1, 2016 replaced. 2 For more detail on State by State comparison, see the National Conference of State Legislatures at http://www.ncsl.org/research/humanservices/guideline-models-by-state.aspx. 3 750 ILCS 5/505(a)(1) http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/99/ PDF/099-0764.pdf 4 Public Act 99-764 signed into law August 12, 2016 at http://www. ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/99/PDF/099-0764.pdf 5 750 ILCS 5/505(a)(3)(A) 6 750 ILCS 5/505(a)(3.2) 7 The current income share schedule was released by HFS in April but is still marked as draft. However, as July 1st is quickly approaching, this chart will likely become the final model. https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/ SiteCollectionDocuments/img4101535270001.pdf

8 9 10

750 ILCS 5/505(a)(3.6), (3.7), & (4) 750 ILCS 5/505(a)(3.8) 750 ILCS 5/510(a)

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Increasing Diversity Calls for Professional Change

addresses diversity, but we also see how much additional thought, effort, cooperation, and patience is nonetheless necessary to allow for full inclusion. This is a very limited example and barely touches upon the complexity and difficulty which our profession faces, but it hints at how much we must continue to address given the increasing diversity in the communities that we serve.

By: Barbara N. Flores

On April 3, 2017, the Illinois Supreme Court amended Rule 794(d) affecting the professional responsibility requirement for attorneys. Before April 3rd, the professional responsibility requirement could be met by completing the required hours in a number of areas: professionalism, diversity issues, mental illness and addiction issues, civility, or legal ethics. Post April 3rd, this requirement has changed. Attorneys must now complete one mandatory hour of CLE credit dedicated to the study of diversity and inclusion issues, as well as one additional hour devoted to issues surrounding mental health and substance abuse. These additional two hours may easily go unnoticed in the sweep of our general CLE obligations as a whole, but they represent small, yet significant, steps toward a larger modernization of our educational focus as a profession.

It is not only our public, but also our profession that is becoming more diverse. The American Bar Association’s Law School Matriculant Data for the Fall of 201613 illustrates these trends. Over 37,000 students entered law schools across the country last September. Of those, 51.3% (19,032) were women compared to 48.7% (18,057) men. Approximately 32% (11,880) of the incoming class members were minorities with 18.7% (6,941) being women minorities and 13.3% (4,934) male minorities. In this sense, the subject matter of diversity and inclusion is not limited to clients; it is an essential part of effectively working with judges, opposing counsel, court personnel, and legal support staff.

One key purpose of these two hours is training for a greater awareness of “diversity and inclusion” in our courtrooms. The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism will likely provide more indepth guidance closer to the effective date of the rule changes, but the Commission already maintains information on its website11 about diversity education and its benefits. The Commission notes that the Court is concerned about the lack of diversity in the profession and its impact on the justice system. The Court recognizes that diversity education encourages the legal community to explore all manner of prejudice or bias and, in turn, encourages behavioral and professional change through personal reflection of potential bias. As a practical matter, our proficiency as officers of the court comes not only from our substantive legal knowledge, but also from awareness of the spectrum of our potential biases relative to ethnicity, gender, race, and LGBTQ orientation issues, among others. The legal community as a whole is capable of divesting itself of these biases and, indeed, maintains an obligation to do so as part of our profession’s continual mandate to provide the most effective representation to the public as officers of the court.

The service that we perform as lawyers and judges requires that we be thoughtful and equally accommodating of all. Lawyers are trained to learn, and the best lawyers know how to listen. In learning about ourselves and others, and by listening to the individuals with whom we interact every day, we truly serve and do our best work. Effective July 1, 2017, the efforts undertaken by so many to promote diversity and inclusion—efforts which have been undoubtedly undertaken by many of this very readership—will be looked upon to guide the profession into a future where diversity is an everyday facet of our practice, from the public we serve to our profession itself. Barbara N. Flores is an Arbitrator at the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission since 2011. Her prior years of practice focused mainly in the area of labor and employment. Ms. Flores currently serves as Chair of the CLE and Scholarship Committees of the Diversity Scholarship Foundation. She is also a Trustee of the Hispanic Lawyers Scholarship Fund of Illinois. Ms. Flores is ﬂuent in Spanish, and licensed to practice law in Illinois and New York.

To take an example, modern witnesses testify in foreign languages to such an extent that the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts’s (AOIC) Civil Justice Division now oversees the creation and implementation of Language Access Plans12. If approved by the Illinois Supreme Court, these plans serve Limited English Proficient individuals in each of the state’s 24 judicial circuits. This massive undertaking is an example of an effective response to a clear public need created by increasing diversity. Yet, even with these programs in place, there are complications of which we must be aware to avoid inadequate representation. When an interpreter is employed in the courtroom to navigate the course of a legal dispute, it puts an increased onus on all participants in a trial to ensure that non-native English speakers are understood to the same extent as native English speakers. Indeed, failure to do so may result in failure to preserve a record for appeal. All parties participating in such an exchange must be prepared for the reality that the exchange of information will necessarily be slower, and that the proceedings may be lengthened for the judge, jury, counsel, and witnesses. In this example, we see how an existing program already 11 12 asp

The Seventh Circuit Signals Federal Law Protection for Transgender Employees and Students By: Juliet Berger-White and Charlie Wysong

Creating a split with courts of appeals around the country, in Hively v. Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, the Seventh Circuit became the first circuit court to hold that Title VII’s prohibition of sex discrimination applies to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Following Hively, the Seventh Circuit recognized that transgender students are protected under Title IX in Whitaker v. Kenosha Unified School Dist. No. 1. The reasoning of Hively and Whitaker confirm that Title VII also prohibits discrimination against employees on the basis of gender identity. Hively recognizes that sexual orientation discrimination is sex discrimination. In Hively v. Ivy Tech Comm. Coll. of Indiana, 853 F.3d 339 (7th Cir.

https://www.2civility.org http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/CivilJustice/LanguageAccess/default.

13 http://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/resources/ statistics.html

2017 Spring Edition encompasses their gender identity, stating that sex discrimination occurs when the discriminatory behavior turns on “the victim’s biological sex (either as observed or as modified, in the case of [transgender individuals]).” Id. at 347.

2017), the Seventh Circuit, sitting en banc, held that sexual orientation discrimination in employment is a subset of sex discrimination, and thus barred by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(a). The court reversed the dismissal of the complaint of plaintiff Kimberly Hively in which she alleges she was fired from a part-time job and not hired for multiple full-time positions because she is a lesbian. The majority opinion, written by Judge Diane Wood, reasoned first that if all facts were the same but her sex—that is, if plaintiff had been a man married to a woman—she would have been hired, and thus had suffered “paradigmatic sex discrimination.” Hively, 853 F.3d at 345. The court also concluded that sexual orientation discrimination “represents the ultimate case of failure to conform to the female stereotype,” id. at 346, and that a claim of sexual orientation discrimination is a gender nonconformity case squarely within the logic of Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, 490 U.S. 228 (1989) (holding that discrimination for failing to conform to a gender stereotype is sex discrimination).

Moreover, the conclusion that Title VII bars discrimination against transgender employees is supported by the EEOC and cases from other circuits that prohibit gender identity discrimination as sex discrimination. See, e.g., Hively, 853 F.3d at 350 (collecting cases); Glenn v. Brumby, 663 F.3d 1312 (11th Cir. 2011); Smith v. City of Salem, Ohio, 378 F.3d 566 (6th Cir. 2004); Rosa v. Park W. Bank & Tr. Co., 214 F.3d 213 (1st Cir. 2000); Schwenk v. Hartford, 204 F.3d 1187 (9th Cir. 2000). With Ulane’s reasoning replaced by that of Hively, Title VII should encompass claims of discrimination based on gender identity in the Seventh Circuit. Just as there is no “line” between sex discrimination and sexual orientation discrimination, there should be no line between sex discrimination and gender identity discrimination. Hively, 853 F.3d at 351.

The court in Hively further reasoned that Title VII bans associational discrimination (i.e. discrimination based on the trait of a person the employee associates with) under the logic of Loving v. Virginia, 388 U.S. 1 (1967), regardless whether the trait at issue is race, sex, or any other protected trait. Hively, 853 F.3d at 347-49. From this view, sexual orientation discrimination is also “sex” discrimination because it turns on the sex of the employee’s partner.

Whitaker recognizes protection for transgender students under Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause. Following Hively, the Seventh Circuit confirmed that statutory and constitutional bans on sex discrimination prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity in education. Title IX proscribes discrimination “on the basis of sex” in educational programs that receive federal funds. 20 U.S.C. § 1681(a). Although the United States Supreme Court— in Gloucester County School Board v. G.G., No. 16-273—recently declined to decide whether Title IX’s prohibition of sex discrimination includes discrimination based on gender identity, the issue was recently decided by the Seventh Circuit in Whitaker v. Kenosha Unified School District No. 1, No. 16-3522 (7th Cir. May 30, 2017).

Hively indicates that Title VII also protects transgender employees against discrimination. Under the reasoning of the Hively opinion, “sex” discrimination also prohibits employment discrimination against transgender individuals. While Hively formally reserved the issue of gender identity discrimination, id. at n.1, the court’s reasoning leaves little doubt that Title VII protects transgender employees.

In Whitaker, a transgender student challenged his school’s rule that he only access to the restroom that corresponds with the gender marker on his birth certificate (as opposed to his gender identity). The Seventh Circuit affirmed the district court’s decision to grant a preliminary injunction against the discriminatory school policy, concluding that Title IX prohibits discrimination against transgender student as sex discrimination under the sex-stereotyping theory of Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, 490 U.S. 228 (1989). Whitaker, slip op. at *24. The court also found that the school policy, which was subject to heightened scrutiny as sex discrimination, also violated the Equal Protection Clause. Id. at 32. Rejecting the school district’s purported justification, the court concluded that the school policy “does nothing to protect the privacy rights” of other students, and that the school could not justify the discrimination. Id. at *29-30.

First, Hively abrogates the Seventh Circuit case that limited Title VII protection for transgender individuals: Ulane v. Eastern Airlines, Inc., 742 F.2d 1081 (7th Cir. 1984). Hively criticizes Ulane’s antiquated dicta that Title VII only covers discrimination “against women because they are women and against men because they are men.” Hively, 853 F.3d at 341. The opinion also explicitly rejects Ulane’s core reasoning. Courts cannot look to the understanding of “sex” at the time Title VII was passed in 1964 or unsuccessful attempts to amend Title VII to limit the scope of “sex” claims. Id. at 344-45. They must instead consider what “sex” means in Title VII today, “not what someone thought it meant one, ten, or twenty years ago.” Id. at 350. Second, Hively instructs courts to identify sex discrimination by considering the situation: if everything else were the same but the sex of the plaintiff was different, would the employer have acted differently? In the case of a transgender employee, the answer is yes. Consider an employee whose sex assigned at birth was male, identifies as female, and was fired for being transgender. If her “sex” was changed such that her gender identity matched her sex assigned at birth, she would not have been fired. Because changing the sex changes the outcome, discrimination based on gender identity is sex discrimination.

Significantly, the court in Whitaker also observed that courts often interpret Title IX and Title VII consistently, which further supports the conclusion that Title VII provides protection for transgender employees. Following the decisions in Whitaker and Hively, transgender and gender expansive employees and students in the Seventh Circuit have a strong basis to assert under federal law that they cannot be treated differently from others on the basis of their sex, including their gender identity and nonconformity to sex stereotypes.

Third, transgender individuals are protected by gender nonconformity cases stemming from Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, 490 U.S. 228 (1989), because their sex assigned at birth does not match their gender identity. Hively, 853 F.3d at 346.

Juliet Berger-White and Charlie Wysong of Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. represent clients in complex litigation, with a focus in the areas of labor and employment, civil rights, and educational equity.

Fourth, Hively recognizes that a person’s sex, for purposes of Title VII, 23

WBAI

Women’s Bar Association of Illinois

WBAI LAW STUDENT PERSPECTIVE A Reﬂection on Law Student Involvement

given issue? How many times have you stayed silent just because you believed others were all better than you? In my experience, the answer to each of these questions is “Many.”

By: Luma Zayad

Law students, as aspiring attorneys, are often encouraged to participate in a variety of activities, ranging from community service, student organizations, networking with the local bar associations, and so on and so forth.

Asking Others for Help Often, I have been too reluctant to ask questions or reach out to others for help. I tried to find reasons to avoid asking questions: maybe after doing additional research, I can solve the problem on my own; I don’t want my professor to think I am not smart or capable; my boss would look down upon me…… However, I’ve learned to ask questions when necessary.

During my first year at DePaul University College of Law, I decided to join the DePaul Women’s Bar Association (WBA) executive board as a 1L representative. My decision to join and take an active role in the WBA was one of the best decisions I made in law school.

Respecting others’ time is one thing. We should always do our homework first. But if we still can’t figure it out, then we should take the initiative to ask. Something that seems so obvious to an experienced partner may be very new to a law student or young associate. Or we may need additional information or clarification. My experience has demonstrated that, every time I asked a question, I received more information than I sought, including things I probably would never have learned by myself without asking. And, many times, I realized afterwards that my question was not foolish at all.

Being an active member of the WBA during these past three years of law school, along with other student organizations, has allowed me to stay active in the law school community at DePaul. As a student, especially as a law student, being involved has been extremely meaningful and rewarding. Student leadership opportunities provides a platform to help create the changes students wants to see at school, to build opportunities, and to foster relationships. We all know that the legal community is small and building relationships is very important. Participation in student organizations is one of the first steps on that path because our law school community, upon graduation, joins the local legal community. Our classmates will become our colleagues.

I believe being able to ask questions is a more efficient and effective way to study and work. Recognizing one’s weakness is the first step to improvement. Therefore, we must first admit that we are not omnipotent. Asking others for help does not necessarily mean we lose in the race. On the contrary, it helps us proceed in the learning process. And that’s what matters – we learn and grow.

As a member of the WBA, especially during my 1L year, it allowed me to get to know people outside of my class section. I benefited from learning from 2Ls and 3Ls who had plenty of advice to share. Being a part of WBA is more than just organizing events to help with our careers and give us some social time with each other; it is about getting to know other women, becoming friends, and helping each other. I want to take this opportunity to encourage all law students to become involved in student organizations because it will open the door to many new opportunities and friendships that will enrich your law school experience as well your communities.

Andie Kramer, a partner at McDermott Will & Emery, shared her story of asking others for help during an interview with 2Civility: “[Early in my career,] I developed an informal network of experienced lawyers whom I could turn to with questions and to bounce off ideas. At the beginning, I was always the one asking for their help. Over time, however, as I developed my expertise in financial products and derivatives, the direction that questions flowed shifted to where I was answering their questions. I was now in the position to help my network answer their questions.” Asking others for help turned into being asked by others for help.

Luma Zayad is a third-year law student at DePaul University College of Law. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois in Chicago. She currently is completing both her J.D. and LL.M. in international law. She is the 2016-2017 President of the DePaul Women’s Bar Association

Asking to Help Others

The Beauty of Asking

Everyone has something to contribute, whether time, ideas, resources, expertise……

By: Jun Qiu, CPA

“You may not get everything you ask for. But unless you ask, you are almost guaranteed to get none of it.” – D. Casey Flaherty, Unless You Ask – A Guide For Law Departments To Get More From External Relationship.

By taking care of easy tasks, our bosses can focus on more important matters. By making introductions, we help make connections. Asking to help others reallocates resources and brings more efficiency. Even as a law student, I know I have something valuable to offer. I try to make myself always available for others and volunteer at various events. I enjoy helping others. And I truly appreciate all the help I’ve received along my way and believe the best way to give back is to pass along the spirit of helping.

How many times have you been staring at a document for a long time, scratching your head only to find out that you had no clue at all how to approach the problem it contained? How many times have you looked back and wished you could have known an important fact earlier? How many times have you felt you were the only person struggling with a 24

2017 Spring Edition Moreover, I learn when I help others. Not only does practice make networking. What should I say? With whom should I talk? However, perfect, but I gain a lot when I observe those people to whom I’ve I learned to become comfortable with being unconformable. I kept offered help. I may have learned as much from them as they have from trying and improving. What did I receive? Friendship, mentorship, and me. Surprisingly, even the by-product of an offer to help sometimes has happiness. I found myself enjoying interacting with people and there been rewarding – it led me to the decision makers of a group because of was always something I learned from each person. NATIONALLY RENOWNED PERSONAL INJURY FIRM. RECORD RESULTS. the resources I have, which opened a new world full of13 opportunities. WOMEN ATTORNEYS. Volunteering has also provided me chances of leading or representing My involvement in Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) started at one event when I pulled myself out of the library and caught the team on occasion in the past. the been end recognized of a Chinese American Bar Association event. I met Judge Our women attorneys have Like many other law students, I came to law school for withnumerous the dream to andJessica A. O’Brien awards recognitions. These there, who served as the president of WBAI at that change the world, to promote justice and fairness. My goal is not only introduced the WBAI’s inaugural Leadership Institute to me include Super Lawyers,time. RisingShe Stars, Law to achieve personal success but also help others succeed. and encouraged Bulletin Therefore, Publishing Company’s 40 Attorneysme to apply. I was one of a handful of law students every time I ask to help others, I am one step closer to my dream. admitted to theTop Institute, which consisted mostly of seasoned lawyers. Under 40 to Watch, Chicago Magazine’s This experience has changed my life. Not only did my involvement in 100 List, and Leading Lawyers! Reﬂections on the Idea of Asking the Institute build my leadership skills, but it also showed me how one opportunity leads to another. Law students and lawyers Partner are probably familiar with a common Partner Margaret Battersby Black Susan L. Novosad canon of statutory interpretation that “the statute shouldNotable be liberally This one of many surprises I received when I asked myself to step out Settlements andisVerdicts construed.” Similarly, here the idea of asking liberallysettlement $17.7Mshould medical be malpractice a brain injured of myforcomfort zone. client I am not afraid of challenges; instead, I embrace understood. When a professional develops a practice of “asking,” she them. “What else can I do to improve myself?” That is the question I $9M medical malpractice settlement becomes more valuable because she is more proactive, curious, and have constantly asked myself. birth injury verdict receptive. To develop a habit of asking, we can $6.7M start by stepping out ofin a medical malpractice lawsuit our comfort zone. Jun Qiu is a rising 3L at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, where she $6M medical negligence settlement is a Dean’s Honors Scholar, Founding President of Tax Law Society, Many people may talk about stepping out of the comfort zone; and President of Asian Pacific American Law Student Association for however, few take action. For me, it has become part of my life. I came 2016-17. She is also a member of WBAI Newsletter Committee and a to Chicago for law school without knowing many people in the city. co-chair of Law Student Initiative Committee. She recently completed a Throughout the first year of law school, beyond studying hard, I had judicial externship with Justice Robert E. Gordon at Illinois Appellate 325events North LaSalle Street, Suite 450 • Chicago, 60654 • Phone: 312-332-2872 • Toll-free: 877-374-1417 • Fax: 312-332-3112 to spend time attending to get to know people. I Illinois was nervous Court. Jun can be reached at jqiu5@kentalaw.iit.edu. www.LevinPerconti.com • www.nursinghomelaw.com

NATIONALLY RENOWNED PERSONAL INJURY FIRM. RECORD RESULTS. 13 WOMEN ATTORNEYS. Our women attorneys have been recognized for numerous awards and recognitions. These include Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, Law Bulletin

Publishing Company’s 40 Attorneys

Under 40 to Watch, Chicago Magazine’s Top 100 List, and Leading Lawyers! Partner Margaret Battersby Black

Partner Susan L. Novosad

Notable Settlements and Verdicts $17.7M medical malpractice settlement for a brain injured client $9M medical malpractice settlement $6.7M birth injury verdict in a medical malpractice lawsuit $6M medical negligence settlement

325 North LaSalle Street, Suite 450 • Chicago, Illinois 60654 • Phone: 312-332-2872 • Toll-free: 877-374-1417 • Fax: 312-332-3112 www.LevinPerconti.com • www.nursinghomelaw.com

WBAI

Women’s Bar Association of Illinois

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS Pat Mullen, a WBAI Member to Remember

Percy to appoint the first woman to be a Senate page. She noted in her WBAI 75 bio, that three of “our members were elected as delegates to the Constitutional Convention, and they kept us advised of their activities. They spoke before the group and helped us to decide on the adoption of the revised Constitution and especially the four sections that were left to the general public.” Pat’s memory of her presidency’s “most gala” event “was our reception for the Consular Corps. It was a lovely and interesting affair. I was pleased to preside at the program for the reception for new citizens. All in all it was a delightful year!”

By: Charlotte Adelman

I met Pat Mullin in 1970-71 when she was the WBAI president, and thereafter at numerous WBAI events, which she faithfully attended. Patricia “Pat” E. Mullin was born on August 13, 1926, in Dubuque, Iowa, where she died at age 90 on April 4, 2017. She received a B.A. in biology, completed an internship in medical technology, became a blood bank technician, and then decided to go to law school. She worked fulltime at St. Anne’s Hospital in Chicago as the head of the blood bank, while earning her J. D. from DePaul University Law School. Pat was working at St. Anne’s Hospital when a fire broke out at Our Lady of Angels Elementary School on December 1, 1958. St. Anne’s received 96 of the young fire victims. It was one of the worst fires in U.S. history. Pat said she would never forget the horror of that day and the months that followed.

Patricia “Pat” E. Mullin of Dubuque, Iowa | 1926 - 2017 | Obituary http://www.hoffmannschneiderfuneralhomes.com/home/obituary/4183598

WBAI Members Sworn into The John Marshall Law School Alumni Association Board of Directors WBAI Director Lauren L. Waninski and WBAI Race Judicata Co-Chair Meredith Rudolfi were sworn in to serve on the The John Marshall Law School Alumni Association Board of Directors on May 18, 2017 at the Freedom and Distinguished Service Award Reception held at the Chicago Cultural Club. Lauren and Meredith both graduated from The John Marshall Law School in May 2009. Congratulations to Lauren and Meredith on this great honor and serving their alumni law school network.

Upon receiving her law degree, Pat worked for the John D. MacArthur Company, principally Bankers Life and Casualty Company, in Chicago. She began her career in the Claim Legal Department, but was transferred to the Corporate Legal Department after 18 months. She completed the necessary requirements to receive her C.L.U. Degree (Chartered Life Underwriter), F.L.M.I. (Fellowship in Life Insurance with a specialty in Pension Planning) and Ch.F.C. (Chartered Financial Consultant). She became the Vice President of the Corporate Legal Department, Corporate Secretary and Senior Counsel for Bankers Life.

WBAI Member to Serve on the Black Women’s Lawyers Association Board of Directors and Scholarship Fund Board

Pat was admitted to the Illinois and Iowa bars, and was the only woman to sit for the Iowa bar exam in June 1960. The event was such an anomaly that the results were announced on the radio statewide as “99 men and 1 woman, Patricia E. Mullin of Dubuque, Iowa had been admitted to the Iowa Bar”. From 1963 to 2012, Pat served as a Director of the WBAI Foundation. She served as a Commissioner of the Illinois Supreme Court – Character and Fitness Committee. From 1985 to 1990, she was a director for the National Foundation for the study of Equal Employment Policy in Washington, D.C. She was elected as the first woman Chairman of the Equal Employment Advisory Council, Washington D.C., 1986 – 1987. After retiring from Bankers in March of 1994, Pat worked as an arbitrator from 1994 until Friday, April 19, 2013, when she did three final arbitrations and retired to Dubuque. Patricia enjoyed traveling, and toured Ireland, England, France, Italy, Poland in addition to many other countries. She loved playing bridge and once defended against Omar Sharif at the Ambassador West in Chicago.

WBAI Director Mary Melchor, WBAI member Ava George Stewart, and WBAI member Masah Renwick were sworn in to the BWLA Board of Officers and Directors on May 31, 2017. Mary and Ava will serve as Board Members at Large and Masah will serve as Recording Secretary. Ava and Masah will also serve on the BWLA Scholarship Fund Board of Directors. Congratulations to Mary, Ava, and Masah on these distinctions and service to the legal community.

WBAI Member Recognized by Illinois State Bar Association New WBAI Director Margaret Manetti has been recognized as ISBA’s Young Lawyer of the Year—Cook County. Congratulations to Margaret on this great honor.

WBAI Board Members Receive Excellent Awards for Pro Bono Work

During Pat’s presidency, WBAI voted to file an amicus brief in support of the federal lawsuit, Greenfield v. Field Enterprises, Inc., filed on behalf of NOW and the ACLU by Charlotte Adelman and Sheribel Rothenberg challenging the major Chicago newspapers for acting as employment agencies by running sex segregated help wanted ads, thus violating Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act. WBAI’s brief, written by Carol M. Peterson, Helen Hart Jones, Stephane Kawit and Loretta Didzerekis (now Douglas), was also brought on behalf of the Illinois Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs and Women’s Equity Action League. Carol Kipperman, counsel for the EEOC, filed a brief in support of WBAI’s position. President Mullen urged Senator Charles

On May 24th, WBAI Board Member Natalie Federle and incoming Board Member Whitney Siehl were recognized at the 18th Annual Awards for Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Interest Service for their contributions in helping those most in need of legal assistance. This award is jointly sponsored by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Congratulations Natalie and Whitney on this welldeserved honor and for upholding the mission of the WBAI through your pro bono and public interest service! 26

2017 Spring Edition PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT How Women Can Take First Chair

in when the opportunity comes. It will justify others’ trust in you. It will give you the confidence to advocate for yourself.

By: Judge Michael Panter

2. As a second or third chair, ask for more responsibility each time. Ask to examine a witness, prepare a witness, handle jury instructions, or split an opening, a closing or a panel of voir dire.

A recent report from the American Bar Association’s Commission on Women and the American Bar Foundation confirmed what most of us already sensed. In a study of trials and trial lawyers in the Northern District of Illinois, researchers concluded that women appear in civil trials less often than men, and when they do appear, are far less likely to appear as first chair.

3. On the right case, ask if the partner will second chair you. 4. Be enthusiastic about trying anything, no matter how small or hopeless. Good results will give you credibility. Try your cases. Don’t settle a case just because “it isn’t worth trying.”

Which was news to exactly none of us out here in the trenches. Why would this be the case? After all, women have graduated from law school in significant numbers for more than 30 years, and now even surpass men in terms of numbers graduating from law school and passing the bar.

5. Go above and beyond. Offer to work overtime (or even as unbilled time) to get experience and develop relationships. 6. Engage in volunteer and pro bono work; both can give you great trial experience.

In addition to basic sexist problems facing Illinois lawyers going back to Myra Bradwell in 1869, I believe there are systemic hurdles for less-experienced lawyers to overcome in getting more trials. Younger lawyers are being challenged for four reasons: •

•

7. Watch trials, watch the partners, ask who’s considered good and watch them. Make yourself available to anyone who needs anything. Tell someone you respect how eager you are to work with them.

There are many more lawyers than before. Older lawyers are hanging around longer and trying cases, along with a rapid increase in new lawyers. Therefore, caseloads per lawyer are generally lighter, with fewer opportunities per lawyer to have a case go to trial.

8. Find a way to be indispensable in a case. Know the law or know the facts better than anyone. 9. Whenever you go to court, be prepared, be knowledgeable about the judge, be organized.

Competition for clients is in a frenzy, and verdicts have the potential to run much higher-meaning, there is simply too much at stake, more often than in the past, to risk trial (and a large adverse verdict, and a very unhappy client) by a less experienced lawyer.

10. Celebrate your small victories and, of course, your big ones. Let everyone know what you’ve done. And if appropriate, be sure it’s published.

Lawyers switch firms much more often than before, and the old long-term model of mentoring young lawyers and gradually giving them more responsibility has changed significantly. Less mentorship and less gradual exposure to trial work as a second or third chair makes it less likely a young litigator will find herself in that first chair.

11. Develop a specialty. Become a recognized expert in something. Publish an article on it. Do an in-house presentation at your firm. 12. Develop a plan to balance work with the rest of your life. Trial work is demanding of your time and energy. If that’s what you really want, you have to figure out how you’re going to cope with all other demands on your time: spouse, kids, house. When you’re on trial or even preparing for it, you’re not available. How will everything be handled while you’re out?

Many more cases are arbitrated and mediated than before. There are fewer trials for everyone.

What can be done?

13. Develop your reputation and your relationships by taking leadership roles in bar groups.

Even though this is a systemic problem, there are actions individual lawyers can take, to make it more likely that they first chair a trial before reaching retirement age. Herewith, “Panter’s Top Twenty Tips for Trial Lawyers Seeking First Chair”:

14. Be tech savvy. 15. Work where they try cases. The Public Defender, the State’s Attorney, the Corporation Counsel, bigger insurance defense firms, or smaller plaintiff firms with a volume of cases—all of these entities tend to take cases to trial frequently.

1. Get as much trial experience as you can. Second chair, third chair, bench trials, arbitrations, contested motions, depositions—all of these will give you needed experience and knowledge and enhance your resume and your reputation. That knowledge and experience will make you ready to step

16. When interviewing, ask specifically if you will have your own 27

WBAI

Women’s Bar Association of Illinois caseload, trial opportunities, and partners with whom you can try cases. 17. Develop your own clientele. If your client asks for you, there’s a good chance you will have an important role. In addition to developing your clients, nurture your relationship with firm clients. If they trust you, they’ll use you. 18. Take trial prep courses such as NITA and Fred Lane. 19. Ask! Ask! Ask! Just be ready when someone says yes! 20. Keep exploring how to find your own voice, tone and style. Trials are about persuading a group of strangers to trust and believe you. They won’t do that if they think you’re not genuine.

Babcock, Linda and Laschever, Sara, Women Don’t Ask: Negotiation and the Gender Divide (Princeton University Press 2003).

•

Scharf, Stephanie A. and Liebenberg, Roberta D., First Chairs at Trial, More Women Need Seats at the Table, A Research Report on the Participation of Women Lawyers As Lead Counsel and Trial Counsel in Litigation (American Bar Foundation and the American Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession, 2015) (available for free at http:// www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/marketing/women/ first_chairs2015.authcheckdam.pdf)

Before becoming a busy mediator with ADR Systems in Chicago, Judge Michael Panter presided over civil jury trials, motions and hundreds of pre-trials; taught law school; and was an active trial lawyer for 38 years. Reach Judge Panter at www.mikepanter.com.”

And finally, for all beginning trial lawyers and negotiators—of both genders—I highly recommend reading these three highly provocative and useful resources, sure to help you down the path toward first chair: •

•



Babcock, Linda and Laschever, Sara, Ask For It: How Women Can Use the Power of Negotiation to Get What They Really Want (Bantam 2008).

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates

Skadden is proud to support the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. 1,700 attorneys 22 offices 50+ practices

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2017 Spring Edition

It’s time to renew your membership!

Renew Online by visiting www.wbaillinois.org BENEFITS OF WBAI MEMBERSHIP INCLUDE:  Opportunities to network and build business  Meeting like-minded women  Service Events through our community outreach committee  Focus on Women’s Issues through our legislative committee  Reduced-price events including CLEs  Practice-specific committees and events including commercial litigation, civil litigation, government, and in-house counsel  Access to exclusive and membership appreciation events  Access to the WBAI membership directory  Mentoring Program  Opportunities for Leadership Question? Please contact WBAI Executive Director, Monique Austin, at 312-341-8530.

W BAI Women Leaders Women’s Bar Association of Illinois

Leading Women Lawyers

These LEADING LAWYERS have been recommended by their peers to be among the TOP LAWYERS in Illinois. Aurora N. Abella-Austriaco, Valentine Austriaco & Bueschel PC • Vicki Lafer Abrahamson, Abrahamson Vorachek & Levinson • Ericka L. Adler, Roetzel & Andress LPA • Rosemary Ryan Alexander, Katz Goldstein & Warren • Gemma B. Allen, Ladden & Allen Chartered • Beth A. Alpert, Beth Alpert & Associates • Jill C. Anderson, Freeborn & Peters LLP • Michele C. Anderson, Hall Prangle & Schoonveld LLC • Shelli L. Anderson, Franczek Radelet PC • Kathryn Kovitz Arnold, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP • Sheryl M. Arrigo, Donohue Brown Mathewson & Smyth LLC • Deborah S. Ashen, Ashen/Faulkner • Laura N. Ashmore, DAVIS FRIEDMAN • Andrea M. Augustine, Duane Morris LLP • Mary Katherine Avery, Avery Camerlingo Kill LLC • Ellen M. Babbitt, Franczek Radelet PC • Ruth A. Bahe-Jachna, Greenberg Traurig LLP • Carol N. Bailey, WilliamsMcCarthy LLP • Maria T. Baldini-Potermin, Maria Baldini-Potermin & Associates PC • Shelley B. Ballard, Shelley B. Ballard PC • Laura A. Baluch, Barrick Switzer Long Balsley & Van Evera • Jeralyn H. Baran, Chuhak & Tecson PC • Beth A. Bauer, HeplerBroom LLC • Julie A. Bauer, Winston & Strawn LLP • Brenda G. Baum, HeplerBroom LLC • Brigitte Schmidt Bell, Brigitte Schmidt Bell PC • Laurel G. Bellows, Bellows Law Group PC • Lauralyn G. Bengel, Schiff Hardin LLP • Joan T. Berg, Schoenberg Finkel Newman & Rosenberg LLC • Cynthia A. Bergmann, Freeborn & Peters LLP • Beverly A. Berneman, Golan Christie Taglia LLP • Moria Bernstein, Bernstein, Moria Law Offices of • Patricia K. Best, Beth Alpert & Associates • Tina M. Bird, Freeborn & Peters LLP • Jacalyn Birnbaum, Birnbaum Haddon Gelfman & Arnoux LLC • Suzanne E. Bish, Stowell & Friedman Ltd • Gloria E. Block, Hoffenberg & Block LLC • Anne L. Blume, Cozen O'Connor LLP • Patricia C. Bobb, Patricia C. Bobb & Associates • Caryn C. Borg-Breen, Green Griffith & Borg-Breen LLP • Deborah H. Bornstein, Freeborn & Peters LLP • Janet E. Boyle, Boyle Feinberg PC • Julie Picard Brett, Fischel & Kahn Ltd • Terri L. Brieske, Katz & Stefani LLC • Lisa J. Brodsky, Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa • Patricia A. Bronte, Stowell & Friedman Ltd • Deane B. Brown, Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym Ltd • Kristi L. Browne, Patterson Law Firm LLC • Ellen C. Bruce, Sgro Hanrahan Durr Rabin & Bruce LLP • Gabrielle M. Buckley, Vedder Price PC • Ellyn J. Bullock, Solberg & Bullock LLC • Miriam Leskovar Burkland, Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC • Lisa M. Burman, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Mary Ellen Busch, Anderson Rasor & Partners LLP • Katharine Crane Byrne, Cooney & Conway • Kelly A. Cahill, Zukowski Rogers Flood & McArdle • Pepi Camerlingo, Avery Camerlingo Kill LLC • Susan A. Capra, Clifford Law Offices • Deborah A. Carder, Carder Law Firm • Emily R. Carrara, Sullivan Taylor & Gumina PC • Kathryn C. Casey, Dutton & Casey PC • Kim M. Casey, HolmstromKennedyPC • Jamie Swenson Cassel, Reno & Zahm LLP • Stacey Feeley Cavanagh, Cavanagh Law Group • Kara Eve Foster Cenar, Greensfelder Hemker & Gale PC • Nicole L. Centracchio, Reed Centracchio LLC • Kathleen Currie Chavez, Foote Mielke Chavez & O'Neil LLC • Margaret A. Christie, Golan Christie Taglia LLP • Rosanne Ciambrone, Duane Morris LLP • Julie L. Cibulskis, Speers Reuland & Cibulskis PC • Renee Cipriano, Schiff Hardin LLP • Violet M. Clark, Laner Muchin Ltd • Amanda B. Clayman, Katz & Stefani LLC • Muriel Collison, Collison Law Offices Ltd • Melissa J. Cooney, Zukowski Rogers Flood & McArdle • Kimberly Marie Copp, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP • Mary A. Corrigan, Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC • Pamela L. Cox, Marshall Gerstein & Borun LLP • Peggy L. Crane, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Sara N. M. Dady, Dady & Hoffmann LLC • Heidi Dalenberg, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP • Heidi A. Dare, Brinks Gilson & Lione • Theresa L. Davis, Reed Smith LLP • Susan Dawson-Tibbits, Johnson Bunce & Noble PC • Lori Lynn Deem, Outten & Golden LLP • Ruth M. Degnan, McNabola Law Group • Karen Kies DeGrand, Donohue Brown Mathewson & Smyth LLC • Aimee E. Delaney, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Amy Parise DeLaney, Delaney Delaney & Voorn Ltd • Debra A. Delia, Oliver Close LLC • Ann T. Dempsey, Oliver Close LLC • Shelly A. DeRousse, Freeborn & Peters LLP • Elizabeth G. Doolin, Chittenden Murday & Novotny LLC • Joanne Rouzan Driscoll, Forde Law Offices LLP • N. LaDonna Driver, HeplerBroom LLC • Bridget C. Duignan, Latherow & Duignan • Margaret M. Duncan, McDermott Will & Emery LLP • Jennifer A. Dunn, Franczek Radelet PC • Carrie A. Durkin, Litchfield Cavo LLP • Janna S. Dutton, Dutton & Casey PC • Deborah Bielicke Eades, Vedder Price PC • Deborah K. Ebner, Law Office of Deborah Kanner Ebner • Marci A. Eisenstein, Schiff Hardin LLP • Joanne P. Elliott, Elliott & Associates Attorneys PC • Eve C. Epstein, Epstein and Epstein • Regina Picone Etherton, Regina P. Etherton & Associates LLC • Donna R. Farley, Law Offices of Donna R. Farley • Dana Fattore Crumley, Franczek Radelet PC • Joy M. Feinberg, Boyle Feinberg PC • Brenda H. Feis, FeisGoldy LLC • Rhonda J. Ferrero-Patten, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Terri Lea Fildes, Pappas O'Connor PC • Leslie J. Fineberg, Nottage and Ward LLP • Kristen H. Fischer, Fischer & Wozniak PC • Rhonda D. Fiss, Law Office of Rhonda D. Fiss PC • Delilah Brummet Flaum, Winston & Strawn LLP • Susan M. Franzetti, Nijman Franzetti LLP • Andrea E. Friedman, Friedman Law Group Ltd • Linda D. Friedman, Stowell & Friedman Ltd • Lynn A. Gaffigan, Gaffigan Mediation • Julie L. Galassi, Hasselberg Rock Bell & Kuppler LLP • Anne R. Garr, Freeborn & Peters LLP • Rita W. Garry, Freeborn & Peters LLP • Pamela L. Gellen, Lowis & Gellen LLP • Arlene N. Gelman, Vedder Price PC • Amy L. Gertler, Mediate North Shore PC • Jennifer J. Gibson, Zukowski Rogers Flood & McArdle • Jennifer Schoen Gilbert, Stowell & Friedman Ltd • Jeannine S. Gilleran, Litchfield Cavo LLP • Genie Miller Gillespie, Gillespie Law Group LLC • Margaret A. Gisch, Golan Christie Taglia LLP • Rita Lowery Gitchell, Chilton Yambert Porter LLP • Suzanne Glade, Fischel & Kahn Ltd • Victoria R. Glidden, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Shona B. Glink, Stowell & Friedman Ltd • Donna M. Goelz, Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC • Marcie E. Goldbloom, Beth Alpert & Associates • Jean M. Golden, Cassiday Schade LLP • Ilene Beth Goldstein, Katz Goldstein & Warren • Jill A. Goldy, FeisGoldy LLC • Tricia D. Goostree, Goostree Law Group • Pamela Davis Gorcowski, Kavanagh Grumley & Gorbold LLC • Kelli Ellen Gordon, FeldmanWasser • Maureen Beacom Gorman, Marshall Gerstein & Borun LLP • Susan F. Grammer, Attorney at Law • Barbara R. Grayson, Jenner & Block LLP • Cheri N. Greenlee, Cheri N. Greenlee PC • Raylene DeWitte Grischow, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Katherine A. Grosh, Beermann • Juli A. Gumina, Sullivan Taylor & Gumina PC • Karen A. Hagnell, Hagnell Law Offices LLC • Sherry L. Harlan, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Meighan A. Harmon, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP • Alison M. Harrington, Best Vanderlaan & Harrington • Donna F. Hartl, Golan Christie Taglia LLP • Carol A. Hartline, WilliamsMcCarthy LLP • Stacie R. Hartman, Schiff Hardin LLP • Julianne M. Hartzell, Marshall Gerstein & Borun LLP • Lisa Harms Hartzler, Sorling Northrup • Mary Ann Hatch, Herzog Crebs LLP • Linda J. Hay, HeplerBroom LLC • Yvette A. Heintzelman, Clark Baird Smith LLP • Sondra A. Hemeryck, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP • Athena M. Herman, Benassi & Benassi PC • Mary J. Hess, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Katherine D. Hodge, HeplerBroom LLC • Jeanne M. Hoffmann, Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC • Patricia S. Hofstra, Duane Morris LLP • Patricia J. Hogan, Cassiday Schade LLP • Patricia A. Hoke, Barrett Twomey Broom Hughes & Hoke LLP • Patricia Brown Holmes, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP • Geraldine W. Holt, Birnbaum Haddon Gelfman & Arnoux LLC • Roberta Lynn Holzwarth, HolmstromKennedyPC • Marsha K. Hoover, Goldberg Kohn Ltd • Linda K. Horras, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Laura A. Howkins, Litchfield Cavo LLP • Michelle M. Huhnke, Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP • Heather M. Hurst, DAVIS FRIEDMAN • Pamela J. Hutul, DAVIS FRIEDMAN • Mary E. Innis, Innis Law Group LLC • Cheryl Lynn Intravaia, Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan • Sandra G. Iorio, Anderson Rasor & Partners LLP • Lisa A. Iverson, Neal & McDevitt • Michele M. Jochner, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP • Dayna L. Johnson, Greensfelder Hemker & Gale PC • Janet M. Johnson, Schiff Hardin LLP • Stephanie D. Jones, Figliulo & Silverman PC • Susan E. Kamman, Susan E. Kamman & Associates • Hariklia "Carrie" Karis, Kirkland & Ellis LLP • Elizabeth A. Kaveny, Burke Wise Morrissey Kaveny LLC • Paula M. Ketcham, Schiff Hardin LLP • Kearney W. Kilens, Litchfield Cavo LLP • Annemarie E. Kill, Avery Camerlingo Kill LLC • Jennifer Durham King, Vedder Price PC • Michelle M. Kohut, Corboy & Demetrio PC • Aphrodite Kokolis, Schiff Hardin LLP • Andrea H. Kott, Lowis & Gellen LLP • Jennifer Dillon Kotz, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP 30

Leading Women Lawyers

• Kathleen McDonald Kraft, Thomson & Weintraub LLC • Beata K. Krakus, Greensfelder Hemker & Gale PC • Frances H. Krasnow, Harrison & Held LLP • Darcy L. Kriha, Franczek Radelet PC • Ruth E. Krugly, Schiff Hardin LLP • Emily J. Kuo, Harrison & Held LLP • Pamela J. Kuzniar, Kuzniar & Simons PC • Lisa A. LaConte, Heyl Royster Voelker & Allen PC • Maricarol Lacy, Rinella & Rinella Ltd • Susan K. Laing, Anderson Rasor & Partners LLP • Susan M. Lampert, Susan Lampert & Associates • Diana M. Law, Law ElderLaw LLP • Michelle A. Lawless, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP • Elizabeth Olen Lazzara, Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa • Penelope M. Lechtenberg, Lechtenberg & Associates LLC • Jill D. Leka, Clark Baird Smith LLP • H. Debra Levin, Jenner & Block LLP • Lori G. Levin, Law Office of Lori G. Levin • Roberta Ann Levinson, Abrahamson Vorachek & Levinson • Katherine J. Levy, Schiff Hardin LLP • Deanna L. Litzenburg, Mathis Marifian & Richter Ltd • Carol A. Lockwood, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Sandra K. Loeb, Spiros Law PC • Mary Ellen Lopinot, Mathis Marifian & Richter Ltd • Jennifer A. Lowis, Lowis & Gellen LLP • Rita E. Luce, Harrison & Held LLP • Cherie K. Macdonald, Greensfelder Hemker & Gale PC • Susan M. MacLean, Zulkie Partners LLC • Kelli E. Madigan, Mathis Marifian & Richter Ltd • Ruth I. Major, The Law Offices of Ruth I. Major PC • Claire A. Manning, Brown Hay & Stephens LLP • Dorene Marcus, DAVIS FRIEDMAN • Kelly D. Marks, Grotta & Associates PC • Lindsey Paige Markus, Chuhak & Tecson PC • Jennifer M. Martin, HeplerBroom LLC • Catherine M. Masters, Schiff Hardin LLP • Beverly N. Masuda, Brady Connolly & Masuda PC • Jayme R. Matchinski, Greensfelder Hemker & Gale PC • Jane A. McAtee, Brennan Burtker LLC • Katarinna McBride, Harrison & Held LLP • Julia B. McCarthy, Brady Connolly & Masuda PC • Beth Fawver McCormack, Beermann • Margaret H. McCormick, Minsky McCormick & Hallagan PC • Jane B. McCullough, Greenberg Traurig LLP • Melissa M. McGrath, Thomson & Weintraub LLC • Maureen A. McGuire, Anderson Rasor & Partners LLP • Claire R. McKenzie, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP • Doris Schumacher McMorrow, DAVIS FRIEDMAN • Kay McNab, McGuireWoods LLP • Shannon M. McNulty, Clifford Law Offices • Kathryn L. Mickelson, Beermann • Laura Beth Miller, Brinks Gilson & Lione • Maureen A. Miller, Vedder Price PC • Tamara A. Miller, Leydig Voit & Mayer Ltd • Erica Crohn Minchella, Minchella & Associates Ltd • Lynn M. Mirabella, Mirabella Kincaid Frederick & Mirabella LLC • D. Rebecca Mitchell, D. Rebecca Mitchell, Attorney at Law • Alyssa Mogul, Grund & Leavitt PC • Eileen M. Momblanco, Laner Muchin Ltd • Caroline A. Mondschean, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Renee L. Monfort, Heyl Royster Voelker & Allen PC • Jane E. Montgomery, Schiff Hardin LLP • Paula J. Morency, Schiff Hardin LLP • Adria East Mossing, Mossing & Navarre LLC • Andrea K. Muchin, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP • Marcia L. Mueller, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Kourtney A. Mulcahy, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Mary A. Mullin, Schiff Hardin LLP • Lisa R. Munch, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Cynde Hirschtick Munzer, Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa • Lynn Hagman Murray, Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP • J. Sue Myatt, Bozeman Neighbour Patton & Noe LLP • Jennifer A. Naber, Laner Muchin Ltd • Cheryl S. Neal, PNC Wealth Management/Estate Settlement • Margery Newman, Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC • Hope G. Nightingale, Litchfield Cavo LLP • Jennifer T. Nijman, Nijman Franzetti LLP • Patricia M. Noonan, Wilson Elser • Heather M. Nosko, Katz Goldstein & Warren • Susan L. Novosad, Levin & Perconti • Teresa Nuccio, Harrison & Held LLP • Lisa M. Nyuli, Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel PC • Jill P. O'Brien, Laner Muchin Ltd • Patricia Cadagin O'Brien, Chuhak & Tecson PC • Gail M. O'Connor, O'Connor Family Law PC • Margo Wolf O'Donnell, Vedder Price PC • Helen E. Ogar, Ogar & Miller • Cathy G. O'Kelly, Vedder Price PC • Anne M. Oldenburg, HeplerBroom LLC • M. Megan O'Malley, O'Malley & Madden PC • Marcia Owens, Hamilton Thies & Lorch LLP • Kathleen R. Pasulka-Brown, Pugh Jones & Johnson PC • Sharon M. Peart, Chilton Yambert Porter LLP • Mary K. Periolat, Nora & Partners LLP • Danielle Anne Phillip, Brinks Gilson & Lione • Stefania Pialis, Beermann • Karen Pinkert-Lieb, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP • Janet A. Pioli, Brinks Gilson & Lione • Rachael G. Pontikes, Duane Morris LLP • Theresa M. Powell, Heyl Royster Voelker & Allen PC • Rita M. Powers, Greenberg Traurig LLP • Christine R. W. Quigley, Schiff Hardin LLP • Laurie S. Randolph, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Elizabeth I. Reed, Birnbaum Haddon Gelfman & Arnoux LLC • Kimberly Reed, Reed Law Associates PC • Erin E. Reilly, Reilly Law PC • Catherine Coyne Reiter, Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym Ltd • Christine M. Rhode, Vedder Price PC • Nancy J. Rich, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP • Danielle L. Rickard, Birnbaum Haddon Gelfman & Arnoux LLC • Li-Hsien Rin-Laures, M.D., Marshall Gerstein & Borun LLP • Felice Bressler Rose, Schiff Hardin LLP • Staci Ketay Rotman, Franczek Radelet PC • Heidi Hennig Rowe, Schiff Hardin LLP • Sarah E. Ruberry, Ruberry Stalmack & Garvey LLC • Sharon R. Rudy, Sharon R. Rudy PC • Pamela J. Ruschau, Leydig Voit & Mayer Ltd • Peggy J. Ryan, Sorling Northrup • Martha A. Sabol, Greenberg Traurig LLP • Marina N. Saito, Freeborn & Peters LLP • Dawn A. Sallerson, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Kay L. Schichtel, Swanson Martin & Bell LLP • Amy K. Schmidt, Brown Hay & Stephens LLP • Anne B. Schmidt, HeplerBroom LLC • D. Renee Schroeder, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Susan J. Schwartz, Corboy & Demetrio PC • Sally J. Scott, Franczek Radelet PC • Lisa T. Scruggs, Duane Morris LLP • Sarah Kerr Severson, Schiff Hardin LLP • Dominique N. Seymoure, Reed Armstrong Mudge & Morrissey PC • Nancy Chausow Shafer, Chausow Shafer PC • Ilene E. Shapiro, Grund & Leavitt PC • Judith Schwartz Sherwin, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP • Emer L. Simic, Green Griffith & Borg-Breen LLP • Patricia Costello Slovak, Schiff Hardin LLP • Donna Kaner Socol, Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym Ltd • Cardelle B. Spangler, Winston & Strawn LLP • Julie Furer Stahr, Schiff Hardin LLP • Jennifer L. Stallings, Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel PC • Claudia W. Stangle, Leydig Voit & Mayer Ltd • Tanya J. Stanish, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP • Blooma Stark, Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa • Debra L. Stegall, Heyl Royster Voelker & Allen PC • Debra L. Stetter, Schiff Hardin LLP • Kathryn L. Stevens, Vedder Price PC • Linda K. Stevens, Schiff Hardin LLP • Stephanie L. Stewart, Meyer Law Group LLC • Stephanie R. Stomberg, Cassiday Schade LLP • Mary Stowell, Stowell & Friedman Ltd • Lynn A. Sullivan, Leydig Voit & Mayer Ltd • Sheila A. Sundvall, Paul Hastings LLP • Carlina Tapia-Ruano, Tapia-Ruano & Gunn PC • Maureen Sullivan Taylor, Sullivan Taylor & Gumina PC • Liisa M. Thomas, Winston & Strawn LLP • Melissa A. Thomas, Thomas Mamer & Haughey LLP • Aleen R. Tiffany, HeplerBroom LLC • Eileen B. Trost, Freeborn & Peters LLP • Luisa F. Trujillo, Anderson Rasor & Partners LLP • Kristine M. Tuttle, Black Ballard McDonald PC • Jessica M. Tyrus, Green Griffith & Borg-Breen LLP • Lorraine M. Tyson, Greenberg Traurig LLP • Jane Unsell, Unsell Schattnik & Phillips PC • Laura M. Urbik Kern, Law Offices of Laura M. Urbik Kern LLC • Kathryn S. Vander Broek, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Lori A. Vanderlaan, Best Vanderlaan & Harrington • Anita M. Ventrelli, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP • Shana L. Vitek, Beermann • Darlene A. Vorachek, Abrahamson Vorachek & Levinson • Elizabeth Felt Wakeman, Wakeman Law Group PC • Kim R. Walberg, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP • Joey B. Waldman, Fisher Cohen Waldman Shapiro LLP • Diane Gianos Walker, Walker Morton LLP • Julie A. Webb, Craig & Craig LLC • Diane E. Webster, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP • Lynn N. Weisberg, Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona • Jo Tewes Wetherill, Quinn Johnston Henderson Pretorius & Cerulo • Francine B. White, Francine B. White & Associates LLC • Patricia J. Whitten, Franczek Radelet PC • Mary-Ann Wilson, Harrison & Held LLP • Gina L. Wood, Thomson & Weintraub LLC • Canella Gekas Woyar, Harrison & Held LLP • Jody Meyer Yazici, Grund & Leavitt PC • Barbara L. Yong, Golan Christie Taglia LLP • Kristine Pihl Youman, HolmstromKennedyPC • Sharon S. Zaban, Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa • Pearl A. Zager, Vedder Price PC • Robin M. Zandri, Goostree Law Group • Kathleen T. Zellner, Kathleen T. Zellner & Associates PC • Patricia A. Zimmer, Ripplinger & Zimmer LLC • Sally J. Zimmerman, Cassiday Schade LLP • Gladys C. Zolna, McDonald Hopkins LLC • Ann M. Zwick, Freeborn & Peters LLP

2017 Spring Edition

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