Women's Bar Association of Illinois

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Women's Bar Association of Illinois The Women's Bar Association of Illinois, one of the oldest and largest bar associations in the state, was first established in 1914, by 9 women lawyers.

The Women's Bar Association of Illinois, one of the oldest and largest bar associations in the state, was first established in 1914, by nine women lawyers practicing in the Chicago Metropolitan area. The WBAI offers its members access to jobs, career advice, continuing legal education (CLE), mentorship, networking, and events that promote women.

On March 19, members of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois gathered at the Chicago Bar Association for the engaging...
10/16/2026

On March 19, members of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois gathered at the Chicago Bar Association for the engaging and thought-provoking Professional Responsibility CLE, Unexpected Lessons for Lawyers from Pageantry.

Read the blog post here:
https://bit.ly/4idMbgd

Thank you to everyone who joined the WBAI, JAMS, and Hinshaw on October 14 for an in-person program, Advanced Mediation:...
10/16/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined the WBAI, JAMS, and Hinshaw on October 14 for an in-person program, Advanced Mediation: From Impasse to Resolution. The evening began with networking and continued with an engaging CLE featuring an exceptional panel of distinguished jurists and ADR professionals:

• Justice Joy Cunningham, Illinois Supreme Court
• Hon. Kay Hanlon (Ret.), Neutral, ADR Systems
• Hon. Mary Anne Mason (Ret.), Mediator, Arbitrator, and Court-Appointed Neutral, JAMS
• Hon. Mary Colleen Roberts (Ret.), Mediator, Arbitrator, and Court-Appointed Neutral, JAMS

Moderated by Circuit Court Judge Jean Golden, the panel explored the evolution of mediation and the challenges attorneys face when resolving complex cases.

Drawing on their extensive judicial and alternative dispute resolution experience, the panelists shared practical strategies for overcoming barriers to settlement, breaking through impasses, and achieving meaningful resolutions. Attendees gained valuable insights and techniques to strengthen their advocacy and effectiveness in mediation.

A sincere thank-you to our distinguished panelists, moderator, and partners, JAMS and Hinshaw, for making this such an informative and impactful program!

🌟 A Community That Moves the Profession ForwardWhen you join the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, you become part of...
10/16/2026

🌟 A Community That Moves the Profession Forward

When you join the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, you become part of a diverse community of students, paralegals, attorneys, judges, and legal allies who care deeply about the future of the profession and the people in it.

Through the WBAI, you’ll have opportunities to:
🌱 Build relationships across career levels
⚖️ Get involved in work that strengthens the profession
🤝 Learn from experienced leaders and peers
💬 Contribute to important conversations

The WBAI is where professional growth meets real community.

Learn more: wbaillinois.org/membership/membership-overview

The WBAI held its Annual Membership Meeting on March 18, 2026, during which members voted to approve amendments to the W...
10/15/2026

The WBAI held its Annual Membership Meeting on March 18, 2026, during which members voted to approve amendments to the WBAI Bylaws.

Read the blog post here:
https://bit.ly/3SU3uIL

Join us for the WBAI’s Top Women Lawyers in Leadership CLE Summit! One of the highlights of this year's newly reimagined...
10/15/2026

Join us for the WBAI’s Top Women Lawyers in Leadership CLE Summit!

One of the highlights of this year's newly reimagined event is a special fireside chat featuring the four women serving on the Illinois Supreme Court:
• Justice Joy V. Cunningham
• Justice Mary K. O'Brien
• Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford
• Justice Lisa Holder White
Moderator: Caroleann Gallagher | WBAI President

Hear directly from these distinguished justices as they share their perspectives on leadership, their careers, and the legal profession.

The Summit will also feature three additional panels exploring career advancement, business development, and navigating the evolving demands of a legal career.

Event Highlights:
• 4 hours of CLE programming
• Lunch and evening cocktail reception
• Panelist recognition
• Networking with attorneys, judges, and legal leaders

Event Details:
Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 12:30 - 7:00 PM
200 W. Madison St., 4th Floor Tenant Lounge, Chicago, IL 60606

Registration:
WBAI Members | $100
Non-Members | $200
Government Attorneys & New Lawyers (

Celebrating Leadership, Community & Service! The WBAI was proud to attend the 2026 HLAI & HLAI Charities Annual Black Ti...
10/14/2026

Celebrating Leadership, Community & Service!

The WBAI was proud to attend the 2026 HLAI & HLAI Charities Annual Black Tie Gala, Installation Ceremony & Awards Dinner on October 9 at the iconic Geraghty!

It was a wonderful evening celebrating excellence, culture, and community while honoring outstanding leaders, welcoming the new Board, and recognizing the continued commitment to service and advocacy.

Thank you to HLAI and HLAI Charities for a memorable evening and for your continued dedication to strengthening our legal community!

What happens when corporations prioritize speed, cost savings, or profits over consumer safety?Read the blog post here: ...
10/14/2026

What happens when corporations prioritize speed, cost savings, or profits over consumer safety?

Read the blog post here:
https://bit.ly/4A3TNs8

Presenting or cross-examining a Rule 213(f)(3) expert can be one of the most consequential moments in a personal injury ...
10/14/2026

Presenting or cross-examining a Rule 213(f)(3) expert can be one of the most consequential moments in a personal injury trial. Join the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois for this practical CLE, hosted at Cassiday, bringing together judges and experienced plaintiff and defense trial lawyers to break down what works, what doesn’t, and what the court expects when expert testimony reaches the courtroom.

From laying the foundation and presenting your own controlled expert examination to exposing weaknesses and effectively cross-examining the opposing expert, attendees will learn practical strategies they can put to use in their next case. The goal: leave this program confident and prepared to present and cross a Rule 213(f)(3) expert.

Appetizers and refreshments provided by Cassiday.

Event Details:
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
4:30 -7.00
Cassiday Offices, 222 West Adams Street, Suite 2900, Chicago, Illinois, 60606

Schedule:
4:30 - 5:00 PM | Networking
5:00 - 6:30 PM | Program
6:30 - 7:00 PM | Networking

Moderator: Sarah F. King, Partner, Clifford Law Offices

Panelists:
🔷 Judge Thomas M. Cushing
🔷 Judge Bridget C. Duignan
🔷 Judge Thomas V. Lyons, II
🔷 Daisy Allyon, Partner, Romanucci & Blandin, LLC
🔷 Erin Calandriello, Partner, Cassiday Schade LLP

1.5 hours of CLE credit pending

Tickets:
Members | $20
Non-Members | $30

Register Now: https://bit.ly/4h0odEj

Join the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois and the Illinois State Bar Association Women and the Law Committee for Peri...
10/14/2026

Join the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois and the Illinois State Bar Association Women and the Law Committee for Perinatal Mental Health: When She’s Not “Fine”, an interactive CLE focused on recognizing the signs of perinatal mental health challenges, starting supportive conversations, and knowing how to help.

Amy Johnston, LCSW, PMH-C, and Christina Flynn, MSN, RN, CEN, will share practical tools for recognizing warning signs, responding without judgment, and connecting someone with meaningful support and resources.

Event Details:
Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026
5:00 - 7:00 PM
ISBA, 20 S Clark St, Chicago, IL (In-person only event)

Schedule:
5:00 - 5:30 PM | Networking
5:30 - 6:30 PM | Program
6:30 - 7:00 PM | Networking

1 hour of Mental Health CLE credit pending

Tickets:
Members | $20
Non-Members | $30

Register Now: https://bit.ly/46lOEhy

The WBAI was proud to attend and support this important event hosted by Gould Grieco & Hensley in partnership with the L...
10/13/2026

The WBAI was proud to attend and support this important event hosted by Gould Grieco & Hensley in partnership with the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation on October 8!

A special thank you to Gould Grieco & Hensley for generously hosting this meaningful evening and bringing together an outstanding panel of experts to discuss breast cancer risk, resilience, self-advocacy, and the future of breast cancer care.

We are grateful to Jennifer Cascio and all the speakers for sharing their personal experiences and expertise, raising awareness, and empowering women to advocate for their health. Thank you for including the WBAI in this important conversation!

Address

321 S Plymouth Court Ste 4S
Chicago, IL
60604

Telephone

+13123418530

Website

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