President's Message

Dear BWLA Family,

Happy Centennial Black History Month and Happy Valentine’s Day! As we commemorate 100 years of celebrating Black History Month, we are reminded that honoring our history is also an act of preserving our future. This newsletter monthly spotlight celebrates some of the extraordinary Black women trailblazers in the legal profession in their historic first achievements here in Illinois on the city, state, and federal level.

During this month when we celebrate love, friendship, and community, I also want to acknowledge those within the BWLA family, our friends, and supporters who are mourning the recent passing of a parent, spouse, family member, or loved one. As a community, we celebrate together and we grieve together—and that collective care, compassion, and presence for one another is even more vital in the times we are facing. BWLA remains committed to being a space where both joy and healing are held with equal intention.

I extend my sincere gratitude to the BWLA Civil Rights Action Committee Co-Chairs, S. Mayumi "Umi" Grisby and Eliana Green, for preparing BWLA’s important statement regarding the tragic killings of Keith Porter, Renee Good, and Alex Pretti, which can be read here, as well as the Know Your Rights Reference Guide featured in this newsletter. The law must govern all, including those who enforce it. BWLA remains committed to policies that guarantee our human and civil rights so that everyone can participate in our democracy without fear.

I also thank the BWLA Judicial Evaluation Committee Co-Chairs—Kina Arnold, Michelle Flagg, and Mariah Young—along with all JEC volunteers and the Board, for their tremendous work in preparing BWLA’s 2026 Primary Election Voter's Guide, another critical resource highlighted in this month's newsletter. Voting remains one of the most powerful tools we have to shape our communities, protect our rights, and ensure our collective voices are heard. My appreciation also goes to Vice President Natanya Pope-Sohel for providing the information included in our Mental Health Resource Guide—because mental wellness matters, and caring for our well-being is essential to sustaining the work we do.

I am deeply grateful for the incredible programming our BWLA Committees continue to deliver this bar year, including the upcoming Road to the Robe Panel on February 24, 2026, and our annual BWLA Ski Trip on February 27-March 1, 2026. Further, my excitement grows as planning continues for this year's BWLA Annual Spring Fundraiser Luncheon on April 16, 2026! Thank you to all sponsors who have already confirmed their sponsorship for the annual luncheon. Your partnership helps BWLA continue advancing scholarships, mentorship initiatives, and programming that uplifts Black women in the legal profession. We encourage others to join in sponsoring BWLA, and we look forward to sharing soon the luncheon ticket registration details and honoree announcements.

We also look forward to highlighting in March's newsletter the inspiring moments from the 2026 BWLA Judicial Reception which took place on February 11, 2026. As BWLA Founder, Past President, and 2026 Honoree the Honorable Patrice Ball-Reed (ret.) shared in her remarks, while the Carson's department store —where BWLA’s Founders first gathered—may no longer stand, BWLA is here. We are here. Those words remind us that legacy is not defined by place alone; it is defined by people, purpose, and the communities we continue to build together.

May this month remind us that we, too, carry brilliance, resilience, and limitless possibility—and that together we continue building an Enduring Legacy, United by Law and Fueled by Sisterhood.

With gratitude and sisterhood,

Joan A. Akalaonu

2025–2026 BWLA President

#EnduringLegacy

The BWLA 2026 Primary Election Judicial Voting Guide is Now Available

The BWLA Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) invites you to view its ratings of candidates seeking election in the March 17, 2026 Primary Election.

The evaluations are designed to inform the public and the courts of the overall qualifications of judicial candidates. The ratings are thoroughly screened by the BWLA JEC, with final Board of Directors approval, based on the following criteria:

• Integrity, legal knowledge, and ability;
• Sensitivity to diversity and bias;
• Character, impartiality, and integrity;
• Temperament;
• Diligence and punctuality; and
• Health and age.

Please note that BWLA’s ratings serve as a guide and are not an endorsement of judicial candidates. Download the BWLA Voting Guide here.

BWLA is thankful for our JEC Co-chairs, BWLA Parliamentarian Kina Arnold, Michelle Flagg, and Mariah Young, the numerous JEC volunteers, and the BWLA Board of Directors for their support and commitment to the process.  

BWLA Annual Spring Fundraiser

SAVE THE DATE AND SPONSOR

BWLA's 2026 Spring Fundraiser Luncheon

Please save the date for BWLA’s 2026 Spring Fundraiser Luncheon! The event will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, 301 E. North Water Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Further details are forthcoming!

Sponsorship opportunities are welcome – please click this link below to learn more about how to sponsor the BWLA 2026 Spring Fundraiser and help and support BWLA continue its great work of supporting law students and providing impactful programming for its membership and others in the legal community of Chicago and beyond.

BWLA Monthly Spotlight

Honoring an Enduring Legacy

Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month

In 2026, we mark a historic milestone: the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, rooted in 1926 when Negro History Week was established to center Black achievements and contributions within our nation’s story. Over the past century, this observance has grown into a powerful and enduring celebration of Black culture, resilience, leadership, and innovation—a true Enduring Legacy.

As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, BWLA proudly honors the Enduring Legacy of some of our Black women trailblazers in Illinois whose historic firsts transformed the legal profession and expanded pathways for generations to come. From groundbreaking judges and bar leaders to pioneering public officers, these remarkable women exemplify excellence, courage, and leadership.

Upcoming BWLA Events

Register Today to Attend the

BWLA's 2026 Road to the Robe Panel

Join the BWLA Government Services Committee on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, 111 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, for the 2026 Road to the Robe panel—an inspiring discussion featuring distinguished members of the judiciary who will share their unique paths to the bench, lessons learned, and practical guidance for aspiring judges.

Panelists include:

• Hon. Torrie Corbin, Associate Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County
• Hon. Melanie Patrick Neely, Chief Administrative Law Judge, Illinois Department of Revenue
• Hon. Jennifer S. Nolen, Administrative Law Judge, Illinois Human Rights Commission
• Hon. Yolanda Harris Sayre, Circuit Court Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County
• Hon. Natosha Cuyler Toller, Associate Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County

Moderator:

• ALJ Michelle Cunningham, Administrative Law Judge, Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board

Jurists, attorneys, and law students are welcome to attend. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.

Register today through the link below.

Purchase Tickets Today to Attend the

BWLA 2026 Annual Ski Trip Weekend Getaway

🎿❄️ Register and Purchase Tickets Today — BWLA 2026 Ski Trip! ❄️🎿

Bundle up and get excited—BWLA is headed to Crystal Mountain Ski Resort in Thompsonville, Michigan for the 2026 BWLA Annual Ski Trip, taking place February 27–March 1, 2026!

Join us for a relaxing and fun winter retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the Windy City. Crystal Mountain offers something for everyone—whether you’re hitting the slopes, unwinding at the spa, ice skating, enjoying a cozy sleigh ride, or simply taking in the beautiful snow-covered scenery.

On Saturday evening, BWLA attendees will come together for a group dinner, followed by a CLE discussion focused on self-care and wellness, and then an evening of fun, laughter, and games.

🎟️ Registration Pricing

• BWLA Members: $20
• Non-BWLA Members: $40
• (Registration includes Saturday dinner and CLE)

🚌 Transportation Option

BWLA will offer charter bus transportation to and from Chicago and the resort for an additional $100 per person. This information is on the Ticket Falcon registration site.

🏨 Hotel Accommodations

The Ticket Falcon registration site includes direct links and information to book discounted rooms at the resort under BWLA’s exclusive promo code. The group discounted rate expires January 28, 2026, so book your room today!

Register and Purchase Your Tickets Today through the link below to secure your spot and access the BWLA hotel discount.

We look forward to having you join us. Treat yourself—you’ve earned this getaway! ✨❄️💜

Register Today to Attend

BWLA's 2026 Spring Mentoring Dinner

Join BWLA’s Mentoring Committee for BWLA' s Annual Spring Mentoring Dinner, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 5:30–8:00 p.m., generously hosted and sponsored by BWLA Diamond Sponsor Sidley Austin, 1 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago. This special evening will bring together attorneys, mentors, and mentees for meaningful conversation, networking, and fellowship, featuring trailblazing Black women lawyers from both the public and private sectors sharing insights on career pathways and professional growth. We look forward to welcoming you for an inspiring night of mentorship, connection, and community.

Register today through the link below.

Save the Date

BWLA Corporate Counsel Committee

Hosts 2026 Financial Panel

RSVP Today for Chicago State University's Reception Premiering the Archives of the Late Justice Charles E. Freeman, Illinois Supreme Court, Co-sponsored by BWLA

BWLA is pleased to share that Chicago State University, where BWLA Founder and Past President Z Scott is the President, will host a special program premiering the university’s archival collection honoring the late Justice Charles E. Freeman, the first African American Justice to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court.

The event will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Gwendolyn Brooks Library, 9501 S. King Drive, Chicago, and will include a program and reception celebrating Justice Freeman’s enduring legal legacy. BWLA members and friends are encouraged to attend. Click the link below to RSVP today.

Purchase Tickets Today for the

Girls Inc. of Chicago's 2026 She Shines Awards,

Co-sponsored by BWLA

BWLA is proud to serve as a co-sponsor of the 2026 She Shines Awards, hosted by Girls Inc. of Chicago, which celebrates extraordinary women whose leadership and service uplift women and girls across our city. This year, we are especially proud to celebrate BWLA member Gray I. Mateo-Harris, one of the 2026 honorees recognized for her impactful contributions to the Chicago community.

The She Shines Awards will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 12:00–2:30 p.m. at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive, Chicago. We invite BWLA members and friends to join in celebrating these inspiring leaders and supporting the continued advancement of girls and young women across Chicago. Tickets can be purchased through the link below.

BWLA Spring Scholarships

Apply Today for the

2026 BWLA Spring Essay Scholarship

Deadline: February 28, 2026

The BWLA Scholarship Fund Board invites law students to apply for our 2026 Spring Essay Scholarship. This scholarship offers a monetary award to support students on their legal journey and reflects BWLA’s commitment to expanding opportunity and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession.

We encourage all eligible law students to apply and share their voices. Applications close on February 28, 2026. Finalists will be invited to participate for a virtual interview on Saturday, March 28, 2026, and those recipients selected to receive this year's Spring Essay Scholarships will be announced at BWLA’s Annual Spring Fundraiser Luncheon on April 16, 2026.

Click the link below for eligibility requirements, application materials, and additional details. We look forward to reading your submissions and selecting this year's scholarship recipients!

Apply Today for the Agnes B. McGirth Scholarship

Deadline: March 7, 2026

The BWLA Scholarship Fund Board is proud to open applications for the 2026 Agnes McGirth Scholarship. The Agnes McGirth Scholarship supports current law students who are pursuing a career in law while raising a family. Through this award, BWLA honors the dedication, resilience, and determination required to balance the demands of legal education with family responsibilities.

The Agnes McGirth Scholarship application closes on March 7, 2026. Applicants must be current 1L, 2L, or 3L students enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school and actively raising a family.



We encourage eligible students to apply and share their stories. The Agnes McGirth Scholarship reflects BWLA’s continued commitment to uplifting law students who are building both their careers and their families.

Reference Guide and Resources

Know Your Rights Quick Reference Guide Prepared by the Civil Rights Action Committee

Mental Wellness Matters

Mental Health Resources Guide

for Black Women in the Legal Profession

Get Involved:

BWLA Membership and Committees

Every chapter of BWLA’s history has been written by members who chose to get involved, give back, and lead with purpose. Joining a committee is more than volunteering; it’s an opportunity to help shape the future of BWLA, strengthen our sisterhood, and expand our impact across Chicago’s legal and civic communities.

When you serve, you carry forward BWLA’s Enduring Legacy of excellence, advocacy, and empowerment. Whether you’re passionate about community service, professional development, or advancing equity in the legal field, there’s a place for your voice and your vision within BWLA. Join us and help continue the legacy that has uplifted Black women in law for nearly four decades. Please use the link below to sign up for one of BWLA's committees this bar year!

Past Events

A Night of Creativity, Intention, and Inspiration: BWLA’s 2026 Vision Board Party

On Thursday, January 15, 2026, the BWLA Health and Wellness Committee hosted the BWLA 2026 Vision Board Party at Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, bringing together more than 20 members for an evening of creativity, reflection, and inspiration. Participants crafted personalized vision boards highlighting the personal and professional goals they hope to accomplish in 2026 and beyond, using their boards as visual reminders to take intentional action throughout the year. Attendees also shared powerful stories of how prior vision boards helped them achieve meaningful milestones, encouraging everyone present to dream boldly and pursue their aspirations with confidence.

Special thanks to BWLA Health and Wellness Committee Chair Nia-Imara Binns and BWLA Treasurer Alexandra Rodgers for coordinating this impactful event; Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella for hosting BWLA once again for this event; Akili King, Senior Beauty Editor at Essence, for generously donating magazines for the activity; and BWLA President Joan Akalaonu for providing additional materials that helped make the evening a success.

Serving with Purpose: BWLA Volunteers with ChiGivesBack for the 2026 MLK Jr. Day of Service

On Monday, January 19, 2026—marking BWLA’s second year partnering with ChiGivesBack for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service—the BWLA Community Service Committee organized BWLA volunteers at Vanderpoel Elementary School for a meaningful day of community impact. More than 20 BWLA Board members and members worked alongside hundreds of volunteers across the city to help paint and refresh the school’s hallways, contributing to efforts that uplift local learning environments and support neighborhood revitalization.

ChiGivesBack, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved Chicago communities through service initiatives and strategic partnerships, mobilized more than 300 volunteers across three project sites this year—assembling winter essential kits, completing renovation projects, and delivering critical resources to families throughout the city. BWLA was proud to stand alongside community partners in this collective effort to give back and embody Dr. King’s call to service.

Special thanks to the BWLA Community Service and Outreach Committee, led by Co-Chairs Aleathea Williams and Ashley Varnado, along with Parliamentarian Kina Arnold, Corresponding Secretary Kameelah Pointer, and BWLA President Joan Akalaonu, for coordinating BWLA’s participation in this impactful volunteer initiative with ChiGivesBack. We also extend heartfelt thanks to all BWLA volunteers who braved the freezing temperatures to serve, uplift the community, and help spruce up the school.

BWLA Celebrates at the Diversity Scholarship Foundation's Annual Unity Gala

On Thursday, January 22, 2026, BWLA President Joan Akalaonu, Vice President Natanya Pope-Sohel, Recording Secretary Le’Loni English, Board Members-at-Large Amber Carpenter and Omoyele "Yele" Ajayi, Scholarship Fund Board Member Shannon Stokes, Judicial Evaluation Committee Co-Chair Michelle Flaggs, Past Board Member Tondalaya Lloyd, and Past Presidents the Honorable Kenya Jenkins-Wright and Mary Melchor and others attended the Diversity Scholarship Foundation’s Annual 2026 Unity Gala, co-sponsored by BWLA, and held at the JW Marriott Chicago.

This year’s gala marked a record-breaking milestone, with the Diversity Scholarship Foundation awarding 26 scholarships to deserving law students, including several BWLA members: Law Student Outreach Co-Chairs Jordan Bernard and Maryah Person, Ibidun (Ibi) Oduguwa, Kadeji Berkley, Olivia Riley, Alexandria Wilson, Jordan Plunkett, and others. We also extend congratulations to BWLA member Erika Harold, recipient of one of the Unity Gala Advocate for Diversity Awards.

BWLA congratulates all of this year’s scholarship recipients, honorees, and awardees and remains committed to supporting initiatives that expand access, opportunity, and diversity within the legal profession.

BWLA Connects with Loyola Law BLSA

On Thursday, January 29, 2026, BWLA President Joan Akalaonu and BWLA Recording Secretary LéLoni English, both Loyola Law alums, attended Loyola University Chicago School of Law’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA) General Body Meeting to share information about the many ways BWLA supports law students through scholarships, mentorship, and professional development programming. 

BWLA Mentoring Program

Celebrates National Mentoring Month

On Thursday, January 29, 2026, in recognition of National Mentoring Month, the BWLA Mentoring Program Committee hosted a creative art workshop on January 29, 2026, bringing mentors and mentees together for an evening of connection, creativity, and shared experiences at Let’s KáLab Creative Space in Bronzeville.

Mentoring pairs enjoyed creating custom candles or framed mosaic artwork while engaging in meaningful conversations, laughter, and fellowship. Guests were also entertained by spoken word artist and venue owner Ben, along with comedian Lyssa Laird, making the evening both inspiring and memorable.

BWLA extends a special thank you to Mentoring Committee Co-Chairs Renai Rodney and Adrienne Garner for planning a wonderful event, and to all of the mentoring pairs who attended and made the evening so special through their engagement and connection.

Celebrating the Retirement and Legacy of BWLA Past President Judge Sybil C. Thomas

On Thursday, January 29, 2026, BWLA Past President the Honorable Sybil C. Thomas celebrated her retirement as an Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, concluding an extraordinary 29-year judicial career dedicated to serving children and families in the Child Protection Division. A retirement reception was held in the atrium of the Cook County Juvenile Court Building, where colleagues, friends, and members of the legal community gathered to recognize her decades of impactful service. BWLA Parliamentarian Kina Arnold and Program Administrator K. Rhea attended on behalf of BWLA to honor Judge Thomas’s remarkable contributions to Cook County and the legal profession.

Throughout her distinguished tenure, Judge Thomas advanced innovative initiatives that continue to shape juvenile justice practice, including the development of the Child Protection Mediation Program—later codified by the Illinois Supreme Court—and the Benchmark Hearings program, now a national model supporting youth transitioning out of care. In addition to her judicial leadership, Judge Thomas made a lasting impact on BWLA as a Past President, where she led the organization’s first National Summit, establishing a tradition that continues to unite Black women lawyers nationwide.

BWLA also celebrated Judge Thomas’s extraordinary legacy at the 2026 BWLA Judicial Reception, where she was honored as one of this year’s distinguished honorees for her enduring leadership and service to the legal community.

Cook County Bar Association and BWLA Collaborate for 2nd Annual Platt Wheeler Legal Symposium

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the Cook County Bar Association, in collaboration with the BWLA, hosted the Second Annual Platt-Wheeler Legal Education Symposium: “Pivoting with Purpose” at Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP. The symposium, coordinated this year by CCBA Vice President of Information and Education Charmaine Saffore, CCBA Executive Director Cordelia Brown, and BWLA President Joan Akalaonu, honored the legacy of Lloyd Garrison Wheeler and Ida Platt, the first Black man and Black woman admitted to the Illinois Bar. The event was well attended, and after in-person registration quickly reached capacity, CCBA and BWLA expanded access by offering a virtual Zoom option, allowing even more members of the legal community to participate.

The program featured candid, powerful, and insightful panel discussions that highlighted intentional career pivots, professional choices, challenges, and moments of pause along the journey. The first panel, “Transitioning Into Politics,” was moderated by CCBA Board Member Glori Bond and featured Leslie A. Hairston (Former 5th Ward Alderman), William A. (Bill) Lowry (Cook County Commissioner), and Latasha R. Thomas (Principal, Clark Hill Public Strategies). The second panel, “Lawyers’ Alternative Careers,” was moderated by BWLA Vice President Natanya Pope-Sohel and featured Dean Nicky Boothe (Dean, University of Illinois Chicago School of Law), CCBA Past President Dartesia Pitts (Counselor to Chief Justice P. Scott Neville, Illinois Supreme Court), and BWLA Founder and Past President Z Scott (President, Chicago State University). The program was brought to a powerful close with a fireside chat featuring the Kim Foxx, former Cook County State’s Attorney, moderated by CCBA President-Elect LeDeidre Turner.

BWLA and CCBA extend sincere appreciation to Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP for graciously hosting the symposium and reception, and to all the speakers, moderators, and attendees whose participation made this year’s event an impactful and inspiring celebration of leadership, purpose, and professional growth.

BWLA Young Lawyers Committee Hosts Galentine’s Day Celebration

On Monday, February 9, 2026, the BWLA Young Lawyers Committee hosted its Third Annual Galentine’s Day Event at One Strange Bird, bringing together members for an evening of creativity, connection, and celebration. A group of 14 members, including BWLA Past President the Honorable Kenya Jenkins-Wright and Board Member at Large Cyerra McGowan, enjoyed a hands-on terrarium workshop in a fun and relaxed setting that encouraged fellowship and meaningful engagement.

BWLA extends special thanks to the Young Lawyers Committee, led by Co-Chairs Kyle Palmore and Milea Moye, along with Board Member at Large Cyerra McGowan, for planning such a creative and welcoming event that provided members with an opportunity to unwind, connect, and celebrate sisterhood.

Honoring Dr. King's Legacy: BWLA Attends the 2026 Chicago MLK Jr. Interfaith Breakfast

On Friday, January 16, 2026, BWLA Vice President Natanya Pope-Sohel and BWLA Board Member-at-Large Amber Carpenter attended the City of Chicago’s 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Breakfast, a longstanding gathering that brings together faith leaders, community members, and civic officials to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s event, themed “Defending Our Democracy, Protecting Our Rights,” featured keynote remarks from former Vice President Kamala Harris, who called on attendees to continue Dr. King’s work through courage, resilience, civic engagement, and collective action.

BWLA Co-Sponsors Reception Honoring

Justice Mary Jane Theis's Retirement from the Illinois Supreme Court

On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Chicago legal community gathered at The Chicago Bar Association for a special reception honoring Justice Mary Jane Theis on her retirement from the Illinois Supreme Court. The reception, co-sponsored by BWLA and several bar associations, celebrated Justice Theis’s distinguished judicial career, marked by her integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law.

During the reception, BWLA Vice President Natanya Pope-Sohel delivered remarks on behalf of BWLA, recognizing Justice Theis’s lasting impact on the judiciary and the broader legal community. Executive officers from numerous bar associations, along with judges, attorneys, and law students joined together to share tributes and reflect on Justice Theis's profound legacy of service.

BWLA extends its heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Justice Theis for her many years of exemplary service and thanks The Chicago Bar Association and BWLA longstanding member the Honorable Nichole Patton, President of the Chicago Bar Association for hosting a memorable celebration in honor of her extraordinary career.

Events Around Town

Purchase Tickets Today for the Black Ensemble Theater's "The Jackie Wilson Story" Written and Directed by BWLA 2026 Judicial Reception Honoree Jackie Taylor

Scholarship Available

Apply Today for the Judicial Council of the National Bar Association's 2026 Scholarships for Law Students

Register Today for MWBLSA's 58th Regional Convention Rooted in Legacy Rising in Excellence

Purchase Tickets Today for the Decalogue Society's Reception in Honor of the Judiciary

Purchase Tickets Today for The Advocates Society's Annual Installation & Award of Merit

Register Today for the Cook County Bar Association's 43rd Annual Law Student Job Fair

The 43rd Annual Cook County Bar Association Law Student Job Fair will be held on February 27, 2026 at the Embassy Suites, 511 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60611. 

The objective of the CCBA Law Student Job Fair remains unchanged: to connect the brightest legal talent with employers including law firms, corporations, government agencies, and public interest organizations that are committed to developing the next generation of excellence within the legal profession. 

For more information on the Cook County Bar Association please visit their website at www.cookcountybar.org or contact the Cook County Bar Association at 312-630-1157 or info@ccbajobfair.org.

Register Today for BLC's Candidates Forum's for the 2nd and 7th Congressional Districts of Illinois

RSVP Today for the Chicago Black Voter Project's Candidates Forums' for the Public Good for Congressional Districts of Illinois

Register Today for the Illinois

Judicial Council's Beyond the Bench -

Judges Serving Our Community

Purchase Tickets Today to

WBAI's 2026 Judicial Reception

Register Today for the

National Bar Association Corporate Law Section's 2026 Gateway to Success Conference

The National Bar Association Corporate Law Section (NBA-CorpLaw) presents the 2026 Gateway to Success Conference — the premier professional development experience for in-house and law firm attorneys who are ready to lead, influence, and claim the moment.

🗓 March 6, 2026

📍 Southern University Law Center – Baton Rouge, LA

This year’s theme, “Claim the Moment,” reflects the urgency and power of this pivotal time in our profession. This conference equips attorneys with the tools to rise — to the GC seat, to the boardroom, and to leadership that transforms systems.

💼 6 CLE-accredited sessions designed for real impact

🤝 Strategic networking with top in-house and firm attorneys

🎤 Featured speakers from Fortune 500 legal departments

🎓 Student engagement and legacy leadership pipeline programming

🔥 Whether you’re climbing the ladder or building your own, this is YOUR moment. Let’s claim it, together.

To learn more information about the conference and sponsorship, please email: CorporateLaw@NationalBar.org

Save the Date for UIC BLSA's Black Legal Summit

Purchase Tickets Today for the National Hellenic Museum's The Trial of Odysseus

SAVE THE DATE

BLC's 2026 Women's History Month

Elevated Strategy Session "Minding our Business - Part II: Power, Protection & Possibilities

Register Today for

Pageants, Professionalism, and Power: Unexpected Lessons for Lawyers from Pageantry

Register Today to Try Out to Perform at

2026 Law Rocks Tour's Chicago

BWLA Member Achievements

Congratulations to BWLA Parliamentarian Kina Arnold who recently modeled at a New York Fashion Week show for the inaugural Christopher Reavley Collection.

Congratulations to BWLA member Sheraya Bernard who will be honored as Ms. JD's Law School Honoree at the Ms. JD Limitless Gala & Awards this April 2026 in San Francisco.

Congratulations to BWLA member Dennericka Brooks who recently was awarded the Jo Ann Harris Public Service Award by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) for her commitment to teaching and supporting public service programs.

Congratulations BWLA Founder and Past President the Honorable Patrica Brown Holmes (ret.) who recently was named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America, and who recently was named to the Top 100 2026 Illinois Super Lawyers and Top 50 2026 Illinois Super Lawyers lists for Criminal Defense: White Collar.

Congratulations BWLA member Malaika Caldwell who recently joined the Board for the ACC - Association of Corporate Counsel.

Congratulations to BWLA Past President Kalia Coleman who will be a panelist at the Business Leadership Council's Elevated Strategy Session "Minding our Business Part II: Power, Protection, & Possibilities" which will take place on March 13, 2026 at Gallery Guichard.

Congratulations BWLA member Aja Carr Favors who recently was named Head of the Office of Privacy and AI Compliance, a newly established office and the first of its kind within the City of Chicago Department of Law, and who recently started her Master of Public Health program at Brown University.

Congratulations BWLA member Jennifer Dickey who recently spoke on a panel "Careers in Law with Panel and Employers" hosted by UCLA Career Center, and recently became certified in Responsible AI Leadership through AI 2030, and recently was interviewed and featured in Privacy Bootcamp, and recently was selected as a 2026 Roblox Parent Champion to engage in research focused on improving the experience for families and young users worldwide.

Congratulations BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Natalie Ellis on her recent promotion to Senior Associate at Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP and joining the Associate Board of Just the Beginning - A Pipeline Organization.

Congratulations Past BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Chair Demetrius Evans on recently being named as a 2026 Super Lawyer in Intellectual Property Law.

Congratulations to BWLA Civil Rights Action Committee Co-Chair and Past Board Member S. Mayumi "Umi" Grigsby who recently was selected as a 2026 Marshall Memorial Fellow.

Congratulations BWLA member Erika Harold on recently being the keynote speaker for Springfield Frontiers International's 51st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast.

Congratulations BWLA Past President Nathalina Hudson on recently joining Buchanan as a Shareholder in the Litigation and Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Practice Groups.

Congratulations to BWLA member Lisa Kpor who was recently awarded the Mentorship Award during the United Airlines 2026 BEACON Excellence Awards, and who was recently featured in an University of Illinois College of Law Illinois LawCast podcast episode. You can listen to the podcast episode here.

Congratulations BWLA Corporate Counsel Committee Co-Chair Ariana Maloney who recently started a new position as Associate Senior Counsel at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Congratulations to BWLA member Gray I. Mateo-Harris, who is one of the 2026 Honorees for the Girls Inc. of Chicago's 2026 She Shines Awards. The She Shines Awards will take place on March 21, 2026 and tickets can be purchased here.

Congratulations BWLA member the Honorable Jennifer S. Nolen who recently spoke at the Illinois State Coalition Social Justice Committee's virtual event "Justice to the Bench, Continuing MLK's Dream," and for recently being featured in the South Suburban News as one of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Women on a Mission.

Congratulations BWLA member the Honorable Chantelle Porter who recently was awarded the Gavel Award, for her consistent dedication to the community, during the Illinois Statewide Founders Celebration of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. hosted by the Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter, and for recently speaking at the Illinois State Coalition Social Justice Committee's virtual event, "Justice to the Bench: Continuing MLK's Dream."

Congratulations BWLA member Masah SamForay who recently was named First Chapter President of Alpha Delta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., its First Charter Chapter in Ghana, Africa.

Congratulations BWLA member Bria Stephens who recently was selected by her firm Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP as one of their 2026 LCLD Pathfinders.

Congratulations BWLA member Taylor Stamps who recently spoke on a panel "Inspiring the Next Generation: Effectively Engaging Law Students in Pro Bono Opportunities" for the Washington Council of Lawyers.

Congratulations BWLA Community Service and Outreach Co-Chair Aleathea Williams who recently presented on housing rights at the A2J Conference.

Do you or someone you know have an achievement that you'd like us to highlight in our monthly newsletter? We want to celebrate our members! Send your latest achievement addressed to administrator@bwla.org.

Employment Opportunities

BWLA constantly receives new employment opportunities that our members may be interested in. The ever expanding list has become too lengthy to share here, so please be sure to visit the BWLA Job Board to view all current employment opportunities!

Sponsors

Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago, Inc. | www.bwla.org