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What an exciting time!
BWLA is hosting its Annual Spring Fundraiser Gala, Forging Ahead: Celebrating Her Legal Prowess on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 6:00 pm – 12:00 am at the Epiphany Center for the Arts! It will be a beautiful and elegant evening of dinner, dancing, and celebrating the power of Black women in the legal profession with an effort to sustain the BRIGHT future of law students.
I personally invite and encourage you all to attend what will be an unforgettable night supporting an incredible cause!
Tickets and tables are on sale now and sponsorship opportunities are available, as provided below.
Yours in Sisterhood,
Weeya Baysah Young
BWLA President 2024-2025
#Bright.Bold.Balanced.
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Purchase Tickets Today for the
BWLA 2025 Spring Fundraising Gala
Forging Ahead: Celebrating Her Legal Prowess
| BWLA is proud to announce that Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, who serves Illinois’ 14th Congressional District, is our speaker for the 2025 BWLA Spring Fundraising Gala, Forging Ahead: Celebrating Her Legal Prowess. She is the first woman, the first person of color, and the first millennial to represent her community in Congress. | |
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Purchase your ticket today for the 2025 BWLA Spring Fundraising Gala, Forging Ahead: Celebrating Her Legal Prowess. BWLA invites you to enjoy an evening of dancing and dining celebrating the past year’s successes and triumphs of Black women in the legal profession. We will honor Black women lawyers in the private and public sectors who have forged ahead with continued strength, resilience, and prowess in the face of challenging times and circumstances.
The gala will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 South Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607.
Ticket Prices are as follows:
- General ticket (non-BWLA member): $250
- BWLA member ticket: $200
- Government & Non-profit ticket: $200
- Student ticket: $150
Purchase tickets today and/or learn more about sponsorship opportunities through the links below!
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Happening Tomorrow! Purchase Tickets for BWLA Sponsored Event "Happy Hour in Her Heels" | |
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BWLA is proud to support Happy Hour in her Heels on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at Hubbard Inn, 110 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654. In recognition of March as International Women’s Month, the Women's Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) is hosting a happy hour to advocate for an end to sexual harassment and to raise donations for WINGS domestic violence shelter.
Men are invited to attend this happy hour in high-heeled shoes and join a catwalk strut to raise awareness. Donations of gently used heels or funds are also appreciated.
Tickets are $50 for members of the co-host organizations (WBAI, Decalogue Society, FLASH, HLAI, Lady Lawyers who Lunch, LAGBAC, and SABA), $55 for those participating in the catwalk strut, and $65 for non-members. Purchase tickets at the link below! We hope to see you there!
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Purchase Tickets Today for
BWLA's Annual Judicial Reception
Standing Up for Justice
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Join BWLA for its annual Judicial Reception, Standing Up for Justice, at Jones Day, 110 Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, on March 20, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. At the reception, BWLA will recognize and celebrate recently elected and appointed members of the judiciary. BWLA is also proud to present three outstanding Black women judges with the Judge Ann Claire Williams Award in recognition of their BOLD legal careers.
This year’s amazing honorees are:
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The Honorable Tanya Walton Pratt, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana;
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The Honorable Maxine Aldridge White, Chief Judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals; and
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BWLA Founder and Past President the Honorable Patricia Brown Holmes (ret.), retired Cook County Circuit Court Judge and current Managing Partner for Riley Safer Holmes and Cancila LLP.
Tickets are free for judges, $75 for BWLA members, and $100 for non-members. Purchase tickets today at the link below. We look forward to celebrating the judiciary with you!
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Donate Today to Support BWLA and WBAI's Drive for Dress for Success for Greater Chicago | |
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BWLA and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) are proud to team up this Women’s History Month in support of Dress for Success Greater Chicago, a nonprofit dedicated to helping unemployed and underemployed women achieve economic independence. From now until March 27, we are hosting a drive to provide professional attire for women to thrive in the workplace and beyond.
How you can help: Shop the Amazon Wish List for essential items like pants, shirts, shoes, and even gift cards. Thank you for your support!
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Join BWLA and HLAI for
Pearls of Etiquette:
An Evening of Fine Dining and Networking
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Join BWLA and HLAI on April 15, 2025, for Pearls of Etiquette: An Evening of Fine Dining and Networking at Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton St. Chicago, IL, 60661 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Attendees will enjoy a three-course dinner as well as an interactive program covering topics such as proper table settings, navigating multi-course meals, handling challenging situations (e.g. spills, dietary restrictions) and networking etiquette.
Purchase tickets today and/or learn about available sponsorship opportunities through the links below! Tickets are $70 for BWLA and HLAI members, $80 for non-members, and $50 for law students. We hope to see you there!
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Please Pay Your
2024-2025 BWLA Membership Dues Today!
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Get Involved: Join a BWLA Committee Today! | |
Supporting Our Bright Future: BWLA Hosts the 2025 Annual Mentoring Dinner | |
On March 4, 2025, BWLA welcomed law students and new lawyers to the 2025 Mentoring Dinner hosted by BWLA 2025 Diamond Sponsor Sidley Austin, LLP. More than 80 guests enjoyed networking and fellowship with esteemed mentors. The event also reaffirmed BWLA's commitment to the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism Lawyer-to-Lawyer Mentoring Program, shared by BWLA Member and Executive Director of the Commission Erika Harold, who spoke about the program's benefits. BWLA President Weeya Young also shared how mentorship has helped her career and fostered lifelong connections.
Mentors included: BWLA Past President Nathalina Hudson, BWLA Past Parliamentarian Maggie Mendenhall Casey, BWLA Community Service Committee Co-Chair Ashley Varnado, and BWLA Members Michelle Speller-Thurman, Shannon Harmon, Tobara Richardson, Chantal Kazay, Abigail Bustamente, and Vanessa Richmond.
Other guests included BWLA Past President Mary Melchor, BWLA Recording Secretary Jeneé Gaskin, BWLA Corresponding Secretary Le'Loni English, Board Member at Large Christina Alabi, Board Member at Large Natanya Pope-Sohel, and BWLA Law Firm Committee Chair Natalie Ellis.
Special thanks to BWLA Ex-Officio Renai Rodney, and the BWLA Spring Mentoring Dinner Co-Chairs Scholastica Baker, J. Simone Jones for moderating this amazing event, and to Chiymelle Proby Nunn for her excellent coordination!
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BWLA Attends “A Conversation with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson: The Lovely One Memoir” | |
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On February 19, 2025, BWLA members along with members of the judiciary, Black Men Lawyers' Association (BMLA) members, and the greater community attended the uplifting program "A Conversation with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson: The Lovely One Memoir” at the House of Hope at Salem Baptist Church. Justice Jackson read from her memoir, shared words of wisdom from her groundbreaking and BOLD career, and had a candid conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson.
Special thanks to BWLA Past President Kenyatta Beverly and Chief Operating Officer & the Chief General Counsel of the Will Group, Inc., Jessica Garmon, for coordinating group seating for BWLA members to lean into the experience.
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BWLA Fitness Fun at Onyx Pilates! | |
On February 22, 2025, BWLA hosted two private Pilates classes at Onyx Pilates to promote BALANCE through physical wellness! Among the attendees were BWLA President Weeya Young and BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Jade Peeples. Special thanks to BWLA Treasurer Alexandra Rogers and BWLA Health and Wellness Committee Chair Yele Ajayi for coordinating this fun event! | |
BWLA Hosts a Book Club Discussion! | On February 22, 2025, the BWLA Government Services Committee hosted a dynamic book club discussion about U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Memoir, Lovely One, at Semicolon Books. Special thanks to BWLA Government Services Committee Chair Aubree Sanders for leading the discussion! | |
BWLA Attends Southern District Of Indiana Program "Living History: The Black Women Judges of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals" | On February 21, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the of Southern District of Indiana hosted an inspirational panel discussion celebrating the three Black women who have served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit: BWLA Founder the Honorable Ann Claire Williams (ret.), BWLA member the Honorable Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, and BWLA member the Honorable Doris L. Pryor. Southern District of Indiana Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt moderated the program. | |
BWLA Attends Northern District of Illinois Program "Lift Every Voice... Celebrating Black History" | |
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On February 26, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois hosted a special Black History Month program, Lift Every Voice... Celebrating Black History Month. Esteemed members of the judiciary in attendance included BWLA Founder Ann Claire Williams (ret.), BWLA Member the Honorable Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, BWLA Lifetime Member the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman, BWLA Past President the Honorable LaShonda Hunt, BWLA Member the Honorable Jeannice Appenteng, the Honorable David Coar (ret.), the Honorable Rebecca Pallmeyer, the Honorable Franklin Valderrama, and BWLA Member Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham.
BWLA President Weeya Young, BWLA Vice President Joan Akalaonu, BWLA Ex-Officio Renai Rodney, BWLA Board Member at Large Alichia McIntosh, and Alfreda Bradley Coar also attended.
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Fiscally Minded: BWLA Hosts Financial Empowerment for Lawyers Panel | |
On February 26, 2025, the BWLA Corporate Counsel Committee hosted a panel discussion, Financial Empowerment for Lawyers at Sheppard Mullin. Attendees heard about making career changes, investing, and money management from panelists Nesreen Ballut, Victoria Watkins, and Raketa Webb. BWLA Corporate Counsel Committee Co-Chair Kanasha S. Hubert moderated the discussion. BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Chair Demitrus Evans also attended.
Many thanks to BWLA Corporate Counsel Committee Co-Chairs Melanie Stewart and Sydney Weathersby, and BWLA Board Member at Large Christina Alabi for coordinating this informative event!
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BWLA, CCBA, and BMLA Co-Host
the Platt-Wheeler Symposium
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On February 27, 2025, BWLA along with the Cook County Bar Association (CCBA) and the Black Men Lawyers’ Association (BMLA) hosted the inaugural Platt-Wheeler Legal Education Symposium and CLE seminar at Chapman and Cutler LLP. The CLE seminar honored Lloyd Garrison Wheeler and Ida Platt, the first Black man and first Black woman to be admitted to the Illinois Bar.
Presenters included BWLA Law Firm Committee Chair Natalie Ellis, BWLA Member Monique Howery, CCBA Past President Natasha E. Jenkins, CCBA General Secretary Vy’Shaey Mitchell, BMLA Associate Board Member Victor Aberdeen, and Devin Luster.
BWLA President Weeya Young, BWLA Parliamentarian Kina Arnold, and CCBA President Nicholas Cummings also attended.
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Fun on the Slopes: BWLA Annual Ski Trip! | |
During the weekend of February 28 to March 2, 2025, the BWLA Health and Wellness Committee facilitated the annual BWLA ski trip at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa! BWLA members and friends enjoyed activities, dining and a mental health CLE presentation by Dr. Shirlyn Garett-Wilson of Chicago State University.
Some of those in attendance were, BWLA President Weeya Young, BWLA Vice President Joan Akalaonu, BWLA Ex-Officio Renai Rodney, BWLA Recording Secretary Jenee Gaskin, BWLA Past President Era Patterson, BWLA Corporate Counsel Co-Chair Melanie Stewart, BWLA Law Student Co-Chairs Maryah Persons and Jordan Bernard, BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Chair Demitrus Evans, BWLA Administrator K. Rhea, BWLA Members, Jennifer King, Samantha Malone, Jasymne Wells, and Ibidun Oduguwa.
Special thanks to BWLA Health and Wellness Committee Chair Yele Ajayi and BWLA Treasurer Alexandra Rogers for coordinating a wonderful weekend!
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BWLA Attends the Investiture for
The Honorable Sonni Choi Williams
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On February 11, 2025, BWLA President Weeya Young and BWLA Past President the Honorable Kenya Jenkins-Wright were among those who celebrated the investiture of ISBA President the Honorable Sonni Choi Williams as a Will County Circuit Court Judge. Illinois Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr., Justice Mary K. O’Brien, and BWLA Member Justice Joy Cunningham were also in attendance. | |
BWLA Attends the Illinois Secretary of State's Black History Month Reception | |
On February 25, 2025, BWLA President Weeya Young and BWLA Member Mary Richardson-Lowry attended Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’s Black History Month Reception at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. | |
BWLA Attends the Chicago Bar Association Earl B. Dickerson Award Ceremony | On February 27, 2025, BWLA Ex-Officio Renai Rodney attended the 2025 Chicago Bar Association Earl B. Dickerson Award ceremony. Congratulations to BWLA Past Parliamentarian Maggie Mendenhall Casey who received an award at the ceremony. The Dickerson Award recognizes and honors minority lawyers and judges whose careers emulate the courage and dedication of Earl B. Dickerson in making the law the key to justice for all in our society. | |
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BWLA Supports the 2025 UIC BLSA
Annual Black Legal Summit
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On March 8, 2025, BWLA supported and sponsored the UIC BLSA Black Legal Summit at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. The event celebrates Black identity, culture, and achievements. BWLA President Weeya Young, BWLA Past President Elsa Andrianifahanana, and BWLA Past President Era Patterson participated as panelists. BWLA Lifetime Member the Honorable Arnette Hubbard also spoke during a fireside chat. BWLA Law Firm Committee Chair Natalie Ellis and BWLA member Fluffy Kilborn also participated. | |
Purchase Tickets Today for the Cook County Bar Association's Legend's Award Dinner | |
Register Today for the Illinois CMS program "Women in State Service: Leading Through Adversity with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" | |
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Register Today for the CLE Program
"Endless Career Opportunities for Lawyers: An FBA Women's History Month Panel Discussion" hosted by the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter
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Purchase Tickets Today for Girls Inc. of Chicago's 5th Annual She Shines Awards | |
Purchase Tickets for the Chicago Defender's Women of Excellence 2025 Awards and Induction Ceremony | |
Purchase Tickets Today for the Women's History Month Luncheon, hosted by the DuPage County Bar Association and Chicago Bar Association | |
Applications Now Open for the Just The Beginning - A Pipeline Organization Associate Board! | |
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The Just the Beginning–A Pipeline Organization (JTB–APO) Associate Board is accepting applications for new members from now until Friday, April 4th, 2025, at 11:59 pm CT. JTB–APO is a multiracial, non-profit organization comprised of lawyers, judges, educators, academicians and other individuals that have served the legal community through education, mentorship and continuous advocacy to promote diversity in the legal profession.
Work to increase diversity in the legal profession by helping high school and college students from underrepresented backgrounds. For more information about JTB–APO, please visit the website. Click the button below to apply.
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Applications Now Open for the Chicago Urban League IMPACT Program! | |
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Apply today to join the Chicago Urban League IMPACT Program! In conjunction with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, IMPACT is a transformative leadership development program that brings together leaders dedicated to civic engagement and an inclusive future for the city of Chicago. It’s where you find your people. It’s where you do the work. Applications are due April 30, 2025.
The program is best suited for mid-to-senior level professionals who are rising in their careers and committed to making an impact. Participants will:
- Build a dynamic network of leaders across sectors;
- Engage in thought-provoking discussions on Chicago’s most pressing challenges;
- Gain mentorship, strategy, and insights to fuel their leadership journey.
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Apply Today for the Hon. Constance Baker Motley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Young Professional Essay Writing Competition | |
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The Federal Bar Association’s Honorable Constance Baker Motley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Young Professional Essay Competition (“Competition”) is created to celebrate the life of the Honorable Constance Baker Motley (September 14, 1921 – September 28, 2005) and promote her legacy by encouraging law students and younger federal practitioners to promote, achieve, and sustain diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession.
The Competition is named after Judge Baker Motley, the first African American woman appointed to the United States federal judiciary and the first woman judge in the Southern District of New York. She was a key leader of the African American civil rights movement, a lawyer, judge, state senator, and Borough President of Manhattan, New York City.
The deadline to apply is May 9, 2025 at 5:00pm EDT. Please click the link below to learn more about this opportunity and to apply.
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Save the Date: ISBA's Women and the Law Upcoming Visit to the Illinois Supreme Court | |
Save the Date: Northwestern Law 64th Annual Corporate Counsel Institute | |
Purchase Tickets Today for the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division Fellowship and Wellness Retreat | |
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The National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division invites you to its Fellowship & Wellness Retreat on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Langham Hotel, 330 N. Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, for an enriching day dedicated to relaxation, connection, and rejuvenation.
Highlights Include:
- Spa Treatment and Lunch Combo:
- Enjoy a 30-minute spa treatment, access to the sauna, relaxation room, and indoor pool, followed by a delicious lunch.
- Member Rate: $150
- Non-Member Rate: $185
- Lunch Only Option:
- Perfect for those with limited time. Join us for lunch from 12 PM to 1:30 PM.
- Price: $50
Tickets are limited, and the registration deadline is April 1, 2025. Click on the link below to register.
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Congratulations to BWLA member Dennericka Brooks on her being selected to serve on the Illinois Judicial Conference Alternative Dispute Resolution Task Force. | |
Congratulations to BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Chair Demitrus Evans who participated on a Global Chamber panel titled "Move Forward Successfully Amidst Tariffs and Shifting Trade Dynamics" on March 6, 2025. | |
Congratulations to BWLA Ex-Officio Renai Rodney who moderated a panel discussion titled "Significant Legal Developments in the Regions: Central and Midwest Regions" at the American Bar Association’s 40th Annual White Collar Crime Institute on March 5, 2025. | |
Congratulations to BWLA Treasurer Alexandra Rogers on her new position as an associate attorney at Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella P.C.! | |
Congratulations to BWLA Member Lora Whitticker on her selection for the NAACP Image Awards Glam Squad with Wagner Lane Productions. | |
Congratulations to BWLA President Weeya Young on being named a She Shines Honoree by Girls Inc. of Chicago! She will receive the award at the She Shines Celebration on March 22, 2025. | |
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. | |
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! | |
Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago, Inc. | www.bwla.org | |
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