BWLA Program Spotlight

Upcoming Events

Raise a Glass, Fund a Future:

Purchase Tickets Today and/or Donate to

BWLA's 2025 Sips for Scholarships

Join the BWLA Scholarship Fund Board as it continues its tradition and Enduring Legacy of investing in law students and their futures at its annual 2025 Sips for Scholarships Fundraiser on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 5:30pm!

This year's Sips for Scholarships Fundraiser will offer attendees an enchanting evening at the illustrious The Sinclair Chicago, 17 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL with delicious food and drinks catered by Almost Typical Catering, and gorgeous floral designs by MVB Design: Making Visions Believable. Attendees can vibe to live music entertainment by neo-soul band We Just Friends (IG: _wejustfriends) and receive live artist portraits by Live Sketch Art by Hetal (IG: live_sketch_art_by_hetal), all while participating in our wine raffle and bidding on silent auction items. This year's silent auction items include spa/massage packages, Chicago Bulls and White Sox tickets, fine dining experiences, beautiful one-of-a kind artwork and more! The silent auction goes live on Friday, October 24, 2025.

This year's Sips will be an unforgettable evening of connection and celebration as we recognize our law student community by awarding scholarships, including $10,000 in Fall Book Awards, and fundraising for future scholarships!

Purchase tickets today and/or donate to the Sips for Scholarships Fundraiser through the link below. Tickets are $75 for BWLA members, $100 for non-members, and a special discounted price for BWLA Mentoring Program participants of $175 (admission for mentor, mentee, and law student). If you are interested in sponsoring or donating an item(s) for the silent auction, please reach out to administrator@bwla.org or click on the link below to make a monetary contribution. All donations are 100% tax deductible and all proceeds from the event fund future scholarships!

Purchase tickets and/or donate today and invest in our law students!

Women, Law & Leadership: BWLA at UIC BLSA

This Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM, BWLA will be presenting a panel to offer insights on law school and legal career options to the Black Law Students Association at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. Panelists include BWLA President Joan Akalaonu, Partner at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP; BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Shannon Stokes, Deputy General Counsel and Ethics Officer at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services; and BWLA Board Member at Large Jade Peeples, IP & Advertising Associate at Haynes and Boone LLP.

Sign Up Today and Join BWLA's Team at the 2025 Chicago Hot Chocolate Run/Walk

Sign up today and join BWLA's team on Sunday, November 2, 2025 as we participate once again in "America's Sweetest Run," the 2025 Chicago Hot Chocolate Run/Walk to promote physical wellness and build community while having a lot of fun!

BWLA team members can register for whichever length of the run/walk they prefer at a discounted rate through October 26, 2025 ($44 for the 5K, $54 for the 10K and $64 for the 15K). There is also a 2-mile walk! Click here or the button below to register and enter the appropriate discount code at checkout. Closer to race day, BWLA will send more information to all registrants about logistics for the event, including where BWLA will meet on the day of the run/walk. Hope to see you there!

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!

GET INVOLVED:

Sign Up Today to Volunteer for the

BWLA Judicial Evaluation Committee

BWLA is one of a thirteen-member consortium of bar associations known as the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening (“Alliance”). As an Alliance member, BWLA's Judicial Evaluation Committee investigates, interviews and evaluates judicial candidates for the purpose of issuing a rating of "Recommended" or "Not Recommended." Ratings are based on a fair, accurate, and complete evaluation of a candidate and are not to be construed as an endorsement. Ratings are advisory only and are a crucial tool in educating and informing our members and the public about candidates during elections. 

The BWLA Judicial Evaluation Committee is in need of volunteers to represent BWLA in this critical work of ensuring judicial candidates are fit. Eligible volunteers must be law students (2L or above), law school graduates, and not currently serving or running as a judge. Investigators review candidate materials and conduct brief interviews with approximately 20 attorneys to compile a summary report. Interviewers participate in confidential interviews along with other Alliance members and provide BWLA with a recommended rating based on the information collected. Training will be provided. 



The BWLA Judicial Evaluation Committee is also in need of co-chairs. You must be a current BWLA member in good standing to facilitate the evaluation process with the support of administrative staff. Co-chairs act as liaison between the Alliance, volunteers, and the Board of Directors.

If you are interested in getting more involved with BWLA and/or learning more about the judicial evaluation process, please click on the link below to complete a volunteer interest form!

Past Events

An Evening of Community and Connection:

BWLA 2025 Fall General Body Meeting and Committee Fair

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, BWLA held its annual 2025 Fall General Body Meeting and Committee Fair at the Chicago office of BWLA sponsor Chapman and Cutler, LLP. This year's meeting was a vibrant celebration of BWLA's Enduring Legacy - United by Law, Fueled by Sisterhood. Members, supporters, and friends gathered in fellowship as BWLA Founder and Past President, the Honorable Patricia Brown Holmes (ret.), Managing Partner at Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP, delivered inspiring remarks on legacy, leadership, and purpose. Judge Holmes closed with reflections on the importance of work-life integration and pursuing professional and personal goals. She encouraged members to stay open to opportunity, nurture mentorship and friendship, and continue lifting one another as Black women in the legal profession.

BWLA President Joan Akalaonu shared updates on this year’s bar theme, Enduring Legacy, along with upcoming programming, including the 2025 BWLA Scholarship Foundation Board's Sips for Scholarships Fundraiser on October 28, 2025, outreach to law students, and the annual 2026 BWLA Ski Trip. The evening concluded with the recognition of the 2025–2026 BWLA Committee Chairs and BWLA’s honored tradition of networking and member introductions. The enthusiasm in the room reflected a renewed commitment to service, sisterhood, and excellence.

BWLA is excited by the enthusiastic turnout at the meeting, with over 100 attendees, and all those who signed up to join and participate in BWLA committees this bar year!

A special thank you to our generous sponsor, Chapman and Cutler LLP, for graciously hosting us and for their steadfast support of our mission.

Building an Enduring Legacy Through Mentorship

On Monday, September 15, 2025, BWLA (re)launched its Mentoring Program with purpose and community, hosted by BWLA sponsor, Ropes & Gray LLP. The evening brought together mentors, mentees, and law students to connect, set goals, and begin a year focused on growth, guidance, and sisterhood.

Each mentoring pair will participate in a structured year-long program, with mentors and eligible mentees earning CLE credit through the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, as BWLA is a sponsoring organization. This year, every mentor–mentee pair is also matched with a law student to help guide them through law school and the start of their legal careers—strengthening the bridge between students, young attorneys, and seasoned practitioners.

Special thanks to BWLA Past President and Mentoring Program Committee Co-Chair Renai Rodney; BWLA Board Members at Large and Committee Liaisons Amber Carpenter and Jade Peeples; BWLA Law Student Outreach Committee Co-Chairs Maryah Person, Jordan Bernard, and Leah Hall; and Mark Palmer and Erika Harold from Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism for leading a dynamic and engaging orientation.

Together, we are cultivating an Enduring Legacy of mentorship, leadership, and service within BWLA.

BWLA at 2025 Corporate Counsel Women of Color Conference in Chicago

During the week of October 1–4, 2025, BWLA Founders, past and current board members and members attended the 21st Annual Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC) Conference, joining thousands of women attorneys, judges, and legal professionals from across the country for a week of learning, networking, and empowerment here in Chicago. The conference offered dynamic discussions on leadership, diversity in corporate law, and the evolving role of women of color in the legal profession. Attendees included BWLA President Joan Akalaonu, BWLA Past President and Scholarship Fund Board Member Elsa Andrianifahanana, who also presented during the conference, BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Members Mariska Richards and Merili (Mariangela) Seale, BWLA Founder the Honorable Ann Claire Williams (ret.), BWLA Past Presidents Ashanta Evans Blackwell and Kenyatta Beverly, BWLA Past Board Members Suheily Natal Davis and Christina Alabi, BWLA members Alfreda Bradley-Coar, who moderated a fireside chat with Valerie Jarrett, Chief Executive Officer of the Obama Foundation, Lisa Kpor, Precious Jacobs-Perry, Monica Mosby, Erica McKinley, Antonette N. Smith, Delilah Jenkins, Malaika Caldwell, Gray Mateo-Harris, Tiffany Lipscomb-Jackson, Kapri Saunders, who also presented on the panel with Elsa, Sheraya Bernard, and others.

BWLA’s presence at CCWC underscored the organization’s commitment to professional development, visibility, and collaboration across sectors. Those who attended engaged with peers representing Fortune 1000 companies and global organizations, and presented on relevant legal topics, strengthening connections and sharing insights that continue to inform BWLA’s mission of advancing Black women in law.

BWLA at the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation's 2025 Policy Summit & Brunch "Endgame - Relentless Power"

On Friday, October 3, 2025, BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Shannon Stokes represented the organization at the 2025 Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Annual Policy Summit and Power Brunch. The event, held in the heart of downtown Chicago, convened business and civic leaders, community partners, and subject matter experts to engage on a wide range of critical policy issues. The summit's purpose was to foster advocacy, fellowship, and networking under this year’s theme, Endgame: Relentless Power.

During the Summit, BWLA Member Shannon Stokes participated as a panelist on policy panel about the importance of the rule of law. The other panelists included Nicholas Cummings, Immediate Past President of the Cook County Bar Association (CCBA), Michelle Mbekeani of DePaul University and Forbes, Brendan Shiller of the Law Office of Brendan Shiller, and Meskerem Tekie of the Black Men Lawyers’ Association (BMLA). BWLA is proud to have been part of this impactful gathering focused on championing innovative solutions and advancing equitable outcomes for Black Illinoisans.

BWLA at the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights' 2025 Good Trouble Gala

On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, BWLA Past President and Scholarship Fund Board Member Elsa Andrianifahanana and BWLA Treasurer Alexandra Rogers attended the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights' 2025 Good Trouble Gala hosted this year at Galleria Merchetti. The event celebrated leaders advancing equity, justice, and opportunity throughout Chicago’s legal and civic communities.

Karen Jordan, ABC7 Chicago News Anchor, served as the emcee for this year's gala. This year’s honorees included Erika Schenk of World Wide Technology (Visionary Counsel Award), Winston & Strawn LLP (Law Firm Pro Bono Partner Award), and the Illinois Prison Civics Peer Educators (Power to the People Award). The evening also featured a special performance by the MUD Theatre Project.

BWLA at Girls Inc. of Chicago's 2025 Strong, Smart, Bold Awards Gala

On Thursday, October, 9, 2025, BWLA President Joan Akalaonu, BWLA Ex-Officio Weeya Young, BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Chair Jasmine Fannell, BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Shannon Stokes, BWLA Past President Kenyatta Beverly, who is Chair of the Board for Girls Inc. of Chicago, BWLA Past Treasurer Christian Conway, and BWLA Program Administrator Konesha "K" Rhea attended the 8th Annual Girls Inc. of Chicago's 2025 Strong, Smart, Bold Awards Gala hosted at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

The gala celebrates individuals and organizations advancing empowerment and leadership opportunities for girls and women across the Chicagoland area. Jasmine Minor, ABC7 Chicago News Anchor served as the emcee for this year's gala. During the gala, Girls Inc. of Chicago honored BWLA member Desiree Ralls-Morrison, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Legal Officer, McDonald's Corporation, with one of the Strong Smart Bold Award. McDonald's Corporation, who is also a BWLA sponsor, was honored with the Corporate Ambassador of the Year award. Lindsey D.G. Dates, partner at Barnes and Thornburg LLP, was honored as Male Ally of the Year.

BWLA at the

2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

On Sunday, October 12, 2025, BWLA Treasurer Alexandra Rogers and BWLA Health and Wellness Committee Chair Nia-Imara Binns participated and completed the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Both of them raised money for noteworthy causes as part of the marathon - Alexandra raised money for the National MS Society and Nia-Imara raised money for the Chicago Parks Foundation. BWLA Board members and members showed their support cheering the two runners on along the marathon course and drafting notes of encouragements on the signs of support.

Events Around Town

Register Today for the Chicago Bar Association's Webcast CLE "Running on Fumes: Helping Working Parents Prevent Burnout"

Register Today for the Chicago Bar Association's Lawyers as Leaders CLE Series with U.S. Senator and Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun

Purchase Your Ticket Today for the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago 2025 Annual Gala

Purchase Tickets Today for the Zim Rothschild Masquerade Ball Fundraiser

Purchase Tickets Today for the 11th Anniversary Crescent Moon Awards & Carnation Ball hosted by the Upsilon Sigma Chapter of

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, inc.

Purchase Tickets Today for the Marion County Bar Association's Centennial Celebration Gala

Register Today for Burke, Warren, MacKay, & Serritella's Fall 2025 Labor & Employment Law Update Webinar

Register Today to Attend the Chicago Bar Association & The Chicago Bar Foundation's Pro Bono Week "Justice Can't Wait"

The Chicago Bar Association and Chicago Bar Foundation's 21st Annual Pro Bono Week will take place October 27–31, 2025. This year’s programs and events will center around the theme, "Justice Can’t Wait." Check out the events below and stay tuned for more information!

• Pro Bono with Ascend Justice’s Family Defense Program – Tuesday, October 28th; 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (320 S. Canal St.). Register here.

• Pro Bono & Community Service Fair – Thursday, October 30th; 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (320 S. Canal St.). Register here.

Purchase Tickets Today for the Chicago Urban League's 64th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner

BWLA Member Achievements

Congratulations to BWLA President Joan Akalaonu who will be honored with the Crescent Moon Award in the area of Legal Luminary by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Upsilon Sigma Chapter at its 11th Annual Carnation Ball on October 18, 2025.

Congratulations to BWLA Past President and Scholarship Fund Board Member Elsa Andrianifahanana who recently presented during Jones Day's panel session on Updating Your Antitrust Playbook during the Corporate Counsel Women of Color Conference.

Congratulations to BWLA Health and Wellness Committee Chair Nia-Imara Binns who recently completed the 2025 Chicago Marathon (26.2 miles) raising funds for the Chicago Parks Foundation.

Congratulations to BWLA Founder and Past President the Honorable Patricia Brown Holmes (ret.) who was recently honored with the Early Adopter Award by Illinois Legal Aid Online at its Annual The Light in the Night Benefit.

Congratulations to BWLA Past President Kalia Coleman who was recognized by Lawdragon as one of the 500 Leading Litigators in America and who was recently honored this month at the Just the Beginning: A Pipeline Organization's Annual Light the Spark Celebration as one of the 5 under 40 Professionals.

Congratulations to BWLA Lifetime Member the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman who was recently honored with the Illinois Judges Foundation Distinguished Service Award at the Illinois Judges Foundation's Annual Reception.

Congratulations to BWLA member the Honorable Sophia H. Hall who was recently honored with the Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans Judicial Award by the Cook County Bar Association at its Annual Judges' Night Reception.

Congratulations to BWLA member Chantal Kazay who will be speaking at the upcoming 2025 ACC Annual Meeting in Philadelphia on October 19-22, 2025. Chantal will be on a panel discussing how to create and manage effective outside counsel relationships.

Congratulations to BWLA Treasurer Alexandra Rogers who recently completed the 2025 Chicago Marathon (26.2 miles) raising funds for the National MS Society. Alexandra will also be a panelist at her firm Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella's 2025 Labor & Employment Law Update Webinar on October 28, 2025. One can register for the webinar here.

Congratulations to BWLA member Taylor Stamps who was recently selected to be the 2025 USLAW Network Foundation Law School Scholarship Recipient.

Congratulations to BWLA member LeDeidre Turner, President Elect of the Cook County Bar Association, who was recently honored this month at the Just the Beginning: A Pipeline Organization's Annual Light the Spark Celebration as one of the 5 under 40 Professionals.

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