BWLA 2026 Annual Fundraiser Events Happening This Week

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR THE

 2026 BWLA SPRING LUNCHEON

BWLA is proud and grateful for the generous support of our sponsors for tomorrow's 2026 Spring Fundraiser Luncheon, “Enduring Legacy: Celebrating Excellence, Trailblazing Leadership, and Lasting Impact.” Your partnership and commitment make this important work possible.

Because of your support, BWLA is able to continue investing in law students, advancing civil and human rights, strengthening the administration of justice, and supporting Black women in the legal profession. Your contributions help sustain our mission and expand our impact for generations to come.

We look forward to celebrating with our sponsors, honorees, and supporters at tomorrow luncheon as we honor the enduring legacy of BWLA, Black women in the legal profession and the collective work that continues to move our profession forward and sustain and empower our communities.

Thank you for being an essential part of BWLA’s Enduring Legacy.

TITLE SPONSOR

Jones Day

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Sidley Austin

See You this Afternoon for the

BWLA 2026 General Counsel Half-Day CLE Seminar and Opening Reception

We look forward to seeing attendees this afternoon at the BWLA Corporate Counsel Committee’s 2026 General Counsel Half-Day CLE Seminar and Opening Reception, hosted and sponsored by BWLA Title Sponsor Jones Day, 110 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL.

The program begins with a welcoming lunch at 12:00 PM, followed by CLE sessions from 1:00–5:20 PM featuring timely, practical discussions led by leading in-house counsel, law firm partners, and industry leaders. Session topics include:

• AI in Legal Practice: Bias, Ownership & Risk—What General Counsel Need to Know
• Healthy or Liable?: Make America Healthy Again, Medicare/Medicaid Reform & the Rise of Food Regulation
• Inside the Relationship: How Litigators and In-House Counsel Partner to Win
• BWLA General Counsels’ Roundtable – The Path to GC & Understanding the Risks That Keep Them Up at Night

The evening will conclude with an Opening Reception at 5:30 PM, celebrating exceptional Black women General Counsel, including:

• Djenne Clayton, General Counsel, ISACA
• Karen Harris, Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Illinois Health and Hospital Association
• Regina Bynote Jones, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, ADM
• Mariska Richards, General Counsel, CCO & CAO, Heard Capital

Whether you join us for the full program or the reception, this is a unique opportunity to earn CLE credit, gain actionable insights, and connect with leaders across the profession.

See You Tomorrow for the

BWLA 2026 Spring Fundraiser Luncheon "Enduring Legacy: Celebrating Excellence, Trailblazing Leadership and Lasting Impact"

BWLA is excited to celebrate with our sponsors, honorees, and attendees at tomorrow’s 2026 Annual Spring Fundraiser Luncheon, “Enduring Legacy: Celebrating Excellence, Trailblazing Leadership, and Lasting Impact,” from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk.

At this year’s luncheon, we are proud to honor outstanding leaders and organizations whose enduring legacy of excellence, service, and impact continues to shape the legal profession and inspire generations to come:

• Krista Whitaker, EVP of Legal and Business Affairs & Chief Legal Officer, Chicago Bears
• Gina Lawrence, Chief Legal Officer, Noble Schools
• The Chicago Urban League, with President and CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson
• Just The Beginning – A Pipeline Organization, with Vice President of the JTB-APO Board, Sean Suber, Partner at BWLA Gold Sponsor Winston & Strawn

During the luncheon, BWLA will also award over $40,000 in scholarships to exceptional law students through our 2026 Spring Essay Scholarships, Agnes McGirth Scholarship, and Bar Review Awards continuing our longstanding commitment to investing in the next generation of legal leaders. Through the generosity of our sponsors and supporters, BWLA has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to law students nationwide.

We invite you to continue supporting BWLA’s mission to uplift law students, advance human and civil rights, strengthen the administration of justice, and support Black women in the legal profession. Beginning today and throughout the luncheon, you can make a meaningful impact by donating through our Givebutter page here. You can also participate in our silent auction, which opens today at 12:00 PM noon and closes tomorrow at 1:30 PM during the luncheon. Don’t miss your chance to bid on exciting items, including Chicago Bulls tickets, Jill Scott concert tickets, a relaxing overnight stay at the Sheraton, and a curated VIP boutique shopping experience for you and your friends! Every donation and bid through the Givebutter site directly supports the BWLA c3 Scholarship Fund Board and helps us continue investing in the next generation of legal leaders.

We look forward to celebrating together and carrying forward BWLA’s enduring legacy—one that continues to empower, uplift, and inspire.

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2026 Illinois Primary Judicial Election

Congratulations to the BWLA Members

Who Won in the 2026 Illinois Primary Election

BWLA proudly celebrates all of its members who stepped forward to run for judicial positions in the 2026 Illinois Primary Election. More than ten BWLA members answered the call to serve, including Judge Linda Sackey, Judge Ginger Odom, and Natalie L. Howse—an inspiring reflection of BWLA’s continued impact on the bench and in our communities.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the BWLA members who won their elections, including:

• Judge Judith Rice (Appellate Court)
• Ashonta Rice
• Ava George Stewart
• Ashley Greer Shambley
• Radiance Ward
• Stephanie Kelly
• BWLA Past President Bianca B. Brown
• Natalia Moore
• Monica Somerville

BWLA is proud to support and uplift leaders who embody excellence, service, and an enduring commitment to justice.

BWLA 2026–2027 Board of Director

Nominations Are Open —

Submit Your Nominations Today!

BWLA 2026–2027 Election Season Is Here —

Nominations Are Open Until Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM

The BWLA 2026–2027 Board of Directors Election Season has officially begun, and nominations opened on Monday, April 13, 2026! This is your opportunity to help shape the future leadership of BWLA and contribute to the continued growth and impact of our organization.

We encourage all eligible members to submit nominations and consider stepping into leadership. BWLA thrives because of the commitment, vision, and service of its members—now is your chance to be part of that legacy. Only financially current BWLA members may:

• Nominate themselves or others for Board positions
• Accept a nomination for office
• Cast a vote in the election

The following Officer and Board Member positions are open for the 2026–2027 bar year:

• Vice-President*
• Corresponding Secretary
• Recording Secretary
• Treasurer
• Parliamentarian
• Board Member-At-Large (4)

All nominations must be submitted in writing to the BWLA Nominating Committee. Only eligible, financially current BWLA members may nominate themselves and/or other eligible, financially current BWLA members for these positions. Student, Paralegal, Associate, Non-Attorney, and Honorary members are not eligible to run for Officer or Board Member positions.

Nominations will close this Friday, April 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

To Submit a Nomination, please email the following information to bwlaofficialelections@gmail.com and “cc” administrator@bwla.org:

• Name of the nominee
• Position for which the nominee is being submitted

For questions regarding the nomination process, please email bwlaofficialelections@gmail.com and “cc” administrator@bwla.org.

The BWLA Nominating Committee will contact all nominees after the nomination period closes.

*Please note: If elected, the individual nominated for Vice-President will automatically succeed to the office of President for the 2027–2028 bar year. Per the BWLA by-laws, only individuals who served on the 2024–2025 and/or 2025–2026 BWLA Board of Directors are eligible to serve as Vice-President during the 2026–2027 bar year.

Be part of BWLA’s next chapter—nominate, lead, and help carry forward our Enduring Legacy.

Upcoming BWLA Events

Celebrate 2026 Vanguard Honorees, the Honorable Candace Jackson-Akiwumi and the Honorable Patrice Ball-Reed (ret.), at the Chicago Bar Association's 2026 Vanguard Luncheon

Join BWLA at the 2026 Chicago Bar Association (CBA) Vanguard Awards Luncheon next Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 11:30am at the Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604.

The Vanguard Awards honor individuals and institutions who have made the law and legal profession more accessible to and reflective of the community at large. BWLA congratulates BWLA Past Board Member the Honorable Candace Jackson-Akiwumi who will be honored as BWLA's 2026 Vanguard Award Recipient. Judge Jackson Akiwumi is the second Black woman to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the first being BWLA Founder the Honorable Ann Claire Williams (ret.). A Past BWLA Board Member, Judge Jackson-Akiwumi remains a dedicated supporter of and leader within the organization. She recently administered the oath to install the current 2025-2026 BWLA President, Board of Directors and Scholarship Fund Board and gave inspiring remarks as the featured speaker at the installation and awards ceremony. In March 2026, Judge Jackson-Akiwumi was also featured on the University of Illinois College of Law’s Illinois Lawcast as the law school's Jurist in Residence. The Jurist in Residence Program aims to deepen the law school's connections to the bench, inspire students to pursue judicial clerkships, and provide them with the opportunity to learn from leading legal minds. a program designed to connect students with members of the judiciary and inspire future clerks and advocates. This podcast episode can be heard here.

BWLA also congratulates BWLA Founder and Past President the Honorable Patrice Ball-Reed (ret.) who will be honored as WBAI's 2026 Vanguard Award Recipient. Judge Ball-Reed (ret.), who also served as Past President of WBAI, was honored earlier this year with BWLA's Enduring Legacy Award at the 2026 Judicial Reception.

Through their distinguished legal careers, judicial service, and unwavering commitment to BWLA and the broader legal community, both Judge Jackson-Akiwumi and Judge Ball-Reed have built an Enduring Legacy that has made the law and the legal profession more equitable, inclusive, and accessible for all attorneys, including Black women in the law. We look forward to celebrating them, along with the other 2026 Vanguard Recipients, at the upcoming luncheon!

Purchase Your Tickets Today for the 2026 Vanguard Luncheon. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased through the link below.

Register Today for WBAI's "The Silent Shift: Supporting Mental Health During Perimenopause" CLE, Co-sponsored by BWLA

BWLA is proud to co-sponsor, along with other bar associations, the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois The Silent Shift: Supporting Mental Health During Perimenopause. This one-hour CLE program and networking reception will take place on April 22, 2026 at 5:30pm at the ISBA Regional Office, 20 S. Clark Street, Suite 820, Chicago, IL. The CLE program will be presented by Dr. Jennifer Litner, a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist, and founder of Embrace Sexual Wellness. Light appetizers and beverages will be served.

Designed for women in the legal profession, this presentation examines how perimenopause affects mental health, stress regulation, emotional wellbeing, and relationship health. The purpose of this program is to increase awareness of a common yet often unrecognized life transition that can influence professional performance, leadership capacity, and interpersonal dynamics at home and work.

Register today through the link below. Tickets are $20. Attendees will receive 1 hour of CLE mental health credit.

Register Today to Attend the Chicago Bar Association’s Diversity Week CLE Programs, including BWLA’s Co-sponsored Panel

"The State of Women's Rights in Illinois"

BWLA is proud to co-sponsor an engaging CLE program during the Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Diversity Week. Join us on Monday, April 27 at 3:00 PM for “The State of Women’s Rights in Illinois,” presented in collaboration with the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois and the Decalogue Society of Lawyers.

This live webcast will explore the evolving legal landscape impacting women across Illinois, including recent legislative developments, litigation trends, and the practical implications for attorneys. While Illinois is often recognized as a leader in protecting women’s rights, critical challenges persist in areas such as reproductive healthcare access, workplace equity, gender-based violence, family law, and intersectional discrimination. Panelists will also examine how shifting national jurisprudence continues to shape local practice and what attorneys can do to protect and advance women’s rights across sectors.

Attendees will receive 1.0 IL Diversity PR-MCLE credit.

The program features an accomplished panel of practitioners and leaders, including BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Shannon Stokes (Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services), Amy S. Cramer (Cramer Law Group), Gail Eisenberg (Loftus & Eisenberg), and Ashley Stead (McGann, Ketterman & Rioux).

Be sure to explore the full lineup of programs offered throughout Diversity Week, featuring timely and impactful discussions across the profession. The week will conclude with a closing reception on April 30, 2026 at the Chicago Bar Association, featuring keynote remarks from Illinois Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Tailor.

Don’t miss this important and insightful discussion at the intersection of law, policy, and advocacy.

Save the Date to Attend BWLA's 2026 Spring Soiree Brunch for New Bar Admittees

🌷Save the Date: BWLA Spring Soirée Brunch for New Bar Admittees🌷

BWLA’s Young Lawyers Committee invites you to join BWLA for its 2026 Annual Spring Soirée Brunch celebrating our newly admitted attorneys from Fall 2025 and Spring 2026! This vibrant gathering will be an opportunity to welcome, celebrate, and connect with new members of the profession over great food, music, and fun conversation.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 12:00–3:00 PM at 2239 Event Space @ Bassline in Chicago. We look forward to celebrating this exciting milestone with all the new bar admittees!

More details and registration information coming soon next week!

Register Today to Attend BWLA's 2026 Spring General Body Meeting and Board Elections

Register Today: 2026 Spring General Body Meeting & Board Elections

Join BWLA for its 2026 Spring General Body Meeting and Board Elections on May 21, 2026, from 5:30–8:00 PM, hosted at Ropes & Gray, 191 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago.

BWLA is honored to welcome BWLA Past President, the Honorable Kenya Jenkins-Wright, Circuit Court of Cook County, as our special guest speaker for the evening.

During the meeting, BWLA President Joan Akalaonu will reflect on the successes and achievements of the 2025–2026 bar year. Attendees will also hear from election candidates, conclude the election process, and celebrate as we announce the results for the 2026–2027 BWLA Board of Directors.

Don’t miss this important opportunity to engage, connect, and help shape the future of BWLA. Click the link below to register today!

Save the Date for the 2026-2027

BWLA Installation & Awards Ceremony

Please save the date for BWLA's 2026-2027 Installation and Awards Ceremony taking place on June 3, 2026 at the Chicago Bar Association, 321 South Plymouth Court, Chicago IL. Join BWLA as we celebrate the installation of Natanya Pope-Sohel as 2026-2027 BWLA President and the 2026-2027 BWLA Board Members and award the outstanding service and leadership from BWLA members over the past year. Stay tuned for more details!

Past Events

Building Enduring Legacy Through Mentorship: BWLA’s 2026 Spring Mentoring Dinner

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, BWLA, under the leadership and dedication of Mentoring Committee Co-Chairs, BWLA Past President Renai Rodney and Adrienne Garner, along with BWLA Board Members at Large Amber Carpenter and Jade Peeples, hosted its 2026 Annual Spring Mentoring Dinner. This signature event was hosted and sponsored again this year by BWLA 2025-2026 Diamond Sponsor Sidley Austin LLP. The evening brought together accomplished attorney mentors, law students, new attorneys, and members of the legal community to celebrate the power of mentorship and connection.

The program featured meaningful reflections from participants in this year's BWLA Mentoring Program, done in partnership with the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, including Erika Harold, Executive Director of the Commission, BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member and mentor Shannon Stokes, Christiana Burnett and Lauren L. Smith, who participated as mentees in this year's mentoring program. They all shared personal insights on the impact of mentorship, guidance, and community throughout their professional journeys.

Attendees also heard candid and inspiring perspectives from a distinguished group of Black women leaders across the public and private sectors, including Christina Farley Jackson, Hon. Erika Orr, Hon. Linda Sackey, BWLA Past President Era Patterson, BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Shannon Stokes, BWLA Past President Elsa Andrianifahanana, BWLA Board Member at Large Amber Carpenter, Andrea Jones, Nesheba Kittling, RiKaleigh Omosheyin, and Kerianne Strachan. These mentor panelists shared and discussed pivotal career moments, lessons learned, and practical advice on navigating diverse legal paths while building meaningful and impactful careers.

BWLA extends its sincere gratitude to Sidley Austin LLP, including Donielle McCutcheon, Chiymelle Nunn, Byron Taylor, and Teresa Wilton Harmon, for sponsoring the event again this year and for their continued partnership, generosity, and support of BWLA’s mission.

BWLA looks forward to continuing to grow its Mentoring Program in the coming bar year and encourages members to stay tuned for opportunities to participate as mentors and mentees.

BWLA Hosts Second Annual Financial Empowerment for Lawyers Panel

On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, BWLA’s Corporate Counsel Committee, under the leadership of Co-Chairs Ariana Maloney and Jennifer King, and BWLA Board Member at Large Amber Carpenter, hosted an engaging and impactful 2026 Financial Empowerment for Lawyers panel, hosted and sponsored by Sheppard Mullin in Chicago.

The program brought together attorneys and financial professionals for an insightful evening focused on building, protecting, and growing wealth within the legal profession. Attendees gained practical guidance on navigating employment compensation packages and options, as well as key considerations in tax planning, estate strategies, and wealth management. The discussion also addressed important topics such as loan forgiveness, potential tax implications, benefits, and structures for caretaking responsibilities for family members, and strategies for achieving long-term financial security.

The panel featured an outstanding group of speakers, including BWLA Past Corporate Counsel Committee Co-Chair Melanie Stewart, Director and Senior Counsel, Employee Relations, Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., Anton Burkett, Founder, True North Tax & Accounting, Abosede Odunsi, Shareholder, Trusts & Estates, von Briesen & Roper, s.c., and Bryan Lafevor, Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor, Fifth Third Private Bank. The discussion was moderated by BWLA member Fluffy Kilburn, Associate Attorney, The Peak Law Group, PLLC.

BWLA is proud to continue organizing meaningful programming that equips its members with the tools and knowledge to thrive—professionally, personally, and financially.

Special thanks Sheppard Mullin, including BWLA Past Corporate Counsel Committee Co-Chair Special Counsel Kanasha Herbert and Partner Liisa Thomas, for hosting and sponsoring this event for the second consecutive year. We appreciate the firm's their continued support of and partnership with BWLA.

Thriving as Parents and Lawyers:

BWLA Participates in Northwestern Law School Women's Leadership Coalition's

“Thriving as a Parent in Law” Panel

On Thursday, March 12, 2026, BWLA Ex-Officio Weeya Young and BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Shannon Stokes participated in the “Thriving as a Parent in Law” panel hosted by the Women’s Leadership Coalition at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. Weeya, Assistant General Counsel at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (IDHFS) and Shannon, Deputy General Counsel at IDHFS, were joined on the panel by other accomplished women attorneys, including Livia Kiser, Partner at King & Spaulding, Payal Keshvani Partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister), Erin Stach, Senior Counsel at Metlife, and Rebekah Biddle, Senior Associate at Latham & Watkins.

The program, created and organized, BWLA Corresponding Secretary Kameelah Pointer, who also serves on the Women’s Leadership Coalition Alumni Board, brought together this dynamic group of panelists for an honest and empowering discussion on navigating the intersection of parenthood and high-performing legal careers. Panelists shared practical strategies and personal reflections, emphasizing the importance of building a strong support system, redefining success at different stages of life, and engaging in transparent conversations with employers and within the profession. The discussion highlighted how skills developed through parenthood—such as resilience, adaptability, and compassion—can enhance leadership and effectiveness in legal practice.

BWLA is proud to support and uplift programming that centers the lived experiences of women in the legal profession and advances conversations around balance, leadership, and community.

A Modern Verdict on an Ancient Hero: BWLA President Serves on Jury at the Trial of Odysseus

On Thursday, March 12, 2026, BWLA President Joan Akalaonu was invited by the National Hellenic Museum to serve as a juror in its 2026 Trial of Odysseus, a dynamic and thought-provoking program held at the Harris Theater.

Joining fellow bar association leaders, distinguished members of the judiciary, and leaders across the Chicago legal community, President Akalaonu participated in this unique mock trial that reimagined Homer’s epic through a modern legal lens. The case examined whether Odysseus was justified in killing the suitors who occupied his home during his absence, raising complex questions of leadership, power, and justice.

After compelling arguments from both the prosecution and defense, the jury ultimately returned a not guilty verdict by a narrow 7–5 vote, reflecting the nuanced and deeply engaging nature of the issues presented.

BWLA is proud to see its leadership represented in innovative programming that bridges law, history, and community engagement, and continues to highlight the critical role of diverse legal voices in shaping meaningful dialogue.

BWLA Celebrates Leadership and Impact at

Girls Inc. of Chicago's 2026 She Shines Awards

On Saturday, March 21, 2026, BWLA was proud to sponsor and attend Girls Inc. of Chicago's 2026 She Shines Awards Brunch at the historic South Shore Cultural Center. BWLA was well represented by BWLA President Joan Akalaonu, Ex-Officio Weeya Young, Parliamentarian Kina Arnold, Scholarship Fund Board Member Shannon Stokes, BWLA Past President Nathalina Hudson, BWLA Past Board Member S. Mayumi "Umi" Grigsby, Lifetime Member Sonya Olds Som, BWLA member Lisa Kpor and others. As a proud sponsor and community partner, BWLA was honored to celebrate alongside a room filled with changemakers dedicated to uplifting and empowering the next generation of girls. The event highlighted the strength, brilliance, and leadership of women who are making a lasting impact across Chicago.

A special congratulations to BWLA member Gray Mateo-Harris on her well-deserved recognition as a 2026 She Shines honoree and to all the other honorees. BWLA also extends its gratitude to BWLA Past President Kenyatta Beverly, Chair of the Board for Girls Inc. of Chicago, for fostering BWLA’s connection to Girls Inc. of Chicago and its meaningful work, and to Yani Mason, CEO of Girls Inc. of Chicago, for leading such an empowering and impactful organization.

Poise, Presence, and Power:

BWLA at the Chicago Bar Association's “Pageants, Professionalism and Power: Unexpected Lessons for Lawyers from Pageantry” CLE Program

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, BWLA Parliamentarian Kina Arnold proudly represented BWLA at a dynamic CLE program hosted by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism in collaboration with the Chicago Bar Association and the CBA Alliance for Women.

Titled “Pageants, Professionalism and Power: Unexpected Lessons for Lawyers from Pageantry,” the program offered a unique and engaging perspective on how skills cultivated through pageantry—such as confidence, poise, resilience, and presence—can translate into success within the legal profession. The accomplished panel featured BWLA longstanding members the Honorable Nichole C. Patton, President of the Chicago Bar Association and Erika Harold, Breana Bagley, Stephanie Barber, Judge Amanda Byassee Gott, Heather Neaveill, Kristine Schanbacher, and Gail Schnitzer Eisenberg, who shared thoughtful insights on leveraging their pageant experiences to navigate high-pressure environments, overcome bias, and excel in leadership roles.

The program underscored the value of nontraditional pathways in shaping effective, confident advocates and leaders in the law.

BWLA is proud to support and engage in programming that highlights diverse journeys to excellence and continues to uplift innovative approaches to leadership, professionalism, and advancement within the legal profession.

Events Around Town

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

Apply Today

Staff Attorney Position Vacancies for the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

Scholarships Available

Apply Today for Ms. JD Law Student Scholarships

Register Today to Attend Out of Office's

2026 Connect Summit

OOO Connect Summit | April 16–17, 2026 | New York City

The Out of Office ("OOO") Connect Summit offers a dynamic, two-day experience designed for professionals, founders, and business leaders—especially in tech—who are ready to connect, innovate, and lead with intention. Chief Operating Officer for OOO is BWLA Board Member at Large, Jade Peeples.

More than a traditional conference, this immersive summit features hands-on workshops and real-world case study sessions, equipping attendees with practical, actionable strategies they can immediately bring back to their organizations. Grounded in four key pillars—Culture, Community, Career, and Commerce—the OOO Connect Summit is where meaningful connections meet measurable impact.

Click the link below to purchase tickets to attend the summit, which is being held on April 16-17, 2026 in New York City.

Apply Today for the Chicago Urban League's IMPACT Leadership Development Program

Register Today for

ISBA's Stronger Together: Supporting Women

in the Legal Profession Half Day CLE

Register for the Illinois State Bar Association's Stronger Together: Supporting Women in the Legal Profession on Thursday, April 23, 2026 hosted at Roosevelt University Wells Lounge, 430 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL See the schedule below:

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Roosevelt University, Wells Lounge, 430 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago

Lunch Served: 12:00 – 12:30

CLE Program: 12:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Complimentary Reception: 5:45 – 7:00 p.m.

4.75 hour MCLE credit, including 4.75* hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Diversity & Inclusion Credit

Don’t miss this program that empowers women to build a supportive professional network, while learning how to overcome career challenges more effectively through the collective support of their colleagues, communities, and families. Topics include:

• Why including women in the Supreme Court is so important;
• How to reclaim your confidence and reduce internal pressure;
• Methods for achieving a successful work-life balance;
• The pivotal role male leadership plays in creating substantial change for underrepresented groups;
• The steps leaders are taking to maximize inclusivity and foster belonging;
• The cultural and structural factors impacting women lawyers; and
• Much more.

Write to Win: ISBA Lincoln Scholarship Opportunity

The Illinois State Bar Association is now accepting submissions for the 2027 Lincoln Writing Award Contest, offering a total of $5,000 in prize money. The first-place winner will receive $2,500, with $1,500 and $1,000 awarded to second and third place winners.

Eligible applicants include ISBA lawyer members under age 37 as of July 1, 2026, or those admitted to the bar for fewer than seven years. In addition to scholarship awards, selected submissions may be featured in the Illinois Bar Journal, providing a powerful platform to elevate your voice within the legal community. BWLA encourages our members to take advantage of this opportunity to write boldly, share your perspective, and compete to win.

The deadline to submit your notice of intent is July 15, 2026—don’t miss your chance to turn your words into impact.

Purchase Tickets Today for the

Arab American Bar Association of Illinois 2026 Judicial Reception and Installation of Officers

Register Today for the Decalogue Society's Virtual CLE Program "Jury Trial vs. Bench Trial vs. Court Annexed Arbitration"

Register Today for the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professional's 10th Annual "2026 Future Is Now: Legal Services" Conference

The Future Is Now: Legal Services Conference (Virtual | April 30, 2026)

Join the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism for its 10th Annual "2026 Future Is Now: Legal Services" Conference focused on legal professionalism, innovation, and the evolving delivery of justice. This virtual event will explore how today’s legal professionals can adapt and lead in a rapidly changing landscape, while earning 4 hours of Illinois PR CLE credit (including Diversity & Inclusion and Mental Health/Substance Abuse credit).

This year’s program will feature sessions on:

• Navigating conflict through stoic empathy
• AI innovation, governance, and ethical use in legal practice
• Leveraging the “lawyer brain” for success and well-being
• Building inclusive workplaces through mentoring
• Developing professional identity and advancing pro bono service

Register today through the link below.

Register Today for the

Chicago Bar Association's CLE Program

"Under Siege: The American Judiciary and the Rule of Law"

On May 5, 2026, the Cummins Family Justice Foundation, the Berkeley Judicial Institute and the Chicago Bar Association are hosting a program entitled “Under Siege: The American Judiciary and the Rule of Law.”

This full-day program will include a luncheon discussion with retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and The Honorable Diane P. Wood, along with sessions featuring judges and attorneys from across the United States, including the Honorable P. Scott Neville, Jr., Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. Together, they will explore the role of the judiciary, the importance of maintaining public confidence in legal institutions, and the challenges facing the rule of law today.

The program will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend either in-person or via Zoom. More details, including registration information, are available through the link below.

Register Today for the

Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County's

Know Your Rights Virtual Town Hall

Register Today for the Chicago Bar Association's Symposium "AI 2035: The Legal Profession and the Judiciary in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Save the Date for

BMLA's 2026 Summit & Black Tie Gala

Purchase Tickets Today for

WBAI's 112th Annual Installation Dinner

Save the Date for the

Illinois Judicial Council's Annual Golf Outing

Purchase Tickets Today for

the Cook County Bar Association's 112th Installation and Awards Banquet

Purchase Early Bird Tickets Today

for the 2026 Black Women Expo Chicago

BWLA Member Achievements

Congratulations to BWLA member Melissa Anyetei was was recently selected to the 2026 NAWL Rising List Award by the National Association of Women Lawyers for her commitment to advancing women in the profession by dedicating time and efforts in mentoring and community building for women of color.

Congratulations to BWLA Past President Kalia Coleman who this week will receive the Outstanding Alumni Award from her alma mater, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Congratulations to the BWLA Past Board Member Hon. Candace Jackson-Akiwumi who was recently featured in the University of Illinois College of law Illinois LawCast podcast to share her experience as the law school's Jurist in Residence in March. This podcast episode can be heard here.

Congratulations to BWLA member Precious Jacobs-Perry, who recently secured a trial victory representing Chancellor J. Bennett, best known as Chance the Rapper, in a high-profile breach of contract dispute with his former manager, Patrick Corcoran.

Congratulations to BWLA member Chantal Kazay Rivera who is speaking this week at the Law.com's General Counsel Conference Midwest being held in Chicago. Chantal will co-present on a session titled "Risky Business: A Blueprint to Successfully Protect Your Company Through Litigation."

Congratulations to BWLA member Lisa Kpor who was recently promoted to Managing Counsel of Litigation at United Airlines.

Congratulations to BWLA member Hon. Chantelle Porter who recently taught fellow judges at the Illinois Judicial Education Conference, specifically co-teaching colleagues across the State who handle child protection matters.

Congratulations to BWLA member Mary Richardson-Lowry who was recently selected to the 2026 Impact List by the National Association of Women Lawyers for her exemplary leadership, distinguished career, and steadfast commitment to advancing women in the legal profession and promoting equity under the law. 

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