President's Message

Dear BWLA Family,

As we move through the final weeks of this remarkable bar year, I continue to reflect with immense gratitude on BWLA’s 2026 Annual Spring Fundraiser Luncheon, “Enduring Legacy: Celebrating Excellence, Trailblazing Leadership, and Lasting Impact,” held last month, on April 16, 2026, at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk.

This year, we were grateful to receive special welcome video messages from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Mayor of the City of Chicago Brandon Johnson. We were also honored to celebrate and hear from our four extraordinary honorees whose leadership and service embody the spirit of Enduring Legacy: Krista Whitaker of the Chicago Bears; Gina Lawrence of Noble Schools; Just The Beginning – A Pipeline Organization; and The Chicago Urban League. Their trailblazing work and lasting impact continue to inspire, create opportunity, and open doors for future generations while reflecting the very best of leadership, advocacy, and service.

Another meaningful moment of the luncheon was awarding over $40,000 in scholarships and bar review awards to exceptional law students and witnessing firsthand how BWLA’s support will help further their dreams and legal careers. Supporting future attorneys remains central to BWLA’s mission, and this year’s recipients reminded us all of the brilliance, resilience, and promise of the next generation of legal leaders.

I am deeply grateful to our 2026 Fundraiser Luncheon Co-Chairs, Yele Ajayi, Natalie Ellis, and Mariska Richards, whose hard work and leadership helped make this year’s luncheon such an inspiring and successful event. I also want to thank BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Chair Jasmine Fannell for her leadership in organizing this year’s scholarship selection process and GiveButter silent auction/paddle raise fundraising efforts, and our BWLA Program Administrator, Konesha “K” Rhea, whose countless hours of planning, coordination, and commitment to excellence helped bring every detail of this year’s luncheon to life. Special thanks to the BWLA Board of Directors, Scholarship Fund Board, volunteers, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this luncheon possible.

I also want to again thank our amazing sponsors for their continued partnership and generosity, including our Title Sponsor, Jones Day, and all the law firms, corporations, organizations, individual donors, and supporters who continue to stand beside BWLA, especially during times like these. Because of your incredible generosity, BWLA raised over $220,000 through this year’s fundraiser, including more than $20,000 donated during the luncheon directly to the BWLA Scholarship Fund Board through our GiveButter paddle raise/silent auction campaign to support future scholarships. Your support is a powerful reminder of the strength of community and an affirmation that BWLA’s enduring legacy of mentorship, advocacy, and investment in Black women lawyers and others, in and beyond the legal community, remains strong, impactful, and built to last. Thank you for being such an integral part of BWLA's story.

Lastly, I want to thank our wonderful vendors, venue staff, and silent auction donors whose talents, contributions, and support helped create such a beautiful and memorable afternoon for all who attended.

In the weeks ahead, I invite and encourage everyone to join us for our upcoming BWLA programming, including the BWLA Spring General Body Meeting and Board Elections on May 21, 2026, next Saturday's community service initiative, and the 2026–2027 BWLA Installation and Awards Ceremony on June 3, 2026, where we will celebrate the beginning of BWLA’s next chapter.

As this bar year begins to draw to a close, I look forward to sharing final reflections and gratitude in my farewell President’s Message in the June 2026 BWLA Newsletter.

With gratitude and sisterhood,

Joan A. Akalaonu

2025–2026 BWLA President

#EnduringLegacy

Congratulations

Congratulations to

BWLA Members Recently Appointed as Associate Judges for the Circuit Court of Cook County

BWLA proudly celebrates and extends heartfelt congratulations to all of its members who were recently appointed and/or reappointed as Associate Judges for the Circuit Court of Cook County, including:

• Tene McCoy Cummins
• Juanisha "Nisha" Dotson
• Hon. Ginger Odom
• Hon. Linda Sackey

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

Congratulations to the

Graduating Class of 2026 Law Students

BWLA proudly congratulates the Class of 2026 law school graduates! Your resilience, excellence, and commitment to justice inspire us all.

We extend special recognition to our Law Student Outreach Committee Co-Chairs, Jordan Bernard and Maryah Person, both of whom are part of this year's graduating class, as well as all the graduating law students who volunteered at BWLA events, served on committees, and applied for our scholarship opportunities. Your dedication to service, leadership, and uplifting the legal community reflects the very spirit of BWLA’s enduring legacy.

As you step into the next chapter of your legal careers, we celebrate all that you have accomplished, offer continued support for your legal journeys, and look forward to the impact you will make on the profession and in your communities. Congratulations, graduates!

BWLA Monthly Spotlight

This month, BWLA is proud to highlight Jeanne Charles, an accomplished labor, employment and commercial arbitrator, mediator, and President-Elect of the National Academy of Arbitrators. Jeanne shares how a BWLA connection helped launch her legal career, the importance of fostering belonging and mentorship, and her vision for expanding access to labor arbitration and leadership opportunities. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of community, advocacy, and reaching back to uplift others along the way. Thank you, Jeanne, for your leadership and continued commitment to excellence and workplace justice. 

Jeanne also encourages BWLA members to attend the upcoming National Academy of Arbitrators 79th Annual Meeting from May 20-23, 2026 in Chicago—details can be found here.

BWLA Upcoming Events

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 next Thursday, 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!

Voting for the 2026-2027 BWLA Board of Directors started on May 13, 2026! Current BWLA financially active members received an email entitled "BWLA 2026-2027 Board of Directors Election" with their unique voting code. If you are an active member and believe you did not receive a unique voting code, first check your spam folder and then contact us at bwlaofficialelections@gmail.com to verify your membership and receive a unique voting code by no later than Friday, May 15, 2026. Online elections will close on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. 

Voting BWLA members are encouraged to attend the Spring General Membership Meeting on Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. During the meeting, members will be able to learn more about the slated candidates, hear candidate speeches and nominate eligible persons from the floor, if desired.

We will accept a proxy vote by notification in writing only for online voting. Please notify BWLA of your intent to vote by proxy by emailing bwlaofficialelections@gmail.com by no later than 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026.



All election related questions should be directed to BWLA to bwlaofficialelections@gmail.com.

Register Today to Volunteer with

BWLA at the Pacific Garden Mission

Join the BWLA Community Service Committee next Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM as we volunteer at Pacific Garden Mission, one of Chicago’s oldest and largest homeless shelters. Located at 1458 S. Canal Street in Chicago, Pacific Garden Mission has served men, women, and children experiencing homelessness since 1877 by providing shelter, meals, clothing, recovery programs, and supportive services rooted in compassion and hope.

BWLA volunteers will assist with distributing food and supporting the Mission’s efforts to serve individuals and families in need. Only 8 volunteer spots are available, so we encourage members to register today and join us for this meaningful opportunity to give back to the community.

Register through the link below!

Register Today for the 2026-2027

BWLA Installation & Awards Ceremony

Join BWLA for the 2026–2027 Installation and Awards Ceremony on June 3, 2026, at 5:30pm at the Chicago Bar Association, 321 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL.

Celebrate an exciting new bar year as we install Natanya Pope-Sohel as the 2026–2027 BWLA President and the incoming 2026–2027 Board of Directors and BWLA Scholarship Fund Board, and recognize the outstanding leadership, service, and contributions of BWLA members whose dedication continues to strengthen our enduring legacy and impact in the legal community.



Register today to join BWLA in celebrating the 2026–2027 incoming BWLA Board leadership and the outstanding members who continue to advance BWLA’s mission, leadership, and legacy.

Register Today for WBAI's 2026 Happy Hour in Her Heels, Co-sponsored by BWLA

Past Events

BWLA Celebrates Enduring Legacy at

2026 Spring Fundraiser Luncheon

On Thursday, April 16, 2026, BWLA hosted its 2026 Annual Spring Fundraiser Luncheon, “Enduring Legacy: Celebrating Excellence, Trailblazing Leadership, and Lasting Impact,” at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk. The luncheon brought together attorneys, law students, members of the judiciary, sponsors, and community partners for an inspiring afternoon celebrating leadership, service, and mentorship, and BWLA's continued investment in the next generation of legal professionals. The luncheon program book can be accessed here.

At this year’s luncheon, BWLA proudly celebrated trailblazing leaders and organizations who impact continues to shape the legal profession and broader community. This year's Enduring Legacy Honorees included:

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

During the luncheon, BWLA awarded over $40,000 in scholarships to exceptional law students, including:

2026 Spring Essay Scholarship Winners

• Breana Sims, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, 3L
• Olivia Riley, Northern Illinois University College of Law, 2L
• Cicely Warren, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, 2L
• Wunmi Odeja, Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, 2L

2026 Agnes McGirth Scholarship Winner

• Sheraya Bernard, Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School, 3L

2026 BWLA Bar Review Award Winners

• Mitrese Smith, University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, 3L
• Maryah Person, University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, 3L
• Lauren L. Smith, University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, 3L

Through the generosity of our sponsors, individual donations, and those who participated in the silent auction raffle, BWLA was able to raise over $220,000 for this year's fundraiser luncheon, with over $20,000 raised from donations made during the luncheon through the BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Give Butter site! Thank you to all our amazing sponsors, donors, vendors, and supporters. Because of you, BWLA is able to continue forward with its mission, programming, and continued support of law students.

Special thanks to the 2026 Fundraiser Luncheon Co-Chairs BWLA Board Member at Large, Yele Ajayi, amd BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Members Mariska Richards and Natalie Ellis, along with BWLA President Joan Akalaonu, BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Chair Jasmine Fannell and BWLA Program Administrator Konesha "K" Rhea for all the planning for this year's luncheon. Thank you to the BWLA Board of Directors and Scholarship Fund Board Members for all their work in supporting this year's luncheon.

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

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, BWLA’s Corporate Counsel Committee hosted its 2026 General Counsel Half-Day CLE Seminar and Opening Reception, hosted and sponsored by BWLA Title Sponsor Jones Day. The dynamic afternoon brought together distinguished in-house counsel, law firm attorneys, and industry leaders for timely CLE programming and an evening celebrating exceptional Black women General Counsel.

The program began with a welcoming lunch followed by four engaging CLE sessions. The first session, AI in Legal Practice: Bias, Ownership & Risk—What General Counsel Need to Know, was moderated by Kathryn Charleston of Salesforce and featured panelists RiKaleigh Omosheyin of K&L Gates, Jetaun Williams of Matrix Execution Services, Nilofer Umar of Sidley Austin, Tchicaya Ellis Robertson of Tribe Insights, and Joy Johns of Eaton.

The second session, Healthy or Liable?: Make America Healthy Again, Medicare/Medicaid Reform & the Rise of Food Regulation, was moderated by BWLA Board Member-at-Large Amber Carpenter of Ferrara and included panelists Danielle Perry of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Karen Harris of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association, and Ama Gyimah of Gyimah Law, PLC.

The third session, Inside the Relationship: How Litigators and In-House Counsel Partner to Win, was moderated by BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Chair Jasmine Fannell of HSBC and featured Lisa Kpor of United Airlines, Melanie Stewart of Stanley Black & Decker, Amanda Brown of Skadden, and Jordan Matthews of Jones Day.

The final session, BWLA General Counsels’ Roundtable – The Path to GC & Understanding the Risks That Keep Them Up at Night, was moderated by BWLA Past President Elsa Andrianifahanana of Jones Day and featured BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Mariska Richards of Heard Capital, J. Lynn Watkins-Asiyanbi, former SVP, CAO, CLO and Corporate Secretary of CECO Environmental Corporation, and Janelle Carter Anderson, General Counsel of Applied Solutions Group and Assistant Corporate Secretary of The Heico Companies LLC.

The evening concluded with a celebratory Opening Reception honoring exceptional Black women General Counsel, including Djenne Clayton, General Counsel of ISACA; Karen Harris, Senior Vice President & General Counsel of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association; Regina Bynote Jones, Senior Vice President & Chief Legal Officer of ADM; and Mariska Richards, General Counsel, CCO & CAO of Heard Capital.

Special thanks to BWLA Corporate Counsel Committee Co-Chairs Ariana Maloney and Jennifer King, BWLA Board Member at Large Amber Carpenter, and BWLA Past President and Scholarship Fund Board Member Elsa Andrianifahanana for organizing and executing such a successful and impactful event. Special thanks to Title Sponsor Jones Day for hosting and sponsoring the event.

BWLA Celebrates 2026 Chicago Bar Associations' Vanguard Awards Luncheon

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, BWLA Founders, BWLA Current and Past Presidents, BWLA Board Members, Lifetime Members, distinguished members of the federal and state judiciary, colleagues, law clerks, and family members all attended the Chicago Bar Association's 2026 Annual Vanguard Awards Luncheon to celebrate BWLA' 2026 Vanguard Recipient and the other honorees. Held at the Union League Club of Chicago, the awards luncheon was presided over by Chicago Bar Association President, Hon. Nichole Patton, who is also a longstanding BWLA member.

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. This year, BWLA was honored to select as its 2026 Vanguard Recipient BWLA Past Board Member Hon. Candace Jackson-Akiwumi. Judge Jackson-Akiwumi, who is the second Black woman to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the first being BWLA Founder Hon. Ann Claire Williams (ret.). BWLA also celebrated the other 2026 Vanguard Recipients, including BWLA Founder and Past President Hon. Patrice Ball-Reed (ret.) who was honored as the Women's Bar Association of Illinois's 2026 Vanguard Recipient.

Through their distinguished legal careers, judicial service, and unwavering commitment to BWLA and the broader legal community, Hon. Jackson-Akiwumi and Hon. Ball-Reed (ret.) 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.

Congratulations to all the 2026 Vanguard Recipients!

BWLA Co-Sponsors WBAI's CLE on Mental Health During Perimenopause

On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, BWLA was proud to co-sponsor the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois CLE program, “The Silent Shift: Supporting Mental Health During Perimenopause." Held at the ISBA Regional Office in Chicago, the program focused on increasing awareness around the impact of perimenopause on mental health, emotional wellbeing, stress regulation, and professional life.

BWLA Vice President Natanya Pope-Sohel and BWLA Recording Secretary Le’Loni English attended on behalf of BWLA and joined fellow attorneys and bar leaders for this important and insightful discussion led by Dr. Jennifer Litner, founder of Embrace Sexual Wellness. The program provided practical strategies to support mental health, resilience, and wellbeing within the legal profession.

BWLA Co-Sponsors

Virtual CLE Panel on Women's Rights in Illinois for CBA-YLS 2026 Diversity Week

On Monday, April 27, 2026, BWLA proudly co-sponsored a virtual CLE panel "The State of Women's Rights in Illinois," along with the Women's Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) and the Decalogue Society of Lawyers as part of the Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyers Section's 2026 Diversity Week.

The program highlighted important conversations surrounding women’s rights, gender equity, and advocacy within the legal profession and beyond. BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Shannon Stokes served as a featured panelist during the CLE and presented on "Family Law, Gender Based Violence & Lethality Risk."

Special thanks to BWLA Board Member at Large Omoyele Ajayi, Esq., and Law Firm/Solo Practitioner Committee Chairs Cha'yra Eddie-Williams and Mischelle Luckett for collaborating with WBAI and the Decalogue Society to put together such a dynamic program. Special thanks to BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Shannon Stokes for agreeing to be a panelist and putting together such an informative presentation.

BWLA Hosts its Annual Spring Soiree Brunch to Celebrate New Bar Admittees

On Saturday, May 2, 2026, the BWLA Young Lawyers Committee hosted its 2026 Annual Spring Soiree Brunch to celebrate the 2025 Fall and 2026 Spring New Bar Admittees at the Event Space at Bassline. Nearly 50 guests gathered for an afternoon of celebration, networking, and fashion as BWLA welcomed the newest members of the legal profession.

The celebratory program started with a lively "Business to Cocktail" fashion show curated by BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Natalie Ellis of Styling By Natalie. The program continued with introductions from the new bar admittees, words of wisdom and support from longstanding BWLA member Harriet Parker. The afternoon ended with a celebratory toast honoring the new attorneys and a raffle. Throughout the event, guests enjoyed music from DJ Meeky and food from Black woman-owned Kiya’s Kitchen.

Special thanks to BWLA Young Lawyers Committee Co-Chairs Kyle Palmore and Milea Moye, Board Member at Large Cyerra McGowan, and BWLA Program Administrator Konesha “K” Rhea for organizing such a successful and celebratory event.

BWLA Welcomes Illinois' Newest Attorneys at First District Bar Admission Ceremony

On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, BWLA President Joan Akalaonu represented BWLA at the Illinois Supreme Court’s First District Bar Admission Ceremony held at the Harris Theater in Chicago. BWLA joined bar leaders of several bar associations and members of the judiciary in celebrating this important milestone and welcoming the newest members of the legal profession.

During the ceremony, Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr., Justice Joy V. Cunningham, and Justice Sanjay T. Tailor officially swore in more than 200 new attorneys admitted to practice law in Illinois. Justice Cunningham delivered welcome remarks and Justice Tailor provided admission remarks. Remarks were also delivered by representatives from several bar associations, including Jawad Shalabi, President of the Arab American Bar Association of Illinois, Hon. Lori Rosen, First Vice President of the Decalogue Society of Lawyers, and Hon. Bridget C. Duignan, President of the Illinois State Bar Association. Hon. Sharon Oden Johnson made the motion to admit the class. Hon. Maury Slattery Boyle and Hon. Judge Thomas M. Donnelly both seconded the motion. Chief Justice Neville then administered the Attorney’s Oath and addressed the newly admitted attorneys.

BWLA congratulates all newly admitted attorneys and looks forward to their contributions to the profession and their communities.

Events Around Town

Enter the ISBA Annual Lincoln Award

Legal Writing Contest

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.

Attend the Know Your Rights Empowerment Workshop

Register to Volunteer as Pro Bono Attorney with LPAS To Provide Direct Legal Support to Help Chicago Families Secure and Protect Their Legacy

Register Today for Buchanan's CLE: Demystifying Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity

Register Today for the National Academy of Arbitrators 79th Annual Meeting

The National Academy of Arbitrators will host its 79th Annual Meeting & Education Conference in Chicago from May 20–23, 2026 centered on the theme, “Where Do We Go From Here? Strategies for a Changing World.” BWLA congratulates member Jeanne Charles on her involvement with this year’s conference, which will feature discussions on the future of labor relations and arbitration. The conference includes a Special Program for Advocates focused on zero tolerance policies, mock arbitration, and active listening skills, along with additional sessions exploring AI in arbitration and the evolving structure of work."

Register Today for

the National Filipino American Lawyers Association Mid-Year Leadership Summit

Register Today to Volunteer as a Judge at the High School Moot Court Association 2026 National Championship

⚖️ Volunteer Judges Needed – HSMCA 2026 National Championship

The High School Moot Court Association (HSMCA) is seeking volunteer judges for its 2026 National Championship taking place May 29–30, 2026 at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. HSMCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to introducing high school students to appellate advocacy and preparing the next generation of legal leaders through competitive moot court.

This year’s championship will feature top qualifying teams from across the country, and organizers are looking for attorneys, judges, moot court alumni, and coaches to volunteer as judges for one or more 40-minute rounds. No subject matter expertise is required—training materials and a case packet will be provided.

Volunteer judges will evaluate students on their legal reasoning, advocacy, and oral argument skills while helping inspire and encourage future members of the legal profession.

🗓️ Rounds Available:

• Friday, May 29: 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM
• Saturday, May 30: 9:00 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:45 PM

For questions, please contact: HSMCA or email contact@hsmca.org

Register today through the link below!

Register Today for the Cook County Bar Association's Inaugural Trial Master Symposium

Purchase Discounted Tickets Today

During the Flash Sale for BMLA's

2026 Summit & Black Tie Gala Tickets

Register Today for the Muslim Bar Association of Chicago's Eid al-Adha Dinner Reception

Purchase Tickets Today for

WBAI's 112th Annual Installation Dinner

Register Today to Attend the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division Ensuring Justice Training Program on Voting Rights Webinar

Register Today 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 Tickets Today

for the 2026 Black Women Expo Chicago

Save the Date for the

18th Annual National Bar Association

Corporate Counsel Leadership Summit

BWLA Member Achievements

Congratulations to BWLA President Joan Akalaonu who recently was the keynote speaker at the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law Black Law Student Association's 2026 Annual Alumni Brunch.

Congratulations to BWLA Member Malaika Caldwell who recently co-chaired the 2026 ACC Chicago - Association of Corporate Counsel Street Law Legal Opportunity Program.

Congratulations to BWLA Board Member at Large Amber Carpenter who featured as a panelist at the 2026 International Conference Protection of IP in Digital Environment in Belgrade on April 27, 2026 where she spoke on the topic "Online Brand Protection - New Challenges and Opportunities."

Congratulations to BWLA Past President Kalia Coleman for being appointed to Law360’s 2026 White Collar Editorial Advisory Board.

Congratulations to BWLA member LaVon Jones for being appointed to Law360’s 2026 Real Estate Editorial Advisory Board.

Congratulations to BWLA member Fluffy Kilburn, on her new role as Associate Attorney at The Peak Law Firm.

Congratulations to BWLA member Hon. Nichole Patton, President of the Chicago Bar Association, who recently delivered the keynote commencement speech at the University of Illinois College of Law's Graduation Ceremony in wake of her 30th law school anniversary.

Congratulations to BWLA Vice President Natanya Pope - Sohel, who was recently the spotlight feature for #NationalVolunteerWeek by the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI).

Congratulations to BWLA member Brittany Robinson, on her new role as Program Counsel for Economic Justice at The Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights.

Congratulations to BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Shannon Stokes who recently co-moderated the plenary breakfast session featuring Karen Freeman-Wilson, President and CEO of Chicago Urban League, for the I am Abel 9th Annual Chicago Health, Medical and Law Careers Citywide Student Conference

Congratulations to BWLA member Taylor Tyler who was recently named the Illinois State Bar Association Young Lawyer of the Year for Cook County.

Congratulations to BWLA Past Scholarship Fund Board Member Marishonta Wilkerson who was recently selected to participate in the ICAP-NELC's In-House (Counsel) Career Accelerator Program, which is designed to assist newer in-house counsel in transitioning and building a successful career as part of a corporate law department.

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