At the charge of Immediate Past President, Paula H. Holderman, the ISBA Standing Committee on Women & the Law took on the task of adapting the Toolkit for Gender Equity in Partner Compensation, created in 2012 by the ABA Gender Equity Task Force, to promote the advancement of women attorneys in Illinois. After nearly two years of research and planning we will be presenting a half-day program called, “Because You’re Worth It!: Achieving Advancement and Fair Compensation in the Legal Profession” on May 7, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. at the ISBA Chicago Regional Office.

The program will be a compilation of storytelling, research analysis, legal update and a panel discussion, designed to provide practical methods for up and coming attorneys to make their careers what they want them to be. The goal is to bring together practicing lawyers interested in advancing their careers with managing partners and firm leaders who want to make their firms more hospitable to quality attorneys, both men and women. Check out our fantastic program!

3 Hours of MPCLE credit is offered for program participants at the discounted price for ISBA members of only $25!

Part I: The Issues We Face Today

Stories from the Data

This comprehensive review offers an in-depth look at the findings from the tabulated raw data compiled from the 2014 ISBA survey as it pertains to the advancement and compensation of women attorneys and other diversity-based variables.

Prof. Rachel Whaley, Associate Professor, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

Tales from the Front

This presentation offers two compelling stories of how to define one’s own success and accomplishments, while maintaining professionalism in the face of adversity.

Valerie D. Bell, Attorney, Civil Activist, and Policy Consultant, Clayton, MO

Reena R. Bajowala, Jenner and Block, LLP Chicago

Part II: Current Trends in Illinois & Federal Law Affecting Women Lawyers

Statutory and Case Law Update

Get the updates you need on statutory and case law developments in Illinois.

Francine Bailey, The Bellows Law Group, P.C., Chicago

Part III: Rising Above the Stats: Defining and Encouraging Success for Women Attorneys and Methods for Achieving It

Interactive Panel Discussion

Moderator: Emily Masalski, Rooney, Rippie & Ratnaswamy, LLP, Chicago

• The evolution of the mid-size firm environment and practice management as women attorneys have increased their presence in the field, as well as the firm’s efforts to create a welcoming environment for female attorneys and the success the firm has experienced as a result of management level efforts.

Christopher J. Bannon, Aronberg Goldgehn, Chicago

• The implementation of firm policies to promote the inclusion and advancement of women attorneys from maternity leave to flextime and more.

Reena R. Bajowala, Jenner and Block, LLP Chicago

• Tips on how to successfully negotiate a compensation structure that works for you and your firm, while maintaining both a successful career and family life.

Kristin E. Prinz, The Prinz Law Firm, P.C., Chicago

• The power of creating a brand name for oneself, improving networking skills, and creating a diversified legal presence.

Sarah E. Toney, The Toney Law Firm, LLC, Chicago

• The importance of consciously defining success individually and creating a plan of action to accomplish and achieve it.

Valerie D. Bell, Attorney, Civil Activist and Policy Consultant, Clayton, MO

Attendees will benefit not only from the knowledge of our diverse presenters but will also have an opportunity for networking at a cocktail reception immediately following the program.

This program is co-sponsored by the ISBA Standing Committee on Racial and Ethnic Minorities and the Law, the ISBA Standing Committee on Law Office Management and Economics, and the ISBA Young Lawyers Division

This program has been financially sponsored by: Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa, Winston and Strawn, The Prinz Law Firm, Turner Law Offices, Law Crawford, P.C., the Law Office of Mary F. Petruchius and the Hon. Patrice Ball-Reed, Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.

Go to http://www.isba.org/cle/2015/05/07/faircompensation to register. ■