2007-2009 Task Force on DiversityBy E. Lynn GraysonSeptember 2009The efforts are continuing to ensure that the ISBA is as welcoming an environment as possible to all Illinois attorneys. We invite you to learn more about diversity initiatives within the ISBA by visiting our new diversity Web site at <http://www.isba.org/diversity>.
Approaches and alternatives for implementing a Business Development InitiativeBy Deb Knupp & Paula GiovacchiniMay 2009Many firms have also launched organized Women’s Initiatives that are seeing an increased interest in transitioning from pure affinity groups to become more focused on business development. These initiatives are moving away from “monthly lunches with the ladies” into more substantive vehicles to increase firm revenue, talent pools, etc. with greater accountability to results.
Attorney, interrupted: Are we addicted to distraction?By Annemarie E. KillDecember 2009At a recent seminar, I sat at a table with several other addicts. Yes, addicts. Addicts to distraction. One person was on a laptop completing a brief, three people were on their BlackBerrys, one was texting on her cell phone, and I was making numerous “to do” lists.
Beating breast cancer one step at a timeBy Mona M. StoneMay 2009A. Kelly Turner, a partner in the Litigation Department at Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP, provides insight on the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer based on her experience in participating in last year’s Avon Walk Chicago and in organizing a team for 2009.
The call to action: Advancing women attorneys in leadership in ChicagoBy Jane DiRenzo & E. Lynn GraysonMarch 2009
Chicago law firm signatories to the 2004 Call to Action (CTA) demonstrated success on each of its five goals. Many firms demonstrated real success on the front of advancing women into leadership. Overall, the Chicago legal community made material progress and established some best practices that fed the success of its efforts. Continued progress will be necessary, but the CTA facilitated focus and progress on this important issue.
Chair’s ColumnBy Annemarie E. KillSeptember 2009A message from Chair Annemarie Kill.
Chair’s ColumnBy E. Lynn GraysonMay 2009A message from Chair E. Lynn Grayson.
Chair’s ColumnBy E. Lynn GraysonMarch 2009A message from Chair E. Lynn Grayson.
Chambers and partners: Importance of third-party recognitionBy E. Lynn GraysonDecember 2009Within the last decade, third-party recognition has emerged as a critical element impacting a lawyer’s perceived success including his or her professional reputation, career advancement and perhaps more important, business development opportunities.
A day in the life of a domestic violence attorneyBy Amie M. SimpsonMarch 2009The author describes her work for the Will County Legal Assistance Program, which provides free civil legal services to low-income and senior citizen clients.
Mediation and Domestic Violence: A practical guide for mediators and attorneysBy E. Nicole CarrionMay 2009While most judges and attorneys agree that mediation is generally a good thing for most custody and visitation cases, there may be certain cases, such as cases that involve domestic violence, that may require special considerations during mediation or perhaps a waiver of mediation altogether.
Peggy Klaus: New Year’s ResolutionsMarch 2009Peggy Klaus, a workplace communication and leadership expert, offered the following New Year’s resolutions to her friends. Her resolutions should be considered by everyone for 2009.
Reorganization will strengthen the ISBA’s diversity effortsBy Alice M. Noble-AllgireDecember 2009You may not have heard any hammers or saws, but the ISBA recently completed a major renovation of its diversity-related committees and sections councils—a renovation that is already seeing substantial dividends in terms of greater efficiency and collaborative creativity.
Representing impaired clients: Challenge and opportunityBy Annemarie E. KillMarch 2009The ISBA Standing Committee on Women and the Law, in conjunction with the ISBA Standing Committee on Delivery of Legal Services, the ISBA General Practice Solo and Small Firm Section Council, and the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, presented a program entitled “Ethically and Effectively Representing Clients with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Problems” at the ISBA Mid-Year Meeting on December 12, 2008.
Second-Hand-Shock™—Day to day the price we payBy Sandra CrawfordMarch 2009“Second-Hand-ShockTM" is the cumulative impact of the distress that clients’ trauma content stories have on the professionals helping them.
Seek power: A woman lawyer’s guide to self-promotionBy Emily N. MasalskiDecember 2009On October 20, 2009, Paula Hudson Holderman and Delilah B. Flaum, of Winston & Strawn coached more than 100 women lawyers on how to get over the “anti-networking” mindset and formulate a plan that will lead them to a more fulfilling career.
Win with civilityBy Sandra BlakeSeptember 2009In 2005, the Illinois Supreme Court established the Illinois Commission on Professionalism, making Illinois one of only 14 states that have a formal body working to promote professionalism and civility.
‘Women Everywhere’ project launches its 10th year of community service, court visits for high school girlsBy Sharon L. EisemanMarch 2009In 2009, the Women Everywhere: Partners in Service Project (“WE”) will be celebrating its first decade by again doing what it has done so well since its founding in 1999: sending women and men volunteer attorneys and legal support staff into community service agencies on a specified day to provide legal and labor-intensive assistance to agency staff.
Women who made history during Lincoln’s presidencyBy Sandra BlakeMay 2009In recognition of the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln and National Women’s History Month, take this opportunity to meet or become reacquainted with women who made history during the Lincoln presidential years. Those who paved the way include abolitionists, soldiers, spies, nurses and organizers.
Workplace diversity: Employee resource groupsBy Mona M. StoneMarch 2009Workplace diversity training has been around for some time, but is growing in importance as the demographics of the working population continue to evolve.
