Women's Bar Association of Illinois

History

The Women's Bar Association of Illinois, one of the oldest and largest bar associations in the state, was first established in 1914, by nine women lawyers practicing in the Chicago Metropolitan area. It was founded to promote the interests and welfare of women lawyers and also to aid in the enactment of legislation for the common good and in the administration of justice. Its activities have always been divided between burning contemporary social and political issues and the practical need to help its members gain employment. The WBAI was one of the first minority bar associations to extend its membership to males.

In 1985, noting the phenomenon of small local women's bar associations forming all over the state, the WBAI voted to add affiliate chapters as a new category of membership. The consolidation of these associations created a larger and more powerful association that could better assume the goals faced by the ever-growing population of women attorneys in the state.

Today the WBAI continues to take positions on numerous social and political issues, work towards the passage of legislation as well as provide an untiring support for women’s rights.

History documents, records, and memorabilia regarding the WBAI can be viewed at the Chicago History Museum.

Continue to WBAI Mission Statement >>