Member Monday: Debjani Desai
General Counsel // Illinois Office of Comptroller
Description of your practice:
I am the chief legal officer for the Illinois Office of Comptroller, and I head up a team of lawyers in Chicago and Springfield. Together, we provide counsel on what people consider the “usual” state comptroller functions, such as ordering payments out of the
My membership in the WBAI has afforded me various benefits, including interesting programming, volunteer opportunities, CLE/MCLE programs, career advice and exposure to attorneys practicing in other fields and at other firms, or companies. However, the benefits most valuable to me are the personal and professional connections that I have made by being an active WBAI member. Through the WBAI I have met incredible women who have become close friends; these are women who understand what it means to be a young professional female practicing law in Chicago and offer support, friendship and advice, all of which have helped me personally and professional.
Natalie Scruton Federle
Sr. Corporate Counsel
Outcome Health
I have been a WBAI member for a number of years. Among the benefits men can obtain from WBAI membership are the great networking opportunities, especially with judges both state and federal, which WBAI offers. Every year women, as well as men, become members of our judiciary. WBAI events, such as its outstanding Annual Judges’ Night, are great ways for new lawyers, and all lawyers, to meet these judges, along with other leaders of our profession. I am glad I am a WBAI member, and I encourage all attorneys, men and women, to join the WBAI and to participate actively in WBAI events and programs. You too will be glad you did.
Hon. James F. Holderman
United States District Court
Northern District of Illinois
I attended the Naveen’s Cuisine WBAI event for the first time a few years ago, because a friend invited me and it sounded fun. I had a great time and met some amazing women, and that is consistently the case whenever I attend WBAI events. It’s been a very welcoming group of women, and a good way for me to get to know others with different types of practices from my own.
Dani Johnson
Intellectual Property Associate
Goldberg Kohn Ltd.
I have been a member of the WBAI for over 30 years. I joined as a new attorney after law school. I have always believed in women supporting each other to succeed.
Membership
The WBAI has partnerships with a number of local businesses that provide generous benefits and discounts to our members.
Networking
A major benefit of WBAI membership is networking and events where members can meet other professionals from across the state.
Resources
Your WBAI membership gives you proprietary access to the people, information and tools needed to address critical business issues.
