By: Leilani Ana-Maria Pino
The Women’s Bar Association of Illinois commenced its 2024-2025 bar year with its Annual Board Retreat at the Viceroy Hotel Chicago on August 24, 2024. Like years before, the annual retreat facilitates time for the WBAI Board to review its policies and procedures, but more importantly, it provides an opportunity for the Board to plan for its upcoming year. Noticeably, this year’s Board is made up of a group of dynamic leaders that include judges, partners, government lawyers, small firm owners, and high-value trial lawyers. This innovative group is deeply engaged and involved in the legal community which allows each board member to bring a diverse perspective to sustain the successful progress of the WBAI.
This all-day retreat set the tone for the upcoming year. The WBAI will continue its commitment to advocating for women, children, and families, and promoting the growth of women in the legal profession. The Board is excited to maintain hosting its flagship events – the Top Women Lawyers in Leadership, Judicial Reception, Golf Outing, and Annual Dinner – which provide the legal community valuable opportunities to network, honor distinguished leaders, and support the advancement of women lawyers. The WBAI is equally focused on advancing diversity in the legal community by connecting with other local bar organizations and cohosting events such as the WBAI & HLAI Leadership Dinner, LAGBAC & WBAI Drag Brunch, and the Lunar New Year Celebration with AABA, KABA and CABA. To further support its membership, the WBAI will continue hosting CLE programming and engaging with law students.
This WBAI Board is driven to empower the progress of this ever-changing legal community. Led by President Sarah F. King, this year’s Board is dedicated to working on acts of service to our community, to the women of Illinois and to the future members of our organization. Please join us in support of this mission by attending events, joining committees, and inviting new members.
This article was originally published in the WBAI Fall 2024 Newsletter on page 75.