By: Tracey L. Schroeder
The Women’s Bar Association of Illinois was proud to attend the Chicago Bar Association Vanguard Awards Luncheon 2026, held on Tuesday, April 21 at the Union League Club of Chicago.
The WBAI was especially honored to celebrate its 2026 Vanguard Award recipient, Honorable Patrice Ball-Reed (Ret.), a Past President of the Association and a founder of the Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago. Judge Ball-Reed’s leadership and longstanding commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion within the legal profession continue to make a lasting impact on the community.
The Vanguard Award recognizes individuals and institutions who have worked to make the law and legal profession more accessible and reflective of the broader community. Presented each spring, the luncheon brings together bar associations and legal organizations from across the Chicagoland area in celebration of those who exemplify service, leadership, and a dedication to equity in the profession.
The WBAI extends its sincere congratulations to Judge Ball-Reed and all of this year’s honorees, and was proud to join colleagues from across the legal community in recognizing these important contributions.
This article was originally published in the WBAI Spring 2026 Newsletter on page 52.