By: Tracey L. Schroeder
The Women’s Bar Association of Illinois was honored to attend the 26th Annual Illinois Bar Foundation Gala on Friday, October 17, 2025, held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. The evening brought together members of the Illinois legal community to celebrate leadership, service, and a shared commitment to justice and philanthropy.
This year’s gala recognized Mark D. Hassakis of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. as the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Award for Excellence, the Illinois Bar Foundation’s highest honor. Mr. Hassakis was celebrated for his exceptional leadership and longstanding dedication to both the legal profession and the broader philanthropic community. His career reflects the values of service and integrity that the Foundation seeks to honor through this award.
The evening was a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, celebrate friendships, and reaffirm the collective commitment that unites Illinois lawyers in service to the profession and the community. WBAI congratulates Mr. Hassakis on this well-deserved recognition and thanks the Illinois Bar Foundation for hosting another inspiring and memorable event.
This article was originally published in the WBAI Winter 2026 Newsletter on page 33.