Trial Attorney // Cooney & Conway
Description of your practice:
I represent victims of serious personal injury and wrongful death, from the initial client introduction through trial and appeal. I focus on representing victims of mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases.
Why are you a member of the WBAI?
When I moved back to Chicago after law school, I realized that my attorney network in Chicago wasn’t as large or as strong as I would have liked. I also travel all over the country for work, so I found the practice to be more isolating than I had imagined. I joined the WBAI to foster a network of likeminded female attorneys who are intelligent, resourceful, responsive and all-around wonderful people! I have found the WBAI network to be a valuable resource both for meeting new friends and for answering legal questions.
What do you think is the best way to empower women in law?
The best way to empower women in law is to give them the opportunity and resources to succeed. Support from fellow female lawyers is invaluable in this regard and can be done in simple ways. If you are a more senior lawyer, get a female law clerk on assignments with you early and involve a female associate on a larger/complex case. No matter what level you are in your practice, you can be a mentor for a law student or a younger attorney. Even talking to someone who is standing alone at a reception can do wonders. Sharing your time, knowledge, referrals, and network with other female lawyers will have a large impact that can change the trajectory of another woman’s career. Remember that we are stronger together!
What are you most looking forward to in the following year, personally/professionally?
Professionally, I have a trial this year that involves asbestos-contaminated talcum powder and am really excited for it as it will be my first talcum powder trial. Personally, I am getting married this year!
Tell us something interesting about you.
My fiancé and I rescued a puppy in quarantine, named Rufus, and we are navigating the world of being fur parents.