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Member Monday: Meet Marla M. Izbicky

Associate Attorney // Lowis & Gellen LLP

Description of your practice:
I practice civil litigation with a concentration on representing hospitals, physicians, and healthcare providers in complex medical malpractice litigation.


Why are you a member of the WBAI?
I attended law school in New York City and needed to build a legal network when I moved back to Chicago. I was encouraged to join the WBAI because it is not only a vast network that spans all areas of the legal community, but it is also a supportive group of women eager to support and mentor each other. Since joining, I have found colleagues, mentors, friends, and more. I am also very thankful for the opportunities I have been given through the WBAI to pay it forward, and encourage other up-and-coming female attorneys in Chicago.


What are the qualities  you have seen and admired in a senior female attorney you know?
I am fortunate enough to have a number of strong senior female attorneys off of whom I can model my career and life. I admire female attorneys who are strong advocates for their clients and fierce opponents when necessary, without sacrificing their own unique personalities. So often the world pigeonholes women into stereotypes – pushy, aggressive, emotional, weak, bubbly, etc. I am encouraged by seeing senior female attorneys who remain true to themselves while continuing to be the best attorney they can be. I think there is something incredibly advantageous about being a woman who can have a cordial and lively social conversation with opposing counsel immediately before and after trial or oral argument, but still walk up to the bench and fight for their client. Women have a unique ability to be more than one single stereotype, and as more women model this, younger female attorneys like me will follow suit.


What are you most looking forward to in the following year, personally/professionally?
Personally, I am looking forward to my brother’s upcoming wedding this summer. I am very excited to gain a sister-in-law! Professionally, I look forward to continuing to push myself with complex litigation and hopefully take a case to verdict.


Tell us something interesting about you.
I am an avid game player – board games, card games, trivia, game shows, you name it. My biggest claim to fame was being on an episode of Wheel of Fortune.