The 103rd Annual Dinner was an inspiring recognition of WBAI members who are “paving the way,” and younger members rising in their professions. Kralovec Jambois and Schwartz trial attorney Kristin Barnette McCarthy was sworn in as the 101st president by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas L. Kilbride. President McCarthy was introduced by Kralovec partner Al Schwartz, and her husband, president of GFM-Strategies and former superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, Garry McCarthy, who gave an endearing and funny speech entitled, “Ten Ways You Know You’re Married to a Trial Lawyer.”
Keynote speaker and recipient of this year’s Myra Bradwell Award, the Honorable Ilana Diamond Rovner, stole the show with her compelling and beautiful story about becoming the first woman appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Fleeing the Holocaust and enduring sexism in the workplace, Judge Rovner did not take the bar until seven years after law school, opting first to become a stay-at-home mother. Through “pure, raw desire,” she persisted, enabling younger women to have an easier path to their chosen careers.
Incoming officers and directors were sworn in by Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans. Outgoing WBAI President Adria Mossing bestowed Service Awards to Power Rogers & Smith trial lawyer Kathryn Conway, Jones Day labor and employment attorney Elizabeth Winiarski, and ZS Associates, Inc. legal counsel Jeanine Stathopolous, for their selfless and tireless service on behalf of the WBAI.
The WBAI graciously thanks all of its generous sponsors and supporters in making the evening a great success.
Lauren Tuckey Murray is of counsel at the personal injury firm of Taxman Pollock Murray & Bekkerman, PLC. She enjoys serving as a pro bono child representative through Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, volunteering at the PAWS No-Kill Animal Shelter and the Jesse Brown VA Hospital. Lauren also serves on the Boards of the WBAI and the Illinois Bar Foundation.