By: Tracey L. Schroeder
The Women’s Bar Association of Illinois proudly congratulates WBAI Past President (1998–1999), Justice Debra B. Walker, on receiving the Carole Bellows Woman of Achievement Award from the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA).
Justice Walker was honored at the ISBA’s Member Appreciation and Recognition Reception held on May 15, 2025, at the beautiful Morton Arboretum. The award is named in honor of Judge Carole Bellows (Ret.), a trailblazer who made history as the first woman president of the ISBA and the first woman to lead a statewide bar association in the United States.
This distinguished award recognizes women lawyers who have made significant contributions to the profession and who exemplify the highest standards of excellence, leadership, and service. Justice Walker’s decades of dedication to the legal community and her continued commitment to advancing women in the profession make her a truly deserving recipient of this honor.
The WBAI celebrates this well-earned recognition and thanks Justice Walker for her ongoing leadership, inspiration, and unwavering support of women in the law.
This article was originally published in the WBAI Spring 2025 Newsletter on page 38.