The founding of the Women’s Bar Association of Southern Illinois marks an important step in strengthening the legal community across the region. Founded by Judge Tara Cook, the organization was created to build stronger professional connections among female attorneys, judges, and law students while expanding opportunities for mentorship, leadership, and collaboration throughout Southern Illinois.
Women’s Bar Association of Southern Illinois Leadership:
• Vice President: Tammi Jackson
• Secretary/Treasurer: Lacie McDonald
• Public Relations Liaison: Winter Campanella
• Legislative correspondent: Hon. JoBeth Weber
Women’s Bar Association of Southern Illinois Delegates:
• Franklin Co: Hon. Melissa Morgan
• Hamilton Co: Letitia Wiggins
• Hardin Co: Megan Orman
• Jefferson Co: Hon. Sonja Ligon
• Lawrence Co: Hon. Lindsey Waldrop
• Pope Co: Hon. Melissa Presser
• Richland Co: Hon. Chelsey Clark
• Saline County: Amanda Moore
• Williamson Co: Hon. Michelle Schafer
Judge Cook said the idea for the organization came from a desire to create a more connected and supportive professional network for women in the region’s legal community.
“I founded the Women’s Bar Association of Southern Illinois with the vision of creating a supportive and empowering network where women in the legal profession can encourage one another both personally and professionally,” Judge Cook said.
The association was formed with the understanding that professional success in the law is often rooted in community. For many women practicing in Southern Illinois, particularly in smaller and rural communities, opportunities for networking and mentorship can be more limited than in larger metropolitan areas. The organization aims to help bridge that gap by fostering relationships among attorneys across counties and practice areas while creating a forum for women to share experiences and support one another professionally.
Judge Cook said it was also important to establish an environment where women could openly discuss the challenges that still exist within the predominantly male profession.
The mission of the association is closely tied to the longstanding influence of Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School, which has educated generations of attorneys, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, and civic leaders throughout the region. Many members of the organization are alumni of Simmons Law School, and that shared connection has helped shape the close-knit legal community that exists throughout Southern Illinois today.
The organization also arrives at an important time for the region. Many counties in Southern Illinois continue to face a declining number of practicing attorneys, particularly in rural communities where access to legal services can be limited. By creating mentorship opportunities and strengthening professional connections, the association hopes to encourage newer attorneys to establish and maintain their careers in Southern Illinois.
Judge Cook noted that “equally important, I hope to inspire and encourage law students to build their careers in Southern Illinois after graduation by demonstrating the strength, professionalism, and sense of community that exists within our legal profession here.”
Beyond professional networking, the organization also reflects the longstanding tradition of service and collegiality that defines the Southern Illinois legal community. Its members hope to create lasting opportunities for mentorship and leadership while continuing to encourage the next generation of women attorneys to pursue careers, public service, and leadership roles throughout the region. The organization also looks forward to building relationships and collaborative opportunities with other bar associations, legal organizations, and community groups across Illinois in an effort to strengthen professional connections and support initiatives that benefit both the legal profession and the communities it serves.
The Women’s Bar Association of Southern Illinois currently meets on the fourth Thursday of each month via Zoom, allowing attorneys, judges, and law students from across the region to remain connected regardless of location.
It is Judge Cook’s goal that “through connection, mentorship, and shared experiences, I hope this organization will continue to promote leadership, service, and mutual encouragement for women across our region.”
This article was originally published in the WBAI Spring 2026 Newsletter on page 30.