Membership Overview
The WBAI offers memberships for attorneys, new bar admitees, law students, lifetime members, government attorneys, and non-profit attorneys.
- Membership Directory: Access to business contacts and referral sources.
- Website Access: use any of our online tools available only to members.
- Events: Networking and mentoring opportunities throughout the year in which new or current members can meet other professionals.
- CLE: Access to free and reduced price CLE programs
- Giving Back: Volunteer opportunities with service projects and outreach programs in the community.
- WBAI Newsletter: Members can publish articles of interest to Illinois attorneys in our Newsletter.
- Mentoring: Find a mentor in your practice area.
- Committees: Leadership opportunities in our committees.
- Opportunities to participate in the screening of our judiciary.
- Discussion: Ask questions and get answers in our online message boards.
My membership in the WBAI has afforded me various benefits, including interesting programming, volunteer opportunities, CLE/MCLE programs, career advice and exposure to attorneys practicing in other fields and at other firms, or companies. However, the benefits most valuable to me are the personal and professional connections that I have made by being an active WBAI member. Through the WBAI I have met incredible women who have become close friends; these are women who understand what it means to be a young professional female practicing law in Chicago and offer support, friendship and advice, all of which have helped me personally and professional. The WBAI has also given me access to a large group of successful, female attorneys who strongly want to support other women. This is advantageous whether it is during a job search, building a business or just in networking. Of all of the legal organizations that I have joined, the WBAI has provided me with the most, and has – most importantly – given me mentors and friends.
Natalie Scruton Federle
Labor & Employment Associate
Jackson Lewis, L.P.
I got involved in WBAI to make the most of my resources available by getting to know women who were succeeding in their legal fields and inspiring younger law students like myself. I’ve met several women who have offered their help in assisting in job opportunities and putting my name out there where they have nothing to gain from it and are genuinely just interested in seeing me and other young women law students succeed.
Katelyn Blanchard
Law Student
Loyola University Chicago
I have been a WBAI member for a number of years. Among the benefits men can obtain from WBAI membership are the great networking opportunities, especially with judges both state and federal, which WBAI offers. Every year women, as well as men, become members of our judiciary. WBAI events, such as its outstanding Annual Judges’ Night, are great ways for new lawyers, and all lawyers, to meet these judges, along with other leaders of our profession. I am glad I am a WBAI member, and I encourage all attorneys, men and women, to join the WBAI and to participate actively in WBAI events and programs. You too will be glad you did.
I have been a WBAI member for a number of years. Among the benefits men can obtain from WBAI membership are the great networking opportunities, especially with judges both state and federal, which WBAI offers. Every year women, as well as men, become members of our judiciary. WBAI events, such as its outstanding Annual Judges’ Night, are great ways for new lawyers, and all lawyers, to meet these judges, along with other leaders of our profession. I am glad I am a WBAI member, and I encourage all attorneys, men and women, to join the WBAI and to participate actively in WBAI events and programs. You too will be glad you did.
Hon. James F. Holderman
United States District Court
Northern District of Illinois
