Judge Rowland Chambers Lunch Recap
On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter hosted an exclusive Chambers Lunch with Hon. Mary M. Rowland at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. Held from 12:10 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Judge Rowland’s Jury Room on the 12th floor, this intimate gathering provided a unique opportunity for 10 FBA members to engage with Judge Rowland in a relaxed and informal setting over a complimentary lunch from Inspiration Kitchen.
An Exclusive and Interactive Chambers Luncheon
The event was designed to foster personal interaction and candid discussions with Judge Rowland, making the most of the limited attendance. Attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from Judge Rowland about her experiences on the bench, her views on effective legal advocacy, and the challenges and rewards of her judicial career. The exclusive format allowed for an engaging and insightful exchange, with participants able to ask questions and receive personalized advice from the judge.
Judge Rowland’s Distinguished Career and Contributions
Judge Mary M. Rowland shared insights from her extensive career in the legal field. Born in Akron, Ohio, she earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and her Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School. After law school, she clerked for Judge Julian A. Cook of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Her career then took her to the Federal Public Defender’s office in Chicago, where she served for 10 years, including as Chief Appellate Attorney. She later became a partner at Hughes, Socol, Piers, Resnick & Dym, where she led the criminal defense practice and handled significant civil litigation.
In 2012, Judge Rowland was appointed as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, where she served until her appointment as a District Judge in 2019. Her nomination by President Donald Trump marked a significant moment as she became one of the few openly gay federal judges in the country. Her tenure on the bench has been characterized by her dedication to fairness, thoughtful judicial decision-making, and a commitment to addressing the needs of the community.
Taking a Look at Judge Rowland’s Special Initiatives & Community Impact
Judge Rowland also discussed her role as a founding member of the Sentencing Options that Achieve Results (SOAR) program, the first alternative to incarceration court in the Northern District of Illinois. This initiative reflects her commitment to exploring innovative approaches to criminal justice that focus on rehabilitation and positive outcomes. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of her efforts to bring meaningful change to the judicial system and her dedication to using her position to benefit the community.
The Chambers Lunch provided attendees with practical insights and advice, as well as the opportunity to build connections with fellow legal professionals and members of the judiciary. The relaxed and informal atmosphere encouraged open dialogue, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter continues to offer members exclusive events like the Chambers Lunch to foster engagement and professional development. Attendees left with a greater appreciation for Judge Rowland’s contributions to the judiciary and valuable takeaways to apply in their legal practices. Members are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming opportunities to connect with judges and enhance their understanding of the federal court system.
To stay connected with the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter, please check out our upcoming events!
