Women's History Month Panel Showcases Endless Career Opportunities for Lawyers

The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter kicked off its Women’s History Month panel on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Greenberg Traurig’s Chicago office with a dynamic and inspiring afternoon of professional insight, career wisdom, and legal community building. Overall, the event brought together legal professionals from across the region to celebrate the contributions of women in law while exploring the many career paths available in today’s evolving legal landscape.

With a hybrid format allowing both in-person and virtual attendance, the event was open to FBA members, non-members, and law students. Attendees were eligible to receive 1.5 CLE credits, including 1.0 in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and 0.5 in Mental Health and Substance Abuse—highlighting the event’s emphasis on holistic professional growth. Beyond the educational component, the panel discussion highlighted the importance of leadership, career transitions, and work-life balance for women in the law.

The program also carried a community-focused mission. Guests were encouraged to bring new or gently used children’s books for donation to the American Dreams Playroom at the Dirksen Federal Building, ensuring children attending naturalization ceremonies leave with a book of their own. This small act of generosity added a tangible layer of civic engagement to a powerful professional gathering, demonstrating how the legal profession can lead with both purpose and compassion.

Empowering Legal Careers Through Candid Conversation

The panel discussion was packed with illuminating insights and deeply personal reflections from six accomplished women lawyers representing a broad cross-section of the legal profession. Moderated by Lisa Kpor, Litigation Counsel at United Airlines and a leader within the FBA Chicago Chapter, the conversation highlighted actionable advice for navigating a successful legal career—whether in private practice, government, academia, or nonprofit work.

Panelists shared both challenges and triumphs from their professional journeys, candidly discussing how they’ve embraced change, advocated for themselves, and taken risks throughout their careers. Kpor brought energy and enthusiasm to her role as moderator, even expressing her regret mid-discussion for not having a pen at the podium—so impactful were the perspectives being shared.

The conversation encompassed a broad range of legal career development themes. From breaking into highly competitive sectors to managing the demands of high-stakes litigation and adapting to evolving legal technologies, the panelists candidly discussed the realities of building a career in law. These moments resonated with attendees at all levels, particularly law students and early-career attorneys, who sought practical guidance and mentorship. The panel reinforced that growth in the legal field isn’t linear—it’s layered with purpose, resilience, and community support.

Diverse Perspectives from Accomplished Panelists

One of the event’s defining strengths was the diversity of experience represented on the panel. Each speaker brought a unique voice and perspective to the conversation, illustrating the diverse range of opportunities available to legal professionals, particularly women seeking leadership roles in the law.

Honorable LaShonda Hunt, U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, shared wisdom drawn from her journey through public service and corporate compliance. Her insights into the federal bench, shaped by years as a bankruptcy judge and assistant U.S. attorney, offered rare clarity into judicial career paths.

Bethany Biesenthal, Partner at Jones Day and a former federal prosecutor, discussed her work in high-stakes litigation, including her role in human trafficking litigation and emerging legal issues such as generative AI. Melody Wells, Deputy Chief in the National Security and Cybercrime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, offered insight into the legal complexities of cybersecurity and national security prosecutions.

Priya Harjani, Deputy General Counsel at Northwestern University, offered her perspective on navigating legal affairs in higher education and labor relations. Tiffany Fordyce, Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, spoke on defending employers in complex employment law matters and leading DEI initiatives. And Sarah Ebel, General Counsel of the Field Museum, reflected on serving nonprofit and cultural institutions with strategic legal oversight.

Together, these legal leaders exemplified the vast and vital contributions of women across every corner of the legal profession. Their stories encouraged others to pursue paths aligned with their interests and to remain open to evolving opportunities in the law.

Community Impact and Collaboration

Beyond the panel itself, the event exemplified collaboration, mentorship, and service—hallmarks of the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter. The host venue, Greenberg Traurig, welcomed attendees with hospitality and support, thanks in large part to the efforts of Frank Citera and the firm’s administrative team. Their role helped ensure the event was both smooth and memorable for attendees.

The program also drew strength from the volunteers and leaders behind the scenes. Erin McAdams Franzblau, Deepa Rajkarne, and Shannon Cervantes were recognized for their dedication to event logistics and outreach. Special acknowledgment was given to the Honorable Sunil Harjani for lending the support of his judicial clerk, Erica Achepohl, whose thoughtful closing remarks added depth and inspiration to the evening.

A notable highlight of the afternoon was the children’s book drive, during which attendees donated new or gently used books for the American Dreams Playroom. This initiative connected the event’s mission to a broader community goal—supporting the children of new citizens as they witness the U.S. naturalization process. It was a powerful reminder that, while building careers, legal professionals also have the opportunity to shape lives. The networking reception that followed provided an informal yet invaluable opportunity for attendees to connect with panelists, mentors, and peers. This collaborative environment fostered ongoing dialogue and solidified relationships that will likely continue long after the day’s event.

Looking Ahead: FBA Chicago Celebrates Leadership and Diversity in Law

As the Women’s History Month Panel concluded, it left a lasting impression on all who participated. The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter once again demonstrated its commitment to advancing inclusive, high-impact programming that supports the legal community at every stage of their careers. With inspiring speakers, robust attendance, and a clear focus on professional growth and community service, the event was a powerful celebration of women’s leadership in law. The panelists not only reflected on their individual journeys but offered blueprints for how future leaders can shape the legal profession in meaningful ways.

The response from attendees, both in-person and virtual, reflected a sense of purpose and motivation. Law students, early-career attorneys, and seasoned professionals walked away with new insights, valuable connections, and a renewed sense of belonging within the broader legal landscape. As the FBA Chicago Chapter looks ahead, it remains dedicated to hosting events that reflect the diversity, depth, and dynamism of the legal field. Whether through CLE panels, networking receptions, or service initiatives, the organization continues to foster a vibrant community where leadership is cultivated and celebrated.

To stay in the loop with programming through the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter, please check out our upcoming events!