Kimball R. and Karen Gatsis Anderson Center for Advocacy and Professionalism Fall 2024 SymposiumWhat It Takes to Be a Trial Lawyer If You're Not a Man
Friday, November 8, 20248:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.Winston & Strawn LLP35 W. Wacker DriveChicago, Illinois, 60601
In 2018, Professor Lara Bazelon wrote an article for The Atlantic, titled, “What It Takes to Be a Trial Lawyer if You’re Not a Man.” She noted that “for the past two decades, law schools have enrolled roughly the same number of men and women. In 2016, for the first time, more women were admitted to law school than men. In the courtroom, women remain a minority, particularly in the high-profile of the first chair at trial.” She issued a warning to female trial lawyers “that their body and demeanor will be under relentless scrutiny from every corner of the courtroom. That they will have to pay close attention to what they wear and how they speak and move. That they will have to find a way to metabolize these realities, because adhering to biased expectations and letting slights roll off their back may be the most effective way to advance the interests of their clients in courtrooms that so faithfully reflect the sexism in our country.”
This symposium returns to Professor Bazelon’s article and explores the continued struggles and issues faced by female trial lawyers that remain six years after her article. It brings together trial lawyers, members of the judiciary, and academics – of varying experience levels and generations – to explore the historical and current effects of gender discrimination, bias, stereotypes, and lack of access to mentorship and opportunities faced by female trial lawyers. But in addition to addressing the continued issues, it also explores potential solutions, focused on judicial leadership, mentorship, allyship, training, and increased opportunities for female advocates.
The symposium explores these issues through a variety of forums. Two panels will discuss issues and solutions in a question-and-answer format. Professor Bazelon will present a keynote address returning to her article six years later. An additional speaker will provide a keynote address identifying the additional hurdles faced by female trial lawyers of color. And finally, we will have an advocacy demonstration where a seasoned trial lawyer presents a sample closing argument and cross examination and then leads a discussion on both through the gendered lens.
View full agenda and register to attend on the Symposium website.*Attendees may earn up to 6.5 Illinois MCLE General Credit hours.