Post authored by Jennifer Byrne
June marks the end of one bar year and the beginning of another. It’s a time to celebrate what’s been achieved during the past 12 months and get excited for what’s to come!

The YLS looks forward to acknowledging the many accomplishments of our members over the course of the 2018-19 year under the leadership of YLS Chair Brandon Peck at our annual meeting. Consider joining us on Wednesday, June 5 at Wildfire Chicago (159 W. Erie) as we congratulate Brandon on his successful year and welcome incoming chair, Octavio Duran. The annual meeting is a great opportunity for young lawyers to meet active Section members and learn how to get more involved in the Association. Tickets are still available online by clicking here!
The YLS’ fundraiser for WINGS is still ongoing through June 6. WINGS is a local nonprofit agency which aims to provide a pathway to independence for adults and children who are escaping domestic violence and abuse. We’re close to achieving our goal of raising $2,000, but are still a few hundred dollars short and need your support! Click here make the suggested minimum donation of $25 on our Go Fund Me page.
Also, please consider joining us for our “Walk for Survivors” during which participants will hear from the CEO of WINGS, Rebecca Darr, before walking one mile together through Chicago’s Loop. The walk will kick-off at Daley Plaza and end with the Section’s year-end social at Hubbard Inn Chicago (112 W Hubbard St). Complimentary drinks and light snacks will be served at the social thanks to the support of Exponent and Hubbard Inn. Walkers are encouraged to RSVP in advance to yls@chicagobar.org and to make the suggested minimum donation of $25. The first 30 walkers to arrive will receive a free t-shirt commemorating the walk. Extra drink tickets will be reserved for the walkers at the social.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to land on the Law Bulletin’s 40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to watch list? On June 19, the YLS will host a group of attorneys who have appeared on the list for a panel discussion on everything from client development, to working with partners and support staff to volunteerism and more. A complimentary lunch will be served and there will be ample opportunity to network with the panelists. Click here to RSVP if you are interested in joining us at Chicago’s Top 40 Under 40, generously sponsored by Romanucci & Blandin and Taft.
Lastly, the YLS encourages members to consider mentoring a high school student from Legal Prep Charter Academy during the 2019-2020 school year. Legal Prep is an open-enrollment charter high school located in West Garfield Park on Chicago’s West Side. The YLS has a long-standing partnership with the school, and supports its mission of using its law-themed curriculum and culture of high expectations to cultivate compassion, self-motivation and reflection in young adults who will be prepared to succeed at outstanding four-year colleges and universities. Mentors get to work one-on-one with a high school student to work on goals, build professionalism, help with the college process, and build a positive relationship. The program meets one Thursday a month from 4-6 pm downtown and runs through the full academic year (from August to June). Most meetings are held at The Chicago Bar Association building (321 S. Plymouth Ct). Click here to apply or contact Haley Shefferman at hshefferman@legalprep.org or (773) 922-7813 with questions.
I hope to see you this June @theBar!
Best wishes,
Jennifer Byrne