The National Association of Women Lawyers ("NAWL") will be back in Chicago on July 22-23, 2026, for a spectacular Annual Meeting. Our national network will gather for community-building, educational sessions, and awards celebrations.
2026 Annual Meeting
Leading Voices, Lasting Legacy
Wednesday, July 22 - Thursday, July 23, 2026
Hilton Chicago
720 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
2026 Award Recipients
Justice
Ketanji Brown Jackson
Supreme Court of the United States
Arabella Babb Mansfield Award
Jan Kang
Vice President of Legal and People Operations, Taara
Founder, Women's General Counsel Network (WGCN)
M. Ashley Dickerson Diversity Award
David B. Wilkins
Lester Kissel Professor of Law, Vice Dean for Global Initiatives on the Legal Profession, and Faculty Director of the Center on the Legal Profession, Harvard Law School
Lead by Example Award
Deb Haaland
Former United States Secretary of the Interior
Public Service Award
Effie D. Silva
Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary,
Fresh Del Monte
President's Award
Testimonials
Our Annual Meeting Sponsors
Workshop - Hogan Lovells US LLP
Workshop - Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Workshop - Shorepoint Advisory Group
Workshop - Sidley Austin LLP
Workshop - Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP
Workshop - Thompson Coe
Workshop - WilmerHale
Power-Up - JAMS
Friend - Barack Ferrazzano
Friend - Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Friend - Beveridge & Diamond PC
Friend - Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels, LLC
Friend - Littler Mendelson P.C.
Friend - Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney
Ambassador - Michelle Citrin Studios
Interested in Sponsoring?
Our biggest conference of the year is not just about networking—it's about building lasting relationships and celebrating the incredible achievements of women in law. With opportunities designed to foster meaningful connections, from small group dine-arounds to facilitated receptions and break activities, the Annual Meeting is designed to maximize in-person relationship-building that lasts beyond the conference.
Click here to see a sample of the firms and companies represented at our recent Annual Meetings.
Partnering Organizations
Alliance of Black Women Attorneys, Inc.
American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources
Association for Women Lawyers
The Center for Women in Law
Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms
Illinois State Bar Association
National Association of Women Judges
National Conference of Women's Bar Associations
North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys
The Sisters in Law
Will County Bar Association
Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
Agenda
The agenda will be updated as programming is announced. Check back often! Take a look at the 2025 agenda for a taste of what to expect.
View the list of community‑hosted events throughout Chicago to celebrate NAWL’s Annual Meeting.
Wednesday
July 22
2:00 - 4:00 pm CT
Afternoon Workshops
Sponsor:
Beyond the Paycheck: Advanced Planning to Reach Your Financial Potential
Being paid well doesn't always translate into having a high net worth. But it can by taking a holistic approach that gives you the control you want with a strategy you trust, while working towards the financial freedom you crave.
In this presentation (and conversation), you'll:
- Learn how to maximize your current income
- Discover the 3 mistakes most professionals are making with their money
- Learn how money can actually make you happier
- Get clarity on the difference between investing your money and building your wealth
- Understand why it’s never too late to start (or pivot)
- Leave with a plan to build your roadmap to financial freedom today – no matter where you are in your career
CEO & Financial Advisor, ShorePoint Advisory Group
CEO, WTR Enterprises
To be Announced
Wednesday
July 22
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm CT
Welcome Reception
We encourage you to wear NAWL colors (purple, white, and/or gold) and step into a room full of powerhouse professionals ready to inspire and engage. This is your moment to set the tone for your conference experience—share your superpower, spark new conversations, and connect with NAWL’s incredible national network. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Wednesday
July 22
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm CT
Dine-Arounds
Elevate your conference experience through a curated networking opportunity to connect with fellow attendees over a delicious pay-on-your-own dinner. Join a host committee member at these intimate gatherings where you'll mix, mingle, and savor the flavors of the city at nearby restaurants.
Sign up for the restaurant of your choice in the conference app, which will be available a few weeks before the conference. Bon appétit!
Wednesday
July 22
8:30 pm - 9:30 pm CT
Post-Dinner Meet-Ups
Not ready for the fun to end? Meet at the Hilton lobby bar to keep the conversations going or find our group in the lobby to walk over to Millennium Park to enjoy the Navy Pier fireworks together.
Thursday
July 23
6:30 am - 8:00 am CT
Morning Walk or Run
Rise and shine! Start your day with an invigorating walk or run through the heart of Chicago's stunning architecture. Walkers get the chance to admire the iconic Bean (Cloud Gate) in Millennium Park as you stretch and connect with fellow attendees. This energizing activity will have you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day's events. Don't miss this chance to embrace the city's best season before a day of incredible programming.
Let's paint the town purple! Wear
NAWL merch for your walk or run.
Thursday
July 23
8:00 am - 8:30 am CT
Registration and Breakfast Reception
Collect your name badge and fuel up with a delicious breakfast, setting the stage for a productive and engaging day ahead.
Thursday
July 23
8:30 am - 9:30 am CT
Breakfast Mainstage
The Future of Legal Leadership: A Conversation with Bold Change-Makers
Leadership in today’s legal landscape looks different than it ever has before. This inspiring panel brings together dynamic professionals whose leadership styles are rooted in authenticity, purpose, and lived experience. Together, they will explore how they have forged meaningful leadership paths—often by rewriting the rules and centering their values along the way.
Through honest dialogue and real‑world stories, the panelists will share how leadership can emerge at any stage of a career and within any role. They will discuss navigating pivotal career moments, building influence, and driving transformation inside their organizations and the broader legal community.
Effie D. Silva
Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary,
Fresh Del Monte
President's Award
Recipient
Hon. Sanjay Tailor
Supreme Court Justice, Illinois Supreme Court
Michèle Alexandre
Dean, Loyola Law School
Thursday
July 23
10:00 am - 11:00 am CT
"Choose Your Own Adventure" Concurrent Workshops
NAWL's Annual Meeting workshops dive into timely topics that address current trends and challenges. Expect interactive conversations that foster engagement, collaboration, and real-world solutions.
Personalize your experience by choosing the track that most resonates for you. Look for these icons to identify the sessions in each track:
Ten Things That Kept Lawyers Awake in 2026
If 2026 has proved anything, it’s that the law still has the power to surprise. From sudden privacy rules to shifting labor standards, headline-making court decisions, the year has already thrown lawyers a series of curveballs.
This session counts down the ten developments that caused the biggest stir, explains why they mattered, and highlights what they’ve taught us about adapting under pressure. By the end, participants will know which issues are fading and which are likely to define practice well into 2027.
Sponsor:
Justice in a Hurry: The Supreme Court’s Emergency Docket
The U.S. Supreme Court has increasingly used its emergency docket to issue decisions on urgent matters—often without full briefing, oral argument, or detailed opinions.
This session explores how this expedited process is shaping legal strategy and advocacy. Panelists will discuss the practical implications for lawyers appearing before the Court, the procedural dynamics of emergency relief, and how this evolving practice affects transparency and predictability in the judicial process.
Partner-in-Charge, Boston Office,
WilmerHale
Sponsor:
Who Leads Next? Succession in the Legal Profession
Firms and legal departments are confronting a leadership gap as fewer young lawyers pursue traditional management roles. This session examines what the data shows about generational expectations, how organizations are rethinking succession, and where new leadership models are emerging. With insights from researchers and current leaders, attendees will come away with a grounded understanding of how the profession is adapting to keep its leadership pipeline strong.
Thursday
July 23
11:00 am - 11:30 am CT
Networking Break
Use the time to grab a snack, refill your coffee, or join a group at one of many activity tables. From puzzles, to sticker by number, to friendship bracelet making, we have lots of ways to connect with the NAWL community.
Thursday
July 23
11:45 am - 1:00 pm CT
Lunch + Fireside Chat with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Elizabeth Prelogar
This dialogue between two of the most influential legal minds of our time promises to be a highlight of the conference. Hear firsthand about Justice Jackson’s journey, her reflections from the bench, and her vision for the future of the law.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
Supreme Court of the United States
Arabella Babb Mansfield Award
Recipient
Elizabeth B. Prelogar
48th Solicitor General of the United States, and
Partner, Cooley LLP
Thursday
July 23
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm CT
Dessert and Coffee Break
Enjoy a sweet treat, refill your coffee, or join a group at one of many activity tables. From puzzles, to sticker by number, to friendship bracelet making, we have lots of ways to connect with the NAWL community.
Thursday
July 23
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm CT
Concurrent Workshops
NAWL's Annual Meeting workshops dive into timely topics that address current trends and challenges. Expect interactive conversations that foster engagement, collaboration, and real-world solutions.
Sponsor:
The New Rules of Work: From Noncompetes to AI
The workplace is changing faster than many rules can keep up. In 2026, courts, agencies, and legislatures are rewriting the law on noncompetes, gig work, pay transparency, and artificial intelligence in the workplace.
This session looks ahead to how these fights are redefining employer–employee relationships and shifting expectations in every industry. Moderators will spotlight the disputes driving these changes and what they reveal about the future of work, giving participants practical insight into how to prepare for what’s next.
Sponsor:
Louisiana v. Callais: Voting Rights and the Future of Our Democracy
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision this term in the redistricting case of Louisiana v. Callais may mark the final death knell for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Join us to assess how the Court's decision on the constitutionality of Section 2 will impact representation for communities of color, and what the case means for voter access at the federal, state, and local levels around the country. Panelists will discuss ongoing strategies for preserving voting rights and identify ways for NAWL members to get involved in voting access initiatives heading into the midterm elections.
Partner and Co-Chair, Supreme Court and Appellate Practice, Hogan Lovells
Dean, USC Gould School of Law
Sponsor:
The Power of Mentorship: How One Spark Can Create a Network of Change
Mentorship isn’t just about guidance—it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence, and shaping the future of the profession.
This session highlights Alan Tse, Global General Counsel of JLL and NAWL’s 2023 Lead by Example Award Recipient, whose dedication to mentoring lawyers has helped launch a wave of leadership across corporate legal departments and law firms. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Alan and several of the accomplished attorneys he has mentored—now trailblazers in their own right. Through personal stories and practical insights, they’ll explore how mentorship evolves over time, what makes it truly impactful, and how intentional sponsorship can transform careers and culture.
Partner, Sidley Austin LLP
Thursday
July 23
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm CT
Networking Break
Use the time to grab a snack, refill your coffee, or join a group at one of many activity tables. From puzzles, to sticker by number, to friendship bracelet making, we have lots of ways to connect with the NAWL community.
Thursday
July 23
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm CT
Closing Panel Discussion
Leading Voices, Lasting Legacy: Shaping the Future of the Profession
Leadership in the legal profession is rarely a solo journey. In this conversation Jan Kang and Deb Haaland share personal stories and hard-earned lessons, exploring how to move beyond individual success to create lasting legacy - one rooted in community and collective advancement. What does it mean to be a leading voice - and how do you ensure that voice creates lasting change? This discussion is a fitting close that challenges every attendee to consider not just where you lead, but what you leave behind.
Deb Haaland
Former United States Secretary of the Interior
Public Service Award
Recipient
Jan Kang
Vice President of Legal and People Operations, Taara
Founder, Women's General Counsel Network (WGCN)
M. Ashley Dickerson Diversity
Award
Recipient
With a special virtual appearance by:
David B. Wilkins
Lester Kissel Professor of Law, Vice Dean for Global Initiatives on the Legal Profession, and Faculty Director of the Center on the Legal Profession, Harvard Law School
Lead by Example Award
Recipient
Thursday
July 23
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm CT
Closing Reception
As we wrap up the 2026 Annual Meeting, join us for one last chance to connect with fellow attendees and celebrate our journey together.
This is the perfect moment to make plans and ensure the connections you've made continue to thrive after the conference.
The Annual Meeting conference is open to registered attendees only.
Venue
HILTON CHICAGO
720 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
Book your room before June 28 for our special rate. Reservations can be made online here.
Please be aware of scammers claiming to offer a better rate at the conference property. Use our link only to book your room at the Hilton Chicago. Remember to never follow a link or answer any questions if you are contacted by anyone other than NAWL. Please report any scams to nawl@nawl.org.
TRAVEL
We're partnering with United to offer discounted rates for flights to the Annual Meeting.
Additional information is provided in your registration confirmation email.
Registration
Registration Types
NAWL Member / Sponsor
Non-Member
Non-Profit / Government Attorney
By June 21
$700
$900
$330
After June 21
$800
$1,000
$330
Due to event security requirements, all registrations must be completed by Wednesday, July 15, 2026, and no changes or substitutions can be made after this date.
Ticket includes a reception with hors d'oeuvres on Wednesday followed by breakfast, lunch, and a reception with hors d'oeuvres on Thursday. Beverages and snacks are included between meals on Thursday.
Complimentary registrations are available for unemployed attorneys and law students. Please apply for a scholarship as indicated in the FAQs section.
Need help making the case to your employer?
Host Committee
The Host Committee is made up of an incredible group of members who curate and coordinate the Annual Meeting from the networking activities to programming and speakers.
Bernadette Catalana
Partner-in-Charge of New York,
Thompson Coe
Co-Chair
Meg Vernal
Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel,
Voyager Technologies
Co-Chair
Tamela Merriweather
Senior Vice President & Associate General Counsel,
Northern Trust
Board Liaison
Amanda Arriaga
Texas Ethics Commission
Anna Lloyd
Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms
Annie Huang
Robins Kaplan LLP
Annie M. Collart
FBT Gibbons LLP
Anupama Joglekar
Cozen O’Connor
Asia J. Norton
FBT Gibbons LLP
Aubrey M. Mys
University of Florida Levin College of Law
Barbara Joan Klas
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Batibut Cuyugan
The Global Fund for a New Economy
Beth Christiansen
Franklin, Greenswag, Channon & Capilla, LLC
Brande Smith
Nationwide
Bria S. Beaufort
FBT Gibbons LLP
Camilla Titterington
Microsoft
Candice Kusmer
Thompson Coe
Sponsorship Co-Chair
Cassandra J Neugold
FBT Gibbons LLP
Cristina Isabel Acosta Blunt
Endeavor Mediation LLC
Danielle Williams
Progressive Insurance
Dianna Lam
iCapital
Donaldine Naomi Temple
JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Ellie Walker
Vermont Law and Graduate School
Erica B. Zolner
Redgrave LLP
Erica Longfield
Allstate
Erin Kepler Nord
Microsoft
H. Ashley Chi
Korn Ferry
Engagement Co-Chair
Heather L. Flanagan
Fish & Richardson P.C.
Heather Stenmark
Markel
Ivette Y Cuadra
Seton Hall Law School
Jade Munoz Eguiluz
University of Nevada, Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law
Jasman K Sidhu
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath
Engagement Co-Chair
Jennifer A Cormier
MG+M The Law Firm
Program Co-Chair
Jennifer Chapman Arnold
Jennifer Arnold Law P.C.
Sponsorship Co-Chair
Jennifer Kraft
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Jennifer Lynn Gillman
Gillman Strategic Group
Jennifer M. Mohamed
Law Office of Jennifer Mohamed LLC
Joelle Schulze
Prospect Point Recruiting
Judy He
Crowell & Moring LLP
Judy Man-Ling Lam
Maynard Nexsen PC
Julia Browning
FBT Gibbons LLP
Kara McCarthy Perry
Just Brilliant LLC
Kelly J. Noyes
von Briesen & Roper, s.c.
Kirsten J. Silwanowicz
Detroit Housing Commission
Kristin D. Sostowski
FBT Gibbons LLP
Kristin Marie Hommel
Charlotte Immigration Law Firm
Laurelly Dale
MG+M The Law Firm
Lauren Smith
University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (UIC Law)
Lori Chen
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Lori F. Winland
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
Madison Grace Porth
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Maria F. Di Lorenzo
Erikson Institute
Marlow Svatek
Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP
Mehreen Ripoll
The Northern Trust Company
Nancy A Lottinville
Prime & Tuvel
Natalie Lawson
Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP
Nicole M Smithson
Indigent Defense Services Office
Olivia K Riley
Northern Illinois University
Ora Sheinson
Jade Moutain Partners
Pamela R. Budreau
MG+M The Law Firm
Program Co-Chair
Pamela Signorello
Wiley Rein
Phi-Hang Tran
KPMG LLP
Raina Baah
Howard University School of Law
Rhonda Thompson
Thompson Coe
Sanjana Rao
Latham & Watkins
Sara L Wilson
We the Action
Sarah-Michelle Stearns
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Shelby Lomax
Husch Blackwell LLP
Stephanie Rojo
Thompson Coe
Suzanne Danielle Giammalva
Crowell & Moring LLP
Tai Shadrick Kluemper
Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC
Tara Raghavan
Benesch Law
Tracy M. Billows
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Valerie Jules McCarthy
Pashman Stein Walder Hayden, P.C.
Zohar Rebecca Levy
Lundy Levy & Eski Barristers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend this event?
NAWL welcomes all attorneys and law students regardless of age, race, religion, ancestry, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize and celebrate the value that a vast range of backgrounds, cultures, and professional experiences brings to our community.
For anyone outside the legal profession who is interested in attending the Annual Meeting, we offer sponsorship opportunities. See the Sponsorship section above or email nawl@nawl.org to learn more.
How do I become a NAWL member?
Membership with the National Association of Women Lawyers is open to practicing lawyers, retired lawyers, and law students. Learn more about membership and become a member here. We'd love to have you!
Can I earn CLE?
Yes, we expect the Annual Meeting to be approved for 5-7 CLE credit hours.
NAWL will apply for pre-approved credit in Illinois (with reciprocal credit in California, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey), Texas, and Washington. Additional CLE provider applications may be submitted based on attendee location. Make sure you include the states where you want credit on your registration form.
Speaker attendance is not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice.
Questions? Email Ola.
Are scholarships available?
NAWL will offer scholarship assistance for the Annual Meeting to a limited number of attorneys, law students, and unemployed attorneys who wish to attend but are not able to due to cost considerations. The financial assistance covers the registration fee for the events on July 22 - 23, 2026.
The application process requires the applicant to demonstrate their eligibility and to provide a short essay setting forth the reasons why they are an appropriate candidate to receive scholarship funds, including how the conference will benefit them and information regarding financial need.
Applicants should send materials to NAWL's Program Director, Chelsea Robinson at crobinson@nawl.org. Applications are due by Friday, June 19, 2026.
What security measures can I expect?
Due to event security requirements, all registrations must be completed by Wednesday, July 15, 2026, and no changes or substitutions can be made after this date.
Because of the high-profile speakers participating in the program, you'll notice increased security measures on-site on Thursday, July 23.
The specifics of security measures will be communicated to registrants as they are confirmed.
Is there a Code of Conduct for NAWL programs?
Yes. NAWL programs are designed to evoke the spirit of community, curiosity, and consideration. Attendees and speakers are invited to join our programs with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
NAWL program participants have agreed to:
- Be respectful of fellow attendees' boundaries.
- Thoughtfully and openly communicate with others and be considerate of a diversity of viewpoints and opinions.
- Approach difficult conversations with grace and empathy.
- Avoid soliciting services or products.
If you experienced or witnessed any behavior you feel violated this code of conduct, fill out this form to anonymously report the incident, or email Chelsea Robinson, NAWL's Program Director, at crobinson@nawl.org.
What is NAWL's cancellation policy?
Please send cancellation requests to nawl@nawl.org by Monday, July 20, 2026. Full refunds will be honored before or on this date.
Whom do I speak to about my special dietary needs?
Please include your dietary needs information during online registration. If you have already registered and did not include this information, please email us at nawl@nawl.org with your request at least two weeks before the conference.
What is the dress code?
The typical attire is business, but there is no dress code for this program.
