CBA Record September-October 2025

THE YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION

the ins and outs of trial preparation and briefed complex issues of international law that forced me to get up to speed swiftly and think critically in unfamiliar terrain. I also cultivated human-centered skills, including an understanding of the importance of adjusting your approach based on who your client is and the situa tions they are facing. My role for trial focused on preparing our expert witness, who was an expert on domestic violence. I worked closely with her throughout the process, preparing an expert report in the weeks leading up to trial in which we reviewed her findings, identified key themes, and streamlined her testimony to underscore the gravity of the risks our client and her children faced. After all this preparation, I was asked to conduct the direct examination of our expert witness at trial. I was both excited about the opportunity and deeply aware

of the responsibility. Her testimony was central to our argument that returning the children would expose them to grave risk. Under the guidance and expertise of the more experienced members of our team, I crafted questions that translated our expert’s psychological expertise into powerful, persuasive testimony. The opportunity to work with a sea soned trial partner and senior associate with extensive trial experience was invalu able. Their mentorship was generous, thoughtful, and endlessly patient. It left a lasting impact, reminding me how vital it is to learn by doing, with great people guiding you along the way. Looking Ahead Since then, I’ve carried this experience across the matters I handle during my normal course of practice. It reminded me that, as lawyers, our job is not just to

know the law—it’s to advocate for clients with an understanding of their needs and with their best interests at the center of each strategic decision. Most importantly, we were able to provide resources and assistance to our client during her greatest time of need. To other young lawyers: If you’re offered the opportunity to take on pro bono work, say yes. Say yes not because it will make you a better lawyer (though it undoubtedly will), but because it will remind you of why you became a lawyer in the first place.

Bernadette Coyle is an associate attorney in Duane Morris LLP’s Class Action Defense Group.

CBA Members Free!

October 23, 2025 | 12:15 p.m. Connecting to Authenticity Through Communication: Finding and Using Your Voice in the Legal Profession Speakers: Claire Shaw, Voice Coach, Wild Voices, and Nathan Peterson, Coach November 21, 2025 | 12:15 p.m. Drink Optional, Rethinking Social Norms in Law: Lived Experiences of Practicing Attorneys Speaker: Jennifer Russo, Murphy Law Group December 12, 2025 | 12:15 p.m. Power of Relationships on Well-Being Speaker: Sheila Maloney, Attorney and Founder and CEO, Life Match, LLC CBA Well-being and Mindfulness Committee From the Inside Out: Lived Experiences, Practical Tools, and Ways to Support Sustainable Well-Being in the Law

IL Mental Health/Substance Abuse PR-MCLE Credit available

Join us at an upcoming online meeting!

Leadership: Gina A. Crumble , Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office - Co-Chair Karen Munoz , Founder, Roaring Grace - Co-Chair Christopher J. Letkewicz , Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP - Vice Chair Jennifer M. Russo , Murphy Law Group - Vice Chair

Register at learn.chicagobar.org (under Committee Meetings)

CBA RECORD 33