CBA Sept.-Oct. 2020

Leonard Jay Schrager Award of Excellence

his pro bono advo- cacy, he has worked for systemic reform to improve outcomes for children entangled in the justice system. Over the past five years, Ken contributed close to 1,200 hours of pro

Carpenters and Joiners of America with the hope of breaking down barriers to high-wage union jobs for women. Wendy began her legal career with the organization nowknown as Legal Aid Chicago (then known as the Legal Assistance Foundation ofMetropolitan Chicago, or LAF) serving some of the city’s most vulnerable residents andworking on the welfare team. In 1996, Wendy left LAF to joinwhat is nowknown as the Shriver Center on Poverty Law and established theWomen’s Law & Policy Initiative, which she still leads today. In this role, Wendy has fought for the rights of women and girls through relentless advocacy, litigation, and a comprehensive set of victories on the policies, rights, and services on behalf of survivors of domestic and sexual violence. You can watch the recording of the event and learn more information about the 2020 honorees by visiting chicagobarfoundation.org/ awards-celebration.

Laurie Mikva’s entire career has been devoted to improving access to justice for society’s most vulnerable citi- zens, beginning with her work at the Mary- land Public Defender’s Office, and continuing

Ken Schmetterer

bono, with several hundredmore hours dedi- cated to the two Boards he sits on: UMOJA Student Development Corporation and the National Juvenile Defender Center. Ken is deeply committed to the individuals and organizations he serves and to the colleagues he has been privileged to work alongside.

Laurie Mikva

during her 15 years at Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, where she also helped establish the DomesticViolence Clinic at the University of Illinois College of Law. As the Civil Litigation Director at the Bluhm Legal Clinic at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, Laurie and her students represent ten- ants who are facing eviction from federally subsidized housing. She also works closely with other legal aid organizations includ- ing Legal Aid Chicago and Cabrini Green Legal Aid. A leading voice at the law school for pro bono, Laurie has organized panels on the importance of pro bono, including perspectives from both legal aid organiza- tions and law firms. She is a strong advocate for her students to include pro bono in their legal careers, nomatter what career path they may take. Long before she became an attorney,Wendy Pol- lack keenly understood the role the law plays in ensuring equal oppor- tunity for all. The only woman in her class of 80, she completed a four-year apprentice- ship with the United Brotherhood of Wendy Pollack Thomas H. Morsch Public Service Award

MauriceWeigle Exceptional Young Lawyer Award

In only five years of practice, Yasamin N. Kaye has made excep- tional contributions to both the legal profession and the community. During her tenure at Perkins Coie, she con- tributed over 800 hours

Yasamin N. Kaye

of service through a wide range of pro bono programs, and she brings her commitment to service with her to her new position at Goldberg Kohn Ltd. Even as a new lawyer, Yasamin did not shy away from stepping outside of her regular work in the area of bankruptcy and restructuring. She has repre- sented survivors of domestic violence seeking to obtain orders of protection and served as a guardian ad litem (GAL) for children in guardianship cases. Yasamin has taken an active role in pro bono recruitment efforts, helping to organize training sessions for her peers to introduce them to new pro bono opportunities.

Nielsen Career Consulting

Career Counseling For Attorneys

Strategies and support for your career in or out of the law • 30 Years of Experience • Over 3500 Clients

Never Fully Free: Addressing the Harmof Permanent Punishments Tuesday, October 27; 2-3:15 p.m. An estimated 3.3 million adults have been arrested or convicted of a crime in Illinois. A vast web of 1,189 Illinois laws function as permanent punishments--barriers that limit human rights and restrict access to the crucial resources needed to re-build lives. HeartlandAlliancewill present their recently released researchfindings alongside legal aid organizations that work in the areas of law where you can advocate for the most impact as a pro bono attorney such as employment, housing, and education. Learn more and register at: chicagobarfoundation.org/probonoweek.

Sheila Nielsen, MSW, JD

The Park Monroe 65 E. Monroe St., Ste. 4301 Chicago, IL 60603 (312) 340-4433 www.nielsencareerconsulting.com

CBA RECORD 15