CBA Record March-April 2024

THE YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION

for training and resources, but they stay connected to the network because of the community of diverse attorneys that not only fosters but celebrates collaboration and innovation. Participants are mentored by JEP alumni who share the same practice area, goals, and vision. Ericka McFee

succeed. It may take some time to shift the culture of the wider legal profession, but I’m proud to be a part of a network that actively works on effecting positive changes in our field.” Impact Over the last 10 years, JEP attorneys have served well over 25,000 clients. The network currently includes nearly 60 lawyers, and JEP firms have generated approximately $30 million in revenue. The program’s success has made it an international model for legal innovation and for improving access to legal services for the underserved middle class. Other successful programs in Texas, Colorado, and beyond have used the JEP as the launching pad for their own legal incuba tors. Many others also continue to look to the JEP as a key resource for their efforts. As the Director of the JEP, I’m proud of the tremendous impact our JEP law

yers have made for their clients and the legal community more broadly, and I’m excited to see what the next 10 years and beyond will bring. Interested in Learning More? The JEP is recruiting for its June 2024 cohort. To learn more, or to apply to be a participant, please visit www.chi cagobarfoundation.org/apply-to-the jep-program/ or contact swilliams@ chicagobarfoundation.org. Samoane Williams is the Director of the Justice Entrepreneurs Project, where she manages the JEP’s growing network of law firms and plays a lead role in the program’s community education and outreach efforts. Previously, she practiced in several public interest law positions in Chicago.

decided to start her own practice just 18 months after graduat ing from law school in 2016. Ericka found that the people in the JEP program have been a crucial resource

Ericka McFee, McFee Law Offices

to the success of her law firm: “We all support each other, whether it’s shar ing templates, best practices, referrals, or moral support. At the end of the day, we as attorneys are best able to fulfill our mis sion of providing affordable and accessi ble legal services when we help each other

The 8th annual Future Is Now conference will explore how lawyers can navigate the technological, cultural, and client demands of today's profession while adhering to ethical and professional guidelines. Earn 4 hours of PR CLE , including 1 hour of diversity and inclusion and 1 hour of mental health and substance abuse CLE, before the June 30 completion deadline.

The Future Is Now: Legal Services Annual Conference Virtual | Thursday, April 18 12 – 4:30 p.m.

Scan here to register for The Future Is Now.

2024

CBA RECORD 39