CBA Record May-June 2025

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

and unpaid job protected leave for victims of domestic violence under the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act. Estate Planning The event ended with practical estate planning advice for women. Modera tor Lauren Novak, the Chief Human Resources Officer and Employment Counsel at Corrugated Supplies Com pany, LLC, and panelist Jessica J. Birn baum, a partner at ArentFox Schiff LLP, provided guidance for women toward the end of life. They pointed out that estate planning is an important women’s issue because as women live five to six years longer than men, good estate plans can give surviving spouses a degree of flexibil ity. Marital or family trusts can help with concerns adult children may raise when a surviving parent starts to date again, including provisions for when a spouse remarries or cohabitates. These trusts can

both protect children’s inheritance while ensuring a surviving spouse continues to have control over their finances. Estate planning can also intersect with reproductive issues, including provisions for ownership of eggs or genetic materials. As the panelists explained, the important thing for women during estate planning is to ensure that they look ahead, so their rights are protected. Although the news was not always positive, especially on the federal level, this event was an excellent overview of the legal issues that impact women today.

Meredith Geller is a Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Writing Lab at Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law and a member of the CBA Record Editorial Board.

Nielsen Career Consulting Career Counseling For Attorneys Coaching support for your career in or out of the law • Career Transition • Job Search • Interview Prep • Professional Development • Difficult Workplace Guidance • Wellness Support Over 30 years of experience counseling over 5,000 lawyers and other professionals.

Working with Outside Counsel: An In-House Perspective June 23, 2025 | 4:00 p.m.

In-person at CBA Building or Live Webcast Networking reception follows in-person event

This program provides a deep dive into the key expectations and requirements that corporate counsel have when working with outside counsel. In today’s complex business environment, corporate legal teams rely on external lawyers for specialized expertise, strategic support, and effective collaboration. Understanding these needs is crucial for building strong, productive relationships between in-house and outside counsel. Panelists: Carl Bergetz , Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Rush University System for Health & Senior Vice President, Rush University Medical Center Michael Lufrano , Executive Vice President, Community and Legal Affairs, Chicago Cubs Meredith Ritchie , General Counsel, Chief Ethics and Government Affairs Officer, Alliant Credit Union Greta Weathersby , Senior Corporate Counsel, WEC Energy Group

Sheila Nielsen, MSW, JD sheila@nielsencareerconsulting.com

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Moderator: John Sciaccotta , CBA President; Member, Aronberg Goldgehn

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CBA RECORD 17