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April 13 -19, 2003 |
Women's Symposium Examines Issues Faced in the Workplace
Speakers at the John Marshall program "Stepping Up to the Challenges: Outstanding Women and Their Work in the Law" were (from left) Bernard Judge, editor and publisher of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and Chicago Lawyer; Mary Dempsey, commissioner of the Chicago Public Library; Professor Susan Connor, program moderator; alumna Amy Kovalan, associate dean of administration and chief financial officer at Northwestern University School of Law; keynote speaker Leslie E. Silverman, commissioner with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; alumna Jill O'Brien who underwrote the program; alumna Crystal Caison, inspector general for the Illinois State Treasurer's Office; and alumna Dixie Lee Peterson, deputy general counsel for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services at Cook County Juvenile Court.
The great strides made by women in the legal profession are being compounded today by continued biases and societal obligations, according to Leslie E. Silverman, a commissioner with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Silverman was the keynote speaker for the law school's program "Stepping Up to the Challenges: Outstanding Women and Their Work in the Law." The March event marked the 100th anniversary of the law school awarding it's first J.D. diploma in 1903 to a woman, Jessie E. Cook. The program applauded the accomplishments of women today in the legal profession and addressed what can be done for women who will join the legal profession in the future.
Silverman reminded the audience that in 1975, only three percent of the nation's attorneys were women. Now nearly one-third of the lawyers are female thanks to the efforts of the "baby boomers" and trailblazing employers. Federal laws, such as Title VII and equal pay laws, are also helping women.
In most cases, women have overcome gender bias in hiring, but now face family care discrimination, Silverman said. She urged women to investigate the wide variety of opportunities available with a law degree, and find a niche that will give them satisfaction at work and time for a home life.
"So many women have stepped out of the box," she said, thanks to job options. When large firms aren't accepting, boutiques may be. Some women set up their own practices or take government or non-profit sector jobs. The possibilities can seem endless. Workplaces that allow for teleconferencing, flex time and part-time schedules are an added bonus, Silverman noted.
In 2002, 84,000 charges of discrimination were filed with the EEOC. Of those, 25 percent were workplace discrimination filed by women. "I've seen some pretty horrendous cases. Despite 40 years (of federal laws) we're still seeing major discrimination," Silverman said.
Some of the newest claims are family discrimination, which "straddles the line between lawful and unlawful," Silverman explained, although the government is recognizing an overt bias against caregivers. For female attorneys, being a caregiver can oven mean a perception of "less reliable" because the woman may be home with a sick child rather than in a meeting on a case, she said.
"The concept of family care will expand, to recognize not just babies, but also elder care" as the population ages and children begin taking care of their parents, she added.
Silverman's comments were followed by a panel discussion that focused on the successes of women, and their initiatives to make their jobs and personal lives better.
For example, panelist Dixie Peterson (J.D. '75) found job bias when she worked at one of Chicago's major firms. In 1975, she was the only woman at the firm, and when she gave birth in 1978, it was assumed she would quit the firm.
Peterson said she did a lot to educate her co-workers about the abilities, dedication and tenacity of women. "I felt I had to choose, but I wasn't going to choose," Peterson told the audience. "Your priorities are your own. My priority was to be a partner, but I had to have a secretary to cover for me."
Amy Kovalan (J.D.'97), another panelist, said too often law students plan career goals and not family goals. "If you want to marry and have children, that should be part of your game plan and build around that," she urged students. "I also tell people to invest in a mentor, and protect your private time. Your employer doesn't need to know what goes on in your personal time."
Panelist Mary Dempsey is commissioner of the Chicago Public Library, and a lawyer. She puts herself forward as someone who has successfully changed careers—from librarian to lawyer.
"I use my legal skills to run a major corporation. I've never felt I haven't used my law degree each day in different ways," she said. "It is imperative to life's challenges."
Dempsey is one of several female members of the Daley cabinet.
"I think we're there because of our abilities, and not our gender," she stressed.
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Schedule of Events
April 14
- Faculty Assembly, Room 1200, 12:00 p.m.
- Moot Court Meeting, Room 3East, 4:00 p.m.
April 15
- Career Day, Room 413, 12:45 p.m.
- Review of Intellectual Property Law Open House, Room 3East, 5:00 p.m.
- A Practical Approach to Domestic and Foreign Patent, Trademark, Trade Secret and Copyright Documentation, Room 526, 6:00 p.m.
April 16
- "Special Design Issues for Employee Benefits Plans Offered by Churches" Lecture, Room 402, 12:00 p.m.
- Alumni Association Executive Committee Meeting, Room 1203, 12:00 p.m.
- Women's Law Caucus Spring Luncheon, Room 3East, 12:15 p.m.
- Career Services Program - "Get Ready for On-Campus Interviewing," Room 200, 12:45 and 5:00 p.m.
- Board of Trustees Meeting, Room 402, 4:00 p.m.
April 17
- Diversity Committee Meeting, Room 1203, 5:30 p.m.
April 18
- Comprehensive Exam, Room 1200, 9:00 a.m.
April 19
- Comprehensive Multistate Diagnostic Exam, Rooms 200, 300 and 216, 9:00 a.m.
- BLSA Tutoring Program, Rooms 402 and 403, 1:00 p.m.
April 21
- Faculty Assembly, Room 1200, 12:00 p.m.
April 22
- Focus Group Lunch Meeting, Room 1203, 12:00 p.m.
- A Practical Approach to Domestic and Foreign Patent, Trademark, Trade Secret and Copyright Documentation, Room 526, 6:00 p.m.
April 23
- "Conflicts of Interest and Ethical Concerns for ERISA Attorneys" Lecture, Room 402, 12:00 p.m.
- Entertainment Law Program, Room 402, 5:00 p.m.
April 24
- Focus Group Lunch Meeting, Room 1203
- Lunch & Learn Seminar - "The Importance of the Rule of Law and IP Rights in the Economy of the 21st Century," Room 200, 1:00 p.m.
April 26
- Comprehensive Multistate Diagnostic Exam, Rooms 200, 300 and 216, 9:00 a.m.
A complete online listing of events scheduled at The John Marshall Law School can be found at the following URL: http://www.jmls.edu/calendar.htm
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Contents
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Future of International Law Examined
The John Marshall Law Review; The International Law Society; The Islamic Students' Association; and Center for International Business and Trade Law hosted the presentation, "Law, War and Human Rights: The Future of International Law." The timely discussion on international law issues focused on the Middle East, the role of international law, international human rights law and international organizations. Welcoming panelists to the law school were (from left) John Marshall international law professor William B.T. Mock and Dean Robert Gilbert Johnston. Panelists included (center to right) Judge Edward D. Re, former chief judge of the U.S. Court of International Trade and distinguished professor emeritus at St. John's University School of Law; Northwestern University School of Law Professor Anthony D'Amato; and John Marshall Law School Professor Mark E. Wojcik.
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Fair Housing Center and Clinic
The John Marshall Law School Fair Housing Legal Support Center has been active in planning and implementing fair housing trainings for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. From March 16 to 21, 2003, the Center conducted a training course on housing discrimination in Baltimore, Maryland for approximately 130 attorneys, who work for state and local human rights commissions. Professors Michael P. Seng and F. Willis Caruso participated in the training. From April 27 to May 2, the Center will conduct the 2003 Quint-Regional FHIP/FHAP Training for HUD in Atlanta, Georgia. Approximately 600 employees of HUD, state and local human rights agencies and private fair housing organizations east of the Mississippi River will be in attendance. Professors Michael P. Seng, F. Willis Caruso, Joseph Butler and Damian Ortiz, and Lillian Seymore, the testing coordinator for the Fair Housing Clinic, will act as instructors at the training.
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Student Activities
April 22
It is time for the "Annual Spring Fling," when we honor student organizations and their efforts during this semester. The students who are candidates for the SBA Board will be speaking. All are welcome. A salad luncheon will be served at 12:00 p.m. on 3 East.
The Fair Housing Association will meet at 5:00 p.m. in room 1103.
The Black Law Student Association will hold elections.
GALLA will meet at the CBA to hear the discussion: "Out on the Bench".
The Health Law Society is sponsoring a fundraiser and the proceeds will benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the Children's Memorial Hospital.
April 23
Please vote for your choice to serve on the SBA Board.
The Corporate Law Association will feature John Marshall professors in a panel discussion with topics ranging from real estate, intellectual property, bankruptcy and corporate law at 12:45 p.m. in room 200.
The Children's Law Society will entertain speakers at its meeting at 12:30 p.m. in room 201.
The Entertainment Law Society will meet at 5:00 p.m. in room 402.
April 24
The Christian Legal Society will meet at 11:30 a.m. in room 1105.
April 25
The Annual Black Law Student Association Spring Reception will be held at 6:00 p.m. in room 1200.
April 26
Comprehensive Exams - 9:00 a.m.
April 27
Delta Theta Phi will participate in the 10K run for the March of Dimes.
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Summer Study Abroad Programs Available to Students
The John Marshall Law School will be hosting three study abroad programs for the Summer 2003 semester.
The Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution's two-week program in Dublin, Ireland, is open to all J.D. students, and will consist of two two-credit courses, with an optional one-credit paper. Students may register for one or both courses. The first course, Comparative Trial Advocacy and Litigation, will be held from May 26 through May 30. The second, Transnational Legal Negotiations, will be held from June 2 through June 6. The cost per credit hour is $850 plus an additional $375 surcharge per course. For additional information contact the faculty for the program, Professor Kenneth Kandaras at 312.987.1421, visit room 511, or e-mail 7kandara@jmls.edu or Adjunct Professor Kenneth L. Cunniff at 312-917-8850 or e-mail kencunniff@hotmail.com.
The Center for International Business and Trade Law is offering a two-week program in Rome, Italy to all John Marshall students. The two-week program will consist of two one-credit courses. Students can enroll in one or both courses. Human Rights and the Labor Market, taught by adjunct professor Michael P. Avramovich will be offered June 9 through June 12. International Business and Trade in Antiquities, Art and Cultural Property, taught by Professor Peter J. McGovern, will be offered June 16 through June 20. Both are LL.M. level courses with $875 per credit-hour tuition. There is also a $375 surcharge for each course. For additional information on how to register for the program contact Tay Gupta, center assistant, at 312.360.2659, visit room 1610, or e-mail 7gupta@jmls.edu.
J.D. students can also choose to study at the University of Parma law facilities in Parma, Italy, under the instruction of Professor Michael J. Polelle, in association with Professor Gianluigi Palombella, of the Universities of Parma and Pisa. Tuition for two-credit hour course, Comparative Legal Systems, is $850 per credit hour plus a $375 surcharge. Class will meet May 28 through June 6. For additional information, contact Professor Polelle at 312.987.1440, visit room 416, or e-mail 7polelle@jmls.edu.
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Faculty Activity and Publications
Clinical Professor F. Willis Caruso
Activities
On April 3, 2003, he was the guest speaker in Wilmington, Delaware for the Annual Joint Fair Housing Conference of the Delaware Commission Division of Human Relations.
The conference this year was titled "Fair Housing, Empowerment for a Quality Life." The 200 attendees included federal, state and local fair housing and affordable housing directors and staff, municipal officials, bankers, real estate professionals and fair housing agencies and attorneys.
He was the guest speaker and trainer at the Davenport Iowa Fair Housing Conference on Saturday, April 5, 2003. The program was presented jointly by the Davenport Civil Rights Commission and the Greater Davenport Board of Realtors. It was "Emerging Fair Housing Issues." The audience included commission members and staff, the Director and attorney for the Commission, city officials, real estate professionals and housing advocates, fair housing and affordable housing directors and staff, municipal officials, bankers, and fair housing groups and attorneys.