Membership in the Council
We were glad so many of you joined us at our members’ meeting in October and at our fall fundraiser with Chicago Appleseed in November. We have exciting plans for membership engagement in 2025, so we hope you will renew your membership or join today!
Board member Jennifer W.Y. Lee—Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist with the Illinois Attorney General Office—is leading our membership engagement opportunities.
We’re thrilled to have Jennifer as chair of our membership engagement committee. Please reach out to us at CCL@ChicagoCouncil.org to connect with Jennifer.
Below are her remarks from our members’ meeting.
Esteemed colleagues and friends,
Thank you for gathering here today. My name is Jennifer Won-Young Lee. Some of you may remember me from my time with Chicago Appleseed, where I had the honor of overseeing the Court Observation & Education Program as the inaugural Jill Dupont Fellow. Today, I stand before you not just as a passionate advocate for community court-watching, or an avid supporter of the Collaboration and its joint endeavors, but as a member of the Board of Governors for the Chicago Council of Lawyers and chairperson of the Council’s Membership Committee. It is as chairperson that I would like to speak to you all about the value of a CCL membership.
In a city as vibrant and diverse as Chicago, the legal landscape is constantly evolving. We face new challenges and opportunities that demand our attention and action. The Chicago Council of Lawyers has historically led the way in this evolution, advocating for the rights of all citizens, promoting ethical practices, and working to ensure that justice is accessible to everyone.
Imagine being part of a community that not only supports you in your professional journey but also collaborates on meaningful projects that impact our city. Whether it’s through mentorship programs, public interest initiatives, or advocacy efforts, the Council provides a platform for you to make a difference. Membership with the CCL signifies a commitment to giving back. The Council is dedicated to public interest pro bono work, providing opportunities for members to engage in meaningful service. By participating, you can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most—ensuring that justice is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all.
Moreover, the networking opportunities the Council offers are invaluable. You will connect with experienced practitioners, emerging leaders, and like-minded individuals who share your commitment to justice and integrity in the legal profession. Together, we can learn from one another, share best practices, and foster a spirit of camaraderie that enriches our careers and our lives.
Now, more than ever, it is essential for those of us committed to the public interest to come together. As legal professionals, we hold a significant responsibility to uphold justice and advocate for those whose voices may go unheard. Joining the Chicago Council of Lawyers Bar Association is a powerful way to fulfill that responsibility. By joining this esteemed association, you are not just becoming a member of a professional group; you are becoming part of a legacy. The Council has a long-standing commitment to promoting the rule of law, safeguarding civil rights, and ensuring that our legal system reflects the values of equity and justice. Your membership amplifies this mission, allowing you to contribute your voice, your ideas, and your expertise to initiatives that matter.
As chairperson of the Council’s membership engagement committee, I am committed to creating a space where members feel heard, included, and understood. Tell me what’s on your mind; I’m here to listen. Tell me your ideas; I will do my best to help you make them reality. I know I speak for all the members of the Board when I say – we are interested in hearing from you.
For those of you who haven’t joined us yet, consider joining the Council today. We have some exciting initiatives and programs planned for the upcoming year, and we need your help to make them a reality! Thank you.