American Bar Association
Annual Meeting in Chicago
July 30–August 4, 2009

"The Credit Crisis"—How Compensation Practices Adversely Affect the Advancement of Women and Minorities in the Law and How We Must Change Them
Presented by the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession and the ABA Law Practice Management Section
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2009
Location: Presidential CLE Centre, Hyatt Regency Chicago
Time: 10:30am–12:00pm
In the wake of today's economic turmoil, receiving fair "credit" for your contributions has never been more important in the practice of law. Yet the latest research shows an incredible divide between these shared expectations, among even the most well-meaning lawyers, and the stark realities of longstanding reward systems in U.S. law firms. This CLE Showcase program will explore the extent to which present practices within the legal profession—such as pitching and assigning work, "counting credit," measuring contributions, and "passing on" clients—account for a disturbingly disproportionate allocation of money and power away from women and minorities in law firms. In response to these new data, a panel of general counsels and managing partners will address how to fundamentally change these practices to effectuate real advancement of women and minorities in the legal profession. For more information, visit www.abanet.org/women/annual/creditcrisis.html.

Women's Caucus Meeting

The annual Women's Caucus Meeting will take place on Sunday, August 2, 2009, 2:00pm–3:30 pm, at the Fairmont Chicago Hotel, Ambassador Room. The Women's Caucus provides a perfect opportunity to meet other ABA members, network with colleagues, discuss issues of concern to women lawyers, announce ABA candidacies, learn more about Commission activities and programs, and increase your involvement in the Commission.

Go to www.abanet.org/women/pastevents.html for more information about all ABA Annual Meeting events.

Hilarie Bass Receives Women Making History Award
Hilarie Bass has received the Women Making History Award from the Miami-Dade Florida Association of Women Lawyers. She is being honored for extraordinary personal and professional accomplishments that have opened opportunities for women in the legal profession and the community at large. The global operating shareholder of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Bass is based in the firm's Miami, Florida, office.

James R. Silkenat Cited as Diversity Champion
The New York City Bar Association presented its fourth annual Diversity Champion Awards on May 27, one of which went to James R. Silkenat, a Commission member who recently was named a partner at Sullivan & Worcester LLP in New York City. The association praised Silkenat as a tireless advocate concerning the need for and the importance of diversity in the legal profession, especially through his role in the creation, funding, and operation of the American Bar Association's Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund.