Go listen! On the October 24th episode of The Chicago Bar Association's podcast @theBar, our very own Aurora Austriaco got to speak with Hosts Maggie Mendenhall Casey, Deputy Corporation Counsel of the Torts Division for the City of Chicago and Tracy Brammeier, Partner at Clifford Law Offices about her experience serving as an elected delegate at the 2024 DNC. Aurora outlines the process and responsibilities involved in becoming a delegate and shares highlights and impactful moments from the convention.
@theBar is a Chicago Bar Association Podcast that can be found on the Legal Talk Network. You can listen to this episode titled, "Who Picks Your Presidential Candidate, Anyway? — A Conversation with DNC Delegate Aurora Austriaco" here: https://lnkd.in/epCzRm_x
VAB Hosted NAMWOLF Gathering at Adler Planetarium
You're all stars in our book! A big thanks to The Adler Planetarium for presenting at the informal gathering of Chicago-area National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) law firms and supporters that VAB hosted last night. It was a great way to see our NAMWOLF friends, celebrate all that Chicago (and the universe!) has to offer, and hear about the out-of-this-world work that the Adler is doing. Thank you Michelle B. Larson, PhD, President and CEO of the Adler Planetarium, Ryu Mizuno, Chief Revenue Officer, and Nancy Gerrie, Vice Chair of the board of Trustees.
Aurora Austriaco Panelist at Women's Power Luncheon
VAB Law is so proud that Aurora Austriaco will be one of four esteemed panelists for the Women's Power Luncheon presented by Onyx Strategic Partners on October 28th at the Griffen-Bourdeau Design Center. Speaking alongside are Arrielle Johnson, CEO of Business Leadership Council, Heather Ireland Robinson, Executive Director of the Jazz Institute of Chicago and Marie Lynn Miranda, Chancellor of the University of Illinois Chicago.
Sandy L. Morris Now Serving as a NAMWOLF Trials Practice Area Committee Co-Chair
VAB Partner Sandy Morris is excited to now serve as a Co-Chair on the National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) Trials Practice Area Committee (“Trials PAC”). Sandy has been an active member of the committee for years and with more than 20 years of experience litigating complex business disputes she is a perfect fit to serve alongside fellow NAMWOLF member Christine I. Gannon of Walsh Pizzi O'Reilly Falanga LLP.
The Trials PAC consists of attorneys and law firms with significant, demonstrated trial experience. Members of the Trials PAC have experience trying a wide range of cases. The PAC seeks to showcase the talents of experienced NAMWOLF trial attorneys, provide a resource for in-house counsel looking to work with experienced NAMWOLF trial attorneys on legal matters heading to trial, and improve the skill level of emerging minority and women trial attorneys.
VAB Sponsors Reception and Reena Sikdar Panelist at NAMWOLF 2024 Annual Meeting
We are so excited to continue our support of National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) and its events as an In-House Cocktail Reception Sponsor for the 2024 Annual Meeting. Our own Reena Sikdar was on an Ethics CLE panel discussing "When the Government Gets Involved" with esteemed co-panelists John Amberg, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer at Northern Trust, Nekia Hackworth Jones, Regional Director for the Atlanta Regional Office for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Aaron Moore, Regional Counsel for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Alison Donahue Kehner Partner at DTO Law.
Aurora Austriaco Panelist at Smart Business Week 2024
Aurora Austriaco was honored to be one of the panelists for the panel discussion on “Facing and Managing Frontal Divides: Challenges, Solutions and Opportunities for Minority Businesses,” hosted by fhs Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and Mark Hands during Smart Business Week 2024.
Chicago Bar Asssociation 150th Celebration
VAB Law celebrated the 150th anniversary of The Chicago Bar Association and was proud to sponsor the celebration on May 10th!
Aurora Austriaco Moderator at CBA's Hybrid Event
VAB Law Shareholder (and past-President of the CBA) Aurora Austriaco was honored to serve as moderator on one of the panels at The Chicago Bar Association's The Future of the Rule of Law hybrid event on May 10, 2024. Aurora's panel discussed "The Independence of the Judiciary."
Welcome Hillary Allen
VAB Law is pleased to welcome our new Associate Hilary Allen! Before joining VAB, Hilary worked as an Associate on Complex Commercial Litigation matters at Honigman LLP. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, where she served as Co-President of the Reproductive Rights and Justice Society, and on the Deans’ Advisory Committee for the Black Law Students Association. Hilary worked for the Pediatric Advocacy Clinic and the Community Enterprise Clinic while in law school.
VAB is thrilled to have you on our team, Hilary!
VAB Law Supported and Attended the 1st Asian Women's Summit
VAB Law was so excited to be a part of the First Annual Asian Women’s Summit! This event was put together to celebrate National Women's HERstory/History/Future Month! Our very own Aurora Austriaco co-hosted along with Mark Hands and Clarita Santos. The Summit will took place on Friday, March 22, 2024 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
This 4.5 hour event featured speakers: Grace Hou-Ovnik: Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services, Office of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker; Aileen Kim: Deputy General Counsel, Office of the Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias; Anna Ninoyu, AIA: Owner/Principal/Co-founder, METIS Design; Clarita Santos: Executive Director of Corporate and Civic Partnerships, Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC); Danielle Austriaco: Associate Attorney, Johnson and Bell, Ltd.; Erikka Wang: Owner & Co-founder, AKIRA; Kristy Gonowon: Corporate Counsel, Lowe’s, Megan Nakano: Executive Director, Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (AACCIL); Melanie Matias, Assistant States Attorney, Cook County State's Attorney's Office; Michelle Lura White: Women's Business Development Manager (Illinois’ liaison to women-owned businesses and future women entrepreneurs), Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO); Sandra Yamate: President & CEO, Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession (IILP); and Susan Patel: CEO, South Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (SAACCIL) | Founder & Owner, Suuprah.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended and played a part in making the Summit a resounding success. Your support, enthusiasm, and dedication are what make events like these so impactful.
Aurora Speaker at Chicago United Annual Meeting
Aurora Austriaco was joined by Mary Smith, President, American Bar Association; and Maurice Grant, Principal, Grant Austin, LLC; for a featured discussion; The Attack on DE&I at Chicago United’s 2024 Annual Meetings. The paanel was moderated by Tiffany Hamel Johnson, President and CEO, Chicago United.
VAB Supports I AM ABLE LAW FOUNDATION
In celebration of Black History Month, VAB Law proudly contributed to the I AM ABEL LAW FOUNDATION, an organization that provides mentorship and resources to undergraduate and high school students from underrepresented communities who seek guidance on how to enter the legal profession.
Learn more and donate by visiting: https://lnkd.in/dxER3Upa
2024 VAB Super Lawyers
2024 is already looking #VABulous! Congratulations to Susan Valentine, Aurora Austriaco, Lydia Bueschel, and Sandy Morris who have been included on the 2024 "Illinois Super Lawyers" list. We are also very excited to report that Reena Sikdar and Deborah Seriki have been included on the 2024 "Illinois Rising Stars" list.
VAB Sponsors the Hyde Park School of Dance’s Annual Nutcracker Performance
VAB was proud to sponsor the 2023 Hyde Park School of Dance’s Annual Nutcracker Performance.
Hyde Park School of Dance has been serving Chicago’s South Side since 1989. They are a 501(c)3 non-profit providing opportunities for students of all ages to study, perform, and create classical and contemporary dance at the highest levels of discipline and artistry
Welcoming dancers of any race, religion, body type, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and family income, they cultivate a love of dance and strength of body, mind, and character that will benefit the students throughout their lives.
Aurora attends the White House Holiday Ball
What an amazing and incredible experience to go to the White House Holiday Ball!!! Thank you to my dear friend Congresswoman Robin Kelly for the great honor and opportunity!!
VAB Proud Sponsor of the Chicago United Elevating Equity Bridge Awards Ceremony
We were excited to attend and sponsor Chicago United's Bridge Awards celebration on November 16th!
This event recognizes outstanding leaders and organizations that are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Chicago business community. We are honored to have VAB's Aurora Austriaco serving on the Board of Chicago United and contributing to this important work.
Through the Bridge Awards, we celebrate the individuals and organizations who actively bridge divides and drive change, creating a more inclusive and equitable business landscape for all. We applaud their relentless dedication to advancing diversity and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone.
Together, we can bridge divides and build a brighter future.
Mary Smith 1st Native American Woman to Serve as President of the ABA
Join us as we celebrate Native American Heritage Month by recognizing the incredible achievements of Mary Smith who has made history as the first Native American woman to serve as President of the American Bar Association.
Mary's remarkable journey not only highlights her exceptional leadership and legal expertise but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring Native American professionals. Her trailblazing efforts pave the way for future generations, demonstrating that barriers can be broken.
During this month dedicated to honoring Native American heritage, we applaud Mary Smith for her remarkable achievements and for making a lasting impact on the legal profession. Let us continue to uplift and empower Native American communities and celebrate the diverse talents and contributions they bring to our society.
VAB Law is pleased to welcome our new Chief Operating Officer, LaWanda May, MSHR! LaWanda brings deep experience in managing and operating businesses and serving in human resource roles.
As VAB Law’s new COO, LaWanda will oversee the firm’s daily operations and work closely with our shareholders as we grow the firm.
We are thrilled to have you on our team, LaWanda!
Aurora Austriaco Moderated 2 Panels at Business Smart Week
Aurora Austriaco, Partner at VAB Law moderated two panels on the topic of “Facing Frontal Divides: Challenges and Opportunities for Minority Businesses” and “Managing Frontal Divides: Solutions to Minority Business Challenges” at the 2023 Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Business Smart Week. The theme this year was “Business Equity: Inclusion-The Pathway Forward.”
Lydia Bueschel on the Board of Directors of the IL Equal Justice Foundation
Congratulations to #VABLaw Shareholder Lydia Bueschel on joining the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation Board of Directors. IEJF works to ensure equitable and easy access to the civil justice system in Illinois, and VAB is proud to have Lydia serving in furtherance of this critical mission.
Over the past 20 years, IEJF has helped keep families housed during the foreclosure crisis, recovered millions in funds for seniors victimized by scams, led the creation of legal self-help centers across the state, and developed three statewide legal aid networks. To support their crucial efforts, please donate by visiting: https://lnkd.in/gyiv875h
