Symposium Keynote Dinner Address 2020

WLC’s Keynote Dinner for Symposium Week this year featured distinguished lawyer and Northwestern Alumna Kristine Schanbacher, and the honorable Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Diane P. Wood. It was a true honor to hear from both speakers about their careers.

Kristine Schanbacher kicked off the event as the introductory speaker. She spoke first about her time at Northwestern and then reflected on some of her most memorable cases. Kristine notably fought to reinstate wrongfully terminated food benefits in Illinois, she won an incredible asylum case for a transgender woman fleeing violence in another country, and she helped protect abortion clinics in Wisconsin by fighting a statute that would have severely limited women’s constitutional rights in the state. Her empowering message, stemming from the work she has accomplished, was that as lawyers we can make a concrete difference in people’s lives and make a difference in society. It was clear that Kristine cares deeply for her clients, their cases, and the issues at stake. Her success and passion was extremely inspiring and we are so thankful Kristine spent the evening with us.

Chief Judge Wood gave the Keynote Address and she captivated the room as soon as she began speaking. Judge Wood clerked for Judge Goldberg on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and then clerked for Justice Harry Blackmun on the U.S. Supreme Court. Before her current position on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, she worked for the U.S. Department of State, for University of Chicago as a law professor, and for the U.S. Department of Justice. During her address, she candidly shared her experience as one of the only, if not the only, woman in many of the professional spaces she has occupied over her career. Judge Wood conceded it can be lonely and isolating to be the only woman in the room, but it’s crucial to be there to provide new perspectives for others. As an example, Judge Wood shared a memory in which her perspective on sexual harassment in the workplace, informed by her experiences as a woman, greatly impacted a judge’s understanding of the case before him. Judge Wood stressed that having diverse voices on any case or project will lead to better decision-making and more just outcomes.

A recurring theme of the night was the importance of diversity in the legal profession. To paraphrase Judge Wood: Any profession is impoverished if it is not pulling from the full talent pool. Judge Wood noted that while diversity has improved over her career, we still have a long way to go.

To the women in the room, Judge Wood insisted to not allow the loudest or most persistent voice in the classroom, courtroom, or boardroom dominate. The person who always speaks up is not automatically the one with the best contributions. She encouraged attendees that what you have to say is likely just as important, if not more, than the person who dominates the conversation, so don’t hesitate to make your voice heard too.

Her advice to attendees and the broader Northwestern student population is, just go out and do it. Use your skills to have open conversations with different perspectives, even in this political moment that feels divisive. Use your passion to make a change.

When asked what are the most important traits in a lawyer who comes before her in court, Judge Wood said it is most important that lawyers are prepared. It is essential to know your case. A judge will know within the first minute of your interaction whether you are prepared or not. Personal character traits cannot replace hard work.

Overall, hearing the advice and professional experiences of both Kristine and Judge Wood was an exceptional opportunity and an empowering experience. The room erupted with applause for both powerful women throughout the night.

We are so grateful that Kristine and Judge Wood were willing to share their time and experiences with us at the WLC Symposium Keynote dinner this year. Special thanks to our Symposium Department for putting together such an incredible night for all in attendance.

A final takeaway from the night: lawyers can create incredible change in this world and female lawyers are leading the way.  

Post written by: Emily Atseff, 1L Representative for Communications