Our Interview With Katie Twardak, President Of Women's Bar Association of Illinois

Katie Twardak is the President of Women's Bar Association of Illinois.

What barriers do you believe still exist for women in law, and how can the next generation of female attorneys work to overcome them?

Women have made tremendous progress in the legal profession, but there are still very real barriers that exist. We continue to see disparities in compensation, underrepresentation in equity partnership and leadership roles, and workplace structures that often make it difficult to balance the demands of practicing law with caregiving and family responsibilities. Women of color frequently face even greater challenges when it comes to advancement, mentorship, and access to opportunities.

I think the next generation of women attorneys can overcome many of these barriers by being intentional about their careers from the very beginning. Building strong professional relationships is critical. Mentors are incredibly important, but sponsors — people who will advocate for you in rooms you may not yet be in — are equally valuable.

Women also need to become comfortable recognizing and advocating for their own value. That includes understanding the business side of the profession, developing client relationships early, tracking your contributions, and being willing to ask for opportunities, leadership roles, and compensation that reflect your work and impact.

The women lawyers I see succeeding are resilient, adaptable, and authentic. They are willing to take risks, continue learning, and move forward even after setbacks. Just as importantly, they support other women along the way.

Organizations like the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois remain incredibly important because they create spaces for mentorship, networking, leadership development, and genuine community. Those connections matter, and they help move the profession forward.

One of the most important lessons aspiring women lawyers can learn is that preparation matters. Confidence in this profession comes from doing the work — knowing your cases, understanding the law, and being prepared when opportunities arise.

I also think it is important for young attorneys to understand that no one succeeds alone. Having mentors, colleagues, and professional organizations that support you can make an enormous difference throughout your career. Organizations like the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois provide not only networking opportunities, but also mentorship, leadership development, and a sense of community that is invaluable in this profession.

Another important lesson is to be intentional about your goals. If you want courtroom experience, leadership opportunities, or a specific type of work, ask for it. Too often, women wait to be noticed instead of advocating for themselves. Some of the most successful attorneys are those who clearly communicate what they want and actively pursue it.

I also encourage young women lawyers to remain authentic. There is no single mold for what a successful lawyer looks like. The attorneys who stand out are often those who are confident in who they are and lead with integrity, professionalism, and authenticity.

And finally, as you advance in your career, remember to help the next generation coming behind you. Mentorship and support are essential to building a stronger and more inclusive profession.

From your perspective, which qualities or skills set apart women lawyers who thrive in competitive environments, and how can students begin cultivating those now?

The women lawyers who thrive in competitive environments are usually the ones who are highly prepared, resilient, and proactive about their careers. They understand that practicing law is not just about being technically good at the work. It also requires strong communication skills, strategic thinking, relationship-building, and the ability to develop business and professional opportunities.

The attorneys who stand out are often the ones who are confident advocating for both their clients and themselves. They know their value, they are willing to pursue opportunities, and they do not shy away from difficult conversations about leadership, compensation, or advancement.

I also think adaptability and authenticity are extremely important. The legal profession is constantly evolving, and successful attorneys are willing to evolve with it. At the same time, the lawyers people gravitate toward are usually those who are genuine and comfortable bringing their own voice and perspective to the profession.

For students, many of these skills can be developed early. Participating in moot court, mock trial, clinics, internships, and bar association activities are all excellent ways to build confidence and practical skills. Networking is equally important. Students should seek out mentors and become involved with organizations like the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois to start building relationships within the profession.

Most importantly, students should understand that setbacks are part of every legal career. Resilience, professionalism, and persistence are often what separate long-term success from short-term disappointment.

What’s a recent Women’s Bar Association of Illinois initiative that you are most proud of and why?

One initiative I am especially proud of this year is the WBAI’s focus on innovative, women-centered Continuing Legal Education programming that addresses not only legal issues, but also the real-life challenges women attorneys face both professionally and personally.

This year, the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois intentionally expanded programming beyond traditional legal topics to include discussions on leadership, business development, communication, mental health, trauma-informed advocacy, reproductive health, wellness, and professional sustainability.

We hosted programs on topics ranging from social media and client development strategies to attorney wellness, perimenopause, trauma-informed lawyering, IVF, surrogacy, and genetic testing. We also partnered with organizations such as the Jewish United Fund, the Norton & Elaine Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics, HiveSTRONG, HiveSMART Consulting, HiveHEALTH, and Soul Harbour Ranch to create thoughtful and meaningful programming.

What made these initiatives so impactful was that they recognized women attorneys as whole people — professionals, leaders, caregivers, advocates, and community members — and created space for conversations that are often overlooked within the legal profession.

We're proud to feature insights from leaders like Katie Twardak, to help inspire women on their journey to law school.