Women’s History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women today and throughout U.S. history.
Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Julia Roundtree Livingston recently spoke to Katherine A. Twardak, president of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI), which was founded in 1914 to promote the interests and welfare of women lawyers.
In addition to her role with the WBAI, Twardak is a partner at Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC, in Chicago, where she practices in all areas of personal injury.
Why are women’s bar associations important?
Women’s bar associations remain as vital today as they were at their founding. Organizations like the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) exist to ensure that women in the legal profession are supported, connected, and elevated at every stage of their careers.
While significant progress has been made, women—particularly women of color—continue to face systemic barriers in leadership, equity in compensation, and access to opportunities. Women’s bar associations help close these gaps by fostering mentorship, creating pathways to leadership, and providing a strong, collective voice advocating for fairness and inclusion within the profession.
At the WBAI, this mission is carried out through dynamic programming, including continuing legal education (CLE), networking events, judicial evaluations, and signature events such as our Annual Judicial Reception. Equally important is our commitment to collaboration.
The WBAI regularly partners with other bar associations and legal organizations across Illinois to expand programming, amplify diverse voices, and strengthen the impact of our initiatives. Through these partnerships, we are able to build a more connected and inclusive legal community.
In addition, the WBAI plays an active role in shaping legislation that affects women and the legal profession through its Political Action Committee. By supporting, opposing, and advocating on legislation that impacts our members and the communities we serve, the WBAI ensures that women lawyers have a voice not only within the profession, but also in the development of public policy.
This advocacy is a critical component of our mission and reflects our commitment to advancing equity both inside and outside the courtroom.
How have women lawyers or judges made a difference in your career?
I have had so many incredible female mentors in my life, so it is very difficult to speak about just one who has had a significant impact on my life.
However, one woman lawyer who has had a significant impact on my career is Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford. Justice Rochford’s career reflects an extraordinary commitment to public service, leadership, and access to justice.
From her early work as an Assistant State’s Attorney, to years in private practice, to her service as a judge in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, she has consistently demonstrated both excellence and compassion in the law. Now serving on the Illinois Supreme Court, she continues to shape the legal landscape in meaningful ways.
What stands out most about Justice Rochford is not only her impressive professional trajectory but her unwavering dedication to improving access to justice. Her leadership in developing a courtroom dedicated to self-represented litigants in family law is a powerful example of how thoughtful innovation within the judiciary can make the legal system more accessible and fair.
She has also remained deeply engaged in bar associations, community service, and mentorship—modeling what it means to give back to the profession while lifting others along the way. Her example has reinforced for me the importance of service, leadership, and using one’s role to create opportunities for others.
And, equally important, she is a dedicated, loving mother and wife who speaks very openly about the importance of family and the need to give family the attention that it deserves.
What advice would you give women entering the legal profession?
To women entering the legal profession, my advice is to be intentional about building relationships, seeking mentorship, and getting involved early. Organizations like the WBAI provide invaluable opportunities to connect with peers, develop leadership skills, and gain visibility within the profession.
Do not hesitate to use your voice, pursue opportunities that challenge you, and advocate for yourself and others. The legal profession needs your perspective, your leadership, and your courage.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we are reminded that progress is built through community, mentorship, and perseverance. At the WBAI, we are proud to continue that legacy—supporting women across Illinois, partnering with others to strengthen our profession, and advocating for a more equitable and just legal system for all.
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The post Empowering Women in the Legal Profession: Reflections from Katie Twardak, President of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois appeared first on 2Civility.