ADR Systems hosted its inaugural Women’s Initiative Event at the Chicago Yacht Club on June 27th to celebrate and promote collaboration among women in the legal community. The event highlighted several of ADR Systems’ female mediators and arbitrators.

“The main purpose for this event was to share stories about how female attorneys can support one another professionally,” said Marc Becker, president of ADR Systems. “Regardless of background or practice, women can learn from and assist each other to achieve their goals. ADR Systems wants to support that initiative and help foster these instrumental relationships among women.”

Meghann Smith, Esq., director of the Commercial and Family Law Division at ADR Systems, planned the event with the theme that behind every successful woman are many women who have her back.

“I wanted to bring female attorneys together to promote collaboration because it’s clear that the legal field is still a male-dominated field,” Smith said. “The more women can help each other, the better. I’m constantly inspired by the leadership and achievements of other female attorneys.”

At the event, ADR Systems’ female mediators and arbitrators were asked to give short speeches about women in the legal community who inspired them and helped to propel their careers.

“Seeing the room full of women attorneys with such varied practices and ranging from long-time partners to young associates, reminded me that female attorneys are a powerful force in every aspect of the legal profession,” Judge Curcio said. “These types of events give women the opportunity to meet successful women who can support them as they shape their careers.”

ADR Systems plans to sponsor other Women’s Initiative events in the future.

Hon. Helaine L. Berger, (Ret.) is a senior mediator and arbitrator at ADR Systems. Before coming to ADR Systems, she served for 19 years as a judge in the Cook County Circuit Court’s Domestic Relations Division and the Child Protection and Juvenile Justice Department. Her high settlement rate is a testament to her innate ability to very quickly relate to people personally, even in the most difficult and emotionally charged situations.

To view Judge Berger’s full bio, click here.

Judge Curcio has more than 15 years of judicial experience, 11 of which were in the Chancery Division of the Cook County Circuit Court. In her last seven years on the bench, she focused on mechanics lien and construction contracts and defects. Her skills are a neutral are complimented by her knowledge of real estate transactions, business and the banking industry – all gained prior to becoming an attorney.

To view Judge Curcio’s full bio, click here.

To check Judges Berger and Curcio’s availability, click here.

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