2025 Women in the Law Symposium

Women who work in the legal profession often face unique challenges and obstacles. The Southern District of Illinois chapter of the Federal Bar Association is dedicated to facilitating necessary conversations to expose the imbalance placed on women in the legal profession and to tell the story of women who have overcome significant hurdles to serve as leaders in the law throughout the federal bar. Join us for a morning of networking and inspiring stories as we celebrate and advance the brilliant women in our legal community.

Our featured guest speaker will be television anchor, legal analyst, trial attorney, actor, and best-selling author, Rikki Klieman. Rikki has earned a sterling reputation as one of the nation’s most celebrated lawyers and legal authorities. A dynamic and versatile communicator, she has found success in multiple fields, including television journalism, the courtroom, academia, and public speaking. Hear her share some of what she's learned over the course of her storybook career, from theater major at Northwestern University to being named by TIME magazine one of the five most outstanding women trial lawyers in the country.

The day will also include a talk from St. Louis's very own Michelle Li. As a KSDK Today in St. Louis television anchor, Michelle has a powerful story to tell about facing down racism in her job and turning the experience into a positive force for good. Now the co-founder and president of the Very Asian Foundation, Michelle works to shine a light on Asian experiences through advocacy and celebration in communities across the country.

Finally, we are excited to offer an ethics presentation by Paige Tungate, an attorney at Downey Law Group. Hailing from Southern Illinois, Paige competed on the tennis team at Webster University before receiving her law degree at the University of Missouri. Her practice focuses on legal ethics and the law of lawyering. Fitting with the theme of this year's symposium, Paige will walk through some of the ethical rules and common pitfalls for attorneys trying to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape.

And if all of that wasn't enough, there will be mimosas!

Host or Publisher Federal Bar Association of Southern Illinois