Endless Career Opportunities for Lawyers: FBA Women’s History Month Panel

Join the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter for Endless Career Opportunities for Lawyers: An FBA Women’s History Month Panel Discussion on March 19, 2025, at Greenberg Traurig in Chicago. This engaging event features accomplished female lawyers from various sectors, including law firms, government, academia, and corporate counsel. Panelists will share fundamental insights on how to excel as a lawyer, make smooth career transitions, navigate workplace dynamics, and balance personal and professional responsibilities. The discussion will be moderated by Lisa Kpor, Litigation Counsel at United Airlines, and will offer attendees valuable perspectives on advancing their legal careers.

The event will take place in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual participation. Attendees can earn 1.5 CLE credits, including 1.0 in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and 0.5 in Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Following the panel discussion, an in-person networking reception will provide an opportunity to connect with panelists and fellow legal professionals. This event is open to all FBA members, non-members, and law students. Law students may join the FBA for FREE online at https://www.fedbar.org/associate-membership/law-students/.

In person attendees are encouraged to bring one or more new or gently used children's book (K-8) to the event. The books will be collected for the American Dreams Playroom at the Dirksen Federal Building, so every child attending a naturalization ceremony can leave with a book.

Panelists:

, Partner, Jones Day

Bethany Biesenthal is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Chambers-rated litigator, and a former federal prosecutor with extensive trial experience. She has served as lead counsel in over 20 trials and argued more than a dozen federal circuit appeals. Known for handling high-stakes litigation, she has successfully defended against corporate misconduct claims, secured a $100 million jury verdict, and obtained a complete acquittal in a racketeering and fraud case. As a former prosecutor, Bethany led complex investigations into financial fraud, national security, healthcare fraud, and public corruption, making her a sought-after advisor for corporate and government investigations.

Bethany serves as general counsel to the City of Chicago Police Board, advising on oversight under a court-appointed monitor. She also leads Jones Day’s global human trafficking litigation, counseling clients on corporate supply chain diligence and risks related to emerging technologies like generative AI. Recognized among Chicago Lawyer’s Top 50 Exceptional Women Lawyers and a Law360 2023 MVP, Bethany is highly regarded for her legal expertise and government service. She is active in the Seventh Circuit Committee on Pattern Jury Instructions and various women’s initiatives.

, Deputy Chief, National Security and Cybercrime Section of the United States Attorney’s Office

Melody Wells is a highly accomplished attorney with extensive experience in national security, cybercrime, and financial fraud. She currently serves as Deputy Chief of the National Security and Cybercrime Section at the United States Attorney’s Office, where she leads complex investigations and prosecutions involving cybersecurity threats, espionage, and financial crimes. Prior to this role, Melody handled a broad range of high-profile cases, including securities fraud, healthcare fraud, and public corruption. Her expertise in navigating intricate legal and technological issues has made her a trusted resource in the legal community.

Beyond her prosecutorial work, Melody is a dedicated mentor and advocate for professional development in the legal field. She has been recognized for her contributions to law enforcement and justice, frequently speaking at industry events on topics related to cybercrime and national security. Her leadership and commitment to public service continue to shape the evolving landscape of cybersecurity law and enforcement.

, Senior Associate Vice President & Deputy General Counsel of Northwestern University

Priya J. Harjani is the Senior Associate Vice President & Deputy General Counsel at Northwestern University, where she has served since 2004. Prior to joining Northwestern, she practiced commercial litigation at a large Chicago law firm. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and received her law degree from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. She is licensed to practice in Illinois and the District of Columbia.

Ms. Harjani advises senior university leaders on a range of legal and governance issues, including faculty matters, labor and employment, litigation, and regulatory compliance. She also provides counsel on Title IX, union relations, and athletics. In addition to managing high-profile litigation, she serves on the board of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) and frequently speaks on higher education law. She has also taught “Law and Ethics” at Northwestern’s School of Education and Social Policy.

, District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois

Hon. LaShonda A. Hunt is a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2023. Prior to her appointment, she served as a U.S. bankruptcy judge for the same district from 2017 to 2023. Judge Hunt holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. Her legal career spans private practice, government service, and corporate counsel roles, including serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Chief Legal Counsel for the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Judge Hunt’s judicial nomination was recommended by Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, and she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate with bipartisan support. Throughout her career, she has handled complex legal matters in both civil and regulatory law. Her diverse experience in litigation, public service, and corporate compliance continues to shape her work on the federal bench.

, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig

Tiffany S. Fordyce focuses on commercial litigation with a specialty in labor and employment law. As Chair of the Chicago Labor & Employment Practice and Co-Chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Group, she defends employers in discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour, trade secret misappropriation, and whistleblower cases. She represents clients in federal, state, and administrative courts, handling single-plaintiff, class action, and collective action employment disputes.

Beyond litigation, Tiffany provides training seminars and advises clients on employment policies, compliance, and risk management. She helps organizations navigate leave policies, performance management, workforce reductions, and BIPA compliance. She is also frequently called upon to conduct investigations and HR audits on pay equity, whistleblower claims, and discrimination complaints, ensuring best practices and regulatory adherence.

, General Counsel, Field Museum

Sarah Ebel is an experienced legal professional currently serving as General Counsel at the Field Museum in Chicago. In this role, she oversees legal matters related to the museum’s operations, governance, and compliance, ensuring the institution meets all regulatory and legal requirements. With a strong background in nonprofit and cultural institution law, Sarah provides strategic counsel on contracts, intellectual property, employment matters, and risk management. Her expertise helps support the museum’s mission of research, education, and public engagement while safeguarding its legal interests.

Prior to joining the Field Museum, Sarah held various legal positions where she gained extensive experience in nonprofit governance and institutional compliance. She is known for her commitment to public service, legal ethics, and organizational leadership. Sarah’s role extends beyond legal oversight, as she actively collaborates with museum leadership to navigate the complexities of operating a world-renowned institution.

Moderator:

, Litigation Counsel, United Airlines

Lisa M. Kpor is Litigation Counsel for United Airlines, advising the Fortune 500 company on litigation and dispute matters. She earned her B.A. in German and Politics from Oberlin College before attending the University of Illinois College of Law. Prior to joining United, Lisa spent nearly nine years as a Litigation and Entertainment Associate at Holland & Knight, LLP, where she handled shareholder disputes, financial litigation, product liability, and complex contract cases. In entertainment law, she represented Grammy-winning musicians, best-selling authors, and Oscar-nominated filmmakers in film, TV, and publishing negotiations.

Lisa serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA) and previously chaired its Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She has earned numerous accolades, including the Next Gen Emerging Millennial Leader Award and recognition from Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers Magazine. Dedicated to mentorship, she supports future legal professionals through the FBA’s Lift Up Leaders Program, the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, and The Posse Foundation.

Host or Publisher Federal Bar Association, Chicago Chapter