The Diversity Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit organization, will host its annual Unity Award Gala on December 6, 2022, during which 22 scholarships will be awarded to diverse and deserving law students at law schools around the Seventh Circuit. Individual awards include the Unity Award being given to Illinois Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis. Other individuals in the legal community who have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the profession will be presented with the Advocates for Diversity Award:
Hon. Patricia Holmes (ret.); Hon. Matthew W. Jannusch, Associate Judge, Domestic Relations Division; Vivian R. Khalaf of Khalid & Abuzir; Manish K. Mehta, partner, Benesch; David W. Inlander, Managing Partner, Fischel & Kahn; and Angel M. Traub, A. Traub & Associates.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the 20th annual swearing-in of bar presidents ceremony will take place.
Presidents from various bar associations will take the “Oath of Unity,” pledging to uphold the principles of diversity, inclusion, and equity within each organization and the legal profession. Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy Evans will administer the oath of office.
Clifford Law Offices is sponsoring the Jesse White Tumblers, which will be performing that evening.
The Gala will be held at the Chicago Hilton, Grand Ballroom, 720 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. The reception commences at 5 p.m. and dinner is served at 6 p.m. DSF President Appellate Court Justice Jesse Reyes as always promises the formal portion evening will end at 8:30 p.m.
Information about tickets and sponsorships is available at www.diversitychicago.org.