2026 Women's History Month Event Navigates the Legal Field
On Thursday, March 12th, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter hosted the 2026 Women's History Month event, A Seat at Counsel Table. This program brought together four distinguished women in federal law, and was co-hosted by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. It took place in the Ceremonial Courtroom of the historic Dirksen Federal Building in downtown Chicago.
Moderator Erica Achepohl guided the conversation, and Chief Judge Sara L. Ellis provided opening remarks. The panelists represented the full range of legal careers, spanning the federal bench, “Big Law”, and management-side employment defense. Together, they offered a candid, practical, and inspiring look at what it takes to build a career as a female trial attorney in federal court.
2026 Women’s History Month Event Panelists
Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer brought a historic perspective to the discussion. President Clinton nominated her to the federal bench in 1997. She was confirmed by the Senate on October 21, 1998. On July 1, 2019, she became Chief Judge of the Northern District of Illinois, becoming the first woman to lead that court in its 200-year history. Her career arc offered a powerful example of persistence and precedent-setting in the legal profession.
Magistrate Judge Jeannice W. Appenteng brought a prosecutor's perspective to the panel. She took her oath of office on October 27, 2023. Before joining the bench, she served eight years as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois. She worked most recently in the Public Corruption and Organized Crime Section. As a federal prosecutor, she led complex white-collar investigations and served as lead trial counsel. She also spent five years in private practice and clerked for two district court judges. Her career path reflects the value of diverse legal experience before taking the bench.
Jordan Matthews is a Partner at Jones Day and a former federal prosecutor. She served as an AUSA in Chicago for nearly seven years. During that time, she tried numerous cases to verdict and led hundreds of investigations. Those investigations spanned national security, cybercrime, RICO, financial fraud, and tax offenses. Today, she represents companies and individuals in high-stakes civil and criminal matters, including FCPA investigations, class actions, and complex commercial disputes. Her experience on both sides of the courtroom makes her a formidable voice on what trial success actually requires.
Monica H. Khetarpal is a principal at Jackson Lewis P.C. and co-leader of the firm's Education & Collegiate Sports industry group. She is an experienced litigator and advisor in employment, civil rights, and education-related cases. Her matters include discrimination, harassment, wage and hour claims, whistleblower cases, and sexual misconduct allegations. She handles cases at all levels, from administrative agencies to jury trials to appellate courts. She also counsels clients through mediation and advises on litigation avoidance strategies. Her broad practice gave the audience a window into the demands of a high-volume litigation career.
Trial Skills, Courtroom Access & Career Development
The 2026 Women’s History Month event addressed the full arc of a trial career. Panelists discussed how they landed their first trials, found mentors, and identified their practice areas. They offered concrete advice for law students and junior attorneys seeking courtroom experience in an era where trials are increasingly rare. Notably, the group emphasized the importance of saying yes early and often — to pro bono work, to second-chair roles, and to any opportunity to stand up in court.
Judges Pallmeyer and Appenteng spoke directly about what distinguishes great trial lawyers. They shared observations from the bench about attorney credibility, courtroom presence, and common mistakes made by inexperienced lawyers. Matthews and Khetarpal described what trial preparation looks like from the inside: building a cohesive trial team, managing pre-trial adrenaline, and executing a clear strategy under pressure.
Morevoer, the group also explored trial-adjacent forums as valuable training grounds. EEOC hearings, arbitration, mediation, and Human Rights Commission proceedings all build advocacy skills. Judge Appenteng highlighted the Northern District's Settlement Assistance Program as one concrete way the court develops attorneys' skills. Human Rights Commission proceedings were noted for following full evidentiary rules — offering real courtroom experience without a jury.
Navigating a Male-Dominated Field
Panelists spoke candidly about the challenges women still face in trial practice. Women now make up a significant share of law school graduates. Yet female first-chair trial attorneys remain underrepresented at every level of practice. The panel examined the structural and cultural barriers behind that gap.
They discussed the pressure women feel to be likeable in ways male colleagues are not. They addressed how to build credibility with judges and juries while maintaining authenticity. They talked openly about being perceived differently in the courtroom, and how to navigate that reality without compromising their effectiveness.
Work-life balance drew significant discussion. Panelists shared how they managed demanding trial schedules alongside caregiving responsibilities. Pregnancy, nursing, and the logistics of parenting during trial were addressed directly. All four panelists agreed on one central point: balance is a myth. Expectation-setting is everything. Clear communication with family, clients, and colleagues makes a demanding career sustainable over the long term. That message resonated across the room.
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter thanks the panelists, the Northern District of Illinois, and every attendee who participated in this important conversation. Events like this one advance a clear goal, ensuring that more women secure and succeed at the counsel table in federal court.
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter hosts events throughout the year to support and connect legal professionals at every stage of their careers. For future education and networking opportunities presented by the Chicago Chapter, explore our upcoming events.
