A Seat at Counsel Table: A Panel Discussion with Women Lawyers & Judges in Federal Court
In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter hosts A Seat at Counsel Table: A Panel Discussion with Women Lawyers & Judges in Federal Court on March 12, 2026. This timely program offers attendees 1 hour of CLE (pending approval) and takes place in the Ceremonial Courtroom of Chicago’s Dirksen Federal Building. While the main program runs from 3:30-4:30PM, there will be a reception to follow.
This engaging event features accomplished female trial lawyers from various sectors, including law firms, government, and current sitting federal judges. Panelists will share fundamental insights on how to excel as a trial lawyer, navigate workplace dynamics and development, and balance personal and professional responsibilities. The discussion provides attendees with valuable perspectives on how to secure and make the most of a seat at the counsel table.
Meet the Panelists for A Seat at Counsel Table
Honorable Rebecca R. Pallmeyer, District Judge, United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Honorable Rebecca R. Pallmeyer
District Judge, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer served as a Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago from October 1, 1991, to 1998. She served as Presiding Magistrate Judge from 1996 until 1998. On July 31, 1997, Judge Pallmeyer was nominated to the federal bench by President Bill Clinton.
She was confirmed by the Senate on October 21, 1998, and received her commission on October 22, 1998. On July 1, 2019, Judge Pallmeyer became Chief Judge of the Northern District of Illinois, making her the first woman to head the federal court in Chicago in its 200-year history.
Honorable Jeannice W. Appenteng, Magistrate Judge, United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Hon. Jeannice W. Appenteng
Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Judge Jeannice Williams Appenteng is a United States Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Illinois. Judge Appenteng took her oath of office on October 27, 2023. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Appenteng served eight years as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois, most recently in the office’s Public Corruption and Organized Crime Section.
As a federal prosecutor, she investigated and prosecuted complex white-collar and other crimes involving public officials and government employees and served as lead counsel on behalf of the United States in trials and appeals.
Jordan Matthews, Partner, Jones Day
Jordan Matthews
Partner, Jones Day
Jordan Matthews is currently a partner at Jones Day. She is an experienced trial lawyer and former federal prosecutor who represents companies and individuals in high-stakes investigations and complex civil and criminal litigation. Jordan routinely handles investigations involving alleged violations of federal and state laws, including fraud, corruption, harassment, and bribery (FCPA), and guides clients through all stages of government investigations.
She also represents clients in class actions and complex commercial disputes, including mass/toxic tort, consumer fraud, and false advertising matters. Before joining Jones Day, Jordan served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Chicago for nearly seven years. She successfully tried numerous cases to verdict and led hundreds of investigations, including investigations related to national security, trade secrets, cybercrime, RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations), financial fraud, and tax offenses.
Monica H. Khetarpal, Principal, Jackson Lewis P.C.
Monica H. Khetarpal
Principal, Jackson Lewis P.C.
Monica Khetarpal is a principal in the Chicago office of Jackson Lewis P.C. and co-leader of the firm’s Education & Collegiate Sports industry group. She is an experienced litigator and advisor, providing skilled advocacy and thoughtful advice, training, and strategic planning for her clients.
Her litigation experience includes representing clients across all industries, including education clients, in employment, civil rights, and education-related cases, including those involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, wage and hour violations, and leave management, as well as a variety of contract and tort issues such as breach of employment and educational related contracts, defamation, whistleblower claims, and sexual misconduct.
She regularly handles matters at all levels, from administrative agencies to jury trials to appeals in both state and federal courts. She also counsels clients through the mediation process and provides advice regarding best practices to avoid litigation.
Sign up for below for A Seat at Counsel Table
Register for "A Seat at Counsel Table: A Panel Discussion with Women Lawyers & Judges in Federal Court", hosted by the FBA Chicago Chapter on March 12, 2026. This complimentary event offers 1 hour of CLE to attendees (pending approval).
Ready to check out? Visit your cart.