Other speakers include, Illinois Senator Cristina Castro, former Chicago Bear Rashied Davis, Chief Judge Timothy Evans, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Justice Jesse Reyes, Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and domestic violence expert Mark Wynn

To raise awareness for domestic violence, The Chicago Bar Association and WINGS, Inc., along with The Illinois State Bar Association, DuPage County Bar Association, and Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, will host a Domestic Violence Summit on October 29, 2024. Hosted at the Union League Club of Chicago, the Summit will include a full day of programming with expert speakers and will feature a keynote address by Denise Brown, an activist against domestic violence and sister of the late Nicole Brown Simpson.

After her sister Nicole was tragically murdered, and Nicole’s ex-husband O.J. Simpson was famously charged with her murder, Denise was determined to do all she could to raise awareness about domestic violence. Ms. Brown has worked tirelessly to help pass a variety of legislative solutions for domestic violence and travels across the U.S. to speak on the issue.

“One in four women experience domestic violence in their lifetime. This issue affects families, communities, and our society at large. We are honored to have Denise lend her voice to this critical discussion with our legal community, who plays an integral role in shaping the systems that impact survivors and help advocate for change,” said Rebecca Darr, President/CEO of WINGS.

The Summit will highlight the issues involved in domestic violence, suggest changes and reforms (including possible new legislation), identify the signs of domestic violence, and include real-life discussions with those affected by domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is a very personal issue to me, and this Summit will raise awareness and assist in the continuing zealous fight against domestic violence. We, as lawyers, have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of women, children and families suffering through the horrors of domestic violence,” said CBA President John C. Sciaccotta.

The all-day symposium will begin with welcome remarks from Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and include sessions with stakeholders from law enforcement, the legal system, social service agencies, and more. Chief Judge Timothy Evans will provide closing remarks, followed by a reception.

The full line up of speakers and topics is outlined below: 

Welcome Remarks – Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis, Illinois Supreme Court, First Judicial District

Understanding the Human Toll: The Personal Side of Domestic Violence

  • Mark Wynn, Wynn Consulting, Former Lieutenant to the Domestic Violence Division of Nashville Metropolitan Police Department and Activist Against Domestic Violence

Understanding the Problem: The Issues, the Statistics, the Data 

  • Rebecca Darr, CEO & President, WINGS

Engaging Men as Allies in Domestic Violence Prevention 

  • Moderator: John Sciaccotta, CBA President (2024-2025), Member, Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa
  • Rashied Davis, Founder of Saturday Place and former NFL Wide Receiver for the Chicago Bears
  • Justice Jesse Reyes, Illinois Appellate Court 
  • Mark Wynn, Wynn Consulting, Former Lieutenant to the Domestic Violence Division of Nashville Metropolitan Police Department and Activist Against Domestic Violence

Understanding the Systems: Law Enforcement, Legal System, and Social Services 

  • Moderator: Judge Judith C. Rice, Presiding Judge, Domestic Violence Division, Circuit Court of Cook County
  • Robert Berlin, DuPage County State’s Attorney 
  • Maralea Negron, Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Research, Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence
  • Judge Regina Scannicchio, Presiding Judge, Domestic Relations Division, Circuit Court of Cook County 

Luncheon Keynote Speaker 

  • Introduction by Rebecca Darr, CEO & President, WINGS
  • Denise Brown, Activist Against Domestic Violence & Sister of Nicole Brown Simpson  

Healthcare Perspectives and Response to Domestic Violence 

  • Demetrios Kyriacou, MD, PhD, Northwestern Memorial Hospital 
  • Patricia O’Sullivan, MSN, RN, ACS-BC, NE-BC, Director, Emergency Department, Patient Care, Northwestern Memorial Hospital 
  • April Brayton, WINGS 

Existing Legal Remedies 

  • Moderator: Judge Paul Pavlus, Circuit Court of Cook County, Second Municipal District – Skokie
  • Andrea Belard, Supervising Attorney, Metropolitan Family Services
  • Amy Fox, Executive Director, Lifespan 
  • Judge Megan Goldish, Circuit Judge, Domestic Violence Division, Circuit Court of Cook County

The Path Forward: Legislation, Needed Interventions, and How Legal Professionals Can Get Involved to Make a Change 

  • Moderator: John Sciaccotta, CBA President (2024-2025), Member, Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa
  • Illinois Senator Cristina Castro 
  • Professor Debra Pogrund Stark, University of Illinois Chicago Law School 
  • Kwame Raoul, Illinois Attorney General

Closing Remarks – Judge Timothy C. Evans, Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County

The program will take place in person at Union League Club (65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604) on October 29, 2024 from 8:55am-4:30pm. Lunch will be served, and the program will be followed by a networking reception. The cost is $150 per person and 6 IL MCLE Credit is available. Purchase tickets here: https://learn.chicagobar.org/products/domestic-violence-summit-2024-102924.

All proceeds from the event will support WINGS.  

Sponsors of the Domestic Violence Summit include Clifford Law Offices, Dentons, DuPage Bar Association, and The Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence.

About The Chicago Bar Association 

Founded in 1874, The Chicago Bar Association has been maintaining the honor and dignity of the legal profession, cultivating relationships between members, and promoting the administration of justice and the public good for more than 150 years. One of the oldest and most active metropolitan bar associations in the United States, The Chicago Bar Association has more than 17,000 members, including attorneys from every practice area, the judiciary, and law students. Through CLE (Continuing Legal Education) offerings, mentorship, and pro-bono projects, the Association provides resources and opportunities for attorneys of all ages, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the modern practice of law. Learn more at: https://www.chicagobar.org/