Levin & Perconti attorneys joined members of the legal community on the evening of March 5, 2026, for the 27th Annual Judicial Reception hosted by the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI). Held at the historic Chicago Cultural Center, the event brought together judges, attorneys, and leaders from across Illinois to celebrate excellence in the judiciary and recognize those advancing the legal profession.
The evening marked another opportunity for the firm to support the important work of the WBAI, with Levin & Perconti serving as an Ice Sculpture Sponsor of the reception.
Partner Kelly Sabo Gaden, who currently serves as Second Vice President of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, attended the event alongside Managing Partners Mike Bonamarte and Margaret Battersby Black, as well as Partner Paul Connery. Levin & Perconti is proud to support organizations that promote leadership, mentorship, and opportunity within the legal profession.
Celebrating Women’s Leadership in the Judiciary
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Myra Bradwell Woman of Achievement Award, the WBAI’s highest honor. Named for Myra Bradwell, the first woman to pass the Illinois bar, the award recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, dedication, and excellence in their respective fields.
This year’s honorees included:
- The Honorable Virginia M. Kendall, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- The Honorable Bonnie M. Wheaton, Chief Judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court of DuPage County
Both judges were recognized for their remarkable contributions to the judiciary and their longstanding commitment to justice and leadership within the legal profession.
Honoring Judges Who Advance Women in Law
The reception also recognized recipients of the Mary Heftel Hooton Award, an honor established in memory of Judge Mary Heftel Hooton to recognize judges who actively support and advance the careers of women lawyers.
This year’s honorees included:
- The Honorable Charles S. Beach, Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County
- The Honorable Daniel L. Kennedy, Chief Judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Will County
- The Honorable Daniel B. Shanes, Chief Judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Lake County
- The Honorable Robert K. Villa, Chief Judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Kane County
Each honoree was recognized for their leadership, professionalism, and commitment to fostering opportunities for women within the legal community.
Supporting a Stronger Legal Community
Organizations like the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois play an important role in bringing together bench and bar members to recognize leadership, strengthen professional relationships, and celebrate the continued progress of women in the legal profession. We are proud to have Partner Kelly Sabo Gaden play such a pivotal role in the WBAI.
It has been an incredible honor to serve the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois over the years and to work alongside so many dedicated attorneys and judges who are committed to advancing women in the legal profession. Events like the Judicial Reception are a wonderful reminder of the strength of our community and the importance of continuing to support and uplift one another.
For Levin & Perconti, the evening was both meaningful and inspiring. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of outstanding members of the judiciary while supporting an organization that continues to champion the advancement of women in law.
