Partner Debra Levin was honored as a 2024 Role Model by the Harvard Law Society of Illinois.
In her acceptance remarks, Debra discussed the evolution of women in the legal industry, as well as the highlights of her estate planning practice.
Debra said, "I began practicing in 1975, 48 years ago. There has been much change for me and for women in the legal profession."
"My college advisor suggested I apply to law school, so I dutifully applied to 24 law schools." Debra continued, "No one had any idea what women's admissions would be like in the mid-70's. Men were returning from Vietnam and taking places in law school classes. Yes, in law school, I was chastised by a professor for taking some man's place given the professor's assumption that I wouldn't practice and the rejected applicant whose place I took would need to support his family."
Before joining Jenner & Block in 2016, Debra spent 41 years with Chicago-based D'Ancona & Pflaum, now Seyfarth Shaw LLP. She recalled her early work with the firm, "While I specialized in estate planning, I handled some ERISA issues which was fun since no one knew more about ERISA than I did. It had just passed. My first project, termination of a defined benefit plan after ERISA was enacted but before the vesting provisions became effective wound up before the US Supreme Court and I got to second chair the case that Judge Gettleman argued."
"I see estate planning as one-half intellectually challenging and one-half psychiatry or social work," said Debra. "Politically it was important for me to help women, even wealthy ones, who have never had to deal with anything financial...."
"Being an estate planning lawyer has been a very fulfilling career," Debra added. "I really do help people, particularly women, when they are really scared."
Debra concluded, "The question most frequently asked after I graduated from law school was whether women can have everything. I think I am living proof that women can have everything. I have."
Debra's award was presented by Partner Caroline Meneau, who joined the Harvard Law Society of Illinois board earlier this year.
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