Arab American Bar Association of Illinois

08/12/2026

The Arab American Bar Association of Illinois congratulates the Honorable Justice Timothy Evans on his appointment to the First District Appellate Court. Justice Evans brings years of distinguished legal experience, and served as the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County for 24 years.

We look forward to the wisdom and leadership Justice Evans will bring to his new role. Congratulations Justice Evans!

08/11/2026

Everyone - It's back to school time!

AABAR is bringing back its 2026 Back to School Drive and teaming up with Chicago Children's Advocacy Center once again to raise money for school supplies and backpacks for those children in need of them!

Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/2026-aabar-back-to-school-drive

Your funds will go toward the purchase of backpacks and school supplies to be packed in them (colored pencils, wood pencils, markers, ballpoint pens, rulers, glue sticks, notebook paper, notebooks, and more!).

ChicagoCAC is Chicago's only nonprofit organization that coordinates the efforts of child protection staff, law enforcement professionals, family advocates, medical experts, and mental health clinicians under one roof! It is a fantastic organization and AABAR is proud to partner with them once more!

AABAR is teaming up with Chciago Children's Advocacy Center for the 2026 Back to School Drive! ChicagoCAC is Chicago's only nonprofit organization that…

07/01/2026

An AABAR night full of fellowship, networking, and celebrating the first half of a (very) busy year for AABAR! We were honored, as always, to be joined by the Hon. William Haddad (Ret.), Judge Rouhy Shalabi, and Judge Monique Naffah O'Toole!

Our membership came together to recap the successful first six months of the new term, while also looking ahead to the exciting plans in place for the next six months. Yesterday's meeting allowed for opportunities to reconnect with colleagues and meet new members.

Thank you also to Nura Azzam Yanaki and her firm, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, for hosting us!

06/03/2026

You’re invited to AABAR’s Second General Meeting of 2026!

📅 Tuesday, June 30, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM
📍 Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP
1045 W. Fulton Market, 9th Floor
Chicago, IL 60607

Join us as we welcome new and existing members, recap the past several months, and share exciting plans for the remainder of 2026. This is a great opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet new members, and stay engaged with the work of the Arab American Bar Association.

Advance registration is required.

RSVP here: https://arabbar.org/event-calendar/ola/services/aabar-2026-second-general-meeting-in-person-location-tbd

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

05/26/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

05/21/2026

📣Free CLE TODAY at noon! Join AABAR for Legal Strategies Against ICE Abuse, a timely program in its Diversity & Inclusion series, held via Zoom from 12:00–1:15 PM (CLE credit pending). Moderated by Judge William Haddad (Ret.), the panel features former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, civil rights attorney Tony Romanucci, Alicia Bannon of the Brennan Center for Justice, and former DHS attorney Alla Taher. Don’t miss this important discussion addressing pressing issues affecting communities nationwide. Register now via the link below.

https://arabbar.org/event-calendar

05/08/2026

It's been over one week since our successful 2026 Judicial Reception and Installation of Officers and Board Members. On behalf of the Arab American Bar Association of Illinois, we extend our sincere gratitude to the generous sponsors of this event!

Your support played a vital role in making this event a success. Beyond the evening itself, your generosity directly advances AABAR’s mission to promote the rule of law, equal justice, fellowship, legal education, and community service.

Because of your commitment, we are also able to continue our charitable initiatives, including our Back-to-School Supply Drive, Thanksgiving Dinner Drive, and supporting the Arab American Bar Association Scholarship Foundation. Your partnership strengthens our ability to serve and uplift our community, and ensures that AABAR continues to grow and make a meaningful impact.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication.

05/01/2026

What does the American Dream really depend on?

According to AABAR President Jawad R. Shalabi, it starts with one essential principle: the rule of law.

In his latest essay for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, he shares why protecting the rule of law is critical to preserving fairness, opportunity, and justice for all.

Take a few minutes to read this important perspective:

🔗 https://www.lawyerport.com/chicagolawbulletin/without-the-rule-of-law-the-american-dream-is-just-a-dream-20260428

04/29/2026

What a night to remember. ✨

The Arab American Bar Association of Illinois (AABAR) 2026 Judicial Reception & Installation of Officers brought together an incredible community of judges, attorneys, leaders, and supporters to celebrate the strength and legacy of our organization.

We were proud to honor Chief Judge Beach, recognize our judiciary, and install our new officers and board members while reflecting on the foundation built by those who came before us. The energy in the room was a true testament to the respect, unity, and continued growth of the Arab American legal community.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and sponsored this unforgettable evening. Your presence made all the difference.

04/22/2026

Today, April 22, 2026 @ 5:30 PM, Mayor Brandon Johnson is hosting a Reception Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month. The Reception will take place at the Chicago Cultural Center (77 E. Randolph St., 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60602) between 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM.

You can RSVP at the following link: https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/2026ArabAmericanhHeritageMonthReception

Spaces are limited so RSVP as soon as possible!

In the past, AABAR, along with a number of other organizations focused on serving the Arab American Community, co-sponsored this event. Thank you Mayor Johnson for once again hosting this Reception celebrating our heritage!

Please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] if you have any questions or if you are unable to access the RSVP link.

Location: Chicago Cultural Center, Preston Bradley Hall 77 E. Randolph Street Chicago, IL. 60602 Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Date:  April 22nd, 2026