Arab American Bar Association of Illinois

09/15/2026

Calling all First Year and Second Year law students! The Arab American Bar Association Scholarship Foundation, the charitable arm of the Arab American Bar Association of Illinois, is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting applications through October 15, 2026.

To apply for the scholarship, eligible students must submit an online application no later than Thursday, October 15, 2026 by accessing it at the following link: https://arabbar.org/scholarship-application-1. Qualified applicants will be invited to attend a short interview with the selection committee.

Eligible applicants are those law students currently enrolled as a first-year (1L) or second-year (2L) student at an Illinois law school who demonstrate a commitment to the values of the Arab American Bar Association, including respect for the Rule of Law, community engagement, inclusivity, and diverse perspectives, is eligible to apply. Such commitment may be demonstrated through participation in student organizations, community service, advocacy, or other activities that support or engage the Arab American community.

Students must be members of the Arab American Bar Association of Illinois (student membership is free). Scholarship funds in the amount of $2500 to $5000 will be sent directly to the awardee’s law school to be applied toward tuition for the 2027-28 academic year.

Application Selection Criteria: Applicants will be selected based on academic achievement, financial need or financial circumstances, leadership, commitment to the Rule of Law, and demonstrated engagement with or service to the Arab American community.

Application Process: Applicants must submit an online application and provide the application materials no later than October 15, 2026. The application is located here: https://arabbar.org/scholarship-application-1

Special Notice to Applicants and Gala Date: Scholarships will be presented at the Arab American Bar Association Scholarship Foundation’s Gala on March 13, 2027, at the Drury Lane, Oak Brook Terrace. Recipients are required to be present to receive their award. Each recipient will receive a complimentary, non-transferable ticket for the Scholarship Gala as well as one additional guest ticket.

08/27/2026

Everyone - AABAR is more than halfway to its goal of raising enough money to supply 220 backpacks (!!) filled with school supplies to the children at Chicago Children's Advocacy Center! Thank you to all who have donated thus far!

There's still time to contribute! You can donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/2026-aabar-back-to-school-drive

Every dollar counts! Your support 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!).

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…

08/21/2026

On Thursday, August 27, 2026, AABAR is holding its Summer Send Off at Cirrus Condominiums (211 N. Harbor Dr., 41st Floor (Rooftop) Chicago, IL 60601) between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Thank you to AABAR's Correaponding Secretary, Matthew Fakhoury, for offering to host this event!

Come and Celebrate the end of summer with aabar! It’s a chance to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones! Food, non-alcoholic drinks, and games will be provided!

This event is free for all! Lawyers and Law Students can RSVP at the below link!

https://arabbar.org/event-calendar/ola/services/aabar-s-summer-send-off-2026

We look forward to seeing you there!

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.