Attorney diversity event raises more than $400K

The Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago (LAGBAC) hosted its 10th Annual Lawyers for Diversity Midsummer BBQ July 31 at Sidetrack, raising more than $400,000.

According to LAGBAC’s website, the organization “provides education to both the public and legal professionals about legal issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, intersex and questioning persons.” LAGBAC adds that it strives to help the LGBTQ community access the judicial and legal systems through educational initiatives, as well as provides scholarship money to LGBTQ law students.

Keynote speaker Mary Meg McCarthy, executive director of the National Immigrant Justice Center, addressed attendees, discussing the importance of taking pro bono cases as well as urging the event’s attendees to join LAGBAC and carry on the organization’s work.

Nick Furtwengler, 29, sits on LAGBAC’s board as chairperson of the Programming & Events Committee. The practicing lawyer was honored by Windy City Times just a few weeks ago at our 15th Annual 30 Under 30 Awards. Furtwengler commented, “Since [Lawyers for Diversity’s] inception, we have passed laws that moved LGBT equality forward and opened the eyes of society to the problems facing LGBT individuals. Lawyers for Diversity has been instrumental in making change happen for the LGBT community.”

The barbecue benefitted the LAGBAC Foundation, AIDS Legal Council Chicago, Equality Illinois and PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).