Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago
About Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago
Since 1987, the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago has been a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ legal community, building an inclusive and supportive environment for legal professionals throughout Chicago and the greater metropolitan area. LAGBAC's mission centers on advancing equality, promoting justice, and fostering excellence by bringing together attorneys, judges, elected officials, law students, and legal professionals who share a commitment to creating a more equitable legal profession.
At its heart, LAGBAC is dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ legal professionals through mentorship, advocacy, and development opportunities that enhance visibility and career growth. The organization cultivates a supportive community where members can connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas relevant to their professional and personal lives. Beyond internal community building, LAGBAC actively fights discrimination and promotes equity by working to eliminate bias based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and other protected characteristics.
The organization's impact extends through strategic partnerships with respected institutions and nonprofits committed to social justice. By connecting law students with internship opportunities at the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, Cook County Public Defender's Office, and organizations like Lambda Legal, LAGBAC ensures that the next generation of lawyers can gain meaningful experience in their areas of interest. Through scholarships, mentoring, networking events, and community service initiatives, LAGBAC demonstrates that representation matters and that a more inclusive and equitable legal profession is possible when professionals work together toward shared values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.