Chicago gets ready for ABA invasion

LAWYERS from across the globe are jetting their way to Chicago this week, as the city moves up a gear for the annual meeting of the American Bar Association.

Delegates are expected to take over Downtown Chicago and North Michigan Avenue as more than 12,500 lawyers and another 8,000 attendees take part in the week-long programme.

Over 2,600 events have been planned, including meetings, receptions, dinners and speeches, and 16 hotels along with boats, restaurants, museums and law firms will be used to stage the meeting.

More than 600 people have been signed to speak on a wide range of subjects, including

addresses on the changing legal environment in areas such as the Middle East, Russia and Asia.

Common problems such as racial and sexual harassment in the workplace will also be addressed.

The highlight of the programme will be the inauguration of New Mexico's Roberta Cooper Ramo, the first woman president in the ABA's 117-year history, who has promised to initiate a dialogue on the US justice system.

Ramo takes over the ABA's reigns from current leader George Bushnell.