Fern was sworn in as the 84th president of the Federal Bar Association on Saturday, September 10. She has been a member of the FBA for over 15 years. She was an active member of her local FBA chapter for several years before undertaking the chapter office positions of treasurer, secretary, vice president, and president. During these years, she had the opportunity and pleasure of working with the federal judiciary on a variety of issues—related and unrelated to the FBA. Fern is a Life Fellow of the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association.
Fern began work on the national level for the FBA as the Seventh Circuit vice president for four years. During that period, she was a member, and later chair, of the Chapter Activity Fund, which gave her the opportunity to learn more of the FBA chapters throughout the country. Subsequently, Fern was honored to be elected to the first board of directors under the new governance structure. It has been exciting to be part of the transition, and her experience on “both sides” provides a unique and invaluable perspective in moving forward. As a board member, she has served on several committees, including the Task Force for the Future and the budget committee.
Fern is a partner in the Chicago office of Mayer Brown LLP, a global law firm; she has been associated with the law firm since her graduation from the University of Chicago Law School in 1972. Fern has concentrated on litigation, primarily in the federal courts, in a variety of substantive areas. She has been appointed to serve as a special master and claims administrator in class actions. In addition to her client work, Fern currently acts as her firm’s “counsel.” She handles claims and other client issues; drafts and approves firm contracts; and advises on, and teaches, professional ethics and firm policy issues. She currently serves as the president of a community organization and the treasurer of an investment entity. Fern is a member of several other bar associations and legal clubs in the city, including the Lincoln Inn of Court. She has been recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer, a Leading Lawyer, and a Top Lawyer in Illinois.