North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Ilana Forbes from Senior Staff Attorney to the role of Director of Operations. She has been an integral part of the NSLAC team for over three years, during which she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to providing access to justice to those in need. She is an accomplished attorney and mediator with experience in the legal community and not-for-profit sector. Ilana brings a unique blend of legal expertise and operational acumen to the role of Operations Director.
In her new role as Director of Operations, Ilana will oversee the daily operations at NSLAC, ensuring the efficient delivery of legal aid to residents in need in northern Cook County, IL, and Lake County, IL. She will be responsible for coordinating support and technology for the three legal teams, Pro Bono team, and other support staff while strengthening partnerships in the community. She succeeds longtime NSLAC Operations Director Jan Baranczak, who announced plans to move out of state in May.
“NSLAC is thrilled to promote Ilana Forbes to the position of Director of Operations. She has consistently demonstrated her exceptional legal skills, leadership abilities, and unwavering dedication to our mission,” said Executive Director Susan Shulman. “We are confident that Ilana will excel in her new role, driving NSLAC’s operations forward and making a lasting impact on the lives of our clients and the communities we serve.”
Throughout her career, Ilana has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advocating for those in need of access to justice. Ilana was a volunteer mediator for self-represented litigants and a certified arbitrator in the 19th Judicial Circuit. Ilana is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution and the Lake County Bar Association. She is active in the Barrington community, serving as a volunteer in various local organizations.
Ilana received her J.D. and Certificate in Family Law from DePaul University College of Law, a B.A. in Public Policy and Psychology from Duke University, and she earned a Certificate in Mediation Skills and a Certificate in Divorce Mediation from Northwestern University School of Professional Studies.
