IDC Distinguished Member Award

Kimberly A. Ross

2025
Distinguished Member
Award Recipient

Kimberly A. Ross of FordHarrison LLP, in Chicago, IL was honored by 2024-2025 Illinois Defense Counsel (IDC) President Denise Baker-Seal with the IDC Distinguished Member Award at the organization’s Annual Meeting held Friday, June 20, 2025.

In presenting the award, President Baker-Seal remarked, “Kimberly is a long-standing member of the IDC and has participated actively for many years. Kimberly is finishing her third term as an IDC Board Member and remains an active member of our legislative and employment law committees. She also served for many years on the editorial board of the IDC Quarterly. Kimberly is truly a distinguished member as her dedication and work for the IDC can be seen in multiple facets of the organization.”

Ross responded: “I am truly honored to receive the IDC Distinguished Member Award. Being part of this organization has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional journey. I joined IDC in 1998 as a young associate at a firm deeply involved in IDC and I am forever grateful for that introduction to such an exceptional organization. From serving as an editor and editor-in-chief of the IDC Quarterly for five years, to my time on the Board of Directors and more recently, serving as vice-chair of the Legislative Committee, I’ve seen firsthand the impact this organization has in shaping our profession and supporting the defense bar in Illinois.”

Ross’ experience includes harassment and discrimination claims under Title VII and the Illinois Human Rights Act (race, national origin, gender/sex, religion), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-compete agreements, whistleblower claims, negligent hiring, supervision and retention, and retaliatory discharge. She is licensed to practice law in Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Michigan.

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