Meet this month’s spotlight:
Eileen Liu, partner at Sidley Austin LLP where she focuses her practice on employee benefits and executive compensation issues – as well as co-chair at SidleyWomen; dedicated to retention and promotion of women lawyers to partnership and leadership positions within the firm.
Best piece of advice you've ever received?
My mom always told me “make sure that you can be financially independent, never put yourself in a position where you have to rely on someone else to provide for you.”
What was your path to getting where you are today?
I attribute my longevity and success at Sidley to the people and in particular the women that I’ve been fortunate enough to meet and work with during my time there. It’s their support, encouragement and mentorship that has propelled me through the demands and challenges of the profession and provided me with the opportunities to get where I am today.
Photos by: Marielee Brito
What do you love about being a woman?
The ability to make and have female friendships has to be one of the best things about being a woman. I think the shared experiences we have in confronting the challenges that women face, whether in the workplace, at home or society in general, can serve to bring women closer together. I read somewhere that behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back and are cheering her on.
My days are filled with…
Love and laughter. My family brings me joy. And I am lucky to have always worked in a field where I get to do what I love and help so many people.
What are you watching, reading, and listening to right now?
I’m watching Lessons in Chemistry (after having read it); I’m reading Trust by Hernan Diaz; and I’m listening to Britney Spears’s memoir, The Woman in Me.
How do you take care of yourself?
My self-care routine involves surrounding myself with friends and family and focusing on the positive.
If you could live anywhere (and money is no object), where would you choose?
I’ve lived in the Chicagoland area my entire life, so it’s probably really lame to say that I’d still want to live in the area, but I would use all of my money to visit different places, I’d just always want to come home.
Best gift you've ever received?
The gift of my education from my parents who did everything they could to make sure that I could get the education that I wanted with as little debt as possible.
How would you describe your personal style?
I love fashion and clothes and have experimented with all sorts of styles but these days, I tend to gravitate towards minimalist, modern takes on classics with an occasional sprinkle of edgy or feminine looks.
What is important to you when it comes to buying clothing?
Fit. It has to work with my petite frame and I have to feel both comfortable and confident in it. I don’t want to be constantly pulling on it or have to worry about a wardrobe malfunction. Ease of care is also very important to me. I don’t buy anything that needs to be dry cleaned and prefer things that can be machine washed – which is why I love Maria’s pieces!
Who are some of your style or fashion icons?
Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston, Vera Wang
What are your favorite Maria Pinto pieces? Why?
The mini tunics, hands down. I’m short and I love dresses without a waistband. The mini tunics make me look taller without swallowing me up.
What are some of your favorite features of the Maria Pinto collection?
The fabrics. They are so comfortable, flattering and easy to take care of – both at home and when traveling.
Look 1: Walker Jacket - Magenta, Evii Dress - Magenta
Look 2: Newman Jacket - Black. Hemsworth Skirt - Black, Horizontal Belt
Look 3: Pickford Scarf - Black Orchid, Kutcher Jacket - Black Orchid
Look 4: Autumn Dress - Jaguar Print