Jewish Chicago Magazine
Amy Orlov
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For Amy, leadership means showing up with intention.
A litigation attorney at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, Amy proudly represents pro bono clients across a range of matters, including LGBTQ+ rights, immigration protections, voting protections, prisoners’ rights, and combating antisemitism. She co-founded and helps lead her firm’s Jewish Affinity Group, bringing in kosher meals and guest speakers at events which are open to all.
A native of Buffalo Grove, Amy was a regional NFTY president and started Camp CAR (Chicago Area Region) for underprivileged children, led by NFTYites.
Since returning to Chicago from Washington, D.C., in 2024, Amy has immersed herself in JUF and serves as External Vice President of the JUF Young Leadership Division (YLD) Board, Incoming Chair of YLD’s Gesher Committee, Co-Chair of the JUF Young Lawyers Committee, and a member of the JUF Good Deeds Day Committee. She is also active with Project 613, Anshe Emet Synagogue, Jewish Women’s International, Union for Reform Judaism, and ChiTribe.
Last year, Amy even started a WhatsApp group to connect Chicago pickleball players in the Jewish community. When it comes to connecting, she is a natural.
Age: 30
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Primary gig: Litigation Attorney at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
On the side: Giving my time, efforts, and energy to all things JUF!
Describe yourself in 10 words or less: Involved community leader, passionate lawyer, Chicago enthusiast, and Disney aficionado.
Something most people don’t know about you: In college, I met with the White House Jewish liaison through a Jewish internship program and got to go bowling in the White House bowling alley!
How do you Jew in Chicago? I would argue that the correct question is how do I not Jew in Chicago! Everything from participating in Jewish pickleball leagues, to volunteering through Jewish organizations, to gathering with friends for Shabbat dinners, and overall attending as much young adult Jewish programming as will fit in my calendar.
What is your proudest accomplishment? I was recently admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. Taking the oath before Chief Justice John Roberts and the associate justices of the Supreme Court in front of my family felt like a particularly proud moment, and represents the culmination of my legal career thus far.