Cherie Blair, a passionate campaigner for women's equality and human rights for women and children, will be the keynote speaker at the 2009 Women In Law Banquet to be held September 22 at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City.  Known by many as the wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Cherie Blair has an impressive resume that carries far beyond her famous name.  She is a leading human rights lawyer, Queen's Counsel and a University Chancellor Emeritus at the John Moores University.  In addition to her human rights work, Cherie has launched her own Foundation for Women (www.cherieblairfoundation.org) which aims to promote financial independence for women in the developing world.

Cherie actively promotes work-life balance policies, having herself experienced the pressures and pleasures of combining a demanding career with being the wife of Britain's Prime Minister and a mother of four.  Being lauded as “something of a wonder woman” by The New York Times for balancing her professional life, public life and private life, Cherie Blair has handled the limelight gracefully and with ease.

After being abandoned by her father at an early age, Cherie Blair was brought up by a single mother in a modest home in Liverpool.  She was the first member of her family to attend a University.  She earned a place at the London School of Economics, graduated with top honors in law, and was at the top of her class in her Bar examination.

Cherie and Tony Blair married in 1980.  They have four children.  The youngest, Leo, being the first child born to a serving Prime Minister for over a century.

Throughout her time as Prime Minister's wife, Cherie continued practicing law.  She is also linked to many charities in which she holds active roles.  They include the children's charity Barnardo's, the disability charity SCOPE, Breast Cancer Care and the Loomba Trust which helps widows and their children across the world.  Cherie takes a very active role in their work, visiting projects at home and abroad.

Cherie is an Ambassador for "London 2012" and a member of UNICEF's Global Task Force on Water.

With Cherie Blair's impressive background and international profile, this year's Women in Law Conference will continue the long-standing reputation of the Committee as the host of premiere events within the Bar Association.