WELCOME to the website of the Capitol Hill Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA). The Capitol Hill Chapter, which was awarded the Chapter Activity Presidential Excellence Award in September 2011, was originally established in 1963 for legal professionals serving in the legislative and judicial branches of the Federal Government on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The Capitol Hill Chapter is currently comprised of seven component units: (1) the House of Representatives; (2) the Senate; (3) the Library of Congress; (4) the Supreme Court; (5) the Government Accountability Office; (6) the Government Printing Office; and (7) a component unit consisting of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, the Federal Judicial Center, the United States Sentencing Commission, and the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. However, membership in the Capitol Hill Chapter does not require employment by the judicial or legislative branch of the Federal Government.
The Chapter frequently sponsors luncheons with distinguished judges, members of Congress, authors, and other prominent legal professionals on topics of interest to Capitol Hill lawyers. Every spring for more than 35 years, the Chapter has hosted a luncheon at the Supreme Court which typically includes an address by one of the sitting Supreme Court Justices. We also offer an annual Ethics CLE event that is both entertaining and informative. Chapter members may attend these events at a substantially reduced cost. In addition, the Chapter offers special events that are limited to Chapter members. Past members-only events have included a Capitol Dome Tour hosted by the Senate Sergeant at Arms, a tour of the recently renovated Supreme Court Library by the Supreme Court Librarian, and a fascinating tour of the of the Map Collections of the Library of Congress. For more information on our upcoming programs, please visit the calendar and recent events sections of our website.
In addition to discounts given to Chapter members attending Chapter-sponsored events, Chapter members receive notices about each event, periodic newsletters (Capitol Assets), and valuable networking and leadership opportunities. If you are not already a member of the FBA, I cordially invite you to join the Capitol Hill Chapter. You may sign up online at www.fedbar.org or you may contact our Membership Chair, Regina Brzozowski for more information on the benefits of membership in the FBA. When signing up on the FBA website, don’t forget to indicate that you are joining the Capitol Hill Chapter. I am committed to making Chapter membership valuable and am grateful for the many contributions that our members make to the success of the Chapter.
The Chapter’s successful legacy was built by the efforts of its past leaders, which I am humbled to follow. Its future success will depend on the involvement and enthusiasm of its current members. I encourage those of you who are already members of the Capitol Hill Chapter to e-mail your recommendations for future Chapter programs to me. You can also support our Chapter by inviting your colleagues to join the Chapter or by bringing a guest to one of our luncheon programs. I am looking forward to another great year of Chapter programs and activities.
Matthew D. McGhie, President
FBA Capitol Hill Chapter