Our Year in Review

Dear FBA Community,

As we reflect on the past year, each of the Board of Directors—myself included—is filled with gratitude. Your unwavering commitment, support, and engagement with the Federal Bar Association is inspiring.

Our members’ dedication has always been central to advancing the FBA’s mission of strengthening the federal legal system and the administration of justice. Every milestone the FBA has reached this year is a testament to your partnership and shared vision.

In 2024, we focused on three priority areas: Judicial Advocacy, Professional Development, and Community Engagement.

• Judicial Advocacy: In 2024, we continued our efforts to advocate for the Third Branch, including advocating for appropriate funding for the federal judiciary and funding to implement the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act. We have also worked closely with policymakers to address critical issues affecting the courts, including reducing judicial backlogs. The JUDGES Act was passed unanimously by the Senate and with a significant majority (and bipartisan support) in the House, and although it was vetoed by President Biden, we will continue our advocacy on this issue in 2025.
• Professional Development: The FBA expanded its continuing legal education (CLE) offerings this year, both in person and virtually. At the national level, we are providing members with the knowledge and tools to excel in their careers through timely webinars, annual conferences, and on demand courses. At the chapter level, programming is delivered within our local communities. And of course, The Federal Lawyer continues to provide research and thought leadership to all FBA members.
• Community Engagement: The FBA achieves “National Reach, Local Impact” by engaging its members in a variety of ways. From our law school chapters to local professional chapters for practitioners, judges, and court personnel, we keep the federal legal community connected across America. But we, as an organization, also engage with our local communities and work to strengthen ties with the constituents served by the federal judicial system. Our civics initiatives include outreach to secondary school students to teach them about the rule of law. We also reach out to underserved groups within our local communities so that we can be their trusted voice within the legal system. AND, I would be remiss if I did not thank the Foundation of the FBA, which generously funds many of our programs in communities around the country.

Indeed, our goals for 2025 are ambitious. But, with your dedication to the FBA, we will continue to be the voice of the federal bar and bench. I know I speak for the entire Board of Directors when I say that we look forward to building on this momentum and witnessing all of the amazing things we will accomplish together in 2025.

We wish you a prosperous new year full of possibilities and opportunities!

Warmest regards,

Glen R. McMurry
National President
Federal Bar Association