Federal Bar Association

Intellectual Property Law Section: Protecting IP in an AI World
2026-03-02 08:30 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169, USA, 230 Park Ave,, New York, 10169, United States
​How is AI impacting intellectual property (IP) in today’s business world?
Join FBA’s Intellectual Property Law Section, i.WILL, Dunnington Bartholow & Miller, and Questel for an educational thought-provoking panel discussion/CLE entitled “Protecting IP in an AI World.”
Speakers will cover diverse perspectives and recent case law re: AI in IP including:
-AI implications for copyrights, trademarks and patents
-Guarding against liability exposures resulting from AI
-Patent litigation issues and framework for using AI inventions
-IP ownership issues raised by AI discussing human vs. AI contributions
-Ethical, data privacy and compliance rules to be examined when IP is used
-Discussion of AI solutions trained for IP lawyers including Qthena from Questel
Register Now!
In-Person or Virtual Participation Options Available

2026 Virtual Tax Law Conference
2026-03-05 - 2026-03-06 | Online, US
Join the Section on Taxation for its Annual Tax Law Conference—delivered entirely online. This year’s program will feature two days of educational sessions highlighting the latest developments across the tax law landscape. Top practitioners, government officials, and thought leaders from the tax community will share insights designed to keep you informed, ahead of the curve, and equipped with practical takeaways for your practice.
[Click Here] for Full Conference Details.

Southern District of Illinois Chapter: Fourth Annual Women in the Law Symposium
2026-03-05 11:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | St. Clair Country Club, 100 S. 78th Street, Belleville, IL, 62223, United States
On behalf of the Southern District of Illinois chapter of the Federal Bar Association, I’d like to invite you and your colleagues to attend our fourth annual Women in the Law Symposium, which will be held on March 5, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the St. Clair Country Club, 100 S. 78th Street, Belleville, IL 62223. This nationally recognized event is intended to offer valuable networking and educational opportunities for women who work in the legal profession, but it is open to everyone. You do not have to be a woman or an attorney to attend. All are welcome, including law students, legal analysts, paralegals, legal assistants, and other legal professionals.
This year’s program features Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, the Michigan state court judge who presided over the Larry Nassar sentencing hearing; Seventh Circuit Judge Amy St. Eve, a Belleville native; and Mary Anne Sedey, an accomplished trial lawyer and employment law specialist. This is also a great opportunity to meet the Honorable Staci M. Yandle, SDIL’s new chief U.S. district court judge, who will give brief opening remarks.
The doors open at 11:00 am. A lunch buffet will be served around noon, and there will be an open bar. We will also be seeking 3.0 hours of CLE credit in Missouri and Illinois.
Individual tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through our Eventbrite page. The price for FBA members is $150; non-member tickets are $200. Discounted tickets are available for law students and government / nonprofit employees.
Tables of 10 can be purchased by contacting Nathan Stump, nstump@uselaws.com. The normal table price is $2000. However, we are running an early bird promotion: if you purchase a table by February 14, 2026, the cost is just $1500. To reserve a table or for more information, contact Nathan or just respond to this email.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available: SILVER ($250 for a small logo placement in our event program and signage) or GOLD ($500 for a larger logo placement for the same). If you would like to sponsor this event, please contact Nathan Stump, nstump@uselaws.com, or simply reply to this email.
Thanks for your consideration and continued support. We hope to see you there!

Webinar: The Latest Trends in Environmental Insurance - What's In & What's Out
2026-03-05 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Attendees in this program will gain a foundational understanding of insurance coverage options for environmental risks, including how to evaluate typical pollution exclusions in standard commercial insurance policies and address coverage gaps through specialty environmental insurance products. The session will explore tailoring coverage solutions based on technical environmental data and legal agreements, emphasizing the importance of customizing policies for specific industries such as the offshore wind sector. Additionally, panelists will discuss emerging issues like PFAS, litigation trends including greenwashing claims, and other legal limitations that may impact these coverages.
Register Now!
Presented by FBA’s Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Section.

Presenters

Kimberly Mann, Managing Director, U.S. Strategy and Growth Leader Environmental Practice
Kim specializes in providing clients with expert advice on environmental risks and insurance solutions. She has extensive experience in complex environmental risks, including mergers & acquisitions, brownfield redevelopment, heavy industrial risks, and product & asbestos exposures.
Kim has experience in crafting solutions to meet client-specific needs, including the following: Pollution Legal Liability, Excess of Indemnity, Products Pollution, Adverse Development Caps, Loss Portfolio Transfer, Cost Cap, Environmental Liability Buyouts, Contractors Pollution and Combined General Liability/Pollution Liability.
Kim has industry and account management experience in a wide range of industries, including working with chemical, power & utility, environmental remediation, real estate, construction, manufacturing, public utility and infrastructure, gaming and entertainment, higher education, healthcare, commercial transportation, and retail, among others.

Michael Sharkey, Partner, Perkins Coie
Michael Sharkey assists clients on a range of insurance litigation issues, including alleged products liability, environmental contamination, directors and officers liability, asbestos bodily injury and property damage, trademark infringement, and defamation. As counsel to policyholders, Michael has participated in all phases of litigation and has briefed appeals to state supreme courts and state and federal appellate courts.
Before a claim arises, Michael advises clients on the scope of insurance coverage under their existing or proposed policies and suggests possible improvements to seek at renewal. Michael also guides clients on insurance issues pertaining to corporate transactions.
Additionally, he counsels clients proactively on the drafting and interplay of insurance and indemnification provisions in contracts, including construction contracts, supplier and service agreements, and corporate transactions.

Registration
Register Now!

Live Broadcast | FBA Member: $0
Live Broadcast | Nonmember: $95
On-Demand Broadcast | FBA Member: $50
On-Demand Broadcast | Nonmember: $95

CLE
Please note: CLE for this webinar has not been pre-approved.
MyLaw and the FBA will seek 1.0 General CLE credit hours in 60-minute states, and 1.2 General CLE credit hours in 50-minute states.
Posted credit hours are estimated and subject to respective state approval and rounding rules. CLE qualifications vary by state/jurisdiction.
For questions regarding this program, please contact MyLaw CLE by email: registration@mylawcle.com or

Qui Tam Section: [VIRTUAL] Insurance Fraud Under the ACA
2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Join the FBA’s Qui Tam Section for a panel discussion of fraud under the Affordable Care Act. Our panel of private and government attorneys will discuss the nuances of ACA False Claims Act fraud cases, including how they differ from typical healthcare fraud and procurement fraud investigations. Panelists will discuss how ACA fraud investigations proceed, explain the evaluation of damages on Advanced Premium Tax Credits, and discuss the importance of special enrollment periods. The panel will also share insights on how enforcement strategies are changing and how this will affect cases in the future.
Register Now!
Presented by the FBA Qui Tam Section

Presenters

Jeremy Bloor (Moderator)
U.S. Attorney’s Office, M.D. Fla.
SPEAKERS

David B. Wiseman
U.S. Department of Justice

Amy L. Easton
Phillips & Cohen

Zach Williams
White & Case

Registration
Register Here!

FBA Members: $0
Non-Members: $0

CLE
Please note that CLE credit is not offered for this webinar.

Email Communication Policy
By registering for this event, you agree to receive email communications from the Federal Bar Association and affiliated sponsors of the program concerning event details, Continuing Legal Education certification, programming changes, upcoming events, surveys, and post-event communications.
Recording Disclaimer
By registering for an FBA webinar, you agree to the recording of audio and visual content presented during the live event and consent to subsequent use of the recording by the FBA. You agree that the recording is the sole property of the FBA and that the recording may be used by the FBA in any manner in its sole and absolute discretion. This recording may include questions and poll responses provided by you during the live event. If you do not consent to the recording and the FBA’s use of the same, do not register for the event.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact sections@fedbar.org.

Immigration Law Section: Drowning in Precedent - Making Sense of the BIA’s 2025 Decisions
2026-03-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
**Webinar hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Join the Immigration Law Section’s Newer Lawyers Division and Kevin A. Gregg, partner of Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli and Pratt P.A., and host of the weekly immigration case law podcast Immigration Review, for a focused discussion of the BIA’s 2025 published decisions. With dozens of precedential decisions issued 2025, it can be hard to know where to focus. This webinar will help practitioners cut through the volume by making sense of selected 2025 BIA decisions with the most practical implications for day to day practice. The discussion will highlight key themes, explain how these decisions are showing up in immigration courts, and offer clear takeaways for litigating cases moving forward.
Register Now!
Presented by the Immigration Law Section and Immigration Law Section’s New Lawyer Division.

Presenters

Kevin A. Gregg, Partner, Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli and Pratt P.A.
Kevin A. Gregg is the San Diego partner of Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli and Pratt P.A. He is also the host of the weekly immigration case law podcast Immigration Review. Prior to joining KKTP, Kevin clerked for a U.S. District Judge in the Southern District of Florida, and served as an Attorney Advisor in the San Diego Immigration Court.

Registration
Register Now!
Registration Fees

Complimentary for FBA Members & Non-Members

Live Captioning: Closed captioning is available for all virtual webcasts.
Internet Requirements: Virtual programs require suitable internet strength to stream online panels. A minimum internet connection of 800 Kbps is recommended for an optimal attendee experience. Test your connection here.

CLE
Please note CLE will not be offered for this event.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I access the virtual webinar?
A: Each webinar will have a unique link to watch the live broadcast. Registered attendees will receive login instructions via a calendar invitations 24 hours prior to the webinar.
Q: Will recordings of the sessions be available after the event?
A: Approved sessions will be available for registrants to view live and on-demand following the webinar.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: Please contact Maya Lugasy (mlugasy@brown-immigration.com) or sections@fedbar.org for any other questions.

Email Communication Policy
By registering for this event, you agree to receive email communication from the Federal Bar Association and affiliated sponsors of the program concerning event details, Continuing Legal Education certification, programming changes, upcoming events, surveys, and post-event communications.
Recording Disclaimer
By registering for an online FBA program, you agree to the recording of audio and visual content presented during the live event and consent to subsequent use of the recording by the FBA. You agree that the recording is the sole property of the FBA and that the recording may be used by the FBA in any manner in its sole and absolute discretion. This recording may include questions and poll responses provided by you during the live event. If you do not consent to the recording and the FBA’s use of the same, do not register for the event.

Hybrid Event: Women in Dispute Resolution and the Courts
2026-03-19 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Join us for this year’s NGO CSW 70 program entitled, ‘Women in Alternative Dispute Resolution and the Courts.’ We’ll explore how judges, and specifically women, support access to justice and advance the rule of law through innovative means in courthouses worldwide. As described in the 2016 UNDP Annual Report on The Rule of Law and Human Rights, Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) – for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies – ushers in a new kind of development, one where people can influence the decisions that affect their lives and create communities that thrive. SDG 16 explains how fair governance plays a crucial role in promoting peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, as well as ensuring sustainable development. The program will bring together courthouse leaders from around the world to discuss how the use of alternatives to dispute resolution, such as mediation and arbitration, in the courthouse is helping to improve access to justice for vulnerable litigants in various contexts.
Attendance is free for anyone interested, and we encourage you to invite your networks to participate. The program is in-person for those local to New York City, and virtual for those unable to join in-person on March 19, 2026, from 10:30 am –12:00 pm ET
To participate in-person: This event is an official Parallel Event being held at the NGO CSW Site across the street from the United Nations. In-person attendees must register directly with the NGO CSW Forum HERE.
Note: Participation in this event will not enable you to attend events within the United Nations Building itself. Here is the address for this event:
Church Center For the United Nations (CCUN)
777 United Nations Plz., 11th Floor,
New York, NY 10017
Virtual Registration Here!
Sponsored by the Federal Bar Association’s Judiciary Division,
Co-sponsors:

FBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Section (confirmed)
FBA International Law Section (confirmed)
National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) (confirmed)
International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) (confirmed)
ABA, Judicial Division, National Conference of the Administrative Law Judiciary (NCALJ) (confirmed)
Association of European Administrative Judges (confirmed)
Academy of Court Appointed Neutrals (confirmed)
ABA Dispute Resolution Section (awaiting confirmation)
Fordham Law School (confirmed)
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (awaiting confirmation)
ABA Labor and Employment Section, International Committee (confirmed)

OPENING REMARKS

Speakers

Hon. Mimi Tsankov (Ret.)
Ms. Tsankov is a certified mediator and arbitrator based in New York City. Since retiring from the bench after nearly two decades in the federal administrative judiciary, she now serves on a wide range of national and state mediation and arbitration panels.
Her many years of public service included serving as Assistant District Counsel and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice as well as an Attorney Advisor with the Peace Corps. She has also worked for over a decade in private law practice.
Recognized both at the court and throughout various legal organizations for her work as a judge and as a leader in the international legal community, Ms. Tsankov has held multiple elected and appointed roles for decades in leading organizations, including the American Bar Association (ABA), the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Judicial Council 2 (National Association of Immigration Judges, a national labor organization affiliated with the AFL-CIO), the Federal Bar Association (FBA), and the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ).
She’s received multiple ABA Presidential Appointments to the UN Representatives Department of Global Communications, been elected Vice President for Publications at the NAWJ, and been elected to the FBA’s Board of Directors for a three-year term. She has chaired both the ABA’s Judicial Division’s National Conference of the Administrative Law Judiciary, and the FBA’s Judiciary Division.
Currently, she’s an appointed Board Member of the New York City Bar Association’s Commercial Law and Uniform State Law Committee (CLUSL), its Arbitration Committee, and is active in the ABA’s Dispute Resolution Section.
In the labor field, Ms. Tsankov served as a prominent nationally-elected leader for four years at the IFPTE’s Judicial Council 2, bringing significant public attention to rule of law issues of national interest. She now participates in multiple chapters of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA), and the New York State Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Section. She holds leadership roles in the ABA’s Labor and Employment Section.
Ms. Tsankov contributed to ongoing labor-related discussions by testifying before immigration-focused Judiciary Subcommittees of both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, and has met regularly with Congressional leaders, published numerous labor-related articles in legal periodicals and in a variety of law journals, served on national and international education panels (U.S., Canada, and Europe) and been a trusted resource to members of all major media outlets (print, TV, and radio).
With a focus on keeping the community informed, she’s also provided expert background information for theatrical and museum immigration-labor related releases explaining the nuances of labor issues in the immigration context.
Throughout her career, Ms. Tsankov has received many honors, awards, and citations from the U.S. Department of Justice, the ABA, the FBA, and others.
For years, she has been serving on the Adjunct Law Faculty at Fordham Law School in New York teaching International Law and Justice, and has been on the adjunct faculty of Colorado Law School and the Sturm College of Law in Denver, Colorado. Ms. Tsankov publishes regularly in peer-reviewed, and general interest journals.
She completed her J.D. at the University of Virginia School of Law and was awarded an M.A. in International Relations at the University of Virginia Graduate School of Politics.

Rachel Irura, Regional Ombudsman, Nairobi, United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS).
Rachel Irura joined the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS) in December 2022 as the
Regional Ombudsman and Head of the Regional Ombudsman branch in Nairobi, Kenya. Rachel is an accredited civil and commercial mediator and served on the Staff Union of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the Hague, the Netherlands. Her most recent role was the Head of the Witness Support and Protection Unit (WISP) in Arusha, Tanzania, and the Head of the Kigali Field Office of the United Nations Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (“Mechanism”) in Kigali, supporting witnesses who testified before the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (UNIRMCT). Rachel also worked for CIVICUS, an umbrella body for civil society organizations in Johannesburg, South Africa. She began her career with the United Nations in January
2005 as a Legal Assistant with the UN Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL), in Freetown, Sierra Leone. She subsequently worked as a Human Rights Officer with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), in Fishtown,
Liberia. Ms. Irura also worked as a Court Officer with the UN Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL), Sub-office in the
Hague, the Netherlands. She served as a Legal Officer at the UN Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) from June 2011 to February 2020. She holds a Master of Laws (LLM) Degree in Human Rights and Democratization in Africa from the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Judge Elizabeth Stong, U.S. Bankruptcy Court (EDNY)
Hon. Elizabeth Stong has been a United States bankruptcy judge in New York since 2003. A former litigator, she is a frequent speaker and author and an adjunct law professor at Brooklyn Law School, and holds leadership roles in several international, national, and regional organizations and bar associations. Judge Stong has trained judges in case management, commercial and business rescue law, and dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration, in more than 25 countries on five continents, with the World Bank, the U.S. Commerce Department, and several other intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations, most recently at World Bank’s regional judicial colloquium and Africa Roundtable in South Africa.
Judge Stong is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, an elected member of the American Law Institute and European Law Institute, and a member of the Board of Governors of the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges representing the Second Circuit, among other positions. She is also a regular NGO delegate to UNCITRAL’s Working Groups addressing dispute resolution and insolvency. In addition, she is an active volunteer in her community and has coordinated the interfaith homeless shelter there for many years. She has received many awards for her work to improve access to justice.
In her ABA activities, Judge Stong presently serves as Chair of the Rule of Law Initiative Middle East North Africa Council and recently completed terms as Chair of the Standing Committee on Continuing Legal Education and Chair of the Judicial Division’s National Conference of Federal Trial Judges, among other roles.
Judge Stong received her AB from Harvard University magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in the history of science, and her JD from Harvard Law School where she served as President of the global alumni association.

The Honorable Col. Linda Murnane, Associate Justice, University of Cincinnati College of Law, J.D. 1981
Linda recently completed two years as an Associate Justice serving on the High Court of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Her previous judicial experience included ten consecutive years as a military judge and chief circuit military judge for the United States Air Force. She served in a variety of United Nations positions at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, including service in Trial Chamber 3 as the Senior Legal Officer, three years as the Chief Court Management Services, and short terms as the Acting Head of Chambers and Acting Deputy Registrar. She also served three years as the Chief, Court Management Services at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
She currently serves on the Board of Governors for the American Bar Association (ABA) and American Judges Association (AJA) and is the co-District Director for District 7 of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ). She previously served as Chair of the ABA Judicial Division and National Conference of Specialized Court Judges, as the Chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Armed Forces Law, and as an ABA UN Representative and Special Observer. She served on the ABA International Law Section’s Executive Council for six years. She is an ABA Sustaining Life Fellow, and a past recipient of the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement and International Law Section’s Mayre Rasmussen Award.
Justice Murnane is the editor of “Women’s Voices: A Global Perspective on the Right to Vote”, and is a chapter contributor to “Her Honor” both published by ABA Publications.
She is a retired colonel in the United States Air Force and is married to Kevin M. Murnane, USAF, Ret. They have two daughter, Rachel Manuel and Christina Veillon, who are both teachers, and three grandchildren, Abrial, Cody and Aidan.

Giuseppe De Palo, Esq., Mediator at JAMS; President of the Dialogue Through Conflict Foundation
Giuseppe De Palo is an international mediator at JAMS and president of the Dialogue Through Conflict Foundation. A former senior official of the United Nations, he has advised the European Parliament and national parliaments worldwide on mediation policy. His publications have been translated into several languages. Mr. De Palo is at the forefront of AI integration in dispute resolution, having conceived the first live “human-versus-AI” mediation competition, now staged across multiple continents. This work explores whether technology can replicate the nuances of facilitated negotiation and has sparked dialogue among practitioners, policymakers, and technologists about responsible AI adoption in ADR. He has mediated more than 2,500 disputes across 60 countries, spanning commercial contracts, trade conflicts, and multi-stakeholder ESG matters.

Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch, Former First Vice-President of the International Criminal Court and Patron of Women in ADR Kenya (WADR)
Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch CBS, EBS, Trailblazer, is a former Judge and First Vice-President of the International Criminal Court at The Hague in The Netherlands.
Certified International Mediator(IMI), Accredited Mediator, Certified Advanced Mediator, Chartered Mediator, Member, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators-London, and the Kenya branch.
She holds a Master of Arts Degree (GMAP) from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University in Boston-USA, Law Degree from the University of Nairobi, and a Professional Certificate from the Kenya School of Law.
Upon completion of her tenure at the ICC in 2018, she successfully moved her legal profession to other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution, particularly mediation and peacebuilding. She conducts International and continental mediations, Court Annexed Mediations in Kenya, and private mediations.
In July 2022,she was appointed by Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as a member of the Judicial Reform Committee under the Revitalized(power sharing) Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, a country that had been in conflict for over 20 years. Using her mediation skills whilst conducting public consultations to establish the reforms the people of South Sudan wanted, her committee visited most parts of the country and produced a draft report which was subjected to a three-day validation workshop. The draft report was validated by over 100 people including the leaders who attended the workshop. The Committee produced a final report containing recommendations for the reform of the judiciary of South Sudan. The report was handed over to HE President Salva Kiir Mayardit at state house Juba on December 20, 2024.
In January 2024, Lady Justice Aluoch was appointed a member of the jury of the Simplicemente Donna International Award and in March 2024, she was appointed to the Global Advisory Council of G100 Networking.
The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators-London appointed her a member of Professional Conduct Committee which investigates, and if necessary facilitates disciplinary and or expulsion of any member through an independent and impartial system of disciplinary proceedings.
She serves in many international and regional organizations. She is a co-chair of the Board of Directors of Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI), Board Member of Dialogue through Conflict Foundation, Patron, Women in Alternative Dispute Resolution-Kenya, and the immediate past member of International Advisory Board, Office of the Ombudsperson of the United Nations Funds and Programs.
She is a recipient of both International and National Awards including International Peace Award from Premio Internazionale Simplicente Donna, awarded in Florence-Italy in November 2023 in recognition of the work on judicial reforms she was conducting in the Republic of South Sudan.
In Kenya, she is a recipient of the national Awards of CBS,EBS and Trailblazer( CBS) awarded by the last three Presidents of the Republic of Kenya, for her illustrious judicial career.

Merril Hirsh (CIArb), Executive Director, Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals
Merril Hirsh of HirshADR PLLC and the Law Office of Merril Hirsh PLLC in Washington, D.C. is an arbitrator, hearing examiner, mediator and the Executive Director of the Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals as well as Chair of the ABA Judicial Division Lawyers Conference Court-Appointed Neutrals Committee and a member of its Executive Committee. He has litigated cases on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants as well as the United States government in federal or state courts for over 40 years and in over 40 states.
He is also a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals, a member of the Council of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution, a hearing committee chair for the DC Board of Professional Responsibility, a hearing examiner for the Architect of the Capitol, an arbitrator, a private commercial mediator and a family law mediator for DC Superior Court. He received the 2024 Nachtigal Award from the American Judges Association for service to the administration of justice, the 2023 Lawyer as Problem Solver Award from the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution and twice received the Civil Justice Award from the Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals. He graduated with a BA, with high honors in Government, from Oberlin College in 1979 and a J.D. from Harvard Law School, magna cum laude in 1982.

Hon. Pam Washington, National Association of Women Judges
Pamela Scott Washington is a retired Alaska District Court Judge and currently serves as President of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ). She retired from the bench on October 31, 2025, concluding a distinguished judicial career in Anchorage, Alaska, where she most recently served as Deputy Presiding Judge of the Anchorage District Court. During her tenure, she managed high-volume criminal and civil dockets and presided over Anchorage’s Coordinated Resource Project, commonly known as the Mental Health Court.
Judge Washington has held numerous national and international leadership roles advancing justice, equity, and judicial excellence. Her service includes the Alaska Supreme Court Fairness, Diversity & Equality Commission; the International Association of Women Judges; the National Center for State Courts Blueprint for Racial Justice workgroup; the American Bar Association Judicial Editorial Board; and the United States Chapter of the Committee of Pan American Judges on Social Justice. She was a conference speaker at the Vatican addressing social justice concerns in 2023 and 2025.
As the first African American woman appointed to the judiciary in Alaska, Judge Washington has been a catalyst for increasing diversity on the bench, expanding implicit bias education, and strengthening public confidence in the fair and impartial administration of justice. Her honors include the Alaska Supreme Court Community Service Award, the North to the Future Business and Professional Woman in History Award, NAWJ’s Justice Vaino Spencer Leadership Award, and recognition as a Congressional Coalition Angels in Adoption Honoree for her advocacy in Alaska’s foster care system. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Judge Washington has called Alaska home since 1975. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications from Northern Arizona University and a Juris Doctor from Arizona State University. She is married to Dr. Stephen Washington, a mental health clinician, and they have three adult children, five grandsons, and one granddaughter
Student Speakers
Panel Speaker Introductions

Miruna Iosub is an LL.M. student in International Law and Justice at Fordham University School of Law. She is originally from Romania, where she earned her law degree and wrote her bachelor’s thesis on international cooperation among states for the maintenance of international peace and security. Miruna currently serves as a student representative at the New York City Bar Association and is a staff member of the Fordham International Law Society Journal.

Joshua Wiafe Frimpong is a Climate Justice and Policy Advisor, Executive Director of Eco-Africa Network, and LL.M. Candidate in International Law & Justice at Fordham University, where his work centers on climate justice, just transitions, and climate governance. He leads youth-driven climate action across Africa- mobilizing thousands of young people, convening landmark platforms such as the 2025 Climate Justice Conference and National Universities Climate Debate, and advancing climate education through policy advocacy, media engagement, and innovative digital solutions. He has spoken at major regional and global platforms including the United Nations General Assembly 80th Session, UNFCCC COP29, Oxford Africa Conference 2025, and leading climate and energy forums, and currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Project (Ghana- NCEP), advancing evidence-based pathways toward a just and inclusive net-zero future.

Milagros Lee is an LL.M. candidate in International Law and Justice at Fordham University School of Law and a full-tuition scholar at the Leitner Center for International Law and Justice. She has professional experience in international legal analysis and institutional work, including with diplomatic missions and UN-affiliated bodies. Her academic and professional interests focus on public international law, international institutions, and the implementation of international legal frameworks in complex global contexts.

Grace Frederica Lutterodt is a lawyer admitted to practice law in The Gambia and Ghana. She is currently an LL.M. candidate studying International Law and Justice at Fordham University School of Law. She has over three years of professional and internship experience with the African Centre of International Criminal Justice(ACICJ) and the African Centre on Law and Ethics(ACLE). Grace’s academic and professional interests include criminal law, ethics, constitutional law, and dispute resolution. She is committed to developing her skills, embracing professional challenges, and contributing meaningfully to justice systems both domestically and internationally.

Registration
Register Now!
Attendance is free for anyone interested, and we encourage you to invite your networks to participate. The program is in-person for those local to New York City, and virtual for those unable to join in-person on March 19, 2026, from 10:30–12:00 ET
To participate in-person: This event is an official Parallel Event being held at the NGO CSW Site across the street from the United Nations. In-person attendees must register directly with the NGO CSW Forum here on their website. Note: Participation in this event will not enable you to attend events within the United Nations Building itself. Here is the address for this event:
Church Center for the United Nations (CCUN)
777 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
11th Floor – Assigned room is TBD

Los Angeles Chapter: Making the Leap: Building a Successful Solo Law Practice
2026-03-24 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Judicate West in DTLA, 601 S. Figueroa, Suite 3400, Los Angeles, CA, 90017, United States
Thinking about going solo? This panel brings together seasoned federal practitioners to give a practical roadmap for launching your own law practice — from picking a niche and handling entity/insurance questions to startup costs, client intake and marketing, tech and cybersecurity, ethical landmines, and when to outsource or grow.
Panelists:
Keshia Adeniyi-Dorsey, K. Adeniyi Law
Lillian Chu, Forta Law
Michael Freedman, The Freedman Firm
Dan Grunfeld, Judicate West
Moderator:
John Hanusz, Hanusz Law
Lunch will be provided at 12pm, and parking will be validated.
Program will start at 12:30pm. CLE will be offered, as will a remote option.
To register, please click here.

Webinar: False Claims Act 101
2026-03-24 15:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
What Litigants Need To Know About This Unique Statute
Panelists:
Walter H Hawes IV, Partner, MoloLamken LLP
Christie R. McGuinness, Of Counsel, Saul Ewing LLP
Janel Quinn, Principal, The Employment Law Group
Matt Sparks, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Western District of Missouri
Please RSVP to Christie R. McGuinness: christie.mcguinness@saul.com
Zoom Link: https://saul.zoom.us/j/97165987033?pwd=[REDACTED]
Presented by the FBA’s Southern District of New York Chapter, Eastern District of New York Chapter, Younger Lawyers Division, and the Professional Development Committee.

Immigration Law Section: Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) Courtroom Skills & Practice Tips
2026-03-25 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Webinar hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Join the Immigration Law Section’s Newer Lawyers Division for their webinar series. This webinar series enables attendees to receive education and mentoring from seasoned immigration attorneys in specific areas of immigration law. Please join us to hear from the former Chief Immigration Judge Sheila McNulty and former Assistant Chief Immigration Judge Jennifer Peyton as they provide tips and guidance on practicing before EOIR, including at master calendar hearings, individual merits hearings, evidentiary objections, motion practice, credibility determinations, and preserving issues for appeal before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
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Presented by the Immigration Law Section

Presenters
Sheila McNulty – Partner, Kriezelman Burton & Associates – former Chief Immigration Judge
Sheila McNulty is a Partner with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. Born with a natural inclination for justice, Sheila pursued a legal education, earning a law degree that would serve as the foundation for a career marked by tireless dedication to the law. Throughout her early years, she demonstrated a profound respect for the principles of fairness, advocating for the rights of individuals and standing firmly on the side of the underrepresented.
In 1991, Sheila began her journey with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), where she served as a Trial Attorney for nearly a decade. In this role, she worked on complex immigration cases, honing skills in legal argumentation, case management, and procedural intricacies. It was here where she developed a profound understanding of the challenges faced by immigrants and the legal complexities of U.S. immigration law, which would shape the remainder of her career.
Building upon her experience in immigration law, Sheila transitioned to a role as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois in 2000. During this time, she managed a variety of cases involving both criminal and immigration law, strengthening her expertise in federal legal proceedings. Her work in this high-stakes environment further cultivated her ability to navigate complex legal issues with precision and determination, earning her recognition as a fierce advocate for justice.
In 2010, Sheila was appointed as an Immigration Judge at the Chicago Immigration Court, where she presided over a wide array of immigration cases. Her tenure at the court was marked by a steadfast commitment to applying the law fairly and equitably. She earned the respect of her peers and the legal community through her ability to make tough decisions with compassion, always keeping in mind the human side of immigration proceedings.
In November 2015, she was promoted to Assistant Chief Immigration Judge, a role in which she provided leadership and oversight in the administration of immigration court cases. In this capacity, Sheila was instrumental in managing judicial functions and improving the efficiency and fairness of immigration proceedings across the country. Her leadership and dedication to ensuring justice for all were evident in every decision made and in her continuous efforts to improve the judicial process for immigrants seeking relief in the United States.
In March 2021, Sheila was appointed Regional Deputy Chief Immigration Judge, further expanding her influence and impact on the national immigration system. In this role, she took on even greater responsibilities, overseeing multiple immigration courts and working with judges across the region to maintain consistency in rulings and ensure that cases were handled with the highest degree of professionalism and fairness.
In April 2023, Sheila was appointed Chief Immigration Judge, a prestigious position that placed her at the forefront of the U.S. immigration system. As the Chief Immigration Judge, she managed the nation’s immigration courts, overseeing the adjudication of cases that impact the lives of individuals from around the globe. Under her leadership, the immigration courts became more efficient, with a strong emphasis on fairness, transparency, and the protection of due process rights. Her ability to lead by example and her unwavering commitment to justice made her a pivotal figure in shaping the future of U.S. immigration law.
Throughout her career, Sheila has earned a reputation not only for her legal expertise but also for her deep compassion for the people affected by immigration law. Her work has influenced policy, shaped legal precedents, and provided a voice for those seeking justice in the face of complex immigration issues. Known for her dedication to fairness, Sheila has become a trusted figure in the legal community, always striving to create a legal environment that is just and equitable for all.
Now, as an attorney in private practice, Sheila continues to inspire future generations of lawyers, advocates, and judges with her commitment to justice and the law. Her legacy of service is a testament to her lifelong dedication to ensuring that the principles of justice, fairness, and equality are upheld in every case she touches.
Jennifer Peyton – Partner, Kriezelman Burton & Associates – former Assistant Chief Immigration Judge
As a Partner with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, Jennifer I. Peyton brings extensive legal experience and a distinguished career in both private practice and judicial service to our office. Appointed by U.S. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, Ms. Peyton began hearing cases as an Immigration Judge in September 2016, following a long and accomplished tenure in private practice and legal education. From 2021 to present Judge Peyton was appointed as the Assistant Chief Immigration Judge for the Chicago Immigration Court, and acting Assistant Chief Immigration Judge for the Indianapolis Immigration Court. She continued to hear cases and oversee the immigration judges in her district until July 2025.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity College in 1994 and her Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1998. From 2003 to 2016, she practiced law in Cleveland—first as Managing Partner of her own firm, Jennifer I. Peyton, Attorney at Law LLC, and later as a Partner at Brown LLC.
In addition to her legal practice and as a judge, Ms. Peyton has contributed significantly to legal education. She served as an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law beginning in 2006, and in 2013, she joined the faculty at Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law as an adjunct clinical professor. During her judicial tenure, she also trained immigration judges, worked on the pro bono steering committee and the law school working group.
Ms. Peyton is a member of the Ohio State Bar and is committed to bringing a depth of knowledge, integrity, and professionalism to her practice.

Registration
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Complimentary for FBA Members & Non-Members

Live Captioning: Closed captioning is available for all virtual webcasts.
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CLE
Please note CLE will not be offered for this event.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I access the virtual webinar?
A: Each webinar will have a unique link to watch the live broadcast. Registered attendees will receive login instructions via a calendar invitations 24 hours prior to the webinar.
Q: Will recordings of the sessions be available after the event?
A: Approved sessions will be available for registrants to view live and on-demand following the webinar.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: Please contact Nicole Provax (nprovax@krilaw.com) or sections@fedbar.org for any other questions.

Email Communication Policy
By registering for this event, you agree to receive email communication from the Federal Bar Association and affiliated sponsors of the program concerning event details, Continuing Legal Education certification, programming changes, upcoming events, surveys, and post-event communications.
Recording Disclaimer
By registering for an online FBA program, you agree to the recording of audio and visual content presented during the live event and consent to subsequent use of the recording by the FBA. You agree that the recording is the sole property of the FBA and that the recording may be used by the FBA in any manner in its sole and absolute discretion. This recording may include questions and poll responses provided by you during the live event. If you do not consent to the recording and the FBA’s use of the same, do not register for the event.

2026 Leadership Summit
2026-03-27 - 2026-03-28 | The Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City, 1250 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
The Summit is an empowering journey designed exclusively for FBA leaders to amplify their impact.  The Leadership Summit offers engaging sessions and practical workshops while building in dedicated time for networking to develop national personal and professional relationships. Please plan to attend the Summit events by participating in the Thurgood Marshall Memorial Moot Court Competition and Capitol Hill Day, as well as midyear business meetings.  Get ready to enhance your leadership abilities and drive positive change within the Federal Bar Association.
Registration Open!

The Making of a Judge: Perspectives from Federal Judges and the Senate Judiciary Committee
2026-03-27 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | The Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City, 1250 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
About this Event
The Federal Bar Association warmly invites you to join our March 27, 2026 program featuring a conversation between the Senate Judiciary Committee, former White House Senior Counsel, and the federal judiciary on the process of being appointed and confirmed as a federal judge.
This program aims to educate attorneys, aspiring judges, or anyone wishing to better understand the federal judicial selection process. Panelists will offer insight into how judicial candidates are identified and evaluated, the role of negotiations and background investigations, and how the confirmation process unfolds in practice. They will also share candid reflections on challenges associated with this process, lessons learned, and practical advice for prospective candidates—while dispelling common myths about becoming a federal judge. Federal judges will complement this discussion by reflecting on their own pathways to the bench, offering guidance for those considering judicial service.
The program offers CLE credit and will conclude with a reception, offering a rare opportunity to engage directly with judges and key participants in the judicial selection process.
We hope you will join us for this unique opportunity to engage in thoughtful conversation about public service and pathways to the bench.
Presented by the FBA Younger Lawyers Division
Co-Sponsors: FBA Capitol Hill Chapter, FBA District of Columbia Chapter, & FBA Federal Litigation Section

Registration for this program is now closed.

Friday, March 27, 206
Program: 4:00 – 5:00 pm ET
Reception: 5:00 – 6:00 pm ET
Venue:
The Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City
1250 S Hayes St
Arlington, VA 22202

Presenters

Paige Herwig
Paige Herwig served as Senior Counsel and Special Assistant to President Joseph Biden from January 2021 until June 2023, where she led the judicial nominations team under White House Counsels Dana Remus and Stuart Delery; she additionally served as Associate Counsel and Special Assistant to President Barack Obama from 2013 to 2015 as a member of the judicial nominations team.
Ms. Herwig has also served as Deputy General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Commerce; Deputy General Counsel for the Biden-Harris Presidential Transition; Counselor to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch; Deputy General Counsel for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Minority Staff under Ranking Member Senator Dianne Feinstein; Chief Counsel to U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar; and Director of Governance and Strategic Initiatives at Facebook (now Meta). She clerked for Senior Judge Harry T. Edwards of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. She graduated from Yale Law School and Yale College. She is originally from West Des Moines, Iowa.

Caleb Jackson
Caleb Jackson works as Counsel on Senate Judiciary Committee for Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), where he covers the Senator’s intellectual property, civil rights, criminal justice, voting rights, and judicial nominations portfolio. He previously worked as Counsel on Judiciary Committee for Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA). Prior to coming to Capitol Hill, he worked at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law on federal policy and at Campaign Legal Center litigating voting rights cases. He began his career at a plaintiff-side labor and employment firm in Washington D.C. representing unions and low wage workers.
Caleb is a summa cum laude graduate of Hampton University, where he served as Student Body Vice President. He is also a graduate of UCLA School of Law, where he specialized in Critical Race Studies and served both as Co-President of the Black Law Students Association and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the National Black Law Journal. While an undergraduate student at Hampton, Caleb interned at CQ Roll Call and ABC News’ Political Unit in Washington D.C. He’s a proud native of Dallas, Texas.

Hon. Karoline Mehalchick
On July 11, 2023, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. nominated Judge Karoline Mehalchick to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. She was confirmed by the Senate on January 31, 2024, commissioned on February 5, and sworn in on February 6. Previously, she served over a decade as a U.S. Magistrate Judge, becoming the first woman to sit in the Scranton vicinage and later serving as Chief Magistrate Judge.
Judge Mehalchick is a graduate of Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College and Tulane Law School. She clerked for Judge Trish Corbett, then practiced at Oliver, Price & Rhodes, where she became a partner in 2008. She will serve as Jurist in Residence at Widener Commonwealth Law School (2025–2027). She has held national judicial leadership roles, including service on the Judicial Conference Committee on Codes of Conduct and the Third Circuit’s Reentry Courts and Workplace Conduct committees. Locally, she helped launch the Prisoner Litigation Settlement Program and presides over the CARE court reentry program.
An active member of the Federal Bar Association, she was sworn in as President of the national organization on September 13, 2025. She is also a Past President of the Middle District Chapter. She also serves on the Ballet Theatre of Scranton board and leads constitutional discussions for students through the National Constitution Center.
Judge Mehalchick has been honored with numerous awards, including the PBA’s Michael K. Smith Excellence in Service Award, the LBA’s Margaret P. Gavin Award, recognition as a “Lawyer on the Fast Track” (2012), and designation as a PBA “Woman Trailblazer” (2020).
Tim Rodriguez
Tim Rodriguez is a litigation associate in Bradley Arant Boult Cummings’ Nashville office. Tim focuses primarily on appeals, class actions, mass torts, and products liability work. Prior to joining Bradley, Tim clerked for the Hon. John Nalbandian of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Before his clerkship, Tim served as Counsel for Nominations for the Senate Judiciary Committee. In that role, Tim advised two Committee Chairmen and a Ranking Member on judicial, executive branch, and other nominations under the Committee’s jurisdiction.
Tim has a J.D. from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University. He also has a B.A. in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Missouri.
Gurpreet Sandhu (Moderator)
Gurpreet Sandhu is a Deputy Attorney General in the California Attorney General’s Office, Correctional Law Section, where she represents the State in high-profile federal class actions, appeals, and individual cases impacting the California prison system. Prior to joining the California Department of Justice, she practiced at the national firm Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP where she defended car manufacturers in product liability litigation, Song Beverly, and tort actions. She has a Bachelor of Law from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, a Master of Law from the University of California Berkeley School of Law.
Gurpreet serves as a board member of the Federal Bar Association (FBA) Younger Lawyers Division, an executive board member of the FBA California Northern District Chapter, and member of the FBA Government Relations Committee.

Registration
Registration for this program is now closed.
Registration Fees
Private Practice: $100
Public Sector: $75
Law Students: $0
Cancellation Policy
Go to the FBA Online Portal and click on Events > My Registrations to cancel your registration online. Registration Cancellations received by Friday March 20, 2026, are subject to an administrative charge of $50. No cancellation requests will be accepted after Friday, March 20. After the posted cancellation date, registrations may be transferred to another attendee but not refunded. No-shows will be billed. Exceptions to the cancellation deadline will be made for emergencies and valid medical issues submitted with supporting documentation. Contact meetings@fedbar.org with questions or exception requests.

CLE Information
The FBA will seek 1 total CLE credit hours for 60-minute states, and 1.2 total CLE credit hours for 50-minute states.
Posted credit hours are estimates and subject to respective state approval and reporting rules. CLE qualifications vary by state/jurisdiction and the FBA takes every measure to collaborate with presenters to ensure approval. Accrediting agencies typically decide whether a program qualifies for credit in their jurisdiction 4-8 weeks after the program application is submitted. For many live events, credit approval is not received prior to the program. Documentation for self-reporting states will be circulated, upon state bar approval.
The FBA partners with ConferenceAdit LLC to track and report CLE credit for national conferences. Attendees are responsible for uploading their state bar information and tracking attendance through a dedicated webpage, issued in advance of the conference. Attendees will be instructed to check in and out of each panel to timestamp attendance. Approximately two weeks following the conference, personalized certificates will be issued via email.
Learn more about Continuing Legal Education (CLE) operations and reporting.

Email Communication Policy
By registering for this event, you agree to receive email communication from the Federal Bar Association and affiliated sponsors of the program concerning event details, Continuing Legal Education certification, programming changes, upcoming events, surveys, and post-event communications.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact meetings@fedbar.org

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Webinar: Trailblazers on the Federal Bench—Roads Travelled and Lessons Learned
2026-03-30 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
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Presented by FBA’s Committee on Advancing the Legal Profession, Professional Development Committee, FBA Tampa Bay Chapter & FBA Broward County Chapter.

What will our Judges discuss?

Experiences/Opportunities
Mentorship
Advice For Attorneys
Work – Life Balance

Presenters
The Honorable Robin Rosenbaum, 11th District Circuit Court of Appeals
Robin S. Rosenbaum was appointed as a United States Circuit Judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit on June 3, 2014.
Prior to becoming a United States circuit judge, Judge Rosenbaum served as a United States district judge and a federal magistrate judge in the Southern District of Florida. Before joining the bench, Judge Rosenbaum served as the Chief of Economic Crimes at the Broward County office of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. She has also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Stanley Marcus, United States Circuit Court Judge for the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition, Judge Rosenbaum worked in private practice for Holland & Knight LLP and served as staff counsel to Independent Counsel Daniel S. Pearson in the investigation of former United States Secretary of Commerce Ronald Brown. Judge Rosenbaum began her legal career in the United States Attorney General’s Honors Program, where she served as a trial attorney in the Federal Programs Branch of the Civil Division of the United States Department of Justice.
Judge Rosenbaum earned her undergraduate degree at Cornell University and her law degree at the University of Miami.

The Honorable Laurel Isicoff, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida
Laurel Myerson Isicoff took the oath of office on February 13, 2006 and became the first woman to serve as a bankruptcy judge in the Southern District of Florida. On October 1, 2016 Judge Isicoff became the first woman Chief Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, and served in that role until October of 2023. Judge Isicoff served for seven years on the Judicial Conference Committee on the Administration of the Bankruptcy System, the Committee charged with making recommendations to the Judicial Conference about all matters impacting the bankruptcy courts. As a member of the American College of Bankruptcy, Judge Isicoff serves as a vice-president of the College, as well as a member of the Pro Bono Committee of the College, and in 2021-2022 served as Co-chair of the College’s Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In recognition of her work on the Commission, as well as her long-standing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Judge Isicoff, together with Judge Jeffery Hopkins, received the inaugural DEI Excellence Award from the College. In further recognition of her contributions to DEI, Judge Isicoff was awarded the 2023 NCBJ DEI Leadership Award from the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges. Most recently Judge Isicoff received the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award from M&A Advisors.
Judge Isicoff also currently serves as judicial chair of the Pro Bono Committee of the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar and is a member of the Florida Bar Standing Committee on Pro Bono. Prior to becoming a judge, Judge Isicoff specialized in commercial bankruptcy, foreclosure and workout matters both as a transactional attorney and litigator for 14 years with the law firm of Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton, after practicing for 8 years with Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, now known as Squire Patton Boggs. After graduating from University of Miami School of Law, cum laude, in 1982, Judge Isicoff clerked for the Honorable Daniel S. Pearson at the Florida Third District Court of Appeal before entering private practice. Judge Isicoff is a past President of the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges and of the Bankruptcy Bar Association (BBA) of the Southern District of Florida, and, until she took the bench, served as the Chair of the Pro Bono Task Force for the BBA. Judge Isicoff speaks extensively on bankruptcy around the country, and is committed to increasing pro bono service, diversity, equity and inclusion, and financial literacy for all.

The Honorable Beth Bloom, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
Beth Bloom is a United States District Judge in the Southern District of Florida, appointed by President Barack Obama and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate on June 24, 2014. She previously served on the Florida State Court bench in Miami-Dade County from 1994 – 2014. She was appointed by former Florida Governor Charlie Crist to the Circuit Court in 2010 after serving 15 years as a County Court Judge. She has served in the Circuit Court’s criminal and civil divisions and all divisions of the County Court, serving as the Associate Administrative Judge.
Judge Bloom received her Bachelor of Science degree in public relations from the University of Florida in 1984 and her Juris Doctor degree (cum laude) from the University of Miami School of Law in 1988. She practiced commercial litigation with the law firm of Floyd Pearson Richman Greer Weil Zack & Brumbaugh from 1988-1994 and was appointed as a Traffic Court Magistrate from 1993-1994 before her election to the State Court bench.
Judge Bloom is Chair of the Federal Bar Association’s Ad Hoc Committee on Judicial Independence, and immediate past Chair of the Judiciary Division, previously serving as Chair of the Article III Trial Judges Committee. She is a member of the Federal Judges Association’s Executive Committee and Chairs the Judicial Independence Committee. She is a Board Member of the Federal Bar Association’s South Florida Chapter, Chair of the Southern District of Florida’s Local Rules Committee, Chair of the Jewish American Heritage Month Committee, and serves on the Southern District’s Ad Hoc Committee on Rules and Procedure.
In 2025, Judge Bloom and colleague Judge Robin Rosenberg created the Courts and Civility Program, that educates the public about the role of the courts and civility, now a national initiative of the Federal Bar Association. This followed their creation and implementation, with guidance from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions Program (CD3) in 2016, presented to high school, college, and law students in courtrooms and remotely in classrooms, a national initiative of the U.S. Courts and the Federal Bar Association.
In 2021, Judge Bloom created the Judicial Intern Academy (JIA), a 20-hour per week summer program, offered remotely and in-person to incoming second year law students, providing internships to students who are personally or financially unable to devote themselves to a full-time, unpaid internship in chambers. The JIA provides robust learning experiences in and out of the courtroom and pairs each intern with a former federal judicial law clerk who serves as a mentor and assists in enhancing the student’s research and writing skills. The JIA is now a national program of the Federal Bar Association.
Judge Bloom serves as a visiting faculty member of Harvard Law School’s Trial Advocacy Workshop and an adjunct faculty member of the University of Miami School of Law’s Litigation Skills Program. She served on the faculty of the Florida Judicial College for 19 years, teaching 2 newly elected and appointed judges; the faculty of the National Judicial College, the College of Advanced Judicial Studies, and the Florida Conference of County Court Judges. She presents nationally on the topics of civility and civil discourse and is a frequent lecturer for the Florida Bar, local bar associations, law schools, and FBA chapters.
Judge Bloom was elected as the first woman president of the Florida Conference of County Court Judges, a member of the Executive Committee of the Florida Conference of Circuit Court Judges and a founding member of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Historical Society. She coordinated the University of Miami School of Law’s Judicial Internship Program for 17 years. In Miami[1]Dade County, she created the Lawyers Join Hands for Students Program, the DUI In-Jail Treatment Program, the Smoking Tobacco Offender Program (S.T.O.P.), the It’s Your Life Program for foster youth aging out of the foster care system, and the I’m Ready Program, an alternative to Boot Camp, for youthful offenders sentenced in adult criminal court. She coordinated the Artist in Residence Program with artist Romero Britto and students throughout Miami-Dade’s Visual and Performing Arts Academies, and she implemented the Eleventh Circuit’s Centennial Celebration’s county-wide poster, essay, and speech contests with the Miami-Dade County schools.
Judge Bloom has received numerous honors and awards that include the 2025 Edward B. Davis Award from the Federal Bar Association, South Florida Chapter, the 2025 Ryskamp Award from the Federal Bar Association, Palm Beach Chapter, the Supreme Court of Florida’s Distinguished Federal Judicial Service Pro Bono Award in 2024, the ABA Presidential Recognition Award, the Miami Beach Bar Association’s 2023 Legal Legend Award, the University of Miami School of Law’s 2023 Henry Latimer Award, the 2020 U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services Recognition Award for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Florida Bar President’s Award of Merit, the Florida Conference of County Court Judges’ Trailblazer Award and Harvey Ford Leadership Award, the Fraternal Order of Police Citizen of the Year Award, the Dade County Bar Association’s Johnnie M. Ridgely President’s Award, the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Historical Society’s “Silverman Award”, the University of Miami School of Law Alumni Association’s Thomas Davison III Service Award, the Miami-Dade Justice Association’s “Judge Steve Levine Award”, MADD’s Judicial Distinction Award, the Legal Services of Greater Miami’s 2015 Equal Justice Judicial Leadership Award, the Juvenile Judges’ Child’s Heart Award, the Miami Bridge Youth & Family Service’s Champion for Children Award, Our Kids’ Leadership Award, Mellon Bank’s Community Service Award, the Jewish Legal Society’s Rodef Shalom Pursuer of Peace Award, Judge of the Year from the Minority Chamber of Commerce, Miami Today’s 2019 Stars in Government Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Miami Women Who Rock.
Judge Bloom is married to Lyle Stern, and they have three children.

The Honorable Virginia Hernandez Convington, Middle District of Florida
Virginia M. Hernandez Covington was appointed a United States District Court judge for the Middle District of Florida in 2004, becoming its first Hispanic district judge. Previously, Judge Covington served on Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal, the first Cuban American woman appointed to any of Florida’s appellate courts. Judge Covington is an honors graduate of the University of Tampa, where she received the Outstanding Graduate Award, and an MBA, as well as a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, where she served on a law review. For close to 20 years, Judge Covington was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. There, Judge Covington managed both civil and criminal cases and in 1988 became the district’s first woman supervisor with her appointment as Chief of the Asset Forfeiture Section.
Long active in the community, Judge Covington has received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from her high school, college, sorority, and law and graduate schools. In 2003, she was Tampa’s Hispanic Woman of the Year, honored for more than twenty years of volunteer and community service to her hometown. In 2021, Judge Covington received the Florida Supreme Court Federal Judicial Pro Bono Award, and in 2021 she was one of three women inducted into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame. Judge Covington has been recognized for her work and community activities multiple times by bar associations, schools, civic organizations, and government entities.
Judge Covington enjoys teaching and working with colleagues throughout the world. Most of her assignments have been collaborating with judges throughout Latin America, on subjects such as trial advocacy, judicial ethics, and court management. In addition, she has taught colleagues throughout Europe and Asia on both criminal and civil subject matters.
As much as she has enjoyed her career, Judge Covington is most grateful for her wonderful and loving parents who made it possible for her to pursue her dreams and for her three children and four grandchildren, who make each day a blessing.

1.0 CLE credit anticipated for Florida
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Webinar: A Conversation with the Article I Chief Judges
2026-03-31 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
*Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone*

The Judiciary Division invites members of the bench and bar to an informative webinar exploring the structure, jurisdiction, and function of the federal courts established under Article I of the United States Constitution.
This program will feature a panel of Article I Chief Judges in a moderated discussion designed to provide participants with a clearer understanding of these important, yet often misunderstood, courts. Panelists will discuss their courts’ jurisdiction, how cases are heard (including single judge versus panel decision-making), applicable rules of practice and procedure, and the appellate pathways from their courts.
By offering direct insight from sitting Chief Judges, this webinar aims to increase awareness of the critical role Article I courts play within the federal judiciary and to enhance practitioners’ and judges’ familiarity with their operations.
Register Now!
Presented by the Federal Bar Association’s Judiciary Division

Presenters

The Honorable Michael P. Allen, Chief Judge, United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

Following his presidential nomination and Senate confirmation, Judge Michael Allen took his seat on the United States Court of Appeals on August 11, 2017. He became Chief Judge on September 19, 2024. For 16 years before his judicial appointment, Chief Judge Allen was a tenured full professor of law at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida. He was also the director of Stetson’s Veterans Law Institute, and he spent four years as the College of Law’s associate dean. Chief Judge Allen graduated summa cum laude from the University of Rochester earning bachelor’s degrees in American history and political science. He received his law degree from Columbia Law School, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar during his final 2 years.

The Honorable Kevin A. Ohlson, Chief Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
Chief Judge Kevin Ohlson attended Washington and Jefferson College on an Army R.O.T.C. 4-year scholarship and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. After graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law, Chief Judge Ohlson was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he served as a prosecutor and as an Article 32 Investigating Officer in a case involving a serial rapist and murderer. While assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps, Chief Judge Ohlson parachuted into three foreign countries.
Upon leaving military service, Chief Judge Ohlson became a federal prosecutor in Washington D.C. However, he was recalled to active duty and deployed overseas during the Persian Gulf War. He was awarded the Bronze Star.
Chief Judge Ohlson later returned to his duties at the Justice Department, and he served in a variety of leadership positions during a career that spanned more than 25 years. He ultimately was appointed as Chief of Staff and Counsel to the Attorney General of the United States.
Chief Judge Ohlson was nominated by President Obama to sit on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, was confirmed by the Senate in 2013, and became Chief Judge on August 1, 2021.

The Honorable Matthew H. Solomson, Chief Judge, United States Court of Federal Claims
Matthew H. Solomson is Chief Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims, a nationwide court with jurisdiction over monetary and procurement-related claims against the United States. He joined the court following U.S. Senate confirmation in 2020 and was appointed Chief Judge by President Trump in April 2025. Before joining the bench, he litigated cases as lead counsel, representing both private parties and the federal government, before the Court of Federal Claims and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
The son of a retired U.S. Army colonel, Chief Judge Solomson spent his formative years living in eight states before settling in Maryland, where he now resides with his family. Prior to his judicial service, he built a career spanning senior government service, private practice, and corporate leadership. He served as Chief Legal and Compliance Officer for an $11 billion federal contracting business within a Fortune 50 company and led the government contracts practice at Booz Allen Hamilton, serving as principal counsel to its intelligence business unit. His private-sector experience also includes practice as Counsel at Sidley Austin LLP and as an Associate at Arnold & Porter LLP, both in Washington, D.C.
Chief Judge Solomson previously served as a Trial Attorney in the Commercial Litigation Branch of the U.S. Department of Justice and began his legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable Francis M. Allegra of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Chief Judge Solomson is the author of Court of Federal Claims: Jurisdiction, Practice, and Procedure (Bloomberg BNA, 2016).

The Honorable Patrick J. Urda, Chief Judge, United States Tax Court
Chief Judge Urda was born in South Bend, Indiana, where he grew up with four siblings. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame and Harvard Law School. After a stint in private practice in Chicago, Chief Judge Urda clerked for Judge Daniel A. Manion of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and then moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the Tax Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ). During his 12 years at DOJ, he litigated tax appeals in each of the federal circuit courts, presenting 50 appellate arguments. In addition to his work as a line attorney, he served as Counsel to the Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Appellate and Review, as well as details to the Office of Legal Policy and to the Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development Assistance and Training. Chief Judge Urda has previously served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at American University Washington College of Law. He joined the United States Tax Court on September 27, 2018, and was elected as Chief Judge for a term starting on June 1, 2025

The Honorable Adam B. Landy, United States Tax Court (Moderator)
The Honorable Adam B. Landy has served as a Judge of the United States Tax Court since August 8, 2024, following his nomination by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., and confirmation by the United States Senate to a 15‑year term. Prior to his appointment, he served as a Special Trial Judge of the United States Tax Court.
Before joining the bench, Judge Landy served as a Senior Attorney with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel and practiced law with McNair Law Firm, P.A. (now Burr & Forman LLP) in Columbia, South Carolina. As a Special Trial Judge, he presided over a wide range of taxpayer disputes, conducting both remote and in‑person proceedings, and resolving cases through written opinions, orders, and other disposition.
As a South Carolina native, Judge Landy holds a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S. in Sport and Entertainment Management from the University of South Carolina, a J.D. from the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law, and an LL.M. in Taxation from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.

Registration
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Registration Fees

FBA Member: $0
Nonmember: $95

Live Captioning: Closed captioning is available for all virtual webcasts.
Internet Requirements: Virtual programs require suitable internet strength to stream online panels. A minimum internet connection of 800 Kbps is recommended for an optimal attendee experience. Test your connection here.

CLE
Please note CLE will not be offered for this event.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I access the virtual webinar?
A: Each webinar will have a unique link to watch the live broadcast. Registered attendees will receive login instructions via a calendar invitations 24 hours prior to the webinar.
Q: Will recordings of the sessions be available after the event?
A: Approved sessions will be available for registrants to view live and on-demand following the webinar.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: Please contact sections@fedbar.org for any other questions.

Email Communication Policy
By registering for this event, you agree to receive email communication from the Federal Bar Association and affiliated sponsors of the program concerning event details, Continuing Legal Education certification, programming changes, upcoming events, surveys, and post-event communications.
Recording Disclaimer
By registering for an online FBA program, you agree to the recording of audio and visual content presented during the live event and consent to subsequent use of the recording by the FBA. You agree that the recording is the sole property of the FBA and that the recording may be used by the FBA in any manner in its sole and absolute discretion. This recording may include questions and poll responses provided by you during the live event. If you do not consent to the recording and the FBA’s use of the same, do not register for the event.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact sections@fedbar.org

Qui Tam Section: [VIRTUAL] Effective Use of a Mediator to Settle FCA Cases
2026-04-01 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Join JAMS mediators Tamara Lange (former public entity counsel), Rob Marasco (former AUSA), and Steve Reed (former GC) for a discussion about how to prepare for and effectively use a mediator to resolve FCA cases. We’ll talk and answer questions about common settlement dynamics, confidentiality, enforceability, liquidated damages, relator forfeiture of future awards, non-disparagement, Corporate Integrity Agreements (CIAs), compliance monitoring and the use of independent review organizations, data analytics in monitoring and enforcement, stipulated penalties, and self-disclosure benefits.
Register Now!
Presented by the FBA Qui Tam Section

Presenters
MODERATOR

Tamara Lange
JAMS
SPEAKERS

Robert G. Marasco
JAMS

Steven S. Reed
JAMS

Registration
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FBA Members: $0
Non-Members: $0

CLE
Please note that CLE credit is not offered for this webinar.

Email Communication Policy
By registering for this event, you agree to receive email communications from the Federal Bar Association and affiliated sponsors of the program concerning event details, Continuing Legal Education certification, programming changes, upcoming events, surveys, and post-event communications.
Recording Disclaimer
By registering for an FBA webinar, you agree to the recording of audio and visual content presented during the live event and consent to subsequent use of the recording by the FBA. You agree that the recording is the sole property of the FBA and that the recording may be used by the FBA in any manner in its sole and absolute discretion. This recording may include questions and poll responses provided by you during the live event. If you do not consent to the recording and the FBA’s use of the same, do not register for the event.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact sections@fedbar.org.

Webinar: Recent USPTO Shifts: From Policy to Practice
2026-04-01 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Recent developments at the USPTO are reshaping patent practice in meaningful ways. This panel will examine key policy and procedural changes, discuss their practical implications for prosecution and post-grant proceedings, and offer strategic insights for navigating the evolving landscape.

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Presented by the Federal Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Section

Presenters

Amee Shah, Founder, BenchView Consulting, LLC.
Amee Shah is a former PTAB judge and the Founder of BenchView Consulting, LLC where she advises clients on intellectual property strategy across the innovation lifecycle, including product development, patent prosecution, portfolio strategy, and post-grant proceedings. Amee began her engineering career as a naval architect/engineer at General Dynamics – Electric Boat and her legal career at Holland & Knight LLP. She later practiced as a solo practitioner. In 2005, she joined the USPTO as a Primary Examiner before moving to the PTAB, where she presided over ex parte appeals and inter partes reviews across a broad range of technologies.
She holds a B.S. degree in both naval architecture and marine engineering from the Webb Institute and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center

Steven Theriault, Attorney, DLA Piper.
Steven Theriault is an incoming patent litigation attorney at DLA Piper with 21 years of experience at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. During his tenure at the USPTO, he served as a Patent Trial and Appeal Board extern and detailee, a reexamination specialist, and a primary examiner in the areas of autonomous vehicles and graphical user interfaces. Drawing on this background, he provides analysis on the recent revisions to the Examiner PAP, the evolving use of AI tools by examiners, and the resulting implications for examiner production expectations.

Scott Kelly, Attorney.
Scott Kelly specializes in patent and IP counseling, particularly in cybersecurity and FinTech. Representing a range from startups to Fortune 100 companies, he has managed significant patent portfolios with a focus on software technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, mobile devices, and internet security. He’s active in exploring IP issues in the video game industry, but has also worked on a wide range of technology from stick-on gel nails to coronavirus testing. Scott recently stepped back from the partnership at Banner Witcoff after 12 years, and is starting his own boutique IP, AI, and tech law firm.

Registration
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Registration Fees

FBA Member: $0
Nonmember: $50

Live Captioning: Closed captioning is available for all virtual webcasts.
Internet Requirements: Virtual programs require suitable internet strength to stream online panels. A minimum internet connection of 800 Kbps is recommended for an optimal attendee experience. Test your connection here.

CLE
Please note CLE will not be offered for this event.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I access the virtual webinar?
A: Each webinar will have a unique link to watch the live broadcast. Registered attendees will receive login instructions via a calendar invitations 24 hours prior to the webinar.
Q: Will recordings of the sessions be available after the event?
A: Approved sessions will be available for registrants to view live and on-demand following the webinar.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: Please contact sections@fedbar.org for any other questions.

Email Communication Policy
By registering for this event, you agree to receive email communication from the Federal Bar Association and affiliated sponsors of the program concerning event details, Continuing Legal Education certification, programming changes, upcoming events, surveys, and post-event communications.
Recording Disclaimer
By registering for an online FBA program, you agree to the recording of audio and visual content presented during the live event and consent to subsequent use of the recording by the FBA. You agree that the recording is the sole property of the FBA and that the recording may be used by the FBA in any manner in its sole and absolute discretion. This recording may include questions and poll responses provided by you during the live event. If you do not consent to the recording and the FBA’s use of the same, do not register for the event.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact sections@fedbar.org

Webinar: So You Want to be an Ex Pat Lawyer Part 2 - Internships and Employment in International Business and Trade Law
2026-04-07 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
This is part two of a four-part series detailing the ins and outs, and the ups and downs of using one’s law credentials in international employment. This webinar will address opportunities in the international business and trade law. The experts in this panel have worked in the specific field and will share the business model, how to find or create opportunities, and answer questions posed by participants to give practical information on entering the work force in international business and trade law.
Register Now!
Presented by the Federal Bar Association’s International Law Section

Presenters

Col (USAF, Ret) Linda Strite Murnane (Moderator)
University of Cincinnati College of Law, J.D. 1981
Linda recently completed two years as an Associate Justice serving on the High Court of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Her previous judicial experience included ten consecutive years as a military judge and chief circuit military judge for the United States Air Force. She served in a variety of United Nations positions at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, including service in Trial Chamber 3 as the Senior Legal Officer, three years as the Chief Court Management Services, and short terms as the Acting Head of Chambers and Acting Deputy Registrar. She also served three years as the Chief, Court Management Services at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
She currently serves on the Board of Governors for the American Bar Association (ABA) and American Judges Association (AJA) and is the co-District Director for District 7 of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ). She previously served as Chair of the ABA Judicial Division and National Conference of Specialized Court Judges, as the Chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Armed Forces Law, and as an ABA UN Representative and Special Observer. She served on the ABA International Law Section’s Executive Council for six years. She is an ABA Sustaining Life Fellow, and a past recipient of the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement and International Law Section’s Mayre Rasmussen Award.
Justice Murnane is the editor of “Women’s Voices: A Global Perspective on the Right to Vote”, and is a chapter contributor to “Her Honor” both published by ABA Publications.
She is a retired colonel in the United States Air Force and is married to Kevin M. Murnane, USAF, Ret. They have two daughters, Rachel Manuel and Christina Veillon, who are both teachers, and three grandchildren, Abrial, Cody and Aidan.

David Wemhoff
David Wemhoff holds an AB in Government, a Juris Doctor (JD), and a Master of Laws (LLM) in International and Comparative Law. Mr. Wemhoff is in the private practice of law in South Bend, Indiana. He taught Business Law, Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure, American Government, Constitutional Law, and State and Local Law at two universities. Mr. Wemhoff has been a member of the International Law Section and Chair of the International Trade and Customs Law committee since 2015.

Laurence Wiener
Upon graduation from law school, Laurence joined LeBoeuf, Lamb Leiby & MacRae (precursor to Dewey & LeBoeuf) as an associate of the San Francisco office. There he worked on complex litigation matters, including the hostile takeover by British American Tobacco US of Farmers Insurance Group. He later represented both plaintiffs and defendants in securities fraud claims and in business tort litigation. He gained additional trial experience representing the trustee and creditors in federal and state law insolvency claims. Laurence has resided in Buenos Aires since 1991. After studying at the Universidad de Buenos Aires and working as a professor at private institutions, he joined the law firm Muñoz de Toro & Muñoz de Toro, eventually becoming a partner and achieving a ground-breaking precedent for U.S. lawyers in Argentina. Laurence has advised issuers and underwriters on registered and exempted offerings of Argentine corporate debt, equity and convertible securities. From2001 until 2010, he was Of Counsel at Negri &Teijeiro Abogados and, in April 2010, he co-founded WIENER SOTO CAPARRÓS (WSC Legal). His practice currently extends to advising companies on acquisitions, finance, funding and repatriation of investments, and risk management. Laurence has served as adviser and director to various international subsidiaries. He is an active member of the State Bar of California and of the American Bar Association, Section of International Law (Former Co-Chair, U.S. Lawyers Abroad Committee; Former Co-Chair Buenos Aires City Chapter). He is recognized as a “Notable Practitioner” by Chambers & Partners (2010-present) and is a frequent speaker on matters related to his practice.

Ramona Tudorancea
Ramona Tudorancea is an international lawyer with experience across several industries and jurisdictions who started to work with crypto and blockchain projects in 2017. Ramona is the Managing Partner of JupiterBlock Ventures in the Cayman Islands, and a Co-Founder and Partner of Ixian, a legal engineering group innovating with emerging technologies across several special economic zones and innovative jurisdictions. She is a New York attorney and a UK solicitor, a Chartered Governance professional, and a recent graduate of Venture Institute, an emerging manager program by Decile Group.

Registration
Register Now!

Registration Fees

FBA Member: $0
Nonmember: $50

Live Captioning: Closed captioning is available for all virtual webcasts.
Internet Requirements: Virtual programs require suitable internet strength to stream online panels. A minimum internet connection of 800 Kbps is recommended for an optimal attendee experience. Test your connection here.

CLE
Please note CLE will not be offered for this event.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I access the virtual webinar?
A: Each webinar will have a unique link to watch the live broadcast. Registered attendees will receive login instructions via a calendar invitations 24 hours prior to the webinar.
Q: Will recordings of the sessions be available after the event?
A: Approved sessions will be available for registrants to view live and on-demand following the webinar.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: Please contact sections@fedbar.org for any other questions.

Email Communication Policy
By registering for this event, you agree to receive email communication from the Federal Bar Association and affiliated sponsors of the program concerning event details, Continuing Legal Education certification, programming changes, upcoming events, surveys, and post-event communications.
Recording Disclaimer
By registering for an online FBA program, you agree to the recording of audio and visual content presented during the live event and consent to subsequent use of the recording by the FBA. You agree that the recording is the sole property of the FBA and that the recording may be used by the FBA in any manner in its sole and absolute discretion. This recording may include questions and poll responses provided by you during the live event. If you do not consent to the recording and the FBA’s use of the same, do not register for the event.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact sections@fedbar.org

Qui Tam Section: [VIRTUAL] The FCA and Gatekeeper Fraud
2026-04-08 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
The federal government is increasingly relying on private “gate-keepers” to certify, credential, or otherwise approve participants in Government programs (both individuals and entities) to ensure adherence to regulatory standards. For example, JCAHO certifies hospitals, NCQA certifies MCOs, HQAA certifies DME suppliers, and other entities approve EHR software used by various health systems. When do relators have a viable FCA claim if there is fraud in the certification and/or credentialing process, either on the gate-keeper by companies seeking to obtain necessary approval to obtain access to government programs and funds, or by the gate-keeper performing the quasi-governmental function? What are the unique challenges of these types of FCA cases? What defenses might be raised? Looking ahead, how might these cases impact future FCA cases relating to the misuse of AI devices? Or to the activities of quasi-governmental entities like DOGE?
Register Now!
Presented by the FBA Qui Tam Section

Presenters
MODERATOR

Edward Baker
Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein
SPEAKERS

Owen Foster
Phillips & Cohen

Jay McCormack
Verrill

Kevin Lownds
Office of the Attorney General, Massachusetts

Registration
Register Here!

FBA Members: $0
Non-Members: $0

CLE
Please note that CLE credit is not offered for this webinar.

Email Communication Policy
By registering for this event, you agree to receive email communications from the Federal Bar Association and affiliated sponsors of the program concerning event details, Continuing Legal Education certification, programming changes, upcoming events, surveys, and post-event communications.
Recording Disclaimer
By registering for an FBA webinar, you agree to the recording of audio and visual content presented during the live event and consent to subsequent use of the recording by the FBA. You agree that the recording is the sole property of the FBA and that the recording may be used by the FBA in any manner in its sole and absolute discretion. This recording may include questions and poll responses provided by you during the live event. If you do not consent to the recording and the FBA’s use of the same, do not register for the event.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact sections@fedbar.org.

Webinar: Criminal Sentencing: How to Tell your Client’s Story
2026-04-08 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
This one-hour CLE Webinar CLE is aimed at newer prosecutors and defense attorneys who practice at least periodically in the federal courts across the United States. Two renowned criminal attorneys will walk you through each of their perspectives on optimal strategy and presentation at criminal sentencing to truly tell your client’s story to the Judge and obtain the best possible outcome for your client. Our moderator, Judge Richard E.N. Federico of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, will introduce topics for discussion between the panel members aimed at providing an overview of the relevant law, including United States Sentencing Commission Guidelines, an explanation of the process, examples of “dos and don’ts” and case-specific examples from past sentencing hearings.
Register Now!
Presented by FBA’s Federal Litigation Section, the Younger Lawyers Division & the Kansas and Western District of Missouri Chapter

Presenters

Teny Geragos, Partner, Agnifilo Intrater LLP.
Teny Geragos, a founding partner of Agnifilo Intrater LLP, defends individuals in federal and state criminal cases at both the trial and appellate level. Most recently, Ms. Geragos helped secure an acquittal for Sean Combs for the charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy in the Southern District of New York. Teny is particularly experienced in defending and investigating allegations of sexual misconduct, which involve complex legal issues and emotionally charged situations. She has represented numerous individuals accused of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or other types of sexual misconduct. Teny has also regularly represented victims of sexual assault and violence, helping them navigate the difficulties of reporting to the police, and cooperating with law enforcement investigations. Finally, Teny has led several internal investigations, including in the construction and healthcare industries.
Prior to founding Agnifilo Intrater LLP, Teny was associated with Brafman & Associates, P.C. for approximately eight years, where she successfully defended a wide range of criminal matters including sex assault, securities fraud, wire fraud, public corruption, tax evasion, narcotics, FCPA, and cases that have potentially serious collateral consequences, such as deportation.
Ms. Geragos has been selected as a SuperLawyers Rising Star for five consecutive years and publishes and speaks regularly on various legal topics ranging from “Gag” Orders to Protective Orders to managing electronic discovery.
Ms. Geragos serves on the Board of Directors of the New York Criminal Bar Association.

Dan Webb, Co-executive Chairman, Winston & Strawn LLP, Chicago, Illinois.
Dan is co-executive chairman of Winston & Strawn and one of the most distinguished and sought-after trial lawyers in the United States. He has tried more than 100 jury cases involving a wide variety of claims and been named a fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers. Notably, Dan achieved international acclaim for his successful prosecution of retired Admiral John Poindexter in the Iran-Contra Affair. He served as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and has served in special prosecutor or similar roles on several occasions, including for the successful prosecution of actor Jussie Smollett in Chicago, for which he was named Am Law’s “Litigator of the Week” in December 2021.
Dan’s trial practice concentrates in the areas of major commercial, civil, regulatory, and white collar criminal cases. Among his jury cases are numerous successful complex commercial and white collar criminal trials, representing, on several occasions, large corporations in jury trials lasting two months or longer.
Dan has spent his entire professional life as a courtroom trial attorney and litigator. As the U.S. Attorney in Chicago, he spearheaded the “Operation Greylord” investigations into judicial corruption in Cook County, Illinois.
He received national attention for his work as lead trial counsel for General Electric, successfully defending it against criminal price-fixing allegations related to industrial diamonds, as well as for his representations of Microsoft Corp. in its antitrust litigation; Philip Morris in its sprawling tobacco-related litigation; and Verizon in obtaining a US$58M verdict in a patent litigation matter.
Dan delivered a historic win for BPI in its defamation action against ABC News relating to a series of reports by ABC News in which its broadcasters referred to BPI’s product in a defamatory way, leading BPI to massive financial losses. With BPI seeking over US$1.9B in actual damages, the case has been widely reported as the “largest” and “one of the most significant” defamation cases in U.S. history. After weeks of putting on witnesses to prove ABC intentionally and knowingly made nearly 200 hundred false statements about BPI and its product and with our team about to put on damages witnesses, the case settled. The settlement vindicated BPI and put the company on the path to recovery.
A team of Winston attorneys, led by Dan, conducted an internal investigation at the New York Stock Exchange related to the compensation of its former Chairman and CEO, Richard A. Grasso. Following Winston’s investigation, summarized in what is now known as the “Webb Report,” the New York Attorney General’s Office sued Grasso for the return of more than US$120M in compensation.
Other successes for clients in securities matters include obtaining favorable settlements for Ernst & Young in a securities class action brought by stockholders of HealthSouth Corp. and for Cisco Systems in a securities class action brought by the Plumbers & Pipefitters National Pension Fund and obtaining summary judgment for Scientific-Atlanta in a securities fraud class action.
On the antitrust front, Dan successfully represented Wyeth (Pfizer) against an antitrust class action relating to its patented potassium chloride product K-Dur®, C.R. Bard against claims of anti-competitive conduct relating to sales contracts with group purchasing organizations for catheters, and Monsanto against the antitrust claims brought by competitor DuPont relating to Monsanto’s patented Roundup Ready® weed killer.
As for other class action experience, one of Dan’s most significant cases was for Philip Morris. He served as lead trial counsel in Engle, et al. v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., et al., the first—and to date, only—class action brought by cigarette smokers for punitive damages to be tried to verdict. He also served as chief trial counsel for Lexecon in another high-profile class action civil trial that resulted from the failure of Lincoln Savings, the S&L institution owned and operated by Charles Keating, Jr.

Hon. Richard E.N. Federico, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit:
Rich Federico began his legal career serving as a Navy Officer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG). He served on active duty from 2002 to 2015, including tours of duty as a military prosecutor (Norfolk, Virginia), the senior Navy prosecutor for Europe and Southwest Asia (Naples, Italy; Bahrain), defense counsel for Guantanamo detainees charged with war crimes and being tried before military commissions (Washington, DC; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba), and as Officer in Charge of Navy defense offices (Jacksonville, Florida). During these assignments, he also served at sea and led investigation missions to Afghanistan and Korea.
In 2015, Judge Federico left active duty and became an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the District of Oregon (Portland). While in Portland, he tried several high-profile cases in district court, litigated habeas petitions, and argued before the Ninth Circuit. He transferred to the Federal Public Defender for the District of Kansas in 2017, where he served until he received his judicial commission in 2023. Judge Federico continued to serve as a Navy JAG in the Reserves, first as an appellate defense counsel and later as a military judge. He retired from the Navy in July 2024 at the rank of Captain.
Judge Federico was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and received his commission from President Biden to serve as a Circuit Judge in December 2023. He assumed office and joined the Tenth Circuit on December 14, 2023. He is an honors graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center (LL.M., 2012), University of Kansas School of Law (J.D., 2002), and Indiana University School of Journalism (B.A., 1999).

Registration
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Live Broadcast | FBA Member: $0
Live Broadcast | Nonmember: $95
On-Demand Broadcast | FBA Member: $50
On-Demand Broadcast | Nonmember: $95

CLE
Please note: CLE for this webinar has not been pre-approved.
MyLaw and the FBA will seek 1.0 General CLE credit hours in 60-minute states, and 1.2 General CLE credit hours in 50-minute states.
Posted credit hours are estimated and subject to respective state approval and rounding rules. CLE qualifications vary by state/jurisdiction.
For questions regarding this program, please contact MyLaw CLE by email: registration@mylawcle.com or

2026 Indian Law Conference
2026-04-09 - 2026-04-10 | Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256
Register Now!

The Federal Bar Association is excited to announce that the 2026 FBA Indian Law Conference will be held at a new location: Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona on April 9-10.
As the United States’ signature program on American Indian law, this annual gathering brings together nearly 800 participants and more than 50 exhibitors, including local artisans, legal vendors, and nonprofits.
Attendees can expect:

Unmatched education on pressing issues in federal Indian law, including sovereignty, governance, property, contracts, civil rights, cultural resources, environmental quality, and more.
Networking opportunities with leaders from tribal governments, federal agencies, law firms, and academia.
A marketplace of ideas and culture, showcasing exhibitors and artisans connected to the practice and community of Indian law.

This is a must-attend event for anyone practicing, studying, or engaging with Indian law.
Full Conference Details.

Webinar: The Plight of Asylees and Refugees - US and Egypt
2026-04-14 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**

An expert in asylum and immigration law, Judith Wood will provide an overview of the legal definitions of refugees and asylees and describe the current legal landscape for individuals seeking protection in the United States. Topics will include motions to pretermit, Asylum Cooperative Agreements (ACAs), and policies affecting lawful pathways to asylum. The speaker will also provide a comparison of the legal frameworks in Egypt and the United States and how each country incorporates the 1951 Refugee Convention in its practices. The discussion will include comparisons of the conditions for detention, work authorization, permanent status and residency and criminal convictions and relief. The speaker will also detail differences in the national approaches particularly with respect to immigration court equivalents, Safe Third Country Agreements and pretermission practices, and a comparison of methods of entry.
This will be an hour not to miss to learn about recent legal developments affecting asylees and refugees seeking status in the United States.
Register Now!
Presented by the Federal Bar Association’s International Law Section

Presenters

Judith Wood
Judith Wood has defended the rights of asylum seekers since graduating from Pepperdine University School of Law, and has had her own law firm since 1984. She has won numerous appeals at the administrative and federal level, and is admitted to practice before the United States Courts of Appeals for the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Ninth and Tenth Circuits, as well as the Supreme Court. She has chaired the section’s International Human Rights Law section for several years, and is a frequent speaker for the FBA, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association, the Asian-Pacific Law Center, and several other groups. A film entitled “St. Judy” was made about her advocacy on behalf of women refugees in 2018.

Col (USAF, Ret) Linda Strite Murnane (Moderator)
University of Cincinnati College of Law, J.D. 1981
Linda recently completed two years as an Associate Justice serving on the High Court of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Her previous judicial experience included ten consecutive years as a military judge and chief circuit military judge for the United States Air Force. She served in a variety of United Nations positions at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, including service in Trial Chamber 3 as the Senior Legal Officer, three years as the Chief Court Management Services, and short terms as the Acting Head of Chambers and Acting Deputy Registrar. She also served three years as the Chief, Court Management Services at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
She currently serves on the Board of Governors for the American Bar Association (ABA) and American Judges Association (AJA) and is the co-District Director for District 7 of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ). She previously served as Chair of the ABA Judicial Division and National Conference of Specialized Court Judges, as the Chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Armed Forces Law, and as an ABA UN Representative and Special Observer. She served on the ABA International Law Section’s Executive Council for six years. She is an ABA Sustaining Life Fellow, and a past recipient of the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement and International Law Section’s Mayre Rasmussen Award.
Justice Murnane is the editor of “Women’s Voices: A Global Perspective on the Right to Vote”, and is a chapter contributor to “Her Honor” both published by ABA Publications.
She is a retired colonel in the United States Air Force and is married to Kevin M. Murnane, USAF, Ret. They have two daughters, Rachel Manuel and Christina Veillon, who are both teachers, and three grandchildren, Abrial, Cody and Aidan.

Registration
Register Now!

Registration Fees

FBA Member: $0
Nonmember: $50

Live Captioning: Closed captioning is available for all virtual webcasts.
Internet Requirements: Virtual programs require suitable internet strength to stream online panels. A minimum internet connection of 800 Kbps is recommended for an optimal attendee experience. Test your connection here.

CLE
Please note CLE will not be offered for this event.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I access the virtual webinar?
A: Each webinar will have a unique link to watch the live broadcast. Registered attendees will receive login instructions via a calendar invitations 24 hours prior to the webinar.
Q: Will recordings of the sessions be available after the event?
A: Approved sessions will be available for registrants to view live and on-demand following the webinar.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: Please contact sections@fedbar.org for any other questions.

Email Communication Policy
By registering for this event, you agree to receive email communication from the Federal Bar Association and affiliated sponsors of the program concerning event details, Continuing Legal Education certification, programming changes, upcoming events, surveys, and post-event communications.
Recording Disclaimer
By registering for an online FBA program, you agree to the recording of audio and visual content presented during the live event and consent to subsequent use of the recording by the FBA. You agree that the recording is the sole property of the FBA and that the recording may be used by the FBA in any manner in its sole and absolute discretion. This recording may include questions and poll responses provided by you during the live event. If you do not consent to the recording and the FBA’s use of the same, do not register for the event.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact sections@fedbar.org

Qui Tam Section: [VIRTUAL] State FCA Investigations and the Role of NAMFCU
2026-04-15 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
The states’ Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs) are tasked with investigating and prosecuting Medicaid fraud. Many states also have analogous state FCA statutes and are commonly named in qui tam cases filed in federal or state courts. Through NAMFCU, the states regularly collaborate, investigate, and litigate cases together. Perhaps most important, NAMFCU teams regularly resolve and manage the settlement process in these multistate cases while working effectively with USDOJ and Relators, under a system which treats every state equally and fairly, including for states which have no qui tam statute. This process allows the states to share resources and efficiently investigate Medicaid fraud. This panel, comprised of the Co-Chairs of the NAMFCU Global Case Committee (GCC) and the Co-Chairs of the NAMFCU Qui-Tam Subcommittee (QTS), will discuss the NAMFCU global process, and how the NAMFCU global process benefits relators, defendants, and the United States.
Register Now!
Presented by the FBA Qui Tam Section

Presenters

Candice M. Deisher
Virginia Office of the Attorney General
SPEAKERS

Nicholas Paul
California Department of Justice

Lareena J. Phillips
North Carolina Department of Justice

Sara Vann
Georgia Office of the Attorney General

Registration
Register Here!

FBA Members: $0
Non-Members: $0

CLE
Please note that CLE credit is not offered for this webinar.

Email Communication Policy
By registering for this event, you agree to receive email communications from the Federal Bar Association and affiliated sponsors of the program concerning event details, Continuing Legal Education certification, programming changes, upcoming events, surveys, and post-event communications.
Recording Disclaimer
By registering for an FBA webinar, you agree to the recording of audio and visual content presented during the live event and consent to subsequent use of the recording by the FBA. You agree that the recording is the sole property of the FBA and that the recording may be used by the FBA in any manner in its sole and absolute discretion. This recording may include questions and poll responses provided by you during the live event. If you do not consent to the recording and the FBA’s use of the same, do not register for the event.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact sections@fedbar.org.

Trust the Process, Trust the Neutral: Ethical Judgment and Professional Responsibility
2026-04-15 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Confidence in arbitration does not rest solely on procedural design—it rests on confidence in the neutral. In forums where discretion is significant and external oversight is limited, ethical judgment and professional responsibility become the foundation of legitimacy. This program examines how trust in the neutral is established, maintained, and sometimes challenged in real-world practice. Drawing on perspectives from institutional leadership, international and domestic arbitration, and professional ADR governance, the panel will explore disclosure obligations, appearance versus actual bias, professional demeanor, and the exercise of ethical authority in high-discretion roles. For attorneys representing parties, insight into how neutrals approach ethical judgment provides essential perspective when advising clients about forum selection, disclosure issues, and confidence in the arbitral process. The discussion moves beyond rule recitation to address the practical judgment calls that shape credibility, fairness, and confidence in the arbitral process.
Register Now!
Presented by FBA’s Alternate Dispute Resolution Section Co-sponsored by the American Inns of Court.

Presenters

Lieutenant General Joseph Berger (RET.)
Lieutenant General Joe Berger (Ret.) is the Executive Director of the American Inns of Court, an organization dedicated to professionalism, civility, ethics, and excellence in the legal profession. He previously served as the 42nd Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Army, where he led nearly 10,000 legal professionals and served as the senior legal advisor to the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Army. Over a distinguished three-decade military career, he advised clients across the full spectrum of legal issues in both domestic and international contexts.

Patricia Thompson, Esq., FCIArb, CollArb
Patricia H. Thompson, Esq., FCIArb, CollArb is a full-time JAMS arbitrator and mediator with over 15 years of experience guiding efficient and fair ADR processes. She regularly presents and publishes on arbitration and mediation best practices, including ethical conduct, procedural improvements, and advocacy before tribunals. Her thought leadership is reflected in her ABA and Florida Bar leadership roles, as well as her CLE presentations and publications addressing arbitration appeals, ethical issues, and professional standards in ADR.

Brent Clinkscale
Brent Clinkscale is an independent arbitrator, mediator, facilitator, and litigation consultant concentrating in business disputes, including domestic and international arbitrations. He serves on the American Arbitration Association (AAA) Domestic Panel of Commercial, Consumer, and Complex Case Arbitrators and the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) International Panel of Commercial and Complex Case Arbitrators. He is Chair of the United States Council for International Business (USCIB) Southeastern Arbitration Subcommittee, a Delegate to the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR, and Co-Chair of the 2026 ABA Dispute Resolution Section Virtual Arbitration Institute.

Marieke Witkamp, FCIArb
Marieke Witkamp is a full-time arbitrator based in Houston, qualified in both Texas and the Netherlands. She previously served as a commercial and maritime judge at the Court of Rotterdam and has practiced internationally as an arbitration attorney with K&L Gates in Qatar, as foreign counsel in Houston, and as in-house counsel in the Dutch energy and Qatari sports sectors. She is a member of Arbitra International and is listed on arbitration rosters worldwide.

Jo Colbert Stanley, Esq., FCIArb (Moderator)
Jo Colbert Stanley, Esq., FCIArb is an independent arbitrator, mediator, and Special Magistrate based in Florida. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, she serves on national and international arbitration panels and focuses on complex commercial and maritime disputes. She is a Past Chair of the Federal Bar Association’s ADR Section and serves as moderator for this program.

Registration
Register Now!

Live Broadcast | FBA Member: $0
Live Broadcast | Nonmember: $95
On-Demand Broadcast | FBA Member: $50
On-Demand Broadcast | Nonmember: $95

CLE
Please note: CLE for this webinar has not been pre-approved.
MyLaw and the FBA will seek 1.0 General CLE credit hours in 60-minute states, and 1.2 General CLE credit hours in 50-minute states.
Posted credit hours are estimated and subject to respective state approval and rounding rules. CLE qualifications vary by state/jurisdiction.
For questions regarding this program, please contact MyLaw CLE by email: registration@mylawcle.com or

Northern District of California Chapter: The TVPA 25 Years Later: Victories, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
2026-04-21 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Thelton E. Henderson Ceremonial Courtroom, 19th Floor, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco,, 94102, United States
Panel Discussion with
Hon. Beth L. Freeman
U.S. District Judge
Marissa Harris
Human Trafficking Coordinator
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Nagwa Ibrahim
Director of Legal Services, CAST
Martha (Marty) Parker
Special Agent, FBI (Ret.)
Danesha Terrell
Human Trafficking Survivor
Martina Vandenberg
Founder and President
Human Trafficking Legal Center
To register, please click here.

Intellectual Property Law Section: 2026 Art and Fashion Law Conference
2026-04-23 - 2026-04-24 | 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169, USA, 230 Park Ave,, New York, 10169, United States
On April 23 & 24, 2026 the Federal Bar Association Intellectual Property Law Section’s Art & Fashion Law Conference returns to Dunnington, Bartholow & Miller LLP. Featuring ten CLE sessions, two keynote speakers and networking opportunities, this two-day conference held in the heart of New York City is a must for those interested in the intersection of art, fashion, and the law. Registration is now open!
View the Brochure Here
April 23, 2026 – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm – Art Law Conference (5 NY CLE)
April 24, 2026 – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm – Fashion Law Conference (5 NY CLE)
FASHION LAW– Day 1 – Thursday, April 23, 2026
9:30am – 11:00 am
PANEL I – 90 minutes, including Q&A – 1.5 NY CLE
Trusts and Art – What Practitioners Need To Know About Using Trusts For Art Ownership And Succession Planning
Trusts are increasingly being used for art holdings and as tools for estate planning. What happens when life (and a second spouse) gets in the way? Join us for an informative and entertaining conversation about all the things that can go wrong with trusts and how practitioners can tackle some of these problems.
Hon. Hilary Gingold, Surrogate New York County
Lisa Barbieri, Supervising Court Attorney, New York County Surrogate’s Court
Vera Zolotaryova , Attorney-Referee, New York County Surrogate’s Court
Raymond J. Dowd, Dunnington Bartholow & Miller LLP
11:15am – 12:45pm – Keynote Presentation and Panel II– 90 minutes, including Q&A – 1.5 NY CLE
Hon. Jerrold Nadler (Invited)
Art Ashes and the HEAR Act: Opening US Courts To Holocaust-Era Justice
The 2016 HEAR Act was supposed to open statutes of limitations for six years for Holocaust-era art claims, and eliminate time-based defenses, with a sunset of December 31, 2026. However, court decisions narrowly interpreted the law, frustrating Congress’s intent that claims be decided on the merits. Thanks to the non-profit Art Ashes Foundation’s leadership, new legislation passed in 2026 gives hope to Holocaust victim families that lost artworks can still be recovered. Will the dream of restoring stolen artworks to true owners finally become a reality? Learn about how this new law came about and what it means from the front lines.
Joel Greenberg, Founder, Art Ashes
Sam Dubbin, Dubbin & Kravetz LLP
1:00pm-2:00pm
Panel III – 60 minutes, including Q&A – 1 NY CLE (Lunch)
The Armenian Genocide and Cultural Property Restitution: Lessons from California
Only one case for the return of looted Armenian property has resulted in a successful settlement to date. Learn how California statutes were crafted with the Armenian genocide in mind, only to be frustrated at the federal level. Destruction of Armenian cultural property continues today: what are the potential legal and diplomatic remedies?
Moderator: Claudia Jaffe
Rajika Shah, Visiting Clinical Associate Professor of Law LMU Loyola School of Law
Director, Loyola Justice for Atrocities Clinic
2:15 – 3:45
PANEL IV – 90 minutes, including Q&A – 1.5 NY CLE
Cassirer v. The Kingdom of Spain: The Most Important Art Litigation of the 21st Century?
This landmark battle over a Camille Pissarro masterpiece worth over $100 million has gripped the public imagination and roiled courts and legislatures for over two decades. No one disputes that the painting was looted by the Nazis from Lilly Cassirer in 1939, yet after Lilly’s grandson Claude discovered the painting was in the collection of Spain’s Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in 2000, Spain refused to return it despite having signed several international agreements calling for the return of Nazi looted art. The case has raised fascinating issues of jurisdiction, statutes of limitation, conflicts of laws, property rights under different legal systems, and ultimate questions of justice for Holocaust victim families. After a second U.S. Supreme Court ruling reversing a Ninth Circuit decision in favor the museum, the case is back in the Federal District Court in Los Angeles. Learn about this extraordinary case, and why it matters, from the inside.
David Cassirer, Lead Plaintiff
Sam Dubbin, Dubbin & Kravetz LLP
David Barrett, Boies Schiller Flexner LLP
4:00 pm – 5:00
Panel V – 60 minutes, including Q&A – 1.5 NY CLE
Ratlines to Latin America and Nazi-looted Art: The New Frontier
Moderator: Claudia Jaffe, Dunnington Bartholow & Miller LLP
Yaél Weitz, Freedman Normand Friedland, LLP
Charlène von Saher (invited)
Jacques Goudstikker’s art collection was looted by Nazi leader Hermann Goering. The Dutch government agreed in 2006 to return 202 works to his family. In the United States, the Norton Simon Museum successfully fought the family’s restitution efforts in federal court. In 2025, the Goudstikker collection grabbed international headlines when Argentine police seized an artwork belonging to the collection on behalf of the family. Nazi criminals escaping after World War II using ratlines through Switzerland have long been rumored to have smuggled important artworks. Learn how the Argentine police conducted the seizure and why the Goudstikker case is an important symbol for future recoveries.
5:00 – 6:30 – Cocktail Reception

FASHION LAW– Day 2 – Friday, April 24, 2026
9:30am – 10:30am
PANEL I – 60 minutes, including Q&A – 1 NY CLE
Infinite Innovation, Finite Protection: Rethinking Patent Strategy from Luxury to Mass Market After LKQ
This legal panel delves into the evolving landscape of patent law, focusing on challenges faced by luxury and mass market brands. Experts analyze the impact of recent decisions, such as LKQ, on innovation and protection strategies, offering insights into how companies can adapt their patent approaches in a competitive marketplace.
Speakers:
Padmaja Chinta, Partner, Dunnington Bartholow & Miller LLP
Lawrence Cruz, Chief Patent Counsel, Conair Corporation

10:45am – 11:45am
PANEL II – 60 minutes, including Q&A – 1 NY CLE
Fashion Forward: Navigating Employment Law on the Runway
This legal panel delves into current labor and employment challenges facing the fashion industry, such as non-compete agreements, workplace rights, and evolving regulations. Experts provide insights on compliance, protecting talent, and navigating complex employment relationships to help fashion businesses remain competitive and legally sound in a changing landscape.
Speakers:
Tiffani L. McDonough, Senior Director, Litigation & Employment, Louis Vuitton Americas
Katherine Gonzalez-Valentin, Capital Partner & Director Labor Department, Ferraiuoli LLC

12:00pm-1:00pm
Panel III – 60 minutes, including Q&A – 1 NY CLE
Trade Wind or Trade Wars? Navigating Global Commerce in the Trump Era
This legal panel will examine the latest international trade challenges and policies affecting fashion industry businesses. Experts will analyze shifting regulations, tariffs, and strategies for compliance, offering practical guidance for navigating the evolving global landscape during the Trump administration.
Speakers:
Michael J. Khorsandi, Vice President, Trade and Regulatory Counsel, Ross Stores, Inc.
Neena Shenai, Partner, WilmerHale

LUNCH: 1pm – 2pm with KEYNOTE (1:30pm)
MALIN LILJERT, Director, Centre For Child Rights and Business
Malin Liljert is the Director of the Centre for Child Rights and Business. She is recognized for her leadership in advancing child rights and responsible business practices globally. With expertise in policy development and corporate engagement, Malin has driven impactful initiatives to promote ethical standards and protect vulnerable children.
The global fashion industry often faces criticism for inadequate protection of child rights. Many children are vulnerable to exploitation in supply chains, lacking access to education, safe working conditions, and basic necessities. Addressing these issues requires stronger ethical standards, corporate accountability, and collaborative efforts to safeguard children’s welfare worldwide. Our keynote speaker, an expert in this field, will address these issues and how business should stay compliant with their business and ethical obligations.

2:00pm – 3:00pm
Panel IV – 60 minutes, including Q&A – 1 NY CLE
The Culture of Dupes: When is it Too Close?
As fashion, beauty, and luxury brands grapple with imitators and lookalikes, this panel will dissect what it means for a product to be “too close” to an original. The conversation explores how companies defend their intellectual property, the legal frameworks governing trademark rights, and the shifting line between inspiration and infringement. Panelists will share real-world examples, stories from both the courtroom and boardroom, and insights on how brands can balance innovation with protection. Expect spirited debate and practical guidance as the panel unpacks the legal, ethical, and business implications of the culture of dupes.
Speakers:
Susan Kayser, Partner, BakerHostetler
David Eshmoili, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, David Yurman
Jessica Heiss, Vice President and Trademark Counsel, The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc.

3:15pm – 4:15pm
Panel V – 60 minutes, including Q&A – 1 NY CLE
Persuasion and Its Limits: New Frontiers in Advertising Law
This dynamic legal panel explores the latest developments in advertising law, from influencer marketing and AI-generated content to enforcement trends and high-profile cases. Industry experts and practitioners will break down key rulings, emerging risks, and practical guidance to help businesses stay compliant while keeping their marketing creative, competitive, and effective.
Speakers:
Olivera Medenica, Partner, Dunnington Bartholow & Miller LLP
Maria Vathis, Of Counsel, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

CLOSING Champagne & Sweets
END: 5:00pm

Sponsored by the FBA Intellectual Property Law Section and the FBA Southern District of New York Chapter.

Registration
[Register Here!]

CLE

CLE Credit will only be issued for New York.
Attendees may receive up to 10.0 General CLE credits in New York.
Attendees outside of NY may contact their respective jurisdictions to determine if they’re able to claim credit independently.
Attendees will be responsible for checking in and out of programming onsite in order to meet New York attendance requirements. Certificates will be issued via email following the event.
For any questions regarding this program, including CLE matters, please email TCarter@Dunnington.com.

Email Communication Policy
By registering for this event, you agree to receive email communications from the Federal Bar Association and affiliated sponsors of the program concerning event details, Continuing Legal Education certification, programming changes, upcoming events, surveys, and post-event communications.

Immigration Law Section: Immigration Worksite Enforcement in the Trump Administration
2026-04-28 12:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
**Webinar hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
This webinar, sponsored by the Immigration Law Section’s Newer Members Division will provide an overview on worksite enforcement actions, including I-9 audits and “raids” occurring in the current administration. The speakers will address the legal framework for compliance, as well as the process of an audit and how attorneys can assist their clients through these audits. The panel will discuss the uptick in immigration “raids” and how attorneys can best advise their clients on preparedness, compliance with federal law, and how to best interact with federal law enforcement.
Register Now!
Presented by the Immigration Law Section’s Newer Lawyers Division.

Presenters

Amy L. Peck, Principal, Jackson Lewis
Amy Peck is a principal in the Omaha, Nebraska, office of Jackson Lewis P.C., and co-leader of the firm’s Immigration group. A nationally recognized attorney, Amy helps employers navigate immigration compliance in an ever‑changing legal landscape.
Amy partners with employers to manage immigration compliance by translating complex regulatory requirements into practical, risk‑reducing solutions. Her practice includes proactive Form I-9 compliance, such as employment eligibility verification training, internal audits and risk assessments, electronic system review, and, when necessary, responding to agency worksite enforcement actions. Emphasizing proactivity, she also is a go-to for ICE raid defense and ICE visit preparedness, counsels employers on Social Security No-Match Letter guidance and policy drafting and the use of E-Verify. Amy stays ahead of employer needs, delivering creative and efficient solutions to immigration compliance and workforce issues.
Amy is a trusted voice on employment and immigration enforcement issues, and her insights are sought by national media. She is also a frequent national speaker on worksite enforcement issues.
A respected leader within the immigration law community, Amy currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the American Immigration Council. She previously served for 12 years an elected Director to the Board of Governors of the 18,000-member American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). She also served for 3 years as the chair of the AILA National Verification Committee, which liaises with USCIS, ICE and OCAHO on I-9, E-Verify and related worksite issues.

Lisa H. York, Managing Attorney, Curray York & Associates
Lisa Helen York has practiced U.S. immigration law for over 20 years. Her practice focuses exclusively on U.S. immigration law with an emphasis on employment and family-based immigration. Her areas of expertise include advising institutes of higher education on immigration law, obtaining work visas (H-1B, TN, L, E, O, etc.) for both large and small companies, sponsoring foreign nationals for U.S. permanent residence through the PERM process, national interest waivers, outstanding researcher petitions, and extraordinary ability petitions. She is also a recognized expert on F-1 and J-1 student visa issues.
Lisa graduated from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2002. She earned her bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1995 with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. She is licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado.

Registration
Register Now!
Registration Fees

Complimentary for FBA Members & Non-Members

Live Captioning: Closed captioning is available for all virtual webcasts.
Internet Requirements: Virtual programs require suitable internet strength to stream online panels. A minimum internet connection of 800 Kbps is recommended for an optimal attendee experience. Test your connection here.

CLE
Please note CLE will not be offered for this event.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I access the virtual webinar?
A: Each webinar will have a unique link to watch the live broadcast. Registered attendees will receive login instructions via a calendar invitations 24 hours prior to the webinar.
Q: Will recordings of the sessions be available after the event?
A: Approved sessions will be available for registrants to view live and on-demand following the webinar.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: Please contact Zachary New (zachary@immigrationissues.com) or sections@fedbar.org for any other questions.

Email Communication Policy
By registering for this event, you agree to receive email communication from the Federal Bar Association and affiliated sponsors of the program concerning event details, Continuing Legal Education certification, programming changes, upcoming events, surveys, and post-event communications.
Recording Disclaimer
By registering for an online FBA program, you agree to the recording of audio and visual content presented during the live event and consent to subsequent use of the recording by the FBA. You agree that the recording is the sole property of the FBA and that the recording may be used by the FBA in any manner in its sole and absolute discretion. This recording may include questions and poll responses provided by you during the live event. If you do not consent to the recording and the FBA’s use of the same, do not register for the event.

Webinar: “Through a Glass, Darkly”: Navigating Conflicts of Interest in Criminal Cases
2026-04-28 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
This presentation provides a practical and legally grounded exploration of how conflicts of interest arise and are managed in criminal proceedings. It examines key frameworks such as the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, Supreme Court precedent, and the ABA Model Rules to illuminate common ethical issues arising from multiple representation and third-party fee arrangements. From both defense and prosecution perspectives, the program highlights the ethical duties, strategic considerations, and constitutional implications that accompany potential conflicts—emphasizing early identification, informed waivers, and the court’s ongoing responsibility to safeguard a defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to conflict-free counsel. Designed for practitioners, the presentation offers real-world guidance to navigate these often subtle but critical issues while minimizing risks of reversal or ineffective assistance claims.
Presented by the FBA’s Professional Development Committee.
Register Now!

Presenters
Hon. James E. Marner, United States District Court for the District of Arizona
Honorable James Marner is a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Arizona, based in Tucson. Appointed to the federal bench on April 2, 2025, for an eight-year term, he previously served as a judge for the Pima County, Arizona Superior Court from 2012 to 2025. Before taking the bench, he was a trial attorney at the King County Prosecutor’s Office in Seattle and then spent 15 years as a civil trial attorney in Pima County.

Prof. Keith Swisher, The University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law
Professor Keith Swisher directs the Bachelor of Law and Master of Legal Studies Programs at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. Prof. Swisher teaches legal ethics and procedure, serves as ethics counsel and expert witness to lawyers, law firms, and judges, and represents indigent defendants in the Ninth Circuit. His scholarship is regularly published and cited in the areas of legal and judicial ethics and disqualification, and he previously founded and edited the first blogs on judicial ethics and lawyer disqualification. He is a former member of the ABA’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility and the Editorial Board of ABA/BNA Lawyers’ Manual on Professional Conduct. In 2011, he received the ABA’s Rosner & Rosner Young Lawyer Professionalism Award, and in 2016, he received the AJC’s Learned Hand Emerging Leadership Award. Previously, Prof. Swisher clerked for the Ninth Circuit (Canby, J.) and practiced at Osborn Maledon in Phoenix.
Brian L. Tannebaum, Tannebaum Law
A newspaper reporter once wrote that “Brian Tannebaum is the lawyers that lawyers go to when they find themselves in hot water.” Now in his 30th year of practice, Brian represents lawyers, judges, law students, and law firms in ethics and criminal matters in state and federal courts. Brian is a former member of a Florida Bar Grievance Committee and former member of the Ad Hoc Committee on Attorney Admissions, Peer Review, and Attorney Grievance for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Brian is listed in Best Lawyers in America and was named one of the top 100 lawyers in Miami by Super Lawyers. Brian is a Past Chair of the Innocence Project of Florida, Past President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and currently serves on the Florida Bar’s Professional Ethics Committee and as an officer of the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers. He authored the book The Practice: Brutal Truths about Lawyers and Lawyers, published by the ABA, and in his non-lawyer world, is a Certified Sommelier.

Register Now!

Live Broadcast | FBA Member: $0
Live Broadcast | Nonmember: $95
On-Demand Broadcast | FBA Member: $50
On-Demand Broadcast | Nonmember: $95

CLE
Please note: CLE for this webinar has not been pre-approved.
MyLaw and the FBA will seek 1.0 General CLE credit hours in 60-minute states, and 1.2 General CLE credit hours in 50-minute states.
Posted credit hours are estimated and subject to respective state approval and rounding rules. CLE qualifications vary by state/jurisdiction.
For questions regarding this program, please contact MyLaw CLE by email: registration@mylawcle.com or phone: 877-406-8636.

Webinar: Demystifying Discovery: Fundamental Tools and Tactics for Law Clerks and New Lawyers
2026-04-29 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
This CLE course will provide a foundational overview of discovery in federal civil litigation, including the use of interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admission, and depositions. The program offers practical tips for drafting clear discovery requests and responses to minimize objections and disputes in court and also will address tips for navigating discovery disputes that do arise in litigation.
Register Now!
Presented by the FBA’s Judiciary Division & Federal Judicial Law Clerk Committee

Presenters

The Honorable Marty Fulgueira Elfenbein, Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Marty Fulgueira Elfenbein was sworn in as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Florida on March 11, 2024. Before joining the judiciary, from September 2018 to March 2024, Judge Elfenbein served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Miami, prosecuting cases in the Major Crimes and Economic and Environmental Crimes Sections. In her last year as a prosecutor, she was the Chief of the Collateral Litigation Section, overseeing all post-conviction litigation and filter reviews on a district-wide basis. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she worked as a law clerk for the Honorable Beth Bloom in the Southern District of Florida. From 2006 to 2016, Judge Elfenbein was an associate and later a partner at Rumberger, Kirk, and Caldwell, P.A. where she focused her federal and state practice in the areas of aviation law, products liability, premises liability, and insurance defense. She earned a degree in newspaper journalism in 2002 and a Juris Doctor degree in 2005, both from the University of Florida.

Matthew Allen, Principal, Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.
Matthew P. Allen is a litigator and trial lawyer who has tried and arbitrated a wide variety of cases, ranging from felony matters in Detroit’s criminal courts to bet-the[1]company securities and international intellectual property cases. Over the past decade, Matt has been consistently voted by his peers as a leading lawyer in Michigan and the United States by the publications Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers, and Leading Lawyers. Matt has also been selected as a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America, an invitation-only trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. In addition to his commercial litigation practice, Matt has represented corporations, audit committees, and corporate officers and directors in civil and criminal investigations and enforcement actions by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Federal Election Commission. He has also tried numerous felony bench and jury trials, and conducted felony preliminary examinations, while serving as a Special Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Wayne County (Detroit) Michigan.

Prof. Debra M. Strauss, Professor of Business Law, Fairfield University
Debra M. Strauss is a Professor of Business Law at Fairfield University Charles F. Dolan School of Business, where she teaches international law, business law, and applied ethics. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Cornell University and Yale Law School, she clerked for the Honorable Charles L. Brieant, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, and practiced commercial litigation at Rogers & Wells (now Clifford Chance LLP). Professor Strauss is the author of Behind the Bench: The Guide to Judicial Clerkships (West Academic Publishing, 3rd ed. 2023), a leading resource on the courts and judicial clerkships. She previously served as the founding Director of Judicial Clerkship Counseling and Programs at Yale Law School and authored the National Judicial Clerkship Study for the American Bar Association and the National Association for Law Placement. She is a founder and officer of the Connecticut Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and serves as Co-Chair of the Federal Judicial Law Clerk Committee of the FBA Judiciary Division. Professor Strauss frequently presents and consults on federal practice and effective advocacy in the courts, including practical guidance on litigation, legal writing, and judicial clerkship success.

Anoosheh Shaikh, Associate, Duane Morris LLP
Anoosheh Shaikh has developed a well-rounded practice focused on complex commercial litigation, securities, and employment litigation. She is well-versed in litigation strategy including managing discovery, drafting motions, and preparing for trial.
Prior to joining Duane Morris, Ms. Shaikh served as law clerk to the Hon. Embry Kidd of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
Ms. Shaikh is a 2022 cum laude graduate of the University of Miami School of Law and a cum laude graduate of The George Washington University. During law school, she was Vice President of the Charles C. Papy Jr. Moot Court Board and member of the International and Comparative Law Review. Additionally, she was inducted into the Order of Barristers National Honors Society for excellence in oral advocacy and brief writing.

Kaitlin Farrell, Partner, Haug Partners
Kaitlin Farrell has extensive patent law experience, focused primarily on patent litigation and pre-lawsuit investigations in matters related to pharmaceuticals, medical devices, chemicals, cosmetics, food/beverage, automotives, and consumer products. Kaitlin has developed significant trial and appellate experience that informs all elements of her litigation and due diligence practice. Kaitlin has experience with a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including treatments for neurological, hematologic, dermatologic, gynecologic, and rare-disease conditions, as well as various extended-release, topical, subcutaneous, and biologic drug formulations. Kaitlin has litigated major patent disputes before the PTAB, the ITC, and in major patent venues across the country. She has also represented clients before U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. She is an active contributor to local, national, and international intellectual property associations. She is a graduate of Notre Dame Law School and Fordham University.

Christina Dines, Law Clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (Moderator)
Christina Dines is presently serving as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Adalberto Jordan of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. She previously clerked for the Honorable John L. Sinatra, Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York and for Justice John D. Couriel of the Florida Supreme Court, and serves on the Federal Bar Association’s Federal Judicial Law Clerk Committee.
In addition to her clerkships, which have informed her advocacy, Christina has extensive litigation experience. As a senior associate in the Miami office of Baker McKenzie LLP, she was a member of the firm’s Litigation & Government Enforcement Practice Group. She has assisted clients in navigating high-stakes matters involving complex civil disputes, internal and external investigations, and federal civil RICO. She has worked on cases across several state and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Law School, and a former Division I coxswain, Christina serves on the Notre Dame Monogram Club Board of Directors.

Registration
Register Now!

Live Broadcast | FBA Member: $0
Live Broadcast | Nonmember: $95
On-Demand Broadcast | FBA Member: $50
On-Demand Broadcast | Nonmember: $95

CLE
Please note: CLE for this webinar has not been pre-approved.
MyLaw and the FBA will seek 1.0 General CLE credit hours in 60-minute states, and 1.2 General CLE credit hours in 50-minute states.
Posted credit hours are estimated and subject to respective state approval and rounding rules. CLE qualifications vary by state/jurisdiction.
For questions regarding this program, please contact MyLaw CLE by email: registration@mylawcle.com or phone: 877-406-8636.

2026 Immigration Law Conference
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-02 | Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
Save the Date!

This year’s Annual Immigration Law Conference will return on Friday, May 1 – Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA!
This must-attend event will bring together immigration law professionals to engage in critical discussions and explore emerging trends that impact our field. Whether you’re working on family-based petitions, employment visas, or advocating for immigrant rights, this conference is the perfect forum for gaining knowledge, advancing your practice, and enhancing your influence in the field.
Registration Opening November 2025.

Introductory Course on German and EU Legal and Political Systems, Art, History, Architecture, and Religion (In Germany)
2026-05-06 - 2026-05-13
Introductory Course on German and EU Legal and Political Systems, Art, History, Architecture, and Religion
In Germany
The Federal Bar Association welcomes you and your guest to join our journey through the Germany. Our immersive program will engage with local attorneys, scholars, and artists offering poignant commentary on the German and EU legal and political systems, art, history, architecture, and religion; while allowing for ample time to explore the storied history of this country.
For More Information:
2026 FBA Germany Brochure May
Pricing and Registration:
FBA Journey to Germany – CLE Abroad

CLE AGENDA
Agenda subject to change. CLE Credits anticipated.
Timed CLE Agenda Germany May 2026 (1)
These educational sessions provide a structured introduction to the German legal and constitutional system, examined through a comparative and practice-oriented lens and offered through the perspective of local experts. The program emphasizes the operation of the civil law tradition, its integration with European Union law, and the practical implications for cross-border legal practice, particularly in the context of German–U.S. legal and commercial relationships.
BERLIN
Wednesday, May 6 | 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

The German Bar Association (DAV): The Practice of Law and Regulation of Lawyers in Germany
This program offers a comprehensive and comparative examination of the structure, regulation, and professional culture of legal practice in Germany. Set within the civil law tradition, the session explores how the German legal profession is organized, regulated, and sustained through a combination of statutory frameworks, bar governance, and professional ethics. Participants will gain insight into the role of the German Bar Associations (Deutscher Anwaltverein and regional chambers) in safeguarding the independence of the legal profession, upholding ethical standards, and ensuring access to justice. The program will examine the rights and obligations of German attorneys (Rechtsanwälte), including admission requirements, professional conduct rules, and continuing
responsibilities within a highly regulated system. In addition, the session will address Germany’s approach to legal aid and access to justice, including state-supported mechanisms that ensure representation across socioeconomic lines. Comparisons to
U.S. models of pro bono service and bar regulation will provide valuable context for understanding key distinctions between civil and common law systems. By situating these topics within both legal doctrine and practical application, this program offers a
nuanced understanding of how Germany maintains professional accountability, public trust, and the effective delivery of legal services.

Christine Martin, Head of International Affairs, German Bar Association (DAV)
Stefan von Raumer, President, German Bar Association |Deutscher Anwaltverein (DAV)

Thursday, May 7 | 9:30am – 11:00 am
Inside Germany’s Criminal Justice System: A Study of Berlin’s Moabit Criminal Court
This program offers a focused examination of Germany’s criminal justice system through the operations of the Moabit Criminal Court (Kriminalgericht Moabit) in Berlin, the largest criminal court in Europe. Using this venue as a practical framework, participants will explore how criminal matters are investigated, prosecuted, and adjudicated within a civil law system. The session will highlight key features of German criminal procedure under the Strafprozessordnung (StPO), including the roles of judges, prosecutors (Staatsanwaltschaft), and defense counsel in a judge-led process that differs from the U.S. adversarial model. Particular attention will be given to evidentiary standards, pre-trial investigation, and the court’s duty to establish the facts (Amtsermittlungsgrundsatz, StPO § 244(2)). Participants will also examine defendants’ rights and procedural safeguards grounded in the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz), including due process protections and human dignity principles (Arts. 1 and 20 GG). The program will address victims’ participation rights, including the Nebenklage mechanism (StPO This session provides a concise, practice-oriented, and comparative perspective on how Germany administers criminal justice while ensuring fairness, accountability, and public trust.

Hon. George Plüür, Presiding Judge, Amtsgericht Tiergarten (Berlin)

Friday, May 8 | 8:00pm – 9:30 pm

German & EU Lawmaking and Parliamentary Governance: A Study from Inside the Bundestag
This program provides a focused examination of Germany’s legislative process and the central role of the Bundestag within both the German constitutional framework and the broader European Union system. Participants will explore how legislation is developed, debated, and enacted under the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz), and how national law interacts with binding European Union directives and regulations. The session will examine the structure and function of the Bundestag, including committee work, coalition governance, and the legislative process as set forth in Articles 76–78 of the Grundgesetz. Particular attention will be given to the relationship between the Bundestag and the Bundesrat, and the mechanisms through which federal states participate in lawmaking. Participants will also gain insight into how EU law is incorporated into German domestic law, including the principles of supremacy and direct effect as recognized by the Court of Justice of the European Union, and Germany’s constitutional approach to EU integration (Arts. 23 and 24 GG). The program will further address transparency, democratic accountability, and ethical considerations in parliamentary governance. By situating these issues within the working environment of the Bundestag, this session offers a practical and comparative perspective on legislative governance in a modern civil law democracy.

Representatives of the German Bundestag

Saturday, May 9 | 10:00am – Noon
From Statute to Atrocity: The Role of Lawyers at Wannsee Conference
This program provides a rigorous examination of the Wannsee Conference of January 20, 1942, as a defining moment in the bureaucratic and legal coordination of the Holocaust. Rather than marking the decision to commit genocide, the conference functioned as a high-level administrative meeting to formalize and operationalize policies already underway, translating ideology into coordinated state action. Through a legal and historical lens, participants will analyze how lawyers, jurists, and government
officials facilitated the transition from discriminatory legislation to systematic mass atrocity. The session will explore the role of legal frameworks, including the Nuremberg Laws (1935), in establishing the foundation for exclusion, dispossession, and deportation, and how administrative law mechanisms were used to legitimize and implement these measures. The program will also examine the evidentiary record of the Wannsee Protocol as a critical legal document, later relied upon in post-war prosecutions, including the Nuremberg Trials, and its relevance to the development of modern international criminal law. Discussion will connect these events to contemporary legal principles, including crimes against humanity as articulated in the Nuremberg Charter (1945) and subsequent codifications under international law. By situating these issues within the historic site of the House of the Wannsee Conference, this session offers a profound and practice-oriented reflection on the ethical responsibilities of lawyers, the misuse of
legal systems, and the enduring importance of the rule of law.

Representatives of the House of the Wannsee Conference

NUREMBURG
Monday, May 11 | 10:00am – Noon
Nuremberg Palace of Justice: From Courtroom 600 to the Foundations of Modern International Criminal Law
This interactive, site-based session at the Nuremberg Palace of Justice places participants inside Courtroom 600, where the Nuremberg Trials fundamentally reshaped the trajectory of international law. Through guided analysis and facilitated discussion, participants will engage directly with the legal, historical, and institutional significance of the International Military Tribunal and the twelve subsequent proceedings. The session moves beyond a traditional lecture format to incorporate on-site interpretation, primary source context, and comparative dialogue. Participants will examine how the trials marked a decisive shift from doctrines of sovereign immunity and victor’s justice toward the establishment of individual criminal responsibility under international law.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the trials’ groundbreaking contributions to the development of international criminal law, including the articulation of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes against peace, as well as their enduring influence on contemporary tribunals and institutions. The discussion will also consider procedural innovations, evidentiary challenges, and critiques of legitimacy that continue to inform modern international legal practice. By situating legal analysis within the physical and historical setting of Courtroom 600, this session provides a dynamic and immersive exploration of how Nuremberg continues to shape the interpretation, enforcement, and evolution of international law today.

Hon. Stephan Husemann, Judge, Higher Regional Court (Oberlandesgericht) Nuremberg
Nina Lutz, M.A., Director of the Memorium Nuremberg Trials
Axel Fischer, Research Specialist, Memorium Nuremberg Trials
Dr. Pablo Gavira Diaz, Project Officer, International Nuremberg Principles Academy

MUNICH
Wednesday, May 13 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Judicial Governance in Bavaria: Structure, Administration, and Comparative Insights
This lecture offers a rare “behind-the-scenes” look at the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, the supreme authority for one of Germany’s most robust judicial landscapes. This session examines the administrative and political heart of the justice system in the Free State of Bavaria. Hosted by representatives of the Ministry, the lecture explores how the state manages a portfolio that includes over 100 courts, the public prosecution service, and the entire Bavarian correctional system.

Dr. Isabella Schayan (Rpfl), Ministerial Councillor, Bavarian State Ministry of Justice

Wednesday, May 13 | 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

From Stein to Statute: Legal Regulations of Beer & the German Beer Purity Act
This lecture explores the unique legal history of one of Germany’s most protected cultural assets: beer. Far from being a mere beverage, beer in Germany is governed by a complex web of historical decrees and modern statutes that have shaped the nation’s consumer protection laws and industrial standards for centuries. The session traces the evolution of brewing regulations from medieval guild rules to the world-renowned Reinheitsgebot (Purity Law) and its integration into contemporary European law.

Dr. Michael Zepf, Beer Sommelier, World Brewing Academy, Doemens Academy

FOR PRICING INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER:
FBA Journey to Germany – CLE Abroad
For inquiries regarding CLE Abroad in Germany please contact the CLE abroad team:
By Email: team@cle-abroad.com
By Phone: (858) 707-7887
