Federal Bar Association

Northern District of California Chapter: Views From The Bench- What the Judges See And Hear
2025-02-24 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Ronald V. Dellums Courthouse, 1301 Clay Street, Oakland, CA, 94612, United States
This program, with Judges Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, Haywood Gilliam, Donna Ryu and Kandis Westmore, will cover what the judges think about various issues concerning attorneys who appear before them in the NDCA.
Register at https://fbandca.ticketleap.com/benchviews/
For questions regarding this program, please contact ndca.fba@gmail.com

Webinar: Naturalization - when the RFEs Start Coming
2025-02-25 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
This panel will discuss the more complex issues that arise in the naturalization context, including a finding that the base adjustment was not “in accordance with all applicable provisions,” along with issues of good moral character, convictions, lengthy absences from the U.S., and medical waivers. The panel will address administrative appeals on Form N-336, requests for rehearing, and district court litigation strategies.
Registration has closed.
Presented by the Immigration Law Section

Presenters
Betty Stevens, Attorney at Law

Elizabeth (Betty) J. Stevens received her J.D. magna cum laude from the George Mason School of Law in 2001. After clerkships with the U.S. District Court in Alexandria, the Arlington Immigration Court, and the Board of Immigration Appeals, she became an Assistant Director with the Office of Immigration Litigation’s (OIL) District Court Section. After retiring from DOJ at the end of 2016, Ms. Stevens joined the Poarch Thompson Law Firm, now Amaryllis Law, specializing in citizenship law, immigration agency processes, immigration detention, and litigation of immigration-related issues in the U.S. Court system.
Ms. Stevens serves on the Federal Bar Association’s (FBA) Government Relations Committee, became a Life Fellow of the Foundation of the FBA in 2023, is a former Chair of the FBA’s Immigration Law Section, and was one of the principal drafters of the FBA’s Article I Immigration Court model bill. She continues to actively promote the adoption of an independent Article I immigration court, and testified before Congress in 2022, on behalf of the FBA, regarding the Real Court, Real Justice Act.

Christopher W. Dempsey, Attorney at Law
Christopher W. Dempsey, principal of Dempsey Law PLLC, served with the Office of Immigration Litigation at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. for over a decade.  He retired in March 2018 as the Chief of the National Security and Affirmative Litigation Unit within his Section, where he supervised a team of attorneys conducting national security and immigration-related, affirmative and defensive litigation in district courts and courts of appeal across the nation.  Mr. Dempsey supervised all national security litigation of an office with over 75 attorneys, regularly trained Department attorneys in Washington, D.C. and the National Advocacy Center, and instructed agency attorneys and law enforcement officers at venues throughout the United States.  Prior to his work at the Justice Department, Mr. Dempsey served on active duty with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps then remained active trying criminal cases in the Army Reserves.
Mr. Dempsey has significant litigation experience.  He has appeared in thirty-nine U.S. District Courts and eight U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeal, tried seventeen jury cases and over fifty bench trials, and handled dozens of appeals.  Mr. Dempsey has worked a broad range of cases, from felony and capital criminal matters to civil suits under the Immigration and Nationality Act — including naturalization, adjustment of status, visa and passport matters, immigration detention, programmatic challenges, and denaturalization cases — as well as actions under the Administrative Procedure Act, Federal Tort Claims Act, and Bivens cases.  Mr. Dempsey has also handled dozens of habeas petitions and nation-wide class actions.
Mr. Dempsey is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”), and currently serves as an Executive Director and Chair of the Litigation & Collective Advocacy Committee of the Central Florida Chapter (“CFC”) of AILA, regularly provides instruction as faculty at national immigration seminars, and is routinely sought out for his expertise in immigration matters by attorneys across the nation.
Mr. Dempsey is a combat-Veteran having deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  He volunteers assisting disabled and homeless Veterans in need through several local, national, and international non-profit organizations.  He is also a Mentor with Veterans Treatment Court for the Fourth Judicial Circuit in and for Duval County, Florida. He also founded Mission-Phoenix, Inc., a not-for-profit entity that assists Veterans suffering from PTSD with pro bono legal assistance.
In response to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of U.S. and coalition forces in August 2021, Mr. Dempsey co-founded with AILA-CFC Jacksonville Regional Vice Chair Andrea Reyes, the Northeast Florida Afghan Response Task Force (“NEFL-ARTF”), which staffed a pro bono legal clinic at the University of North Florda to assist local Afghan community members in filing humanitarian parole applications on behalf of family members currently in grave danger due to the Taliban threat inside Afghanistan. Mr. Dempsey also serves as the Chief Legal Advisor for Operation Snow Leopard, a not-for-profit entity created to assist Afghans to resettle in the United States and abroad. He represents Association of Wartime Allies and Veterans for American Ideals, a project of Human Rights First, in a class action lawsuit challenging adjudicatory delays in the Special Immigrant Visa process related to our Iraqi and Afghan Allies, currently pending in Washington, D.C., as well as lead counsel in a lawsuit—in partnership with AILA-National—challenging delays in the Afghan Humanitarian Parole process currently pending in the District of Massachusetts.
Finally, Mr. Dempsey Co-Founded the Consular Accountability Project, a not-for-profit created to resource legal challenges across the Nation to the doctrine of consular nonreviewability, which precludes judicial review of adverse consular decisions even if arbitrary or unfounded. He was lead counsel in a flagship case challenging the doctrine before the Supreme Court of the United States.
Mr. Dempsey is an accomplished runner and has participated in more than twenty-five ultramarathons.  The capstone of Mr. Dempsey’s running career was his completion of the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning in 2016.
Mr. Dempsey lives in the San Marco neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida with his partner, their dog Roswell, and their cat, Maxwell. He has three (3) children who are all currently attending college in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Registration
Registration has closed.

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.

Event Contact
Mary Sirmans
mary@amarylaw.com

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 Mary Sirmans (mary@amarylaw.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: The Future is Now: Exploring the Role of AI in Alternative Dispute Resolution
2025-02-25 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
This panel discussion will explore the rapidly evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The program will address the opportunities and challenges that AI brings to the field of mediation and arbitration. The panelists will address timely topics, including AI as a tool in ADR, the impact of AI on the mediation process, and ethical considerations. This program is ideal for law students, newer attorneys, mediators, and seasoned ADR professionals who are interested in the intersection of technology and dispute resolution.
Presented by the FBA’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section

Register Today!

About the Presenters:
Renee Henson, Visiting Assistant Professor of Law, University of Missouri School of Law
Professor Renee Henson is a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri School of Law, specializing in artificial intelligence and products liability law. Before joining academia in July 2023, she practiced at Stinson LLP, where she handled complex business and commercial litigation, including products liability and intellectual property disputes, earning accolades such as Missouri Lawyer’s Media’s Top Verdict and Settlement Winner in 2023 and the Lawyers of Color “Hot List” in 2022. Professor Henson’s scholarship explores the intersection of AI and tort law, with articles forthcoming in the Georgia State University Law Review and published in the Missouri Law Review and Temple Law Review. Professor Henson teaches Lawyering: Problem-Solving and Dispute Resolution and Products Liability, and she serves on the Missouri Supreme Court’s Committee on Jury Instructions and Charges – Civil. A sought-after speaker, she frequently presents on AI’s legal and ethical implications and is also a mediator at Henson & Henson Dispute Resolution, LLC. She earned her J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law, where she was Editor-in-Chief of the Business, Entrepreneurship & Tax Law Review, and graduated magna cum laude with distinction from Columbia College.

Antone Melton-Meaux, Founder and CEO, Work Resolve Mediation
Antone Melton-Meaux is the Founder of Work Resolve Mediation and has over 25 years of experience in the law. Antone began his legal career as an employment attorney at Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom and later became a Partner at Jackson Lewis. He has also been the Chief Employment Counsel for St. Jude Medical and a Human Resources Leader for St. Jude Medical and Abbott Laboratories. Antone is a member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals and the International Academy of Mediators. He also teaches ADR courses as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, serves on the mediation panel for the American Arbitration Association, is rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell for the highest level of professional excellence, and has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America®. Antone obtained his J.D. as a Congressional Fellow from the University of Virginia School of Law. Antone also earned a Master of Theology from Union Theological Seminary in New York City as a Union Scholar.

Laurel Stevenson, Director, Mediation and Assessment Program (MAP), U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
After more than two decades as a litigator in which she tried more than eighty jury trials to verdict, Laurel Stevenson became the Director of the Mediation and Assessment Program (known as MAP) for the United States District Court, Western District of Missouri in 2020. Laurel has served as a mediator or facilitator in more than 1,000 cases, including more than 300 Zoom mediations. She has resolved a wide variety of cases, including class actions, FLSA, employment, wrongful death, transportation, medical malpractice, and commercial disputes. Several resolutions have resulted in institutional policy changes. She has also served as an arbitrator, provided neutral evaluations, and been involved in summary jury trials and mini trials. Laurel trains judges, law students, attorney-advocates, and neutrals on ADR and has taught more than fifty CLE’s in multiple areas, including ADR, trial practice, ethics, AI, insurance, and trauma. She has numerous published legal articles in multiple publications, including The Resolver, Just Resolutions, and the Journal of the Missouri Bar.
Laurel is the Co-Chair of the Dispute Resolution Section’s Court ADR Committee, the Treasurer of the Federal Bar Association’s ADR Section, and the Editor of The Resolver, a publication of the FBA’s ADR Section. For the past three years, she has been a mentor to law students through the FBA’s mentorship program.

(Moderator) Naveen Raue, J.D. Candidate, University of Missouri School of Law, Class of 2027.
Naveen Rau is currently pursuing a legal education at the University of Missouri School of Law, as part of the Class of 2027. He is actively involved in the law school community as a Missouri Law Ambassador and a member of the Missouri Law Veterans Society. He emphasizes building robust advocacy and research abilities, with a keen interest in Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property.
Before attending law school, Naveen served as a U.S. Army Military Intelligence officer. In this role, he gained extensive experience in strategic analysis, critical decision-making, and leading diverse teams under challenging conditions. His military background instilled a disciplined approach to problem-solving, a deep respect for teamwork, and a strong ability to thrive under pressure—qualities that he now applies to his legal studies and professional development.
Naveen is enthusiastic about leveraging the law to effect meaningful change and is eager to apply his analytical and interpersonal skills in future legal practice.

Registration
Register Today!

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.

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Webinar: Bar Prep Kickoff
2025-02-26 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**

Attention all July 2025 bar preppers! Please join us for a one-hour tips session presented by the FBA Law Student Division Board. Panelists will present evidence-based tips for how to boost your chances of success, including the recommended number of hours, active versus passive study techniques, what to do if you must work while studying for the exam, how to structure study time, the importance of healthy eating, sleep, and exercise habits, how to prepare for the day(s) of the exam, and more. We hope to see you there and wish you luck!
Presented by the FBA’s Law Student Division

Registration is Closed

About the Presenters:
Professor Kymberly Porter
Kymberly Porter is an Associate Attorney for Miller, Christie & Kinney law firm. Admitted to practice in Alabama, she represents Defendants in multiple areas of tort litigation ranging from automobile and trucking accidents to workers compensation claims. Ms. Porter is a member of the Alabama Bar Association.
Ms. Porter attended Alabama A&M University and graduated from the University of South Alabama earning her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She is a 2020 graduate of Faulkner University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law where she was active and held leadership roles in many extracurriculars including Ernestine S. Sapp chapter of the Black Law Students Association, Board of Advocates and Faulkner Law Review. She was a Walter K. Knabe Scholar and a Pupil member of the Hugh Maddox Inn of Court.
Ms. Porter has a robust amount of trial experience having previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and gardening.
Akiesha Anderson
Akiesha Anderson is the Advocacy and Partnerships Manager for Represent Justice. As a lawyer with a decorated career in policy advocacy, in addition to her work at Represent Justice, Akiesha serves as a bar exam grader with the National Conference of Bar Examiners and The Alabama State Bar. Akiesha is originally from Montgomery, Alabama yet currently resides in Southern California. She received her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Alabama State University in 2010, a Masters of Public Administration (MPA) from Auburn University Montgomery, and a Juris Doctor degree (JD) with a certificate in governmental affairs from The University of Alabama School of Law.
Professor Catherine Bramble
Catherine Bramble is an Associate Professor who teaches courses in advanced legal writing, including Legal Writing Theory and Practice, Advanced Legal Writing, and the Substantial Writing Workshop. She also teaches Torts.
Professor Bramble graduated summa cum laude from the J. Reuben Clark Law School in 2005 where she served as an editor for the BYU Law Review and competed on BYU Law School’s National Trial Advocacy team. Following graduation from law school, Professor Bramble worked as the Prelaw Advisor for BYU and then as the first Director of Preprofessional Advisement at BYU, where she oversaw advisement for undergraduates applying to graduate law, health, and business programs. In 2008, Professor Bramble joined MHM Law Offices in Provo, Utah, where she worked for eight years as a practicing attorney.
Professor Bramble joined BYU Law School in 2011 as a member of the Rex E. Lee Advocacy faculty, teaching Introduction to Legal Research & Writing and Introduction to Advocacy. In 2019, she was appointed the first Director of Academic Advisement and Development. During her time as director, she taught Fundamentals of Legal Analysis and Strategies in Legal Analysis. For the 2022-2023 academic year, Professor Bramble was a Visiting Assistant Professor at the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah, where she taught Torts, Applied Legal Writing, and Problem Solving & Analysis.
Since 2020, Professor Bramble has served as a member of the Utah Supreme Court Working Group on Attorney Licensure. Professor Bramble’s research interests include law school pedagogy and innovative attorney licensure.
Kijana Mitchell
Kijana Mitchell is a native of Brewton, AL. She graduated with her B.A. in Political Science and Public Administration, Magna cum laude from the University of North Alabama, and earned her J.D. with honors from Faulkner University’s Jones School of Law. Kijana held several leadership positions while in law school, including senior editor for the Faulkner Law Review, Attorney General for the Black Law Students Association, Fellow for Ms. JD, Vice President of the Public Interest Law Foundation and helping start the school’s student FBA chapter.
During law school, Kijana worked as a victim’s advocate for a nonprofit domestic violence agency and later served as a lobbyist for a statewide advocacy organization. As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, she is also very involved in community service initiatives.
Kijana became a law student member of the Federal Bar Association after interning with the Honorable Judge Kelly F. Pate in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. Since becoming a member, she has had the opportunity to access a wealth of resources that have enhanced her confidence as a legal practitioner. She works as an Associate Attorney for the Jinks Crow law firm where she handles complex civil litigation. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading and painting.

Registration
Registration is Closed

FBA Member: $0
Nonmember: $95

Questions?
If you would like to submit any question(s) to the presenters in advance of the webinar, please do so via the form below:

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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 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 Daniel Hamilton, Program

experience. Test your connection here.

Northern District of California Chapter: Grace, Courage and the Unyielding Power of Integrity
2025-02-26 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Thelton E. Henderson Ceremonial Courtroom (U.S. District Court), 450 Golden Gate Avenue, 19th FL, San Francisco, CA, 94102
“Grace, Courage and the Unyielding Power of Integrity: The Story of Two Civil Rights Pioneers—Constance Baker Motley and James Meredith” will be a reenactment of the admissions hearings to allow Meredith to enter Ol’Miss in 1961.
Tickets: https://fbandca.ticketleap.com/motley/
For questions regarding this program, please contact ndca.fba@gmail.com

2025 Tax Law Conference
2025-02-27 09:00 - 2025-03-03 17:00 (America/New_York) | Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, US
Save the Date!
Join the Tax Law Section for its 49th Annual Tax Law Conference [Virtually] Thursday, February 27 – Friday, February 28 and [In-Person] Monday, March 3, 2025.
Co-Hosted by the Section on Taxation.

CLE/CPE
Posted credit hours are estimated and subject to respective state approval and rounding rules. CLE qualifications vary by state/jurisdiction and the FBA takes every measure to collaborate with presenters to ensure approval.
CLE Credit will be tracked via an online web application. Attendees must check-in and check-out of each session to record their attendance.
Certificates will be available to download online and sent via email approximately two weeks following the conference. Required course codes and/or documentation for self-reporting states will be issued via email, upon state bar approval. Thank you in advance for your patience, as state bars are experiencing significant delays with program processing.
Access more information about CLE Attendance and Reporting.
The Federal Bar Association is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its web site: www.nasbaregistry.org.
Instructional Delivery Method: Group Live.

Venue
Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington D.C., DC 20004

Sponsor
Email sponsor@fedbar.org to learn more about our sponsorship opportunities.

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.
Financial Assistance: Program registrants (both FBA members and nonmembers) who are unable to afford the registration fee may receive a 50% discount on the member rate. Qualifying attorneys include those who are unemployed or actively seeking employment. A formal letter requesting the discount must be emailed to meetings@fedbar.org. That letter needs to state the reason for the attorney’s interest in the course or activity, as well as proof of income or an explanation of the financial hardship, and it must be signed by the requesting lawyer.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact meetings@fedbar.org.

San Diego Chapter: Beyond the Hype - Real-World Applications and Ethical Implications of AI in Legal Practice
2025-02-28 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Webinar
Please join U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison Goddard and the authors of the recently published book, A Short & Happy Guide to Artificial Intelligence, for a wide-ranging discussion of artificial intelligence and the law.
MCLE: One hour of Technology California MCLE.
*Webinar will be hosted in (PT) Pacific Time Zone.*
Panelist Biographies:
Hon. Allison H. Goddard was sworn in as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of California in August 2019. She graduated from Boston College in 1993 and received her J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2000. Judge Goddard spent the first half of her legal career representing corporate defendants in litigation at Cooley LLP and at her own law firm, Jaczko Goddard LLP. In 2011, she shifted her practice to representing plaintiffs in complex and intellectual property litigation. Judge Goddard has tried several cases, including class actions and patent infringement disputes. She speaks regularly on eDiscovery and technology in the law, including artificial intelligence. She also teaches trial practice and coaches a mock trial team at a local high school.
James Cooper is a Professor of Law at California Western School of Law. Professor Cooper has served as the Associate Dean of Experiential Learning and as Assistant Dean at the law school. A Cambridge University-trained Barrister and Solicitor, Professor Cooper started his career with Baker & McKenzie, and is or has been a faculty member, visiting professor, or visiting scholar at the University of Strathclyde Law School in Glasgow, Scotland; the University of Toronto; University of California, San Diego; the Franz von Liszt Institute at Justus Liebig University in Giessen, Germany; the University of Macau; Singapore University of Social Sciences; and the University of Heidelberg. Mr. Cooper’s scholarship has appeared in leading journals in North America, South America, and Europe. He is a frequent public speaker, and has contributed to newspapers, television, and radio news programs around the world. Some of his law review articles have been paired with documentary films he co-directed. Professor Cooper’s work has recently focused on the legal regulation of emerging technologies including blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the metaverse.
Kashyap Kompella is an award-winning industry analyst, best-selling author, columnist, educator, and advisor to leading companies and start-ups in United States, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Currently, Mr. Kompella is the CEO of the global technology industry analyst firm RPA2AI Research. RPA2AI advises global corporations, venture capital / private equity firms and government agencies on AI Investments, Enterprise AI, AI Governance, AI Audits and AI Ethics. He is widely recognized as a thought leader on AI and emerging technologies, and has been quoted by the media, including the BBC, Quartz, Economist, Mint, Guardian, Forbes, Nikkei Asian Review, eMarketer, CMSWire, KMWorld, EContent and SearchCIO.

Webinar: Through Her Clerks’ Eyes II: The Barrier-Breaking Career of Judge Baker Motley, and Her Honor's Living Legacy Empowering the Next Generation of Practitioners
2025-02-28 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
In celebration of Black History Month and Women’s History Month and to kick off the fourth edition of The Hon. Constance Baker Motley Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Essay Competition, please join the Federal Bar Association’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the FBA Southern District of New York Chapter, the FBA Younger Lawyers Division, the FBA Minnesota Chapter, and the DC Chapter, along with those interested in, curious about, or committed to the values personified by Judge Baker Motley at a webinar honoring Her Honor’s trailblazing legacy.
The February 28th webinar will feature Judge Baker Motley’s former law clerk, Chief Judge Swain, who will discuss Her Honor’s life and career, as well as offer a rare glimpse behind the curtain and into the chambers of one of our nation’s most accomplished advocates, jurists, and public servants. The panel will also discuss Judge Baker Motley’s impact and the opportunities that her work has created for all to advance within the legal profession. This webinar will also serve to kick off the fourth edition of the FBA’s Hon. Constance Baker Motley Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Essay Competition, which invites law students and those who have been in practice for ten years or less to submit short essays that address strategies to promote, achieve and sustain, diversity, equity and inclusion in federal practice. To learn more or to participate in the essay contest, follow this link.
REGISTER NOW!
Presented by the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion and the Younger Lawyers Division.
Sponsored by the FBA’s Minnesota Chapter, Southern District of New York Chapter, and the Washington, DC Chapter.

About the Presenters:
Moderator: Natalie Ellis, Associate Attorney, Riley, Safer, Holmes, Cancila, LLP
A dedicated and fearless advocate with experience in all stages of litigation, Natalie Ellis defends clients in complex cases, primarily product liability and mass tort claims, in state and federal courts. She provides creative solutions and strategies rooted in a deep appreciation of her clients’ business needs and objectives, putting them in the best position to succeed when litigation arises.
Natalie is highly valued for her ability to grasp the technical nuances of her clients’ products and develop legal analyses specific to the unique considerations of each matter. Clients appreciate that she goes above and beyond to provide the most efficient and effective solutions. Prior to joining RSHC, Natalie practiced medical malpractice at a Chicago-based law firm where she defended hospitals, physicians, nurses, and other health care staff.

The Hon. Laura Taylor Swain, Chief Judge, United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
Laura Taylor Swain was appointed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on July 11, 2000, and entered on duty on August 31, 2000. She became Chief Judge of the Court on April 10, 2021. A native New Yorker, Chief Judge Swain graduated from Radcliffe College of Harvard University, cum laude, and from the Harvard Law School. She served as a law clerk to the Honorable Constance Baker Motley from 1982 to 1983. She practiced law with a private firm in New York until 1996. Judge Swain was also the first woman, and first person of color, to serve as a member of the New York State Board of Law Examiners, and served as such for 10 years prior to taking the bench. She served as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of New York from November 1996 until August 2000. Judge Swain chaired the Advisory Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States on the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure from 2007 to 2010. Judge Swain has served the judiciary and the community through committee and board membership of numerous organizations, and has received numerous awards as well as honorary degrees. Since May 2017, Judge Swain has presided, by designation of the Chief Justice of the United States pursuant to the federal PROMESA statute, over the PROMESA debt restructuring proceedings for Puerto Rico.

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.

Orange County Chapter: Opt-Out Civil Consent to Magistrate Judges
2025-03-04 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | UCI School of Law, EDU 1111; 401 E. Peltason Drive, Irvine, CA
Our esteemed panel of judges will discuss the new Opt-Out Civil Consent to Magistrate Judges Program in the Central District of California.
MAGISTRATE JUDGES:
Hon. Karen L. Stevenson, Chief Magistrate Judge
Hon. John D. Early
Hon. Douglas F. McCormick
Hon. Karen E. Scott
Hon. Autumn D. Spaeth
DISTRICT JUDGE:
Hon. Fred W. Slaughter
FREE EVENT • REGISTRATION REQUIRED:
This is a complimentary event with a box lunch provided, but there is a fee for parking. NOTE we cannot guarantee a box lunch for registrations received after February 25.
BOX LUNCH OPTIONS:
At the time of registration, please indicate your preference from this list:
– Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwich
– California Turkey Ciabatta with Avocado, Spinach, Cucumber, Tomato and Ranch Dressing
– (VG | EW | PF) Portobello Banh Mi Sub: Portobello Mushrooms, Pickled Veggies and Jalapenos with Vegan Sriracha Mayo
QUESTIONS:
Contact FBA/OC at info@FBAOC.com or (949) 608-9905.

Qui Tam Section: [VIRTUAL] Targeting Corporate DEI via the False Claims Act
2025-03-04 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Our panel will take an early look at the Trump administration’s evident intention to invoke the False Claims Act against federal contractors and subcontractors as part of its campaign against what it claims are “dangerous, demeaning, and immoral,” not to mention “illegal,” DEI initiatives, as outlined in the president’s executive order of January 21, 2025 titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.”
*** This event does not offer CLE credit ***
Register Today!
Presented by the FBA Qui Tam Section
Co-Sponsored by the College of Labor & Employment Lawyers

Presenters
Speakers
Denise M. Barnes, Bass, Berry & Sims

David S. Fortney, FortneyScott

Kathleen R. Scanlan, Keller Grover

Moderator
Deborah P. Kelly, Manatt

Opening Remarks
R. Scott Oswald, Qui Tam Section, Federal Bar Association

John F. Ring, College of Labor & Employment Lawyers

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: Practical Impact of the New SBA Recertification Regulations on the M&A Industry
2025-03-04 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Join the Government Contracts Law Section on a discussion addressing the real-world ramifications surrounding the SBA’s new recertification regulations from the perspectives of an M&A law practitioner and an M&A investor as well as a discussion of practical adjustments in the market.
**This event does not offer CLE Credit**
Registration has closed.
Presented by the Federal Bar Association’s Government Contracts Section

Presenters

Ralph C. Thomas III (Moderator)
Senior Counsel and Government Contracts Law Practice Lead
Whiteford Taylor & Preston LLP
Ralph C. Thomas III is Senior Counsel and Government Contracts Law Practice Lead at the Washington, D.C. Office of Whiteford Taylor & Preston. Mr. Thomas is also the Chair of the Federal Bar Association’s Government Contracts Section. He has substantial experience in all phases of Government Contracts Law and has successfully represented government contractors before Federal courts, Federal agencies and arbitration tribunals. Ralph has been the Government Contracts Law subject matter expert on major Merger & Acquisition deals. He is the author of numerous articles on business and government contract law-related matters.
During his practice, he has drafted and negotiated any number of Joint Venture, Subcontract, and Teaming Agreements on behalf of government contractors and has conducted numerous workshops and seminars on such topics. He has represented clients in bid and size protests, contract claims against the government, as well as other government contracts litigation.
Having testified in Congress a number of times on Government contracting issues, mostly focusing on small businesses, he has been a speaker at numerous small business conferences across the country. In 2023, he was an invited panelist at a contracting summit held at the White House. Internationally, he has addressed numerous public procurement conferences abroad.

Steve Horn (Panelist)
Managing Partner
National Security Capital Advisors, LLC
Steve is currently the Managing Partner of National Security Capital Advisors, LLC. (an investment bank supporting the National Security Community). He is also on the Board of Directors of MasterPeace Solutions, Ltd. providing strategic planning and consulting, Business Development, and Capital Raise outreach.
In addition, Steve is President and Owner of SJ Horn Associates (an Executive Search and Business Incubator Firm), Founder of Project Delivery, Ltd. (An Information Technology and Analytics services company supporting the Federal Sector), and the Founding Partner of Hire Performance, a firm focused on Outsourced Search Services and Contract Recruiting services to companies in support of the DoD/Intelligence Community.
During his 30+ years in the industry, Steve has executed dozens of consulting assignments related to retention, organizational development, strategic business planning, mergers and acquisitions planning and execution, staffing and business development for DoD/Intelligence Community companies. Additionally, he has participated in the placement of nearly 2,000 Board Members, executives, managers, and engineers within the DoD/Intelligence Community.

Frank S. Jones, Jr. (Panelist)
Partner/Co-Chair- Business Department
Whiteford Taylor & Preston LLP
Frank S. Jones, Jr is Co-chair of the firm’s Business Department, Mr. Jones has over 25 years of experience in business transactions, including M&A experience that extends to public and private companies, buy- and sell-side transactions, and all aspects of the acquisition process. He has significant experience with equity and debt financings that include venture capital, private equity and public offerings.
Mr. Jones has assisted clients in M&A, capital raising, licensing and IP protection strategies in a wide range of industries, including cyber security, government contracting, software and technology, finance, energy, electronics, life sciences, medical research, and nonprofits, among others. He serves as outside general counsel to many clients which, while concentrated in the middle market, have ranged from Fortune 200 companies to entrepreneurs.
Mr. Jones speaks frequently on business and technology topics.

Registration
Registration has closed
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

Northern District of California Chapter: Litigating Motions for Attorneys’ Fees - Judicial and Practitioner Views on Best Practices and Common Pitfalls
2025-03-04 17:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Robert F. Peckham Federal Building & United States Courthouse, 280 South 1st Street, Ceremonial courtroom, San Jose, CA, 95113, United States
Featuring
Judge Edward J. Davila, District Judge, San Jose
Judge Nathanael Cousins, Magistrate Judge, San Jose
Judge Virginia K. DeMarchi, Magistrate Judge, San Jose
With Todd Gregorian (Fenwick & West LLP) and Kevin Budner (Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP)
Moderated By Allen Wang and Ravi Ranganath (Fenwick & West LLP)
Registration at: https://fbandca.ticketleap.com/fees/
MCLE Available
For questions regarding this program, please contact ndca.fba@gmail.com

Webinar: Order in the Court: Law Clerk Tips for Managing a Docket
2025-03-06 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Join us for an informative webinar focused on essential tips for law clerks in managing a docket effectively. Whether you’re new to the role or looking to refine your skills, this program will cover key strategies for organizing, prioritizing, and tracking cases, ensuring you stay on top of deadlines and tasks. Our experienced speakers, including federal judges and a representative from the Administrative Office of the Courts, will share practical advice on time management, handling complex caseloads, and ensuring cases are proceeding timely. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your docket management skills and boost your efficiency as a law clerk!
**This event does not offer CLE Credit**
Registration has closed.
Sponsored by the FBA’s Judiciary Division‘s Federal Judicial Law Clerk Committee
Webinar registration is free for FBA members! Please also note that law students, term law clerks, and “Clerks of Court,” “Deputy Clerks,” “Divisional Clerks,” or “Executives” of Federal courts established under Article I or Article III of the Constitution are eligible for complimentary membership. In addition, any judge of the Federal courts established under Article III of the Constitution, any United States Bankruptcy Judge, any United States Magistrate Judge, any United States Immigration Judge, and any judge of a Federal court established under Article I of the Constitution who is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate is eligible for honorary membership. Learn more and join here.

Presenters
(Moderator) Caryn Peterson, Career Clerk for Magistrate Judge Carmen Henderson, Northern District of Ohio
Caryn Peterson is the career law clerk for Magistrate Judge Carmen E. Henderson in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Prior to clerking for Judge Henderson, Caryn clerked in the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Combined, Caryn has fourteen years’ experience clerking in the federal courts. Prior to joining the court, Caryn worked for four years as a litigation attorney in a mid-size law firm in Akron, Ohio. Caryn graduated cum laude from the University of Akron School of Law in 2007, where she also worked for two years at the Legal and Appellate Clinic assisting indigent criminal defendants with their federal and state appeals. Caryn graduated cum laude from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois in 2002 with a degree in mathematics.
Kelly W. Chadwick, DTS Training Branch – Training Division, Systems Development and Support Office, Administrative Office U.S. Courts
Kelly W. Chadwick is a member of the AOUSC-DTS-SDSO Training Division’s Microsoft Collaboration and Communication Training (MCCT) team in San Antonio, Texas and focuses on Microsoft Cloud Technology Consulting services. Through his work as an internal cloud technology consultant, he has developed working relationships and trust with judges, circuit executives, and assistant circuit executives for IT (ACEs) throughout the federal judiciary. He delivers Microsoft 365 technology presentations at judicial conferences, national judiciary IT conferences, and divisional conferences. Kelly graduated from Boise State University with a Master of Science in Instructional and Performance Technology. His past professional positions have included: instructional designer, computer application instructor, training media consultant, distance learning/media researcher, and project manager.

Hon. Landya McCafferty, U.S. District Chief Judge, United States District Court, District of New Hampshire
Hon. Landya Boyer McCafferty currently serves as Chief District Judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire. In 2013, President Obama nominated and the Senate confirmed her to the federal bench, and she is the first woman to serve as a federal judge in N.H. Prior to that, she served for 3 ½ years as Magistrate Judge in the same court. Before joining the district court bench, Judge McCafferty served as Disciplinary Counsel for the N.H. Attorney Discipline Office (2004-2010). Most of her career was spent as a staff attorney for the N.H. Public Defenders Office (1995-2003), including two years as an appellate defender arguing appeals on behalf of indigent defendants before the N.H. Supreme Court. Judge McCafferty also worked briefly in private practice for the McLane Law Firm. Immediately out of law school, she clerked for the Hon. Norman H. Stahl at both the federal district and First Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge McCafferty graduated from Harvard University and Northeastern University School of Law.

Hon. Stacey D. Adams, U.S. Magistrate Judge, United States District Court, District of New Jersey
Magistrate Judge Stacey Adams was appointed to the Federal bench in 2024. She currently sits in the District of New Jersey, Newark vicinage where she presides over both civil and criminal matters, ranging from single plaintiff cases to class actions.
Judge Adams also served as a Superior Court Judge for the State of New Jersey from 2019 through 2024, where she sat in the Family and Civil Divisions.
Prior to her service in the judiciary, Judge Adams was a labor and employment litigator. From 2006 until joining the bench, Judge Adams was a shareholder at Littler Mendelson, P.C., the largest labor and employment firm in the country, where she had a thriving practice and also sat on several firm management committees – such as the Womens’ Leadership Initiative, Alumni Committee and the Client Investment Management Committee. From 2002 through 2006, Judge Adams worked at Decotiis, Fitzpatrick, Cole & Wisler, LLP, where she was first elevated to partner. Judge Adams began her career at the New York City office of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP, where she worked as an associate from 1997 through 2002, in the labor and employment department.
In addition to being a seasoned litigator with significant trial and appellate experience (including arguing and prevailing before the New Jersey Supreme Court), Judge Adams frequently conducted diversity, anti-harassment, and other forms of training for her clients. Beyond her legal practice, Judge Adams served on several different boards and committees including the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association, District Court of New Jersey’s Lawyers Advisory Committee, the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey and the Sidney Reitman Employment Inn of Court. Judge Adams graduated from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1998 after receiving her undergraduate degree from George Washington University, both magnum cum laude.

Registration
Registration has closed.

FBA Member: $0
Nonmember: $95

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

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.

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 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

Northern District of California Chapter: Raising the Bar - Civility in the Legal Profession
2025-03-06 17:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Thelton E. Henderson Ceremonial Courtroom (U.S. District Court), 450 Golden Gate Avenue, 19th FL, San Francisco, CA, 94102
An honest discussion about the challenges faced by lawyers in our profession, including junior lawyers, women, and minorities, who often bear the brunt of harassment and bullying in litigation. And ways in which each of us can combat this bullying and make our profession more hospitable and welcoming for all.
Panelists
Hon. Rita Lin, U.S. District Judge
Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer, Coinbase
Emily Haffner Reitmeier, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Moderated by
Hon. Susan Illston, U.S. District Judge
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Thelton Henderson Ceremonial Courtroom
450 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco, CA
5:00 – 6:30 pm | Reception to Follow
Civility in the Legal Profession MCLE
For tickets: https://fbandca.ticketleap.com/civility/
For questions regarding this program, please contact ndca.fba@gmail.com

Maryland Chapter: Introduction to Federal Practice Program and Admission Ceremony 2025
2025-03-07 12:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | United States Courthouse, 6500 Cherrywood Lane, Courtroom 4C, Greenbelt, MD, 20770, United States
The Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter’s Annual
INTRODUCTION TO FEDERAL PRACTICE PROGRAM AND ADMISSION CEREMONY
The Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association is sponsoring a program for practitioners in Maryland’s Federal District Court and/or for attorneys who want to be admitted to the Court. The CLE program will cover topics that include:
– Introduction to the Courthouses and Lawyer Resources
– Highlights of Local Rules and Standing Orders
– Discovery and Discovery Disputes
– Mediation
– Motions Practice
The program will feature judges from the federal bench, as well as attorneys who regularly practice in the U.S. District Court. It also will include remarks and tips from the Clerk’s Office of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, and a presentation by Catherine “Katie” Curran O’Malley, Executive Director of the Women’s Law Center of Maryland, about opportunities to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence.
CLE Registration
The program will be held in Courtroom 4C in the United States District Court in Greenbelt and will start promptly at 12:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 12:00 p.m. The program will be followed by a reception.
An RSVP is required, but the CLE program is offered free of charge. Please RSVP on our website: https://www.fbamd.org/introduction_to_federal_practice_program_and_admission_ceremony_2025
Attorney Admissions
Attorneys who want to be admitted to the U.S. District Court must apply for admission and pay the $200 admission fee electronically through the Court’s website at https://www2.mdd.uscourts.gov/baradmapp/prerequisites.aspx.
Applicants must have a sponsor complete and sign the sponsor portion of the application, but sponsors need not attend the ceremony. Admission applications for the March 7, 2025 ceremony must be filed online by February 26, 2025. Applicants will be directed to register to attend the March 7th ceremony once their applications have been approved, but they must separately RSVP for the CLE program. The admissions ceremony will follow the CLE program and is scheduled for approximately 4:30 p.m. Admittees are welcome to have guests attend the ceremony. A reception will follow.
WHEN:
March 7, 2025, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
(followed by reception 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.)
WHERE:
United States Courthouse
6500 Cherrywood Lane, Courtroom 4C
Greenbelt, Maryland 20770
CONTACT: Peter Nothstein · Peter.Nothstein@usdoj.gov

Webinar: Employee Handbooks - Best Practices and Potential Pitfalls
2025-03-11 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Please join the Labor & Employment section to discuss best practices for reviewing, drafting, and revising employee handbooks. This session will start with initial considerations and the importance of understanding the client’s business (what they do, what are their priorities, where are their employees, and any industry/business specific requirements/concerns that should be included or addressed), the importance of “doing no harm” and avoiding creating contractual obligations, things to consider when reviewing and updating existing handbooks, tips for drafting handbooks for multi-state/cross-jurisdictional employers, and common traps/pitfalls to avoid, yet are often included and/or requested by employers (such as introductory periods, formal review processes, open-door/grievance policies, graduated/incremental disciplinary policies, and policies that are unrealistic or frequently ignored/disregarded to an employer’s detriment).
Register Today!

Presented by the Labor & Employment Section

About the Presenters
David A. Michel – Partner, Sherin and Lodgen LLP, Boston, MA
David A. Michel assists clients in resolving complex employment, business, and real estate disputes.
A partner in Sherin and Lodgen LLP’s Litigation Department, his experience includes representing companies and individuals in a variety of complex civil and commercial disputes in federal and state court and through alternative dispute resolution. In particular, David represents clients and organizations in employment matters involving restrictive covenants, discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage and hour litigation. He also represents companies, developers, property owners, and landlords involved in commercial and real estate disputes, including adverse possession, breach of contract, brokerage, and zoning matters.
Prior to joining Sherin and Lodgen, David was a Staff Attorney for the Committee for Public Counsel Services’ Public Defender Division. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts from The George Washington University in 2006, David returned to his native Massachusetts to pursue a career in law. David received his J.D. from Boston University School of Law in 2011, where he served as submissions editor for the Boston University Public Interest Law Journal and achieved honors in the Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Concentration.

Jack Blum – Shareholder, Polsinelli, Washington, DC
Jack Blum is an experienced employment law advisor and litigator. Jack has extensive experience defending employers against all manner of claims by their employees in federal and state courts, as well as before government agencies like the OFCCP, EEOC, and state human rights commissions.

Jack particularly focuses on representing government contractor employers. Jack guides clients through OFCCP audits, framing the client’s hiring, compensation, and other personnel practices and data to preemptively address potential OFCCP concerns to avoid extensive agency inquiries. When OFCCP does challenge a client’s practices, Jack has successfully defended against OFCCP’s claims of discrimination. Jack also advises contractors on compliance with their obligations under the Davis-Bacon Act, Service Contract Act, and a wide range of FAR and DFAR clauses.
Jack also frequently represents parties in employee mobility litigation, including claims involving non-competition, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements, trade secret misappropriation, and business torts asserted against former employees and competitors that hire them. As employers face significant competitive harm from an employee’s theft of customer or technical information, Jack is prepared to take immediate decisive action to obtain a temporary restraining order preventing improper competition. Significantly, Jack has experience in both prosecuting and defending employee mobility claims and is able to offer clients a well-rounded assessment of their options and courses of action.
Jack also works closely with in-house counsel, human resources personnel, and business executives to craft compliant personnel policies that meet the client’s business requirements. Jack advises clients regarding employee/independent contractor classifications, onboarding employees subject to restrictive covenants, reductions in force, and internal investigations of sensitive harassment and potential whistleblower allegations. Jack also walks clients through sensitive terminations to reduce the potential for litigation or at least best position the client in the event that litigation is inevitable. Jack draws heavily upon this counseling experience in representing clients in litigation.

James Noël – Counsel – McConnell Valdés LLC, Puerto Rico

James Noel is Counsel, Labor & Employment Law Practice Group for McConnell Valdés LLC. Mr. Noel has provided advice and has represented employers in all areas of federal and Puerto Rico employment law.
Mr. Noël has vast litigation experience in both state and federal courts. His initial assessment to clients is based on years of experience and takes into consideration the nature of the claims, the opposing counsel, the state-court judge, and the potential exposure of a jury trial, among other criteria.
Mr. Noël has handled matters involving more specialized knowledge than the usual employment case, such as the Railway Labor Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the Federal Arbitration Act, ERISA, and COBRA. He has also served as counsel in cases before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
In addition to litigation, Mr. Noël has handled numerous due diligence matters, including the purchase or sale of businesses in Puerto Rico, as well as labor and employment audits.
He is the Past-President of the FBA, Puerto Rico Chapter; former Treasurer of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the FBA national; Vice-Chairman of the Counsel of Past Presidents of the FBA Puerto Rico Chapter; a Fellow of the Foundation of the FBA; and a member of the Board of the Labor and Employment Section of the FBA.
Mr. Noël provides advice to Corporación La Fondita de Jesús, a non-profit organization which helps people who have problems with controlled substances kick the habit. He has also provided pro bono services in Federal and State Courts.

Brian J. MacDonough, Partner, Sherin and Lodgen LLP, Boston, MA

Brian J. MacDonough chairs the Sherin and Lodgen LLP Employment Department, and co counsels and represents executives and professionals in sophisticated employment and compensation matters and employment litigation.
He handles a wide range of matters, including contract negotiation and enforcement, discrimination, whistleblowing, wage and hour issues, and wrongful termination. In particular, Brian advises executives and professionals regarding employment agreements, change of control agreements, equity and deferred compensation vehicles, non-competition and other restrictive covenants, severance/separation terms, and transition agreements.
A trusted advisor to his clients, Brian often works with them throughout their careers as they transition to new opportunities. As noted by Chambers USA, he “brings a calm demeanor to the table and focuses on the best outcome for his client,” says one interviewee. A client adds: “He is empathetic and very strategic in negotiations.”
In addition to his executive advocacy practice, Brian also litigates cases in both federal and state courts and appears regularly before state and federal agencies, including the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Highly respected by his colleagues, Brian is a former co-chair of the Boston Bar Association’s Labor & Employment Law Section. He also served on the committee that prepared draft sexual harassment regulations on behalf of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and he assisted in the drafting of proposed revisions of the Commission’s procedural regulations.
Brian is a frequent author and speaker on matters of employment law. He is an editor and co-author of the Massachusetts Employment Law Manual, published by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. He has also co-authored employment law chapters for the MCLE’s Massachusetts Basic Practice Manual, and sections of the quarterly Commentary for the Massachusetts Discrimination Law Reporter. Brian has chaired several programs sponsored by MCLE, including “What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About Employment Law” and “Preventing and Litigating Wage & Hours Cases.”

Registration
Register Today!

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.

Oklahoma City Chapter: Judicial Reception and Fireside Chat
2025-03-11 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Oklahoma Contemporary, 11 NW 11th St., Oklahoma City, O, 73103, United States
The Oklahoma City Chapter of the Federal Bar Association cordially invites you to our annual Judicial Reception and Fireside Chat at Oklahoma Contemporary on Tuesday, March 11, as we celebrate the career of United States District Judge Stephen P. Friot. This event also offers the opportunity to connect with fellow legal professionals, engage in lively conversation with some of the legal community’s most respected figures, and deepen your understanding of the law.
A reception begins at 5:30, where guests can mingle with colleagues and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. The program will begin at 6:30, featuring Judge Stephen P. Friot, as he reflects on his experience and insight gained over the course of his distinguished career.
Register to attend using the link provided.

Qui Tam Section: [VIRTUAL] FCA Trial Practice
2025-03-12 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
This panel will revisit recent FCA trial experiences, addressing the unique issues that arise from FCA practice. It will also examine what aspects of discovery and motion practice really influence trial preparation and practice.

Register Today!

Presented by the FBA Qui Tam Section

Presenters
Sara Vann, Georgia Office of the Attorney General (Moderator)

Anthony DeCinque, Assistant U.S. Attorney, N.D. Ga.

Daniel Miller, Walden Macht & Haran LLP

Tom Clarkson, Griffin Durham Tanner Clarkson LLC

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.

Los Angeles Chapter: Best Practices for SEC White-Collar Attorneys
2025-03-12 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | O’Melveny & Myers, 400 South Hope St., Suite 1900, Los Angeles, CA, 90071, United States
Event Description:
This panel of experienced SEC practitioners will discuss the strategy and knowledge essential to a successful white-collar practice in the SEC arena. The speakers will address the nuances of SEC litigation as it compares to conventional civil litigation and white-collar criminal proceedings, including the SEC process and available remedies. The speakers will also address the strategies inherent in navigating parallel SEC and criminal proceedings, including dealing with potential Fifth Amendment and joint representation issues. Finally, the speakers will share lessons learned from recent high profile trials and their thoughts on how to prepare yourself as an SEC practitioner for the next four years.
Panelists: Jorge Deneve, Partner, O’Melveny & Myers; Amy Longo, Partner, Ropes & Gray; James Spertus, Partner, Spertus, Landes & Josephs.
Moderator: Christine Adams, Partner, Adams, Duerk & Kamenstein.
Time: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Registration opens: 5:30 pm
The event will be hosted by O’Melveny at its offices in downtown Los Angeles.
400 South Hope St., Suite 1900
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Reception with drinks and appetizers will be provided starting at 5:30 p.m., prior to the discussion at 6:00 p.m. Parking will be validated.
MCLE: 1.00 Hr. General MCLE; This activity has been approved for Minimum Continuing Legal Education Credit by the State Bar of California. The FBA certifies that this activity conforms to the standards of approved education activities prescribed by the rules and regulations of the State Bar of California governing minimum continuing legal education.
Registration Link: https://fbala.org/EventInfo.php?eID=184

Hybrid Event: Women in the Judiciary
2025-03-14 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Please join us for the FBA’s Award-Winning Official Parallel Program at the 69th Annual United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Entitled Women in the Judiciary, this event explores the role that women play in the judiciary and how equality strengthens accountability across and within governmental bodies. We’ll enjoy opening remarks by FBA President-Elect Hon. Karoline Mehalchick, and presentations by federal and state judges in the U.S., and around the world, including FBA Judiciary Division Immediate Past Chair, Hon. Beth Bloom.
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 14, 2025, 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

Virtual registration is closed.
Sponsored by the Federal Bar Association’s Judiciary Division.
Co-sponsors:

FBA International Law Section
FBA Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Fordham Law School’s International Law and Justice LLM Program
American Bar Association, National Conference of Administrative Law Judges
Association of European Administrative Judges
Association of Administrative Law Judges
National Association of Women Judges
International Association of Women Judges
International Federal of Professional and Technical Engineers

OPENING REMARKS
Hon. Karoline Mehalchick, FBA President-Elect
Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick, United States District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania
Hon. Karoline Mehalchick is a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. She was appointed to the bench on July 15, 2013. She is a graduate of the Schreyer Honors College of the Pennsylvania State University and Tulane University School of Law. Prior to joining the court, Judge Mehalchick clerked for the Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania and was a partner with a small law firm in Northeast Pennsylvania, where she represented a broad range of clients in both state and federal trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Judge Mehalchick has been active in the FBA for over 10 years, and is a past president of the Middle District of Pennsylvania Chapter, previously serving as its secretary, vice president, and president-elect, and a former Third Circuit Vice President. She currently serves as a Director on the Board of the FBA, is a judicial profiles editor for The Federal Lawyer, and serves as Secretary to the Judiciary Division. She also serves as her local chapter’s ECF coordinator and civics liaison, and works closely with the chapter’s community outreach chair to implement programs with local schools and the court.
SPEAKERS
Hon. Bernadette D’Souza
Orleans Parish Civil District Court
Participation Capacity – International Association of Women Judges, North America Regional Directors
Bernadette D’Souza is a judge on the Orleans Parish Civil District Court in Louisana. She took office in 2012, with her current term expiring in 2026. After graduation, she pursued a legal career dedicated to public interest law, taking on cases regarding family law, housing and domestic violence. D’Souza has served over 18 years as a practicing attorney, many of which were spent as managing attorney for the family law unit at Southeast Louisiana Legal Services. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Tulane Law School, teaching courses on domestic violence laws. D’Souza received her J.D. from Tulane University School of Law in 1992.

Camille Vinet
Secretary General, Association of European Administrative Judges
Participation Capacity – Association of European Administrative Judges
Camille Vinet is a French administrative judge who graduated from the universities Paris Nanterre (2000) and Sciences Po Paris (2002). After working as a judicial assistant at the Administrative Court of Appeal of Paris, she became an administrative judge in 2004. She seconded three years as a judge at the Regional Audit Court of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in 2014. She currently works at the Administrative Court of Appeals of Lyon, where she started her career. She became presiding judge in 2022.
Camille Vinet was appointed AEAJ representative for equity, diversity and inclusion in 2021, and is AEAJ secretary general since 2023. She is also a member of the board of directors of the “Justice Administrative Alter Egale” (JAAE) association, which promotes gender equality within French administrative jurisdictions.

Hon. Beth Bloom
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
Participation Capacity – Immediate Past Chair, Federal Bar Association, Judiciary Division
Judge Beth Bloom has served as a United States District Judge in the Southern District of Florida since 2014. She was appointed by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate (95-0) on June 24, 2014 (her birthday). Before her appointment to the federal bench, she served on the Florida state court bench in Miami-Dade County for nearly 20 years. She was appointed by former 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. She practiced commercial litigation with the law firm of Floyd Pearson Richman Greer Weil Zack & Brumbaugh from 1988-1994 and served as a Traffic Court Magistrate from 1993-1994 before her election to the state court bench.
Judge Bloom currently serves as a member of the Judiciary Division Board of the Federal Bar Association and is a Board Member of the South Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. In 2015, she established and coordinates the Southern District of Florida’s annual Summer Intern Ethics and Orientation Program and oversees its annual Law Day and Constitution Day Programs. She is the co-creator of the Civil Discourse & Difficult Decisions Program, now a national initiative, presented to high school students in the federal court.
Judge Bloom is a frequent lecturer for the Florida Bar, other bar associations and FBA chapters. She has presented at the 2018 New Judges College and the 2017 District Judges Conference. She served on the faculty of the Florida Judicial College for 19 years, teaching newly elected and appointed judges. She has served on the faculty of the National Judicial College, the College of Advanced Judicial Studies, the Florida Conference of County Court Judges and an adjunct faculty member of the Litigation Skills Program at the University of Miami School of Law. She is a frequent lecturer with the Florida Bar and several local bar associations.
While serving as a state court judge, 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 was 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- 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” Skills Program for foster youth aging out of the foster care system, and the “I’m Ready” Program for youthful offenders sentenced in adult criminal court. She coordinated the Artist in Residence Program with artist Romero Britto and students from Miami-Dade’s Visual and Performing Arts Academies and implemented the Eleventh Circuit’s Centennial Celebration’s county-wide poster, essay and speech contests with the Miami-Dade County schools. She led the effort to establish “Friends of Caleb,” and spearheaded the creation and construction of a now-permanent mural commemorating Joseph Caleb. She is the co-founder of the Children’s Craniofacial Association at Miami Children’s Hospital and Oliver’s Fund at the University of Miami’s Debbie School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Judge Bloom has received numerous honors and awards that include the ABA Presidential Recognition Award, 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 Todays’ 2019 Stars in Government Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Miami Women Who Rock.

Hon. Florence Hermite-Fageur
Paris Court of Appeal
Former Justice Liaison for the French Embassy in Washington, DC
Participation Capacity – Femmes de Justice (France) & International Association of Women Judges
Florence Hermite, 45, was appointed as a member of the French Judiciary in 2003. She is currently a Judge at the Court of Appeal in Paris. Between 2020 and 2024, she served as Justice Attaché for North American (USA and Canada) at the French Embassy in the United States. Between 2014 and 2019, she held different positions at the Ministry of Justice and Office of the Prime Minister. Before that, she had practiced during 10 years as a civil and criminal judge in first instance courts located in the Paris area and in in the West of France (Nantes).
Since 2020, Florence Hermite has been a member of Femmes de Justice, the French association of women working in the justice system. She joined the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) in 2024.

Hon. Michelle Rick
Michigan Court of Appeals
Participation Capacity – President, National Association of Women Judges
The Honorable Michelle Rick was elected to the Michigan Court of Appeals in November 2020 and began her term of service representing the 4th Judicial District in January 2021. Judge Rick served as a trial judge on the 29th Circuit Court from 2007–2020. Before that, Judge Rick worked primarily in public service as a prosecutor, a senior assistant attorney general for the state of Michigan, and as deputy legal counsel to Michigan’s Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.
Judge Rick is a graduate of Michigan State University and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She is currently serving as President of the National Association of Women Judges. She is a former president of the Michigan Judges Association. Judge Rick serves as an advisor to the Rural Justice Collaborative Advisory Council. She has served as a member of numerous state committees, including the State Bar of Michigan Judicial Council, the Human Trafficking Commission, the Limited-Scope Representation Workgroup, the State Planning Commission, the Limited English Proficiency Steering Committee, the Affordable Legal Services Committee, and the State Bar of Michigan Corrections and Prisons Section.
In 2015, the Women Lawyers Association of Mid-Michigan awarded Judge Rick the Carolyn A. Stell Award. In January 2019, the Michigan Supreme Court recognized Judge Rick as a judge who gives back and makes a difference. In 2020, the State Bar of Michigan awarded Judge Rick and select University of Detroit Mercy School of Law faculty and students the Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award. The award was given for creating and executing “Project Access,” a traveling expungement clinic that brought expungement relief to six rural communities in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula. In 2022, the National Association of Women Judges awarded Judge Rick the Vaino Spencer Award for outstanding leadership in promoting the vision, core values and mission of NAWJ.
Judge Rick teaches Access to Justice at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, and she is a Michigan State Bar Foundation Fellow and an American Bar Foundation Fellow. Judge Rick is a frequent guest speaker and lecturer at various statewide and local law-related events.

Hon. Delissa Ridgway
U.S. Court of International Trade
The Hon. Delissa A. Ridgway was sworn in as a Judge of the U.S. Court of International Trade in May 1998. The Court of International Trade – based in New York – is a nine-member Article III federal trial court with exclusive nationwide jurisdiction over disputes involving the interpretation and application of U.S. customs and international trade laws.
Prior to her appointment to the Court, Judge Ridgway served as Chair of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the U.S., a three-member international tribunal charged with adjudicating claims by U.S. nationals against foreign sovereigns, including, e.g., claims against Germany brought by U.S. survivors of Nazi concentration camps. Before her 1994 appointment to the FCSC by President Clinton, Judge Ridgway was a member of the International Practice Group at Shaw Pittman (now Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman) in Washington, D.C., where she specialized in international arbitration. She has been an Adjunct Professor of Law on the international law faculty of Cornell Law School and has served as a rule of law/“capacity-building” consultant to numerous U.S. government agencies, foreign governments, international organizations, and NGOs, advising/teaching judges and lawyers around the world on the rule of law and legal/judicial reform, as well as a wide range of topics in international law.
A longtime member of the American Law Institute, Judge Ridgway is a past Chair (2009-2010) of the National Conference of Federal Trial Judges (representing the interests of all federal trial judges in the U.S.) and has a long history of leadership in the U.S. judiciary and in bar and community activities. She is a Charter Fellow of the Federal Bar Foundation and served for two decades on the National Council of the Federal Bar Association (“FBA”), in addition to service as Chair of the FBA’s Government Relations Committee and service on the Editorial Board of The Federal Lawyer and in the leadership of several FBA Sections. The Judge also served several terms on the Board of the Federal Bar Building Corporation (“FBBC”).
Judge Ridgway is also very active in the American Bar Association, where she is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and has served on, inter alia, the Council of the ABA’s Judicial Division, the ABA Standing Committee on Federal Judicial Improvements, the ABA Commission on Women, and the Asia/Pacific Council and the Middle East/North Africa Council of the ABA’s Rule of Law Initiative (“ROLI”). In addition, she has served for nearly a decade on the Council of the ABA International Law Section and previously served as a member of the ABA’s delegation to the United Nations. She also serves on the New York City Bar Association’s Council on International Affairs and is a founding member of the City Bar’s Task Force on the Independence of Lawyers and Judges. Earlier in her career, Judge Ridgway served for seven years on the Board of Governors of the 100,000-member D.C. Bar and as President (1992-1993) of the Women’s Bar Association of D.C.
Judge Ridgway was the 2000 recipient of the Earl W. Kintner Award, the national FBA’s highest honor; and, in 1997, the FBA recognized her as one of four “Distinguished Women in International Law” (an honor that she shared with, inter alia, then-First Lady Hillary Clinton and U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright). She was also recognized as Washington, D.C.’s “Woman Lawyer of the Year” (2001) and as the University of Missouri’s “Distinguished Scholar in Residence” (2003). The Judge’s many other honors include the ABA International Law Section’s World Order Under Law Award (2019) and its Mayre Rasmussen Award for the Advancement of Women in International Law (2020), as well as the D.C. Bar’s Frederick B. Abramson Award (1996). She received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the New York City Bar’s Third Annual International Law Conference on the Status of Women in 2022.
Judge Ridgway is a 1975 honors graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she completed coursework for an M.S. in Community/International Development. She received her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law in 1979 and was a member of the inaugural (2014) class of the LL.M. in Judicial Studies program at Duke University School of Law.

Hon. Col. Linda Strite Murnane
Associate Justice on the High Court, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Participation Capacity – Officer for the FBA International Law Section
Linda Strite Murnane served as an Associate Justice on the High Court for the Republic of the Marshall Islands from November 2022 to November 2024. She remains available to assist the court as a pro tem resource as the Republic of the Marshall Islands completes the process of identifying a replacement for her on the High Court.
Linda holds a B.A. from the Christopher Newport College of the College of William and Mary (Dean’s Honors) and a J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. She currently serves on the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association. She is a past chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) National Conference of Specialized Court Judges and the ABA Judicial Division. She previously served as co-chair of the ABA International Law Section’s International Human Rights Committee and Lawyers Abroad Committees, as well as in a variety of vice chair roles with other International Law Section Committees and Interest Networks. She served six years on the ABA ILS Executive Council.
Colonel Murnane served 29.5 years on active duty with the United States Air Force. She enlisted in 1974 as an airman basic, the lowest enlisted grade. She earned her B.A. and J.D. degrees both while serving on active duty. She served as a public affairs specialist (journalist/photo journalist) while enlisted. After earning her commission as a second lieutenant, she served as a supply officer at Nellis AFB, NV, and Keesler AFB, MS, then as a public affairs officer (community relations specialist) and protocol officer before being selected to complete her law degree under the Air Force’s Funded Legal Education Program. She transferred to the Judge Advocate General Corps in 1981 in the grade of captain upon completion of her J.D. and passage of the Ohio Bar. She served as a prosecutor, defense counsel, claims officer, legal assistance officer, chief military justice, deputy staff judge advocate and staff judge advocate before her appointment as a military trial judge and chief circuit military judge for the United States Air Force. She served 10 consecutive years as a military judge including chief circuit military judge (CCMJ) for Europe and for the Eastern Circuit, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. While in the position of CCMJ for Europe, she presided at the first trials for U.S. airmen in both Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom while serving on active duty, trying cases in Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. She also served on the first military assistance team sent to Rwanda following the genocide.
Following her retirement from active duty in 2004, she served two years as Executive Director of the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights, five years as the senior legal officer, chief court management services, acting head of chambers and acting deputy registrar at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and three years as the chief court management services at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. She was the Senior International Attorney for the U.S. Defense Institute for International Legal Studies (DIILS) from 2008-2009, and participated in global human rights and rule of law training with DIILS in Argentina, Latvia, Liberia, Zambia, Rwanda, and Papua New Guinea, and oversaw training programs by other faculty members globally in her role at DIILS.
Colonel Murnane serves as Chair of the U.S. Chapter of the Pan American Commission of Judges on Social Justice. In that role, she was invited to speak at the Vatican in 2019 and again in 2023.
During her military career she earned the Legion of Merit among her other military decorations. She received the Ohio State Bar Association’s Nettie Cronise Lutes Award in 2003 for opening doors to women and girls in the field of law, the ABA Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement in 2008 and ABA International Law Section’s Mayre Rasmussen Award for opening opportunities in international law for women in 2016. She was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in November 2021 and the Greene County, Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in 2022. She received the Mattie Belle Davis and Justice Vaino Spencer Awards from the National Association of Women Judges.
She is married to Kevin Murnane, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, and mother of two daughters, Christina Veillon and Rachel Manuel. She has three grandchildren, Cody and Abrial Leger and Aidan Ray Manuel.

Registration
Virtual registration is closed.
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 14, 2025, 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

CLE

Please note CLE will not be offered for this event.

Massachusetts Chapter: Women in Sports Law Event
2025-03-18 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
THE MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER OF THE FEDERAL BAR ASSOCIATION
Invites you to attend our Women in Sports Law Event in Honor of Girls and Women in Sports Day
A Conversation with:
– Mandy Petrillo, Vice President, Assistant General Counsel, FSG Boston
– Michelle Robison, Director of Legal Affairs, Sr. Counsel of Regulatory, Health and Safety Administration, NCAA
– Ronika Carter, Senior Director of Legal Affairs, Minnesota Vikings Football LLC
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2025
4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
VIA ZOOM
To RSVP you must sign up by March 14, 2025:
https://forms.mad.uscourts.gov/fba-women-in-sports-law.html
Please Note: To gain audio only access to the event, the telephone number you call in on must be the same number you have submitted when you sign up using the above link.
All individuals seeking video access will be placed into a Zoom waiting room to start. To be admitted into the event, your Zoom display name must read exactly as provided in the form – otherwise access will not be granted. Please check your settings to verify your official display name.
The mission of the FBA is to strengthen the federal legal system and administration of justice by serving the interests and the needs of the federal practitioner, both public and private, the federal judiciary and the public they serve.

Webinar: Introduction to Legal Spanish in Business, Criminal, and Immigration Law
2025-03-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Effectively communicating with a client is critical in any area of law. This is particularly true when working with Spanish-speaking clients in the United States or abroad. This webinar will provide a broad overview of key legal terms, phrases, and concepts necessary to successfully communicate with clients in Spanish. During this webinar, the panelists will focus on communicating in Spanish in the context of business law, criminal law, and immigration law.
Please note: This webinar will take place in Spanish.
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Comunicarse eficazmente con un cliente es fundamental en cualquier área del derecho. Esto es particularmente cierto cuando abogados en Estados Unidos trabajan con clientes hispanohablantes. Este seminario virtual, conducido enteramente en lengua española, proporcionará una descripción general de los términos, frases y conceptos legales clave necesarios para comunicarse con éxito con clientes en español. Durante este seminario, los panelistas se centrarán en la comunicación en español en el contexto del derecho comercial, el derecho penal y el derecho migratorio.
Register Today!
Presented by the Professional Development Committee; Criminal Law Section; Immigration Law Section; Diversity & Inclusion Standing Committee

About the Presenters
Moderator: Christian Merida– Associate Attorney, The Law Offices of Michelle Otero Valdes
Christian Merida is a Florida licensed attorney based in Coral Gables, Florida. His law practice is concentrated in the area of Admiralty and Maritime law where he handles matters involving any and all areas of the marine industry and industries supporting the marine industry. He also has experience in the purchase and sale of yachts both in Florida and internationally, including clients throughout Latin America. He is admitted to practice in the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle District of Florida.
Dr. Bjorn Arp– Adjunct Professor, Assistant Director, Center on International Commercial Arbitration, Director of Spanish for Lawyers Program, American University College of Law, Washington, DC
Dr. Björn Arp is the Adjunct Professor and Assistant Director of the Center on International Commercial Arbitration at the American University Washington College of Law, where he teaches international investment law and international commercial arbitration. Dr. Arp is an attorney admitted in the State of New York. Björn Arp acts as counsel on a wide range of matters of international law, with a focus on practically all Latin American countries. He is on the arbitrator rosters of FINRA (Financial Institutions National Regulatory Agency) in the United States and the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA) in Japan.
Björn Arp has a Law Degree from the University of Alicante in Spain, a Doctorate in International Law from the University of Alcalá in Madrid, and a LL.M. in International Legal Studies from the American University Washington College of Law. He is a member of the American Society of International Law.
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El Dr. Björn Arp es profesor y Director Adjunto del Centro de Arbitraje Comercial Internacional de la Facultad de Derecho de la American University en Washington, D.C., donde enseña derecho internacional de inversiones y arbitraje comercial internacional. El Dr. Arp es abogado por el Estado de Nueva York. Björn Arp actúa como consejero en una amplia gama de asuntos de Derecho internacional con especial experiencia en los países de América Latina. En calidad de árbitro, él forma parte de las listas de árbitros de FINRA (Financial Institutions National Regulatory Agency) en los Estados Unidos y de la Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA) en Japón.
Björn Arp es Licenciado en Derecho por la Universidad de Alicante en España, Doctor en Derecho Internacional por la Universidad de Alcalá en Madrid, y tiene un LL.M. en Estudios Jurídicos Internacionales de la Facultad de Derecho de la American University en Washington, D.C. Es miembro de la Sociedad Americana de Derecho Internacional.
Pablo Perez Salido – Attorney-at-Law, Haim Vasquez Immigration Law Firm
Attorney Pablo Perez Salido is a dual-licensed attorney in his home-country of Spain and the United States both in the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He is based out of Washington, D.C. and focuses his practice on business and family immigration law. In his practice, he represents clients from a broad range of industries and backgrounds in achieving legal status in the United States to establish, develop, and nurture their business and entrepreneurial projects. Attorney Perez Salido also represents individuals in both administrative proceedings with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency and in removal proceedings at the Executive Office for Immigration Review. He is fluent in English, Spanish and French.
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El abogado Pablo Perez Salido es un abogado licenciado en su país de origen España y los estados Unidos en el distrito de Columbia y Pennsylvania. Está basado en el área de Washington, D.C. y focaliza su practica en las áreas de derecho de inmigración de los negocios y de familias. En su práctica, representa a una gama amplia de industrias y origines en la consecución de estatus legal en los Estados Unidos para establecer, desarrollar, y mejorar sus negocios y proyectos de emprendedores. El abogado Perez Salido también representa a individuos en procesos administrativos con la agencia de inmigración USCIS y frente a procesos de deportación con el sistema de cortes de Estados Unidos EOIR. Es bilingüe en español, inglés y francés.

Registration
Register Today!

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.

Chicago Chapter: Endless Career Opportunities for Lawyers: An FBA Women’s History Month Panel Discussion
2025-03-19 15:30 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Greenberg Traurig, 77 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601, United States
Join the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter for Endless Career Opportunities for Lawyers: An FBA Women’s History Month Panel Discussion on March 19, 2025, at Greenberg Traurig in Chicago or virtually via Zoom. This engaging event features accomplished female lawyers from various sectors, including law firms, government, academia, and corporate counsel. Panelists will share fundamental insights on how to excel as a lawyer, make smooth career transitions, navigate workplace dynamics, and balance personal and professional responsibilities. The discussion will be moderated by Lisa Kpor, Litigation Counsel at United Airlines, and will offer attendees valuable perspectives on advancing their legal careers.
The event will take place in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual participation. Attendees can earn 1.5 CLE credits, including 1.0 in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and 0.5 in Mental Health and Substance Abuse (approved in Illinois). Following the panel discussion, an in-person networking reception will provide an opportunity to connect with panelists and fellow legal professionals.
This event is open to all FBA members, non-members, and law students. Law students may join the FBA for FREE online at https://www.fedbar.org/associate-membership/law-students/.
In person attendees are encouraged to bring one or more new or gently used children’s books (K-8) to the event. The books will be collected for the American Dreams Playroom at the Dirksen Federal Building, so every child attending a naturalization ceremony can leave with a book.
To register, please visit: https://www.fedbarchicago.org/events-cle-opportunities/endless-career-opportunities-lawyers-fba-womens-history-month-panel

Webinar: Neurodivergence in Law: The Importance of Advanced Communication in Law Practice
2025-03-25 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
A panel of neurodivergent legal professionals will discuss what it means to be neurodivergent, how their experiences differ from their neurotypical colleagues, tips to that anyone can follow to help make depositions, mediations, and trial more productive when neurodivergent individuals are involved, reasonable accommodations, and other important information. The ABA has estimated that approximately 12.5% of lawyers have ADHD, but in addition to lawyers, law practice includes interaction with clients, witnesses, judges, neutrals, and beyond. With the neurodivergent population increasing, it is more important than ever that law firms and corporate legal departments get ahead of the game and prepare for an increasing neurodivergent workforce.
Register Today!

Presented by the Law Student Division & Diversity & Inclusion Committee

About the Presenters
Dean Arturo Thompson, Career Development, University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law (Moderator)

Arturo Thompson has served as the Dean of Career Development at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law since 2019. He has served in the same role at the University of Kansas School of Law, his alma mater, from 2011 to 2019. At the University of Utah his roles include his work in career development, running the school Cutting Sign to the Legal Profession program for Native American students, co-managing its Washington DC program, and serving as a member of the school’s Professional Identity Formation Committee. Prior to working in law schools, Thompson was an attorney focused on commercial restructuring work in Phoenix, Arizona. He attended the University of Kansas School of Law from 2003 to 2006, entering the program at the age of 34. Prior to law school Thompson was in marketing and communications, working for everything from his own small agency in Tucson, Arizona, to a global tech company in Houston, Texas, to a subsidiary of one of the big global ad agencies in their Chicago office. Thompson was born in Arizona and grew up on a small family cattle ranch on the border with Mexico. He and his spouse, Karen Ford Manza Thomspon, have been married for 25 years and live in Salt Lake City, Utah. His interests include travel, cooking, photography, fly fishing, and improving a rather poor golf game.
Troy Doucet, Co-Founder, AI.law
Troy Doucet is an Ohio-based attorney who founded a consumer-focused law firm and Ai.Law, a tech company that drafts litigation documents for lawyers. With a background in economics and a successful career as a top-rated litigation attorney, he has a unique perspective on the transformative potential of AI. During his direction of Doucet Co., LPA, his firm resolved over $500 million of cases, usually involving complex litigation of highly technical financial and real estate statutory and regulatory schemes.
In 2022, Troy found a piece of the puzzle he didn’t know was missing: he discovered he is autistic. The news wasn’t a blow, but a relief, making sense of past experiences and surprisingly, even making him a better lawyer. Troy has taught numerous classes on consumer law, real estate law, and artificial intelligence and now regularly speaks about the impact of AI on the legal industry and how it will fundamentally change the way lawyers deliver services.
Stella Gerson, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program
Stella Gerson, Esq. (they/them) is the Staff Attorney for the Guardianship Program at the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP). They graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2023 with a Concentration in Public Interest Law. Their passion is working with children and youth and advocating for those in vulnerable population groups. They received their bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder and spent their time in college focused on addressing stigma and misconceptions related to mental health, engaging in neuropsychological research, and working with children at Blue Sky Bridge, a child advocacy center. Stella also actively serves on the Board of Directors for the Tom Homann LGBTQ+ Law Association.
Christina Hough, Paralegal, Law Student, and Ex Officio Federal Bar Association Law Student Division Board
Christina Hough is a nationally recognized legal professional, consultant, and notary public, with more than 22 years of experience in the legal field. She has extensive experience in various areas of law, including labor and employment, contracts, personal injury, construction defect, product liability, pharmacy and administrative law, and other specialized areas. She is a law student and ex-officio member of the Federal Bar Association’s Law Student Division Board, among other board director and committee roles. In 2023, she was selected by the National Notary Association as its Notary of the Year for her volunteer work with the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program’s HIV/AIDS Clinic and for providing rural populations with access to notary services. She has also been recognized as a Woman of Influence in Law by the San Diego Business Journal.
Christina is a champion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and mentorship, regularly volunteering her time to mentor paralegal, business, and law students and new legal professionals. In 2023, she received an Affiliates Award from the National Association of Legal Assistants — The Paralegal Association for her work on San Diego Paralegal Association’s 2022 inaugural DEIB Educational Conference. She is an avid speaker and podcast guest, including appearances on The Notary Podcast with Daniel Lewis, Paralegal Freelance Lounge with Jaclyn Foster, and Legal Talk Network’s The Paralegal Voice.

Registration
Register Today!

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.

2025 Thurgood Marshall Memorial Moot Court Competition
2025-03-26 - 2025-03-27
The Younger Lawyers Division of the Federal Bar Association is pleased to announce the 2025 Thurgood Marshall Memorial Moot Court Competition. This year’s competition will be held in-person on March 26-27, 2025.

The 2025 Thurgood Marshall Memorial Moot Court Competition is scheduled for March 26-27, 2025, in Washington D.C. Several aspects of the competition make it one of the premier moot court competitions in the country. All of the individuals who serve as judges in the competition are actual judges, practitioners, or scholars. This reinforces the “real world” experience for competitors. Competitors have an opportunity at the awards reception that immediately follows the final round of the competition to network with federal judges and practitioners, who travel from around the country to attend the Federal Bar Association’s Leadership Summit.

Dates & Deadlines
January 13, 2025 (or until registration is full): Registration & Entry Fee Deadline
January 17, 2025: Problem & Rules Distributed
February 28, 2025: Briefs Due (must be received by 11:59pm (ET)
March 26-27, 2025: Oral Arguments

Registration
Registration will open soon.
Each team shall be comprised of two members, each of whom must be enrolled in a full-time or part-time academic program of legal education at the school for which they represent. Each team member must be so enrolled from January 2025 through April 2025. Only law schools accredited by the American Bar Association are eligible to participate in the Competition. Only one team per school can be registered for the Competition, with the option of adding a second team to the competition waitlist by emailing sections@fedbar.org. If 40 teams have not registered for the Competition at the close of the registration period, teams on the waitlist will be invited to register for the Competition in the order in which they were added to the waitlist. Team Members must also be current Law Student Associate Members of the FBA in order to participate in the competition (Note: Law Student Associate Membership is free to all new applicants).
Questions? Contact sections@fedbar.org

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, programming changes, upcoming events, surveys, and post-event communications.
Photography & Video Release: Registrants, instructors, exhibitors, and guests attending FBA meetings agree they may be photographed and/or recorded during the event. Photographs and video content are the sole property of the FBA, which reserves the right to use attendees’ names and likenesses in promotional materials without providing monetary compensation.
Event Liability & Disclaimer: By attending this event, you agree to the posted event [terms and conditions].
If you are interested in learning more about the FBA Younger Lawyers Division, its programs, or publications, please email sections@fedbar.org.

Puerto Rico Chapter: Navigating the Future of Immigration Laws Amid Political Uncertainty – What Companies Need to Know
2025-03-26 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Puerto_Rico) | ZOOM
About The Event
Join us for an insightful discussion with immigration experts Xana Connelly and Janine Guzmán as they explore the potential implications for businesses under the new administration. They will also address compliance concerns that may arise, providing valuable guidance for navigating the evolving landscape.
DATE: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
TIME: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Virtual Zoom Event
Register at: https://www.federalbar.org/events

Capitol Hill Day
2025-03-27
Capitol Hill Day (CHD) is the premier FBA advocacy event of the year. FBA members have the exclusive opportunity to serve as representatives for the FBA in communication with Congress. Equal parts inspiration and information, CHD is your chance to broaden the FBA’s visibility and influence in Congress.
FBA leaders from across the country will meet with House and Senate offices to discuss important FBA legislative issues that impact the administration of justice and the federal courts. During these meetings, CHD participants will discuss the organization’s advocacy priorities.
CHD occurs in conjunction with Leadership Summit and will be held in person.
CHD participation is free for members. Members are responsible for travel costs to Washington, DC. Not a member? Capitol Hill Day is a benefit of FBA membership, so join today!
Learn More

2025 Leadership Summit
2025-03-27 - 2025-03-29 | The Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City, 1250 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
Save the Date
Join the Federal Bar Association for a gathering of association leadership and its members. Attendees will have the opportunity to expand national networks while strengthening personal, professional, and organization relationships. This year’s programming includes educational sessions, leadership training, Capitol Hill advocacy opportunities, and midyear business meetings and is designed to ensure a successful engagement and leadership path with the FBA.
Registration will open in January 2025.

Agenda At A Glance
March 26-27 – Moot Court
March 27 – Capitol Hill Day
March 28-29 – Leadership Summit Training and Roundtable Meetings

Registration
Registration will open in January 2025.
Registration Rates

$150: Leadership Summit Ticket (FBA Member)
$85: Guest Ticket for Friday Lunch
No Charge: Capitol Hill Day

By registering for this event, you agree to the posted event terms and conditions.
Accommodations: Please contact meetings@fedbar.org for onsite dietary or accessibility requests in advance of the program dates if you do not disclose within the online registration form.
Cancellation Policy: Full registration refunds will be processed for cancellations received by Friday, March 8. After the posted cancellation date, registrations may be transferred to another attendee but not refunded. No-shows will be billed. Please email meetings@fedbar.org with questions and written cancellation/substitution requests.

Hotel + Travel Information
The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
1250 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 415-5000 or 1-800-241-3333
FBA leaders may reference Policy No. 2-3 for travel reimbursement guidelines.

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.

Southern District of Illinois Chapter: 2025 Women in the Law Symposium
2025-03-27 08:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | St. Clair Country Club, 100 S. 78th Street, Belleville, IL, 62223, United States
Don’t Miss This!
Join us for a morning of networking and inspiring stories as we celebrate and advance the exceptional women in our legal community.
About this event
Women who work in the legal profession often face unique challenges and obstacles. The Southern District of Illinois chapter of the Federal Bar Association is dedicated to facilitating necessary conversations to expose the imbalance placed on women in the legal profession and to tell the story of women who have overcome significant hurdles to serve as leaders in the law throughout the federal bar. Join us for a morning of networking and inspiring stories as we celebrate and advance the brilliant women in our legal community.
Our featured guest speaker will be television anchor, legal analyst, trial attorney, actor, and best-selling author, Rikki Klieman. Rikki has earned a sterling reputation as one of the nation’s most celebrated lawyers and legal authorities. A dynamic and versatile communicator, she has found success in multiple fields, including television journalism, the courtroom, academia, and public speaking. Hear her share some of what she’s learned over the course of her storybook career, from theater major at Northwestern University to being named by TIME magazine one of the five most outstanding women trial lawyers in the country.
The day will also include a talk from St. Louis’s very own Michelle Li. As a KSDK Today in St. Louis television anchor, Michelle has a powerful story to tell about facing down racism in her job and turning the experience into a positive force for good. Now the co-founder and president of the Very Asian Foundation, Michelle works to shine a light on Asian experiences through advocacy and celebration in communities across the country.
Finally, we are excited to offer an ethics presentation by Paige Tungate, an attorney at Downey Law Group. Hailing from Southern Illinois, Paige competed on the tennis team at Webster University before receiving her law degree at the University of Missouri. Her practice focuses on legal ethics and the law of lawyering. Fitting with the theme of this year’s symposium, Paige will walk through some of the ethical rules and common pitfalls for attorneys trying to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape.
And if all of that wasn’t enough, there will be mimosas!
March 7, 2025
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Tickets: $150 – $2,000

Los Angeles Chapter: The Nuts and Bolts of Using (and Excluding) Expert Witnesses
2025-03-27 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | JAMS Los Angeles Resolution Center, 555 West 5th Street, Suite 3200, Los Angeles, CA, 90013, United States
Expert witnesses can make – or break – a case. This panel will discuss recent changes in federal procedural and evidentiary rules relating to these critical witnesses; how practitioners can advance their clients’ claims though expert testimony; and how to ensure that courts exercise their gatekeeping role to allow or exclude expert testimony. Drinks and appetizers will be provided starting at 5:30, prior to the discussion at 6:00 p.m.
Time: Thursday, March 27, 2025 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Registration opens: 5:30 pm
Location: JAMS (With Remote Viewing Option)
555 West 5th Street, Suite 3200
Los Angeles, CA 90013
The event will be hosted by JAMS at its offices in downtown L.A. The entrance to the parking garage is on the west side of Olive Street between 4th and 5th. Parking will be validated.
Please register here.
For more information, you can access the event website here.
MCLE: 1.00 Hr. General MCLE; This activity has been approved for Minimum Continuing Legal Education Credit by the State Bar of California. The FBA certifies that this activity conforms to the standards of approved education activities prescribed by the rules and regulations of the State Bar of California governing minimum continuing legal education.
