Federal Bar Association

Webinar: Trailblazers on the Federal Bench—Roads Travelled and Lessons Learned
2026-03-30 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Click Here to Register!

Presented by FBA’s Committee on Advancing the Legal Profession, Professional Development Committee, FBA Tampa Bay Chapter & FBA Broward County Chapter.

What will our Judges discuss?

Experiences/Opportunities
Mentorship
Advice For Attorneys
Work – Life Balance

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

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

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

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

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

Registration for this program is now closed.

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

Presenters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Registration
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Registration Fees

Complimentary for FBA Members & Non-Members

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPENING REMARKS

Speakers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Presenters

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

Registration
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Registration Fees

Complimentary for FBA Members & Non-Members

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

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

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

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

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

Presenters

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

David B. Wiseman
U.S. Department of Justice

Amy L. Easton
Phillips & Cohen

Zach Williams
White & Case

Registration
Register Here!

FBA Members: $0
Non-Members: $0

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

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

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

Presenters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Webinar: So You Want to Be an Ex Pat Lawyer Part 1-Internships and Employment in the United Nations and International NGOs
2026-02-26 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
This is part one of a four-part series detailing the ins and outs, and the ups and downs of using one’s law credentials in international employment. This webinar will address opportunities in the international civil service and non-governmental organizations. The experts in this panel have worked in the specific field and will share the application process, how to find opportunities, and answer questions posed by participants to give practical information on entering the work force in the United Nations and international NGOs. They will share the challenges and provide a framework to assist interested candidates to appreciate the unique system associated with opportunities in the United Nations and International NGO employment world.
Register Now!
Presented by the Federal Bar Association’s International Law Section

Presenters

Dr. Curtis F.J. Doebbler
Curtis Doebbler is Research Professor of Law at the Department of Law at the University of Makeni in Sierra Leone. He is also proprietor of The Law Office of Dr Curtis FJ Doebbler in San Antonio, Texas, USA, which represents individuals and groups pro bono in cases involving human rights as well as advises governmental, non-governmental, and inter-governmental entities on public international law. His publications include the Dictionary of Public International Law published by Rowman & Littlefield (USA) and International Human Rights Law: Cases and Materials published by the Tashkent State Institute of Law (Uzbekistan) and CD Publishing (India).

Francesca Braga
Francesca Braga holds a five-year Law degree (Laurea Magistrale in Giurisprudenza) and two LLMs in International Crime and Justice. She brings over seven years of professional experience in civil and criminal law. She is a qualified lawyer and a member of the Italian Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association (USA). Her expertise lies in international criminal law, human rights, and advocating for vulnerable groups, including LGBT people and refugee children. She extensively collaborated with UN bodies, NGOs, and international organizations across Southeast Asia, the USA, and Europe, which underpins her global perspective and adaptability.
Francesca writes articles for Amnesty International Italy and the Federal Lawyer, and usually participates as a speaker at national and international conferences.

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

Registration
Register Now!

Registration Fees

FBA Member: $0
Nonmember: $50

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

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

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

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

Los Angeles Chapter: Webinar The Best of Times, The Worst of Times, or Something in Between: What Federal Court Practitioners Need to Know Today Regarding the Use of Generative AI in Litigation
2026-02-25 12:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
GenerativeAI (“GenAI”) use has exploded across many fields, with federal legal practice being no exception. The promise of such tools’ efficiency and economy makes their appeal compelling – while the risks of their misuse have been illustrated in hundreds of reported decisions, many resulting in sanction. Whether you are an avid user or a novice, every federal practitioner should understand GenAI and its current import for the litigation realm. This webinar will address current uses of GenAI by litigants; the legal requirements attendant to such uses; and potential pitfalls and traps for the unwary.
To register please click here.

Webinar: Legal Writing: Persuasion Through Clarity, Part II
2026-02-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
The Honorable Robert E. Bacharach of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit will share a judge’s perspective on legal writing. The program is designed to help attendees enhance the clarity in their legal writing. The program will address empirical studies showing how the use of plain language enhances clarity and will address how strategic chunking of material can enhance clarity.
This webinar builds on the CLE held on September 25, 2025; however, viewing Part I is not essential for participating in this standalone webinar.
Register Now!
Presented by FBA’s Judiciary Division & Federal Judicial Law Clerk Committee

Presenters

Honorable Robert E Bacharach
Judge Bacharach has served for over twelve years as a United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. He graduated with High Honors from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in History and the Tom Lottinville Award for the Best Essay submitted in the History Department. He obtained his Juris Doctorate from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis in 1985, where he graduated order of the coif and was awarded the Breckenridge Scholarship for the second highest grade average in his senior year of law school. In law school at Washington University, he also served as the Developments Editor of the Washington University Law Quarterly (now named the Washington University Law Review) and was awarded the Mary Collier Hitchcock Prize for writing for the best Note (student article) in the law review.
Upon graduation from law school, Judge Bacharach clerked from 1985 to 1987 for Judge William J. Holloway, Jr., who was then the Chief Judge of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. After completing this clerkship, Judge Bacharach practiced civil litigation at Crowe & Dunlevy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma from 1987 to 1999. He then served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Oklahoma until 2013, when he was appointed to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Judge Bacharach is the author of Legal Writing: A Judge’s Perspective on the Science and Rhetoric of the Written Word, published by ABA Press. He has also authored “Section 1983 and the Availability of a Federal Forum: A Reappraisal of the Police Brutality Cases,” 16 Memphis State University Law Review 353 (1986); “Section 1983 and an Administrative Exhaustion Requirement,” 40 Oklahoma Law Review 407 (1987); “Motions in Limine in Oklahoma State and Federal Courts,” 24 Oklahoma City University Law Review 113 (1999); “Dirks v. SEC=s Footnote Fourteen: Horizontal and Vertical Reach,” 62 Washington University Law Quarterly 477 (1984); and “Post-Trial Juror Interviews by the Press: The Fifth Circuit=s Approach,” 62 Washington University Law Quarterly 783 (1985). In addition, he and Professor Lyn Entzeroth (now Dean Emeritus of Tulsa University School of Law) coauthored “Judicial Advocacy in Pro Se Litigation: A Return to Neutrality,” 42 Indiana Law Review 19 (2009).
Judge Bacharach is the recipient of the national Federal Bar Association’s Earl W. Kintner Award, the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Award of Judicial Excellence, and the Washington University School of Law Distinguished Alumni Award.

Registration
Register Now!

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

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

Webinar: Creating Effective Visuals for Presentations and Trials
2026-02-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Audiences have shorter attention spans and expect more visual stimulation. Communicating clearly and effectively, especially when presenting new or complicated information, requires thoughtful use of words and graphics to maintain audience attention and help listeners understand and remember information. Learn research-based ways to use visuals in your presentations and trials to support audience attention, understanding, motivation, and decision-making.
Presented by the FBA’s Professional Development Committee, Federal Litigation Section, Younger Lawyers Division, and Atlanta Chapter.
Register Now!

Presenters
The presenters are from the National Advocacy Institute which is dedicated to serving attorneys and law firms by blending effective and persuasive advocacy with the science of psychology and communication. They have not only done the work but have also shaped the way legal professionals learn, lead, and serve, ensuring that their programs and services are practical and research driven.
Angela Dooley, PhD is a nationally recognized leader in instructional design, adult learning, and organizational development, with over two decades of transformative impact across the U.S. Department of Justice and higher education. Angela was the Chief Learning Officer for DOJ where she spearheaded training strategy for more than 115,000 professionals, aligning learning systems with national priorities, including leadership development, employee engagement, and AI integration. Her tenure included oversight of multimillion-dollar budgets, cross-agency collaboration, management and supervision of multiple teams, and international teaching and facilitating in over 20 countries.
Angela founded DOJ’s Faculty Development Institute, training thousands of attorneys and legal professionals in instructional design, teaching, and facilitation skills. Her work in curriculum development and impact evaluation elevated DOJ’s learning programs to measurable excellence. She also founded DOJ’s Justice Leadership Institute, training DOJ employees on leadership and supervision.
Angela’s expertise bridges psychology, law, and pedagogy. She has consulted on federal trials, designed mock jury instruments, and published extensively on attention, memory, and multimedia learning. Her research-informed approach has shaped training for judges, federal prosecutors, law enforcement, and legal educators worldwide.
Angela holds a PhD in Educational Psychology and Research, master’s degrees in Business Administration and Health Administration, and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law and College of Education. Her career reflects a rare blend of strategic leadership, empirical rigor, and creative instructional vision—empowering professionals to learn, lead, and serve with purpose.
Brett Sagel is a highly skilled trial lawyer and former federal prosecutor with over 26 years of experience handling some of the nation’s most complex cases. As an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California for over two decades, he led high-stakes prosecutions involving white collar crime, corporate fraud, and public corruption. He held various leadership positions, including the Chief of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force and served as the Assistant Director of the Department of Justice’s National Advocacy Center, where he modernized the Department’s criminal trial advocacy program and trained hundreds of prosecutors nationwide.
Throughout his distinguished career, Brett tried over thirty federal jury trials — many lasting weeks or months — and secured numerous high-profile convictions, including against attorney Michael Avenatti and Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona. Brett drafted scores of appellate briefs and argued before the Ninth Circuit 15 times. As a dedicated mentor to new prosecutors, Brett also supervised and mentored dozens of additional federal trials and hearings.
In addition, Brett is an accomplished educator, teaching courses on trial advocacy, evidence, white collar crime, among other topics, to prosecutors across the country and lectured internationally on behalf of the Department of Justice and the United States Department of State in numerous countries in Asia, Central and South America, and Europe. Brett has also served as an adjunct professor at a local law school and college.
Brett began his career at the Department of Justice’s Tax Division through the prestigious Honors Program. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctor from the George Washington University School of Law.
Moderator
Peter J. Toren is an intellectual property litigator with over 40 years of experience dedicated to helping individuals and companies protect their IP rights. He is admitted to practice in California, the District of Columbia, Georgia, and New York. He has been a partner at several prominent law firms, including Sidley Austin in New York City.
Before transitioning to private practice, he served for eight years as a federal prosecutor with the Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) in Washington, D.C., where he was among the first five prosecutors hired and served as Acting Deputy Chief. He prosecuted numerous cases involving violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, Criminal Copyright, Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods, and the Economic Espionage Act. Since then, he has represented several companies and individuals in EEA criminal investigations and litigated multiple Defend Trade Secrets Act matters.
His current practice focuses on trade secret litigation, computer crimes, and Nazi-looted art restitution cases, where he represents his own family and other families and heirs seeking recovery of artwork stolen during the Holocaust.
Peter is a co-author of the Trade Secret Case Management Guide (2023), published by the Federal Judicial Center, which is the research and education agency for federal courts. He is the author of Intellectual Property & Computer Crimes, the leading treatise on criminal violations of intellectual property rights and computer crime, first published by Full Court Press in 2003, and a co-author of The Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 Handbook, published by Wolters Kluwer, which has been updated four times since first being published. He has published over 125 articles on various legal topics and received an award for excellence in legal publishing. Peter serves as an editor of IPLaw360 and is the co-leader of a Sedona Conference team on criminal trade secret law and practice. He is a frequent contributor to the press on intellectual property and trade secret matters.

Register Now!

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

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

2026 Hybrid Qui Tam Conference
2026-02-19 - 2026-02-20 | Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill, 525 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20001
The FCA in an Era of Uncertainty
The Annual Hybrid Qui Tam Conference will return on February 19-20, 2026 at the Hilton Capitol Hill Washington DC Hotel.
Sessions will dive into the practical side of False Claims Act investigations and litigation, with deeply experienced litigators representing a variety of viewpoints —defense, relator, government, and more—sharing their guidance in strategic areas of FCA practice. Day One will walk through some of the legal areas that the U.S. Department of Justice has identified as priorities for enforcement. Day Two will highlight nitty-gritty questions facing any FCA practitioner. More than 400 attendees are expected, marking this as a national program that is a high value for those interested in False Claims Act litigation.
[REGISTER NOW]
Early Bird Registration Rates
Pricing will increase after Friday, January 9

ONSITE PARTICIPATION:

Sustaining Member $475
Qui Tam Section Member $500
Private Sector Member $550
Private Sector Nonmember $700
Public Sector $400
Law Student $200

VIRTUAL (ZOOM) PARTICIPATION:

Sustaining Member $525
Qui Tam Section Member $550
Private Sector Member $600
Private Sector Nonmember $750
Public Sector $450
Law Student $250

Sponsors can receive free and/or discounted tickets. View sponsorship packages and learn more.

NEW DATABASE | When you register for this event, you will be prompted to create an account with our new database. All returning FBA members and users must first “Sign Up” to connect to the new online portal. If you were a previous portal user, your old credentials will no longer work. More information and a helpful video is available online.

Webinar: Bid Protest Lessons from 2025, for 2026
2026-02-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://www.fedbar.org/event/webinar-bid-protest-lessons-from-2025-for-2026/
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
What distinguished a winning protest from a losing one this past year? In this “Year in Review” webinar, Burr & Forman, LLP partners Kelsey Hayes and David Timm will review the carnage from the 2025 bid protest arena. We will provide critical insights to help businesses navigate 2026 protests and interventions at the Government Accountability Office and the Court of Federal Claims.
Register Now!
Presented by FBA’s Government Contracts Section

Presenters

Kelsey Hayes, Partner, Burr & Forman.
Kelsey Hayes is a partner in Burr & Forman’s Government Contracts practice group. She regularly, and successfully, litigates bid protests, claims, and disputes before the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Boards of Contract Appeals, and U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Ms. Hayes also advises and counsels clients on a wide range of government contracts matters, including FAR and DFARS compliance, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) regulations and contracting assistance programs, and risk mitigation.

David Timm, Partner, Burr & Forman.
David Timm is a partner in Burr & Forman’s Construction & Project Development practice group. David represents contractors and companies in complex disputes, claims, and bid protests involving federal, state, and local government contracts. David’s practice includes matters before the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Boards of Contract Appeals, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, various state courts, as well as in arbitration and mediation.

Registration
Register Now!

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

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

Civil Rights Section and Atlanta Chapter: Civil Rights Etouffee on the Road: Atlanta
2026-02-12 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Our Biannual Civil Rights Etouffee is such a hit, we’re taking it on the road!
Join us in Atlanta at the Carter Center on February 12 to discuss education law, disability rights, and other civil rights law, with keynote speaker Hon. Amy Totenberg.
The morning event includes 3 CLE credits, legal updates and analysis, lunch, and camaraderie with fellow attorneys. This event is relevant to a variety of attorneys, from experienced practitioners seeking new developments in disability rights and education law to those just starting their practice and interested in exploring civil rights. It’s also a great opportunity for attorneys looking to take on pro bono matters or simply interested in gaining CLE credits with interesting speakers in a unique venue.
The program features panels led by experienced civil rights practitioners who will address timely and practical civil rights topics. The program will also include a keynote address by the Honorable Amy Totenberg of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
Lunch will be provided, and attendees will have meaningful opportunities to network with fellow practitioners and speakers. Admission is free for federal judges and law clerks.
Learn More & Register!

Webinar: Many Roads to Justice: Diverse Career Paths in Civil Rights Law
2026-02-09 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://www.fedbar.org/event/webinar-many-roads-to-justice-diverse-career-paths-in-civil-rights-law/
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Join members of the Civil Rights Section as they discuss the different paths they took to starting their practice in civil rights law. Civil rights lawyers with experience practicing in private firms, nonprofits, government, and academia will share how they began working in civil rights, how the early years of their practice led to their current positions, and advice for lawyers just starting out in the field. This is an excellent opportunity for law students, new lawyers, and lawyers interested in expanding their practice into civil rights law. Bring your questions for these knowledgeable practitioners!
Register Now!

Presented by the Federal Bar Association’s Civil Rights Law Section

Presenters
Morgan Drake
Morgan Drake is a Clinical Teaching Fellow at the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program. She supervises and trains students in the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinic and in the Crimmigration Clinic. She also supervises the HLS Immigration Project (HIP), a student-practice organization focused on immigration-related community engagement efforts and advocacy. Morgan was previously a Litigation Attorney and Equal Justice Works Fellow at the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), where she protected the due process rights of detained noncitizens through appellate representation at the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and federal courts. Morgan holds a J.D. From DePaul University College of Law. Prior to law school, Morgan worked with detained unaccompanied minors as a paralegal and DOJ-Accredited Representative on NIJC’s Children’s Protection Project. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Spanish from Augustana College.
Kyle Kaiser
Kyle Kaiser is an Assistant Attorney General and Senior Trial Counsel in the Litigation Division of the Utah Attorney General’s Office. He has been with the office since July 2011. Kyle’s practice focuses on defending claims of constitutional or civil rights violations brought against the State of Utah, its agents, agencies, and subdivisions, and Utah colleges and school districts. Kyle is also appointed as a judge pro tempore for the Salt Lake City Justice Court, presiding over civil small claims matters. Before working for the Utah AG’s Office, Kyle was employed as Staff Attorney for Justice Dale Wainwright of the Supreme Court of Texas, where he not only assisted Justice Wainwright in researching and preparing opinions and analyzing petitions for review, but was in charge of the Court’s annual hot pepper eating competition. Before that, Kyle was a litigation and intellectual property associate with the law firm of Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A. in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and served as a law clerk for Richard Dorr, United States District Judge for the Western District of Missouri, in Springfield. Kyle received his J.D., with high distinction, from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2003, where he was Senior Managing Editor of the Iowa Law Review, was awarded the Hancher-Finkbine Medallion, and was inducted into Order of the Coif. Kyle received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Drake University, summa cum laude, in 2000. Away from work, Kyle enjoys spending time with his wife Pearl, their daughter Cora, and their cat Milo; camping around Utah in a 1983 Chevy RV; competing in pub trivia events (mostly virtually this year); playing percussion with the local community band and piano in the privacy of his own home; and judging mock trial competitions.
Lauren DiMartino
Lauren DiMartino is an attorney at Brown, Goldstein & Levy representing clients across various areas of civil rights law, including fair housing, education and disability rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her practice also includes appeals and commercial litigation. Lauren clerked for Judge Martha Craig Daughtry on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. She was previously the Legal Fellow at the University of Colorado School of Law’s Byron White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law. She graduated from the City University of New York School of Law, a public-interest program, with a concentration in Social Justice, Equality, and Civil Rights. She is active in community work, and is on the Board of Directors of FreeState Justice, the Advisory Board of Baltimore Youth Arts, teaches Appellate Advocacy at the University of Maryland Carey School of Law, and serves on the Baltimore City Office of Inspector General Citizen Advisory Board. Lauren is admitted to the bar of the states of New York, Maryland, and New Jersey.
Robin Wagner
Robin Wagner is the Principal and Founder of Robin Wagner Law, PLLC. She works exclusively on plaintiff-side civil rights matters, primarily in the areas of employment and housing discrimination. She spent 9 years at a prominent plaintiff-side civil rights law firm in the Detroit area, rising to equity partner, before founding her own firm. She clerked for the Hon. Judith E. Levy of the Eastern District of Michigan and the Hon. Michael H. Dolinger, ret. Magistrate Judge, Southern District of New York. Robin is an elected officer of the Eastern District of Michgan Chapter of the FBA and former Chair of the Civil Rights Law Section. Robin has written on employment and housing discrimination law for various professional journals, including the Michigan Bar Journal, the journal of the Michigan Association of Justice, and of course, our section’s own Civil Rights Insider.
Benjamin de Seingalt
Benjamin de Seingalt is the Corporate Counsel and Director of Compliance and Privacy for MarketVision Research, one of the largest primary market research and consulting firms in the United States. His work focuses on artificial intelligence, global privacy compliance, corporate social responsibility, and post-market drug surveillance. Ben is also the Senior Fellow for Artificial Intelligence at the Lawyers’ Committee for Cultural Heritage Preservation and serves on the Editorial Board for The Federal Lawyer, the board of the Federal Bar Association’s Section on Civil Rights, the BHBIA’s Ethics and Compliance Committee, ESOMAR’s AI Task Force Coordinating Committee, and the Insights Association’s Standards Committee. He is a graduate of Tulane University Law School, the A.B. Freeman School of Business, and Washington College.

Registration
Register Now!

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

Labor & Employment Law Section and the District of Columbia Chapter: Labor & Employment Law Washington DC Road Show
2026-02-05 14:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | 600 Watergate Conference Space, 600 New Hampshire Ave, N.W., Washington, DC, 20037
Join the FBA Labor & Employment Law Section and the FBA District of Columbia and Capitol Hill Chapters for the Labor & Employment Law Washington DC Road Show on February 5, 2026, from 2:00-5:30 PM.
This half-day seminar will address Emerging Trends in Labor & Employment Law, Relevant Developments stemming from the Latest Supreme Court Decisions, and Preparing Corporate Clients for DHS and ICE Site Visits: Legal Obligations and Practical Defense. Following the program, gather with attendees for appetizers and a cash bar at a nearby venue.
Note: Three CLE accreditation hours are anticipated but not pre-approved and are subject to respective state approval.
Venue:
Watergate 600 Conference Space
600 New Hampshire Ave, N.W.
Washington, DC 20037
Learn More and Register:
https://fbamdpa.regfox.com/federal-bar-association-labor-employment-law–washington-dc-road-
SPACE IS LIMITED SO REGISTER TODAY!

Webinar: Machine Made, Legally Challenged: Large Language Models on Trial
2026-02-02 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
This program has been rescheduled to Monday, February 2 from its original date of Tuesday, December 2.
Join Ciresi Conlin LLP lawyers for a cutting-edge CLE course exploring the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and intellectual property law. This session will break down the latest legal developments in high-stakes cases regarding large language models, from the Copyright Act to antitrust law, and beyond. As courts and regulators grapple with the unprecedented legal questions posed by AI, new precedents are emerging at a rapid pace. Staying informed is critical, as the legal landscape in this area is shifting month by month, with major implications for all businesses.
Presented by FBA Annual Meeting & Convention 2025 sponsor Ciresi Conlin LLP.
Registration Open!

Presenters
Melissa Goodman, Partner, Ciresi Conlin
Melissa A. Goodman is a Minneapolis‑based Partner and national trial lawyer with a record of success in high‑stakes trials and arbitrations involving complex commercial disputes, brand protection, intellectual property, and trade secrets. She represents multinational corporations, small businesses, and individuals, driving matters through the entire litigation lifecycle—from early investigation and discovery to trial and appeal—with disciplined, predictable case management across disputes of every size, including multi‑million‑dollar engagements. Known for immersing herself in her clients’ industries, she rapidly pinpoints business objectives and advances strategies that achieve them. Her work has been recognized by Minnesota Super Lawyers, Twin Cities Business’s “Notable Women in the Law,” and Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Litigators in America and 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers. She is admitted to practice in Minnesota and the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.
Jacob Siegel, Partner, Ciresi Conlin LLP
Jake is a partner at Ciresi Conlin, where his practice focuses on commercial litigation, complex civil litigation, and appeals. Jake represents individuals and local and national companies in a wide variety of sectors, from biotechnology to nonprofit organizations and from consumer goods to construction and heavy manufacturing. He litigates bet-the-company contract cases, trade secret disputes, and other intellectual property matters, and represents plaintiffs and defendants in class actions and other complex civil matters. He also briefs and argues appeals before all levels of appellate courts in Minnesota and around the country. Jake maintains an active pro bono practice representing indigent individuals and community organizations, with an emphasis on protecting the environment and the rights of children and working families.

Registration Open!

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.

Massachusetts Chapter: Breakfast with the Bench
2026-01-27 08:00 - 09:00 (America/New_York) | Moakley Federal Court Building, Moakley Federal Court Building, Judges Dining Room, 1 Courthouse Way, Boston, MA, 02210, United States
THE MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER OF THE FEDERAL BAR ASSOCIATION
Invites you to attend our next Breakfast with the Bench featuring
A Conversation with Judge Brian E. Murphy
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026
8:00AM – 9:00AM
Moakley Federal Court Building, Judges Dining Room
To register, please fill out the form at: https://forms.mad.uscourts.gov/breakfast-with-bench-bem.html
All are welcome to attend in person or virtually by Zoom.
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: Presenting your Best Case in L&E Arbitration and Mediation: The View from the Bench
2026-01-22 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://www.fedbar.org/event/webinar-presenting-your-best-case-in-le-arbitration-and-mediation-the-view-from-the-bench/
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Join us for an engaging webinar that takes you behind the bench to explore what truly persuades arbitrators and assists mediators to collaborate in labor and employment disputes. Learn how to present evidence clearly, organize your case for maximum impact, and prepare witnesses who resonate with neutrals. Our speakers will share best-practice advocacy techniques tailored specifically to arbitration and mediation, helping you refine your tone, argument style, and negotiation approach for each setting. You’ll also gain practical, experience-based guidance on the missteps practitioners commonly make—and how to avoid them—through real-world examples and insights from seasoned decision-makers. This program is designed to elevate your effectiveness and strengthen your results in any labor and employment proceeding.
Register Now!
Presented by FBA’s Labor & Employment Law & Alternative Dispute Resolution Sections & Judiciary Division

Presenters

Hon. Mimi Tsankov (Ret.) (Moderator)
Judge Mimi Tsankov recently joined the Labor Panels of both JAMS and the American Arbitration Association following nearly 20 years of service as an administrative judge with the U.S. Department of Justice, including a decade devoted specifically to labor and employment matters. Over the course of her career, she has presided over thousands of administrative proceedings and consistently managed a civil administrative docket of more than 3,000 cases. Ms. Tsankov has also held numerous leadership roles in the international legal community, including serving as President of the IFPTE Judicial Council 2 (NAIJ), a national labor organization. She recently completed her terms as Chair of both the ABA Judicial Division’s National Conference of the Administrative Law Judiciary and the Federal Bar Association’s Judiciary Division. In addition, she has served on the Board of Directors of the Federal Bar Association, been elected Vice President for Publications of the National Association of Women Judges, and has been an Adjunct Professor at Fordham Law School since 2018.

Laurel Stevenson, Director of Mediation and Assessment Program, United States District Court- Western District of Missouri.
Laurel Stevenson is the Director of the Mediation and Assessment Program (MAP) for the United States District Court, Western District of Missouri. She oversees approximately 1,000 civil cases annually and serves as a mediator and facilitator. She also trains judges, neutrals, students, staff and others on effective and ethical use of ADR. She co-chairs the ABA’s Court ADR Committee within the DR Section and is the Editor of The Resolver, a publication of the FBA’s ADR Section. Laurel has conducted hundreds of mediations, including more than 300 via Zoom. Her ADR work includes class actions, insurance, FLSA, employment, MDL’s, civil rights, inmate litigation, wrongful death, transportation, medical malpractice, and commercial disputes. Several resolutions have resulted in institutional policy changes. Prior to her current position, Laurel tried more than eighty jury trials to verdict, served as appellate counsel, was lead trial counsel in numerous bench trials, and taught trial practice in Missouri and Texas. She served more than a decade as a Facilitator for the Missouri Bar Complaint Resolution Program and the Fee Dispute Resolution Program. She also served as a mediator, arbitrator, and facilitator during her last twelve years in private practice.

Lori Adelson, Attorney, Approved Dispute Resolution LLC, an affiliate of Miles Mediation & Arbitration.
At Miles Mediation & Arbitration (aka Approved Dispute Resolution LLC), we are committed to facilitating meaningful solutions to legal disputes. Led by Lori Adelson, Esq., we concentrate our practice on strategic, creative, and innovative approaches to conflict resolution. Our focus is on personalized interactions and effective communication to help parties find common ground. With deep experience in mediation, employment dispute resolution, and early neutral evaluation analysis, Lori Adelson is respected for her unbiased and knowledgeable approach. We are dedicated to resolving complex disputes efficiently and effectively for individuals and businesses alike.

Registration
Register Now!

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

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

Southern District of Texas Chapter: Hybrid CLE - Trends in Employment Law: It Depends on Who You Ask
2026-01-20 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Chicago) | hybrid: Houston and Zoom, 1000 Louisiana, Floor 32, Houston, United States
This interactive panel will explore how today’s most important employment law issues look from the perspectives of opposing counsel and an in-house attorney. The program features (1) a litigator who represents companies, executives, and employees in labor and employment disputes, (2) an in-house attorney for a Houston-area company, and (3) an attorney devoted exclusively to employment defense. In a moderator-free, question-driven conversation, the panelists will challenge one another and offer candid, contrasting views on where employment law is headed – and what those trends mean for day-to-day counseling and litigation strategy. Attendees will gain the rare benefit of hearing, in one discussion, the viewpoints of the in-house client and both sides of the “v.” The event is approved for 1.25 hours of Texas CLE credit.
Please click here to register.

Webinar: Sit Up Straight! How Posture and Physical Well-Being Impact Ethical Legal Practice
2026-01-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Drawing on neuroscience, stress physiology, and the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, the session demonstrates how posture, movement, sleep, nutrition, and hydration affect a lawyer’s cognitive functioning, decision-making, professionalism, and ability to meet ethical duties.
The session includes practical strategies from a posture and movement expert, alongside an ethics-oriented analysis that links well-being to competence, diligence, communication, and impairment-related duties.
Presented by FBA’s Professional Development Committee.
Register Now!

Presenters
Moderator: Benjamin de Seingalt is the Corporate Counsel and Director of Compliance and Privacy for MarketVision Research, one of the largest primary market research and consulting firms in the United States. His work focuses on artificial intelligence, global privacy compliance, corporate social responsibility, and post-market drug surveillance. Ben is also the Senior Fellow for Artificial Intelligence at the Lawyers’ Committee for Cultural Heritage Preservation and serves on the Editorial Board for The Federal Lawyer, the board of the Federal Bar Association’s Section on Civil Rights, the BHBIA’s Ethics and Compliance Committee, ESOMAR’s AI Task Force Coordinating Committee, and the Insights Association’s Standards Committee. He is a graduate of Tulane University Law School, the A.B. Freeman School of Business, and Washington College.
Dr. Elizabeth Stroot is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, movement expert, and founder of Core Wellness & Physical Therapy in Alexandria, Virginia. With over 20 years in clinical practice, she specializes in helping high-performing professionals overcome pain, functional loss, and burnout to optimize energy, focus, and longevity.

Jean Cha is an experienced ethics practitioner serving attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals throughout California, sister states, and foreign jurisdictions, and is admitted to practice law in California, Texas, and Washington. Jean is a former State Bar Prosecutor and served in the Office of Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar of California for thirteen years. She provides expert opinions and regulatory guidance and advises practitioners in all aspects of Professional Liability, Law Practice Management, and Legal Ethics. Jean regularly creates and presents educational materials for firms and public agencies.

Register Now!

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

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

Webinar: Mass Arbitration: Tactics and Lessons from the Trenches
2025-12-18 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Mass arbitration is increasingly being used as a powerful tool to pressure companies—leveraging the economics of arbitration fees and serial proceedings to overwhelm them. What begins as a handful of claims can rapidly escalate into hundreds, if not thousands, of near-identical arbitrations, threatening financial stability and litigation continuity.
This webinar will explore the evolving landscape of mass arbitration and mass litigation through the lens of defense counsel with firsthand experience navigating high-volume dockets. Drawing from real-world examples, speakers will unpack the strategic challenges posed by mass filings, how plaintiffs’ counsel are structuring these campaigns, and defense approaches that can mitigate risk, manage cost, and turn the tide. Attendees will learn best practices for coordinating national defense strategy, developing global settlement frameworks, and tailoring responses even as new plaintiffs and theories emerge.
Ideal for federal practitioners, in-house counsel, and outside litigation teams, this session offers practical tools and tactical insights for responding effectively when your client becomes the next target of a mass action wave.
Presented by FBA Annual Meeting & Convention 2025 sponsor Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A.
Register Now!

Presenters
Maggie Green is an attorney at Winthrop & Weinstine with extensive experience in handling large-scale mass arbitrations. In recent years, Maggie, alongside Joseph and Olga, has served as lead counsel in defending clients against substantial waves of arbitrations, with plaintiffs’ counsel bringing claims ranging from forty to over three hundred at a time. Through this work, Maggie has developed expertise in managing complex dockets, streamlining discovery processes, and addressing “near-identical” claims while ensuring consistency in defense strategies.

Olga Rogne is a litigator at Winthrop & Weinstine. Together with Joseph and Maggie, Olga has served as lead counsel in defending clients against mass arbitration waves, with plaintiffs’ counsel bringing claims ranging from forty to over three hundred at a time. Olga has considerable expertise in streamlining discovery, managing complex dockets, dealing with resource constraints brought on by the challenge of mass arbitration, and tailoring defenses as new plaintiffs and theories emerge.

Joseph Windler is a trial attorney at Winthrop & Weinstine with extensive experience in litigation, regulatory matters, and business and employment law. In the realm of mass arbitration, Joseph, alongside colleagues Olga and Maggie, has successfully defended clients against large-scale claims, including cases where plaintiffs’ counsel have filed on behalf of over 300 claimants simultaneously. Joseph has honed expertise in developing and executing national defense strategies, developing global settlement frameworks, and advising clients on proactive risk management to mitigate exposure.

Register Now!

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

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

Webinar: Federal Criminal Practice: Prosecution & Defense Perspectives
2025-12-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Get behind-the-scenes insight from prosecutors and defense counsel on the process of investigating, trying, and resolving federal criminal cases. Join Ellis Palividas, Chair of the FBA Criminal Law Section and Third Circuit Vice President, and AUSA Christian Haugsby of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, for an inside look at federal criminal practice from both sides of the aisle.
This program will explore how federal cases are investigated and prosecuted, how they differ from state practice, and what happens once cases are in court. Topics will include trial work, federal sentencing, cooperation by defendants, and the unique courthouse culture where adversaries remain colleagues. Gain valuable insight into the high stakes and collaborative adversarial process that defines federal criminal law. If you are considering a career in federal criminal law, join us to hear how prosecutors and defense attorneys navigate the high-stakes world of federal cases.
Register Now!
Presented by the Federal Bar Association’s Criminal Law Section

Presenters

Ellis Palividas, Attorney, Ellis Legal LLC.
Ellis Palividas is Chair of the FBA CLS and is a state and federal criminal defense attorney primarily practicing in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He represents individuals accused of crimes in both state and federal court. He began his career as an Assistant District Attorney in Philadelphia, prosecuting serious felony cases, and now focuses on defending clients in complex matters ranging from homicide to white-collar and federal drug trafficking cases. He also serves on the Capital Case and Homicide Trial Panels of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.

Christian Haugsby, Attorney, Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Registration
Register Now!

Registration Fees

FBA Member: $0
Nonmember: $50

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

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

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

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

Webinar: ADR 101: Preparing In-House Counsel for Success in Dispute Resolution
2025-12-16 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
**Program hosted in (ET) Time Zone**
Join us on December 16 for practical tips to help in-house counsel better position their clients for success during the dispute resolution process. Key topics will include the strategic value of Alternative Dispute Resolution, clause drafting, best practices for mediation statements, and AI in ADR.
Register Now!
Presented by FBA’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section cosponsored by FBA’S Corporate and Association Counsel Division

Presenters

Joanne Colbert Stanley, Attorney
A dedicated advocate for the marine and maritime industry, Jo Colbert Stanley, is a seasoned attorney, accomplished arbitrator/mediator, and intrepid maritime affairs consultant. Jo holds a Diploma in International Maritime Arbitration from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, where she is a Fellow. She is a Florida Supreme Court-qualified arbitrator and certified mediator and serves on multiple arbitration panels, including the International Yacht Arbitration Council, the American Arbitration Association, and as a Chair-qualified Public Arbitrator with FINRA. Jo is also a Registered Mediator for Florida’s Department of Financial Services, where she handles an extensive caseload of property insurance matters. Jo is an active voice in the legal and boating communities, globally, nationally, and locally. Recognized for her insightful approach to collaborative growth, creative problem-solving and risk management, Jo serves on the Broward County Marine Advisory Committee and is co-chair of WISTA International’s Yachting Committee. She is a member of the Admiralty Law Committee of The Florida Bar and is currently serving her third term as Chair of Broward County Bar Association’s Admiralty/Maritime Law Section. Jo is also an enthusiastic and engaged member of the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute, the Port Everglades Association, and the Fort Lauderdale Mariners Club. In addition to her professional roles, Jo regularly presents on maritime law and dispute resolution, contributing to continuing legal education seminars, conferences, and publications. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Nova Southeastern University, aligning her academic pursuits with her professional focus on conflict management within the maritime industry. Outside of her legal and academic work, Jo co-owns and operates Stanley Yacht Services, a yacht management and maintenance outfit in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she channels her dedication to the yachting industry into hands-on support for yacht owners and seafarers alike.

Laurel Stevenson, Director of the Mediation and Assessment Program, U.S District Court.
Laurel Stevenson is the Director of the Mediation and Assessment Program (MAP) for the United States District Court, Western District of Missouri. She oversees approximately 1,000 civil cases annually and serves as a mediator and facilitator. She also trains judges, neutrals, students, staff and others on effective and ethical use of ADR. She co-chairs the ABA’s Court ADR Committee within the DR Section and is the Editor of The Resolver, a publication of the FBA’s ADR Section. Laurel has conducted hundreds of mediations, including more than 300 via Zoom. Her ADR work includes class actions, insurance, FLSA, employment, MDL’s, civil rights, inmate litigation, wrongful death, transportation, medical malpractice, and commercial disputes. Several resolutions have resulted in institutional policy changes. Prior to her current position, Laurel tried more than eighty jury trials to verdict, served as appellate counsel, was lead trial counsel in numerous bench trials, and taught trial practice in Missouri and Texas. She served more than a decade as a Facilitator for the Missouri Bar Complaint Resolution Program and the Fee Dispute Resolution Program. She also served as a mediator, arbitrator, and facilitator during her last twelve years in private practice.
Ronika Carter, Senior Director of Legal Affairs, Minnesota Vikings.
Ronika Carter serves as Senior Director of Legal Affairs for the Minnesota Vikings, where she manages the daily operations of the legal department. In this role, Ronika oversees a number of critical functions including complex commercial transactions, data privacy, business strategy, dispute resolution strategy, and AI governance. She also supports the public policy and community relations work of the Vikings organization. Within the FBA, Ronika has held a number of leadership positions over the years, and she currently serves as Chair-Elect of the Corporate and Association Counsel Division, and a member of the Government Relations Committee.

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.
