Hon. John F. Kness: Insights from Federal Chambers Luncheon
On July 16, 2025, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter welcomed Hon. John F. Kness for an exclusive Chambers Lunch at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. Open only to FBA member attorneys, this in-person event was limited to 12 participants, creating a rare opportunity for direct engagement with a sitting federal judge in a small, conversational setting.
Settlement Assistance Program: Promoting Equal Access to Justice
During the recent “Effective Settlement Advocacy: Pro Se Litigants’ Settlement Assistance Program”, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter discussed effective settlement advocacy and pro bono service in federal court. Held at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the event brought together three U.S. Magistrate Judges, experienced litigators, and communication specialists. Each of them shared strategies for guiding unrepresented litigants through the settlement process. Attendees received practical tools for case evaluation, client communication, ethical decision-making, and settlement advocacy that benefit both the litigant and the court system.
2025 State of the Court Recap: Chief Judge Kendall Addresses NDIL
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter hosted the 2025 State of the Court Address on Tuesday, July 8th, at the Chicago Bar Association, bringing together more than 90 attorneys, judges, and members of the legal community. Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall delivered her first official report as Chief Judge of the Northern District of Illinois (NDIL), providing key updates on case statistics, community programs, and challenges facing the judiciary.
2025 FBA Ethics Program Draws Chicago Legal Community for Hybrid CLE
The 2025 FBA Ethics Program brought together 56 legal professionals on June 5, 2025, for a high-impact continuing legal education (CLE) event hosted by the Federal Bar Association (FBA) Chicago Chapter. Held at Kirkland & Ellis LLP’s riverfront office in downtown Chicago, the three-hour program addressed critical topics in lawyer well-being, ethical negotiations, and courtroom professionalism. Attendees had the option to participate in person or via Zoom.
Wen Ho Lee Case Revisited at 25th Anniversary Legal Program
On May 29, 2025, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter partnered with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago (AABA Chicago) to present United States v. Wen Ho Lee – 25 Years Later. Held on the 25th floor of the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, the program marked the culmination of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. It brought together judges, attorneys, and legal scholars for a thought-provoking exploration of a landmark federal case.
New NDIL Magistrate Judges Introduced at May 2025 FBA Event
The new Northern District of Illinois (NDIL) magistrate judges were formally introduced to the legal community on May 13, 2025, during a panel hosted by the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter. Held at the Chicago Bar Association’s Corboy Hall, the event featured a moderated discussion with four recently appointed United States Magistrate Judges for the Northern District of Illinois. The program covered topics relevant to federal practitioners, including settlement conference advocacy, management of discovery disputes, and expectations in civil and criminal proceedings. Edward W. Feldman of Miller Shakman Levine & Feldman LLP moderated the discussion. Attendees received CLE credit, and the event included a Q&A session to facilitate direct engagement between the judiciary and practitioners.
Judge Beth W Jantz Hosts Chambers Lunch for FBA Chicago Chapter
The Honorable Judge Beth W Jantz hosted a sold-out Chambers Lunch with the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, offering an exclusive opportunity for 12 active FBA members to gain an inside look at her career and courtroom philosophy. As a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, Judge Jantz shared valuable insights drawn from her experiences on the bench and in private practice.
Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation Hosts Successful Inaugural Reception
Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation held its inaugural reception on April 22, 2025, marking a milestone for restorative justice initiatives in the Northern District of Illinois. Presented by the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter and sponsored by thirteen law firms, the event showcased the critical role that problem-solving courts play in rehabilitating individuals and strengthening communities.
2025 Criminal Law Seminar: Enforcement Trends, Trial Strategy & Judicial Insights
The 2025 criminal law seminar, hosted by the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter on April 10, convened legal professionals and thought leaders to discuss recent developments in federal criminal practice. The event featured strong attendance and a series of substantive panels led by federal judges, former U.S. Attorneys, and experienced practitioners. Held at DLA Piper in Chicago, the seminar addressed evolving DOJ policies, trial strategies, and sentencing considerations relevant to the Northern District of Illinois.
Women's History Month Panel Showcases Endless Career Opportunities for Lawyers
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter kicked off its Women’s History Month panel on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Greenberg Traurig’s Chicago office with a dynamic and inspiring afternoon of professional insight, career wisdom, and legal community building.
Hon. Robert Dow Shared Insights at Exclusive FBA Chicago Chapter Event
Hon. Robert Dow, former U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois and current Counselor to Chief Justice John Roberts, headlined an exclusive event hosted by the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter. The discussion, moderated by Sharon Desh, Partner at Winston & Strawn, provided attendees with a firsthand look at Judge Dow’s transition from the bench to the U.S. Supreme Court and the unique responsibilities of his role.
Hon. Manish S. Shah Hosted an Exclusive FBA Luncheon for Young Attorneys
Hon. Manish S. Shah hosted an exclusive luncheon on January 29, 2025, at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago for Federal Bar Association (FBA) Chicago Chapter members under 40 years old or with less than ten years of legal experience. The event provided a small-group setting, allowing attorneys to engage in a direct conversation with Judge Shah about federal litigation, courtroom advocacy, and judicial expectations.
2025 Employment Law Seminar: Title VII, Arbitration & Post-Chevron Changes
On January 15, 2025, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter, in partnership with JAMS, hosted the 2025 Annual Employment Law Seminar, providing legal professionals with critical insights into the evolving landscape of employment law. This hybrid event featured esteemed panelists from the judiciary, government agencies, corporate counsel, and private practice, offering diverse perspectives on pressing legal issues.
FBA Chicago Chapter Celebrates 2024 with Annual Holiday Party
On Thursday, December 12, 2024, the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA) hosted its Annual Holiday Party at the lively 2Twenty2 Tavern in downtown Chicago. From 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, members of the legal community came together for a joyous evening filled with networking, seasonal cheer, and a spirit of giving.
Chevron Doctrine Overruled: Exploring the U.S. Supreme’s Court Decision
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter’s webinar, The Supreme Court Overruled the Chevron Doctrine. Now What?, examined the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision to overturn Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. in the cases of Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and Relentless Inc. v. Department of Commerce.
Indian Citizenship Act of 1924: Highlights from Chicago's Centennial Event
On November 20, 2024, a significant event was held in Chicago to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, bringing together legal experts, community leaders, and advocates to reflect on the act's historical and contemporary implications.
From Federal Judge Back to Litigator Recap
On October 30, 2024, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter hosted an engaging and insightful Zoom webinar featuring former U.S. District Judge Gary Feinerman in conversation with Judge Sunil R. Harjani. This virtual event, which offered one hour of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit, provided attendees with a unique opportunity to gain practical advice from two highly experienced legal professionals. The conversation spanned topics such as effective advocacy, litigation strategies, client communication, and the lessons Feinerman has carried into private practice from his years on the bench.
2024 Annual Meeting & Installation Luncheon Recap
The Federal Bar Association (FBA) Chicago Chapter hosted its 2024 Annual Meeting and Installation Luncheon on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the Union League Club in Chicago. The event drew a large crowd of federal judges and hundreds of legal practitioners from Chicago and surrounding areas, underscoring the chapter's prominent role in the legal community.
Historic Re-Creation of Brown v. Board of Education Oral Arguments
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the Ceremonial Courtroom at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago hosted an extraordinary event that revived a pivotal moment in American legal history. For the first time, the oral arguments from the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education were brought to life through a groundbreaking project titled “Brown Revisited.” This event was organized by the Committee for Access, Opportunity & Community Engagement of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, in partnership with the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee of the Federal Bar Association, Chicago Chapter.
Judge Rowland Chambers Lunch Recap
On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter hosted an exclusive Chambers Lunch with Hon. Mary M. Rowland at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. Held from 12:10 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Judge Rowland’s Jury Room on the 12th floor, this intimate gathering provided a unique opportunity for 10 FBA members to engage with Judge Rowland in a relaxed and informal setting over a complimentary lunch from Inspiration Kitchen.