2025 FBA Annual Meeting Welcomes New Officers & Spotlights Elizabeth Prelogar
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter held its 2025 Annual Meeting and Installation Luncheon on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the Union League Club of Chicago, marking one of the chapter’s most well-attended gatherings of the year. The event brought together federal judges, attorneys, and practitioners from across the Northern District of Illinois and surrounding communities to celebrate the transition of leadership, recognize distinguished public service, and reflect on the chapter’s ongoing commitment to advancing the administration of justice.
Throughout the luncheon, attendees participated in a program that combined tradition with forward-looking dialogue. The event included remarks from outgoing and incoming chapter leadership, the presentation of the Frank J. McGarr Award for Distinguished Federal Government Service, and a keynote fireside conversation with Elizabeth Barchas Prelogar, the 48th Solicitor General of the United States. Together, these segments underscored the chapter’s dual focus on honoring past achievements and fostering professional engagement in the year ahead.
Welcome Remarks from Erin McAdams-Franzblau & Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall
Outgoing Chapter President Erin McAdams Franzblau opened the program with an overview of the Chicago Chapter’s accomplishments over the past year, noting that the organization hosted more than 20 continuing legal education (CLE) programs and member events. These programs covered a wide range of substantive legal topics and community initiatives, reflecting the chapter’s ongoing commitment to both professional development and civic engagement. Erin emphasized that active participation in bar associations remains essential to strengthening the legal profession and sustaining public confidence in the justice system.
Following her remarks, Hon. Virginia M. Kendall expanded on how the chapter’s programming has continued to promote dialogue about the rule of law and accountability within the justice system. She highlighted several notable events, including the Wen Ho Lee program, which examined the role of bias and due process in criminal investigations, and the Native American History Month program, which addressed the historical and ongoing challenges Native American citizens face in exercising their right to vote.
Judge Kendall observed that educational programs like these help foster a more informed and reflective legal community by connecting past lessons to present-day practice. Together, Erin and Judge Kendall’s remarks framed the 2025 FBA Annual Meeting as both a recognition of the chapter’s achievements and a reaffirmation of its mission to encourage thoughtful discussion, ethical leadership, and continued learning among members of the federal bar.
Officer Installation & Frank J. McGarr Award Recipients
The installation of the 2025–2026 officers and directors marked a central moment of the luncheon, with Hon. Sunil R. Harjani, U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, taking office as Chapter President. In his remarks, Judge Harjani emphasized the importance of active participation in the organization’s work, encouraging members to engage in committees, CLE planning, and volunteer initiatives. He noted that the chapter’s continued success depends on the collective contributions of its members and the strength of collaboration between the bench and bar. Judge Harjani also expressed appreciation to the outgoing board and officers for their dedication and leadership, outlining priorities for the coming year centered on expanded member engagement and program development across a range of practice areas.
The luncheon also featured the presentation of the Frank J. McGarr Award for Distinguished Federal Government Service, one of the Chicago Chapter’s most longstanding honors. Hon. Frank J. McGarr (1921–2012) was a former U.S. District Court Judge, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and past FBA Chicago Chapter President. The award recognizes government attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and integrity in public service.
This year’s recipients included Morris “Sonny” Pasqual, Sheri Mecklenburg, and John Murphy. They were honored for their distinguished careers with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the City of Chicago, and the Federal Defender’s Office, respectively. Each honoree was acknowledged for significant contributions to the fair administration of justice and for exemplifying the values of professionalism and service that the award represents.
Featured Discussion with Former U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar
The keynote segment of the 2025 FBA Annual Meeting featured a fireside conversation with Elizabeth Barchas Prelogar, who served as the 48th Solicitor General of the United States under the Biden Administration from 2021 to 2024 and assumed the current role of Partner at Cooley LLP. Moderated by Hon. Sunil R. Harjani, the discussion provided attendees with insight into the responsibilities of the Solicitor General’s Office and the challenges of representing the federal government before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Prelogar described her approach to Supreme Court advocacy, noting that preparation and composure are critical in cases where even minor nuances can influence national precedent. She spoke about several of her most difficult oral arguments, explaining how she balances legal precision with clarity of presentation before the Court. She shared that she prefers a streamlined approach to mooting, focusing on mastering the key arguments and anticipating the most probing questions from the Justices, rather than engaging in exhaustive rehearsal. This method, she explained, allows her to stay adaptable and authentic during live argument.
Throughout the conversation, Prelogar discussed the Solicitor General’s broader function in which she advised the Department of Justice and ensured the federal government’s legal positions remain consistent, credible, and aligned with the rule of law. She also reflected on the demands of public service, the value of mentorship in the legal profession, and the importance of maintaining integrity in advocacy. Prelogar offered a practical perspective on what it means to argue cases that shape the nation’s legal landscape. Her discussion provided a candid and educational look into the craft of appellate advocacy and the enduring responsibility of government lawyers to serve both justice and the public trust.
FBA Chicago Chapter Looks to 2026
The 2025 FBA Annual Meeting and Installation Luncheon served as both a reflection on the Chicago Chapter’s past accomplishments and a forward-looking affirmation of its mission to strengthen the connection between the bench and bar. From insightful remarks by outgoing and incoming leadership to the recognition of outstanding government service and the in-depth conversation with former Solicitor General Elizabeth Barchas Prelogar, the event showcased the breadth of engagement within the federal legal community.
The program highlighted the chapter’s continued dedication to professional growth, public service, and the rule of law. These principles remain central to the Federal Bar Association’s purpose. As Judge Sunil R. Harjani assumes the presidency for the 2025–2026 term, the Chicago Chapter enters a new year focused on expanding member participation, enhancing educational programming, and fostering open dialogue on issues shaping today’s legal landscape.
With participation from hundreds of judges, attorneys, and practitioners, the luncheon reinforced the Chicago Chapter’s role as a hub for collaboration and professional excellence. The event’s discussions reflected a shared understanding that the strength of the legal system depends on the continued engagement and integrity of those who serve it.
2025 FBA Annual Meeting Special Thanks
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter extends its sincere appreciation to the firms and organizations that sponsored tables at the 2025 Annual Meeting and Installation Luncheon. Their partnership and continued support help make this flagship event possible and reflect a shared commitment to fostering professional excellence within the federal legal community.
The Chicago Chapter also extends special appreciation to BlueStar for providing printing services for this year’s Annual Meeting & Installation Luncheon.
Additionally, the Chapter thanks Rizzo Young Marketing for their support with event marketing and photography. For access to edited photos from the event, please contact rick.young@rizzoyoung.com.
