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.
Designed to provide both practical and strategic insight, the event featured two expert presentations and a judicial panel of federal judges from the Northern District of Illinois. CLE credit for professional responsibility and mental health (pending approval) was available, reinforcing the Chapter’s commitment to supporting excellence in federal practice.
Lawyer Well-Being and Ethics: Keynote from Neil B. Posner
The program began with “The Personal and Professional Case for Lawyer Well-Being,” presented by Neil B. Posner, Principal at Much Shelist. In this opening CLE session, Posner addressed how attorney well-being is fundamentally connected to ethical behavior and professional responsibility.
Attendees heard about:
The link between burnout and ethical lapses
The professional risks of ignoring mental health
How law firms and legal departments can better support their attorneys
Through data-driven insights and practical solutions, Posner encouraged participants to view wellness not as an optional benefit, but as an ethical imperative in today’s high-pressure legal environment.
Ethics in Legal Negotiations and Settlements
The second hour of the 2025 FBA Ethics Program featured Timothy Schank, Senior Loss Prevention Counsel at ALAS, presenting “Ethics in Negotiations & Settlement.” This session explored the ethical boundaries lawyers must navigate when advocating during negotiations or settlement discussions.
Key takeaways included:
Distinguishing between strategic positioning and misrepresentation
Honoring the duty of candor while maintaining client confidentiality
Avoiding common malpractice risks tied to unclear communication
Schank drew from real-world scenarios to illustrate how attorneys can uphold professional responsibility standards without compromising their client’s position. His presentation offered risk mitigation tips that attendees could apply immediately in their legal practice.
Federal Judges Discuss Common Ethical Pitfalls in Court
The final session was a judicial panel discussion titled “How to Avoid Ethical Pitfalls in Federal Court.” Moderated by Cameron Ginder, Partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, the panel featured three esteemed judges from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois:
Hon. Rebecca Pallmeyer, Chief Judge
Hon. Lindsay Jenkins
Hon. Laura McNally
The judges provided candid commentary on:
Missteps they frequently observe from attorneys in federal court
Ethical challenges in managing sealed filings and pretrial disclosures
How lawyer behavior affects credibility and outcomes
The panel reinforced that ethical lawyering isn’t just about compliance — it’s foundational to effective advocacy. By hearing directly from members of the bench, attendees left with clearer expectations for courtroom conduct and professionalism.
Complimentary CLE Access for FBA Members
One of the standout features of the 2025 FBA Ethics Program was its accessibility. The event was offered free of charge to FBA members as a core membership benefit. Non-members could register for a $25 fee, which helped offset administrative, venue, and CLE processing costs.
Up to three hours of CLE credit were offered in the areas of professional responsibility and mental health, pending final approval. This offering reflects the FBA Chicago Chapter’s ongoing mission to provide high-quality, low-cost education to the local legal community.
Thank You to Program Speakers and Event Sponsors
The FBA Chicago Chapter extends its sincere appreciation to the individuals and organizations who made the 2025 FBA Ethics Program possible:
Neil B. Posner – Principal, Much Shelist
Timothy Schank – Senior Loss Prevention Counsel, ALAS
Hon. Rebecca Pallmeyer
Hon. Lindsay Jenkins
Hon. Laura McNally
Cameron Ginder – Moderator and Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Kirkland & Ellis LLP – Event host and venue sponsor
Their collective insight, experience, and generosity contributed to a program that was both informative and inspiring for attendees at all stages of their legal careers.
View Photo Highlights from the 2025 FBA Ethics Program
Explore the energy and engagement of the 2025 FBA Ethics Program in our event photo gallery. Browse moments from each session, networking between attendees, and highlights of our speakers and panelists in action.
Stay connected with the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter!
The FBA Chicago Chapter continues to offer CLE programs, networking opportunities, and resources tailored to professionals practicing in the federal system. Whether you're an experienced litigator or new to federal court, FBA membership provides valuable education, community, and support. To explore upcoming opportunities for networking and professional development, check out our events page for the latest updates.
