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.
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.
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.
Why Clerk? Insights from Federal Judges, Law Clerks & Practitioners Recap
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter recently hosted an event titled “Why Clerk? Insights from Federal Judges, Law Clerks, and Practitioners,” aimed at providing valuable insights into the judicial clerkship process.
2024 Annual Ethics Program Recap
The 2024 Annual Ethics Program, held on June 5, 2024, at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, located at 333 Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, Illinois, was a notable event for legal professionals focusing on ethical standards in the legal field.y.
2024 Federal Criminal Law Seminar: Key Insights from the FBA
On May 16, 2024, DLA Piper’s Chicago office hosted the 2024 federal criminal law seminar with the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter, titled “Hot Topics and Current Trends in Federal Criminal Law.”
Attorney-Client Privilege During Internal Investigations
On April 17, 2024, a distinguished panel convened for the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) accredited discussion titled “Protecting the Privilege During an Internal Investigation,” focused on maintaining attorney-client privilege. This pivotal event targeted legal professionals, compliance officers, and corporate leaders.
Looking Back and Moving Forward: A Reflection on Women in Law
On March 19th, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter organized a special Continuing Legal Education (CLE) session titled “Looking Back & Moving Forward: Where We Are, Where We’ve Been, and What’s Next,” in honor of Women’s History Month.
Trial Bar Pro Bono Program: Exploring the Nuts and Bolts
The Federal Bar Association’s Chicago Chapter recently organized a webinar on March 8, 2024, titled “The Nuts and Bolts of The Trial Bar Pro Bono Program”. This webinar provided an in-depth analysis of the pro bono efforts within the federal bar as it relates to assigned cases.
Bankruptcy Law Basics for Litigators
In a world where financial dynamics are continuously evolving, understanding bankruptcy law basics becomes imperative for legal practitioners, even those who don’t specialize in the area. Recognizing this gap in knowledge, the Hon. A. Benjamin Goldgar stepped forward to offer a seminar designed exclusively to acquaint non-bankruptcy attorneys with the subject.
Northern District Practice: Four Distinguished Judges Nurturing New Legal Talent
The distinguished “Northern District Practice for New Lawyers and Lawyers-to-Be” symposium is critical to effective legal practice in Illinois. This seminar hosted hundreds of recent law school graduates, summer associates, interns, and current law students.