Kicking off the new year with strong momentum, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter welcomed approximately 60 attorneys to its first program of 2026, Unfamiliar Waters: Navigating Procedural Differences Between Federal and Illinois State Court. Held on January 13th at Saul Ewing LLP, the program delivered a timely, highly practical discussion for litigators who regularly practice in one forum but may suddenly find themselves navigating the other. The strong turnout underscored the reality that many lawyers spend most of their careers in either federal court or Illinois state court, but rarely both. When cases cross jurisdictions, even experienced practitioners can feel uncertain about procedural traps, unwritten customs, and strategic differences that materially affect outcomes. This program was designed to address that challenge head-on. Featuring an engaged audience, a thoughtfully structured agenda, and two sitting judges who were generous with both preparation and perspective, the program set an energetic and substantive tone for the FBA Chicago Chapter’s year ahead.