2025 District Court Judges Meet Chicago Chapter Members
On September 11, 2025, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter hosted a special lunchtime program titled “Meet the New District Court Judges.” Held at the Chicago Bar Association, the event provided attendees with an opportunity to hear firsthand from the 2025 district court judges of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (NDIL).
2025 NDIL Judges Share Insights with New & Pending Lawyers
On August 6, 2025, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter hosted its annual Northern District Practice for New Lawyers & Lawyers-To-Be at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago. The event offered law students, interns, summer associates, and new attorneys an opportunity to observe and learn from distinguished members of the Northern District of Illinois (NDIL) bench. Attendees witnessed live oral arguments on real motions, followed by a judicial panel discussion centered on effective written and oral advocacy in federal court.
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.
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.
2024 Northern District Practice for New Lawyers Recap
On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse hosted the Northern District Practice for New Lawyers and Lawyers-To-Be, a dynamic and educational CLE seminar specifically designed for new lawyers, summer associates, interns, and law students. Held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Ceremonial Courtroom, this event provided attendees with an immersive learning experience focused on developing written and oral advocacy skills in federal court.
24th Annual Awards for Excellence in Pro Bono & Public Interest Service
The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, together with the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA), is delighted to invite you to the 24th Annual Awards for Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Interest Service.