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.
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.
2025 Criminal Law Seminar: Enforcement Trends, Trial Strategy & Judicial Insights
The 2025 criminal law seminar, hosted by the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter on April 10, convened legal professionals and thought leaders to discuss recent developments in federal criminal practice. The event featured strong attendance and a series of substantive panels led by federal judges, former U.S. Attorneys, and experienced practitioners. Held at DLA Piper in Chicago, the seminar addressed evolving DOJ policies, trial strategies, and sentencing considerations relevant to the Northern District of Illinois.
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.
Hon. Robert Dow Shared Insights at Exclusive FBA Chicago Chapter Event
Hon. Robert Dow, former U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois and current Counselor to Chief Justice John Roberts, headlined an exclusive event hosted by the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter. The discussion, moderated by Sharon Desh, Partner at Winston & Strawn, provided attendees with a firsthand look at Judge Dow’s transition from the bench to the U.S. Supreme Court and the unique responsibilities of his role.
2025 Employment Law Seminar: Title VII, Arbitration & Post-Chevron Changes
On January 15, 2025, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter, in partnership with JAMS, hosted the 2025 Annual Employment Law Seminar, providing legal professionals with critical insights into the evolving landscape of employment law. This hybrid event featured esteemed panelists from the judiciary, government agencies, corporate counsel, and private practice, offering diverse perspectives on pressing legal issues.
Chevron Doctrine Overruled: Exploring the U.S. Supreme’s Court Decision
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter’s webinar, The Supreme Court Overruled the Chevron Doctrine. Now What?, examined the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision to overturn Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. in the cases of Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and Relentless Inc. v. Department of Commerce.
Indian Citizenship Act of 1924: Highlights from Chicago's Centennial Event
On November 20, 2024, a significant event was held in Chicago to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, bringing together legal experts, community leaders, and advocates to reflect on the act's historical and contemporary implications.
From Federal Judge Back to Litigator Recap
On October 30, 2024, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter hosted an engaging and insightful Zoom webinar featuring former U.S. District Judge Gary Feinerman in conversation with Judge Sunil R. Harjani. This virtual event, which offered one hour of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit, provided attendees with a unique opportunity to gain practical advice from two highly experienced legal professionals. The conversation spanned topics such as effective advocacy, litigation strategies, client communication, and the lessons Feinerman has carried into private practice from his years on the bench.
Historic Re-Creation of Brown v. Board of Education Oral Arguments
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the Ceremonial Courtroom at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago hosted an extraordinary event that revived a pivotal moment in American legal history. For the first time, the oral arguments from the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education were brought to life through a groundbreaking project titled “Brown Revisited.” This event was organized by the Committee for Access, Opportunity & Community Engagement of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, in partnership with the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee of the Federal Bar Association, Chicago Chapter.