Mentorship Program Happy Hour Pairs Chicago Chapter Mentors & Mentees
The Federal Bar Association (FBA) Chicago Chapter officially launched its Raising the Bar Mentorship Program with a well-attended mentorship program happy hour on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Chicago Bar Association’s Winston & Strawn Presidents’ Room. Designed to connect law students and early-career attorneys with experienced professionals in the Chicagoland legal community, the program runs from Fall 2025 through Spring 2026. It represents a cornerstone of the Chapter’s commitment to fostering professional growth and collaboration.
Class Actions Debate Held at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
On October 1, 2025, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter hosted an engaging lunchtime program at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law titled A Debate on the State and Future of Class Actions. The event brought together two of the nation’s leading scholars on complex litigation—Professor Martin H. Redish of Northwestern University and Professor Brian T. Fitzpatrick of Vanderbilt University—for a spirited, intellectual discussion about the past, present, and potential future of class action lawsuits in the United States.
2025 FBA Annual Meeting Welcomes New Officers & Spotlights Elizabeth Prelogar
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter held its 2025 Annual Meeting and Installation Luncheon on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the Union League Club of Chicago, marking one of the chapter’s most well-attended gatherings of the year. The event brought together federal judges, attorneys, and practitioners from across the Northern District of Illinois and surrounding communities to celebrate the transition of leadership, recognize distinguished public service, and reflect on the chapter’s ongoing commitment to advancing the administration of justice.
Trial in the Delta: Reflections on the Injustice Surrounding Emmett Till
On September 23, 2025, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter hosted A Miscarriage of Justice: Insights for Today from the Acquittal of Emmett Till’s Murderers at K&L Gates LLP in downtown Chicago. Sponsored by K&L Gates and attended by judges, attorneys, law students, educators, and law enforcement officials, the program marked the 70th anniversary of the 1955 acquittal, which remains one of the most infamous miscarriages of justice in American history.
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.
Hon. John F. Kness: Insights from Federal Chambers Luncheon
On July 16, 2025, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter welcomed Hon. John F. Kness for an exclusive Chambers Lunch at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. Open only to FBA member attorneys, this in-person event was limited to 12 participants, creating a rare opportunity for direct engagement with a sitting federal judge in a small, conversational setting.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
FBA Chicago Chapter Celebrates 2024 with Annual Holiday Party
On Thursday, December 12, 2024, the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA) hosted its Annual Holiday Party at the lively 2Twenty2 Tavern in downtown Chicago. From 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, members of the legal community came together for a joyous evening filled with networking, seasonal cheer, and a spirit of giving.