
Raising the Bar Mentorship Program Kickoff Happy Hour
Join the FBA Chicago Chapter on November 5, 2025, to celebrate the launch of the Raising the Bar Mentorship Program. This brand-new program is designed to connect law students and new attorneys (those in their first three years of practice) with experienced practitioners across Chicagoland.

A Debate on the State and Future of Class Actions
Join the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter for a lively debate on the state, role, and future of class action lawsuits. Professors Martin Redish of Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and Brian Fitzpatrick of Vanderbilt University Law School will share their perspectives in a discussion moderated by The Honorable Robert M. Dow Jr., District Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

2025 Annual Meeting & Installation Luncheon
Please join the Federal Bar Association’s Chicago Chapter for the election and installation of its 2025-2026 officers and directors. This popular annual event hosts federal judges and hundreds of practitioners from Chicago and surrounding communities. Elizabeth Prelogar, former Solicitor General of the United States under the Biden Administration, will present the annual keynote address.

A Miscarriage of Justice: Insights for Today from the Acquittal of Emmett Till’s Murderers
On the 70th anniversary of one of the most unjust verdicts in American legal history, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter, generously supported by sponsor K&L Gates, invites you to A Miscarriage of Justice: Insights for Today from the Acquittal of Emmett Till’s Murderers, a timely and thought-provoking program.

Meet the New District Court Judges
Join the FBA Chicago Chapter for an engaging lunchtime program featuring the newest judges of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. This special event is hosted at the Chicago Bar Association (321 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60604). During the session, the new district judges offer an inside look at how they approach critical topics such as summary judgment and the Daubert standard. Attendees will receive valuable insights into judicial perspectives that can inform effective advocacy in federal court.

2025 Northern District Practice for New Lawyers & Lawyers-To-Be
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter invites law students, interns, summer associates, and new attorneys to attend the 2025 Northern District Practice for New Lawyers & Lawyers-To-Be, a free, in-person CLE seminar focused on advocacy in federal court.

Chambers Lunch with Judge Kness
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter invites its members to a private lunch with Hon. John F. Kness on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. This in-person gathering will take place in Judge Kness’s Jury Room on the 21st Floor of the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, located at 219 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60604.

Effective Settlement Advocacy: Pro Se Litigants’ Settlement Assistance Program
Join the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter for a practical, skills-based seminar tailored to attorneys interested in effective settlement advocacy and pro bono service in federal court. This free, in-person program features experienced litigators, communication experts, and three U.S. Magistrate Judges who will share strategies, ethical guidance, and real-world insights for representing pro se litigants through the Settlement Assistance Program (SAP). Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or considering your first court appointment, you’ll gain tools for case evaluation, client communication, and successful settlement approaches.

2025 State of the Court Address
Join us for the 2025 Annual State of the Court Address on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 12PM - 1PM CDT. This event features Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. During her address, she will provide key updates and insights into the operations and initiatives of the court.

2025 Annual Ethics Program
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter’s 2025 Annual Ethics Program will take place on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, located at 333 W Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654. Designed for legal professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding of ethical practice, this in-person event offers a comprehensive agenda covering core areas of professional responsibility. Remote attendance via Zoom will also be available.

United States v. Wen Ho Lee – 25 Years Later
Twenty-five years ago, Wen Ho Lee, a Taiwanese-American scientist, became the focus of one of the most high-profile espionage investigations in American history. Suspected of sharing critical nuclear secrets with China, Dr. Lee faced public condemnation, criminal charges, and solitary confinement. However, as the case unraveled, it revealed profound flaws in the investigation, culminating in a rare judicial apology and a public acknowledgment by President Bill Clinton that "the whole thing was quite troubling".

Meet the New Magistrate Judges
Join the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter for an exclusive opportunity to hear from Chicago’s newest Magistrate Judges as they share insights into settlement conference advocacy, discovery disputes, and essential litigation strategies. This interactive panel discussion will provide practical guidance on navigating federal court proceedings and best practices for attorneys appearing before Magistrate Judges.

Chambers Lunch with Judge Jantz
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter invites you to an exclusive lunch with Hon. Beth W. Jantz on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. This in-person event will be open for FBA member attorneys only. It will be held in Judge Jantz’s Jury Room, 18th Floor, Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, 219 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60604.

Restoring Lives: A Reception for the Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation
Join the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter and the Federal Problem-Solving Courts on April 22, 2025, for Restoring Lives: A Reception for the Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation. This in-person event will take place from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Union League Club, Crystal Room, located at 65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Illinois.

Hot Topics, Practice Tips & Current Developments in Federal Criminal Law
Join the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter for an insightful afternoon featuring expert analysis from top Federal criminal law practitioners, U.S. District Court Judges, and former U.S. Attorneys for the Northern District of Illinois.

Endless Career Opportunities for Lawyers: An FBA Women’s History Month Panel Discussion
Join the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter for Endless Career Opportunities for Lawyers: An FBA Women’s History Month Panel Discussion on March 19, 2025, at Greenberg Traurig in Chicago. This engaging event features accomplished female lawyers from various sectors, including law firms, government, academia, and corporate counsel. Panelists will share fundamental insights on how to excel as a lawyer, make smooth career transitions, navigate workplace dynamics, and balance personal and professional responsibilities. The discussion will be moderated by Lisa Kpor, Litigation Counsel at United Airlines, and will offer attendees valuable perspectives on advancing their legal careers.

Lunch with Judge Robert Dow, Chief of Staff to Chief Justice John Roberts
Join the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter for an exclusive event featuring Hon. Robert Dow, former judge of the Northern District of Illinois and current Counselor to Chief Justice John Roberts of the United States Supreme Court. Judge Dow will share insights from his unique role, discuss his transition from the bench, and offer valuable advice to judges and legal practitioners.

Younger Lawyers Division Chambers Lunch with Judge Shah
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter invites you to an exclusive lunch with Hon. Manish S. Shah on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. This in-person event will be open for FBA member attorneys only who are under 40 or have less than ten years of legal experience. It will be held in Judge Shah’s Jury Room, 19th Floor, Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, 219 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60604.

2025 Annual Employment Law Seminar
Join us for the highly anticipated Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter’s 2025 Annual Employment Law Seminar, sponsored by JAMS, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. This dynamic program features four expert-led panels covering key developments in employment law, including Title VII's 60th anniversary, arbitration best practices, changes to the Chevron Doctrine, and updates on Seventh Circuit jury instructions.

2024 Annual Holiday Party & Toy Drive
Join the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association for our 2024 Annual Holiday Party and Toy Drive at 2Twenty2 Tavern. This festive gathering promises an evening of celebration, delicious food and beverages, and connections within our legal community.

The Supreme Court Overruled the Chevron Doctrine. Now What?
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter invites you to a timely and impactful webinar exploring one of the most significant recent decisions in federal administrative law. On June 28, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned 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.

Citizenship and Voting Rights of Native Americans
This free event features a panel that will examine the impact of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 on Native American voting rights, 100 years after its passage. Panelists will explore the historical and ongoing barriers to voting, the role of state and federal policies, and the efforts within Native communities to secure their right to vote and political empowerment.

From Federal Judge Back to Litigator: How My Advocacy Has Changed After Time on the Bench
Join the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter for an engaging online webinar featuring former Federal Judge Gary Feinerman in conversation with Judge Sunil R. Harjani.

2024 Annual Meeting and Installation Luncheon
Please join the Federal Bar Association’s Chicago Chapter for the election and installation of its 2024-2025 officers and directors. This popular annual event hosts federal judges and hundreds of practitioners from Chicago and surrounding communities.

Brown v. Board of Education Revisited: The Brown Oral Arguments with Professor Jerry Goldman
For the first time in more than 70 years, the oral arguments made to the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education school desegregation case will be heard in a federal courtroom in America.

Chambers Lunch with Judge Rowland
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter invites you to an exclusive lunch with Hon. Mary M. Rowland on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 12:10 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. This in-person event will be held in Judge Rowland’s Jury Room, 12th floor, Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, 219 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60604.

2024 Northern District Practice for New Lawyers & Lawyers-To-Be
New lawyers, summer associates, interns, and law students are invited to attend this award-winning, free in-person CLE seminar! This is a must-attend program for any new lawyer practicing in federal court or those looking to develop skills in written and oral advocacy.

Reception Honoring Chief Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer
Join the Federal Bar Association’s Chicago Chapter, the Chicago Bar Association, the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, and the Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago in celebrating the remarkable career of Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer at a special reception on July 17, 2024, from 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM at the Chicago Bar Association, 321 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL 60604.

2024 State of the Court Address
Join us for the 2024 Annual State of the Court Address on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at the Chicago Bar Association, 321 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, Illinois. This not-to-miss event will feature Chief Judge Pallmeyer discussing key updates and developments within the Northern District of Illinois.

Chambers Lunch with Judge Jenkins
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter is pleased to present an exclusive opportunity to join an intimate lunch with Hon. Lindsay C. Jenkins. Scheduled for Tuesday, July 16, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., this in-person event will be held in Judge Jenkins’s Jury Room on the 21st floor of the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, located at 219 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60604.

2024 Seventh Circuit Rising Professionals Symposium
Join our friends at the Federal Bar Association Indianapolis Chapter and Ice Miller LLP for the Seventh Circuit Rising Professionals Symposium! Designed for law students and younger lawyers (under 40 or with less than 10 years of experience), this event aims to elevate careers and expand networks across the Seventh Circuit, welcoming all attorneys.