Committees

The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter offers a diverse array of committees for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. These committees cater to our members’ varied interests and professional needs.

By engaging further with the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter, members develop as legal professionals while fostering invaluable networking relationships within the federal legal community. Get involved today to contribute to discussions that shape the future of federal law in Chicago and beyond!

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AOCE Committee

Dedicated to fostering access, opportunity, and community engagement through initiatives, events, and outreach.

  • Hon. Gabriel Fuentes, Co-Chair

  • Pete Salib, Co-Chair

  • Jandro Ortega

  • Anna Wermuth

  • Melissa Hirst

  • Vikas Didwania

  • Erica Achepohl

Appellate

Hosts events related to appellate practice. Contact Chair Sharon Desh at sdesh@winston.com for updates on programs and career insights.

  • Sharon Desh, Chair

  • Peter Douglas

  • Vikas Didwania

  • Brandon Clark

  • Jordan Matthews

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Awards

Selects winners for chapter awards and applies for National FBA honors recognizing excellence. These awards honor individuals and teams for contributions to the legal field and the community.

  • Eddie Feldman, Co-Chair

  • Paul Freehling

  • Ed Siskel

  • Hon. Gabriel Fuentes

  • Deepa Rajkarne

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Chambers Lunch Coordinator

Hosts informal luncheons with federal judges, fostering dialogue between the judiciary and legal professionals. These unique events offer insight into judicial perspectives and practice.

  • Kelly Greening, Chair

  • Mary Eileen Wells

  • Rachel Weisberg

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Class Action

Hosts seminars on key topics for those in class action practice. Programs feature insights into emerging trends and legal issues affecting complex litigation practitioners nationwide.

  • Frank Citera, Co-Chair

  • Nicole Mueller, Co-Chair

  • Allan Pixton

  • Meredith Mandell

  • Grayson Walker

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CLE

Manages the chapter’s robust calendar of CLE events. It ensures programming meets the professional and educational needs of members across all areas of federal law practice.

  • John Moynihan, Chair

  • Jordan Matthews

  • Peter McNamara

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Corporation & Association Counsel

Offers CLEs for in-house counsel on legal trends impacting corporate practices. Connect with Chair Lisa Kpor on LinkedIn for more information.

  • Lisa Kpor, Chair

  • Tony Garcia

  • Kelly Greening

  • Melissa Hirst

  • Janelle Anderson

  • Peter McNamara

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Criminal Law

Offers CLEs on significant developments in criminal law. Programs feature experts, professors, and attorneys. Contact Chair Nancy DePodesta at nancy.depodesta@saul.com for details.

  • Nancy DePodesta, Chair

  • Sergio Acosta

  • Philip Fluhr

  • Cliff Histed

  • Stephen Lee

  • Kelly Guzman

  • Clark Devereux

  • John Mitchell

  • Gabe Sansonetti

  • John Moynihan

  • Jandro Ortega

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Employment Law

Hosts an annual seminar for plaintiff, defense, and government attorneys. Contact Chair Bryan Wood at bwood@kaplanlawatx.com for updates on events and opportunities.

  • Bryan Wood, Chair

  • Nieves Bolanos

  • Todd Church

  • Megan O’Malley

  • Diane Smason

  • Anna Wermuth

  • Peter McNamara

  • Deborah Hamilton

Ethics

Organizes the annual Ethics Seminar for attorneys to fulfill CLE ethics credits. Programs include robust discussions and updates on ethical responsibilities in legal practice.

  • Nick Wasdin, Chair

  • Britt Cramer

  • Bob Neiman

  • Deborah Hamilton

  • Deepa Rajkarne

  • Mary Eileen Wells

  • Eddie Feldman

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A small, beige, speckled ceramic vase with a rounded body, narrow neck, and wide opening, set against a plain white background.

Federal Civil Practice

Offers programs on federal pre-trial, trial practice, and procedural differences. Contact Chair Michael Rothstein at mrothstein@tdrlaw.com to join or learn more.

  • Michael Rothstein, Co-Chair

  • Tim Hudson, Co-Chair

  • Hon. Andrea Wood

  • Ken Peters

  • Megan Ryan

  • Barry Fields

  • Morgan Hirst

  • Brandon Clark

  • Jessica Scheller

  • Rami Fakhouri

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Law Schools & Law Students

Bridges local law schools and the FBA through events and mentorship. Reach out to Chair Kristine Argentine at kargentine@seyfarth.com to connect and collaborate.

  • Kristine Argentine, Chair

  • Mary Eileen Wells

  • Bryan Wood

  • Kathleen Hennessy

  • Megan O’Malley

YLD

Builds opportunities for young attorneys to network, find mentors, and develop careers. Visit the YLD page for details on events, resources, and ways to connect with peers. Please reach out to Erica Achepohl (e.achep17@gmail.com) to get involved.

  • Erica Achepohl, Co-Chair

  • Samantha Swartz, Co-Chair

  • Kathleen Hennessy

  • Sydney Snower

  • Peter Douglas

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