FBA Chicago Chapter: 2025 Committees

The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter offers a diverse array of committees catering to its members' varied interests and professional needs. Engaging in these committees enhances professional development and fosters 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

  • Pete Salib, Co-Chair

  • Anna Wermuth

  • Melissa Hirst

  • Alejandro Ortega

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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

  • Paul Freehling

  • Hon. Gabriel Fuentes

  • Deepa Rajkarne

  • Hon. Mary Rowland

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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

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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.

  • Nieves Bolanos

  • Frank Citera

  • Nicole Mueller

  • Allan Pixton

  • Sharon Desh

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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.

  • Jordan Matthews, Co-Chair

  • John Moynihan, Co-Chair

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.

  • Janelle Anderson

  • Elizabeth Barton

  • Tony Garcia

  • Lisa Kpor, Chair

  • Kelly Greening

  • Melissa Hirst

  • Katie Hill

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Criminal Law

Offers CLEs on significant developments in criminal law. Programs feature experts, professors, and attorneys. Contact Chair Sergio Acosta at sergio.acosta@akerman.com for details.

  • Sergio Acosta, Chair

  • Nancy DePodesta

  • Mark Flessner

  • Matt Hiller

  • Cliff Histed

  • Stephen Lee

  • John Moynihan

  • Kelly Guzman

  • Alejandro Ortega

Employment Law

Hosts an annual seminar for plaintiff, defense, and government attorneys. Contact Chair Erin Franzblau at efranzblau@crokefairchild.com for updates on events and opportunities.

  • Erin Franzblau

  • Nieves Bolanos

  • Todd Church

  • Megan O’Malley

  • Diane Smason

  • Anna Wermuth

  • Bryan Wood

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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.

  • Britt Cramer

  • Bob Neiman

  • Nick Wasdin

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Federal Career Service

Connects chapter members with federal legal opportunities. Contact Chair Diane Smason at diane.smason@eeoc.gov for updates on programs and career insights.

  • Hon. Philip Fluhr

  • Diane Smason

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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.

  • Brandon Clark

  • Barry Fields

  • Morgan Hirst

  • Tim Hudson

  • Michael Rothstein, Chair

  • Jessica Scheller

Marketing & Website

Works with Rizzo Young Marketing to enhance visibility, promote events, and boost chapter outreach. Members support communications efforts to keep the chapter connected and engaged.

  • Kathleen Hennessy, Co-Chair

  • Sharon Desh, Co-Chair

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Membership

Enhances member engagement through recruitment, retention, and community-building initiatives. Develops programs to connect members and showcase the value of FBA membership.

  • Melissa Hirst, Co-Chair

  • Nick Wasdin, Co-Chair

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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

  • Nieves Bolanos

  • Bryan Wood

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Sponsorship

Develops partnerships with organizations to support chapter events and initiatives. Ensures sponsors gain visibility and contribute to the growth and success of the chapter's programs.

  • Tim Hudson, Chair

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 Co-Chairs Erica Achepohl (e.achep17@gmail.com) and Mike Trucco (mtrucco@winston.com) to get involved.

  • Erica Achepohl, Co-Chair & Law Clerk Coordinator

  • Mike Trucco, Co-Chair

  • Kathleen Hennessy

  • Erica Fatima

  • Lisa Kpor

  • John Moynihan

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