2026 Hot Topics, Practice Tips & Current Developments in Federal Criminal Law
Join the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter for the 2026 Hot Topics, Practice Tips & Current Developments in Federal Criminal Law. This half-day program brings together an exceptional roster of federal judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys to examine the issues and developments reshaping federal criminal practice. Whether you are a seasoned federal practitioner or newer to the field, this program offers practical insights and timely analysis.
This year’s rendition will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, 300 North La Salle Drive, 51st Floor, Chicago, IL 60654. The main program runs from 1:30 to 5:00 PM. Immediately following the program, attendees are invited to continue the conversation at our reception from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, which includes cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. CLE credit is available, pending approval.
The Pursuit of Justice: Finding the Line Between Aggressive Advocacy and System Disruption
Where does zealous advocacy end and system disruption begin? This panel examines how prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges can, intentionally or not, undermine the fairness they are sworn to uphold.
Part 1: The Advocate's Duty and the Judiciary's Role: Laurie Levenson provides an overview of the adversarial system's competing imperatives: a victim's right to justice, a defendant's right to liberty, and society's right to safety. How do the key players balance aggressive advocacy with their obligation to a fair process?
Part 2: Prosecution and the Executive Branch: Sergio Acosta takes a critical look at prosecutorial overreach, including selective prosecution, the reliability of cooperating witnesses, discovery violations, and the distinction between prosecutorial mistake and misconduct.
Part 3: Defense Attorneys: Patrick Blegen examines when vigorous defense attorneys tread into misconduct or obstruction. This portion includes obligations around cooperating witnesses, the risks of joint defense agreements, attorney proffers (Menendez), and the line between zealous advocacy and suborning perjury.
Part 4: Q&A / Ethical Scenarios: Audience questions or hypothetical scenarios posed to the full panel.
Artificial Intelligence and Its Applications in the Criminal Law Arena
Artificial intelligence is reshaping federal criminal practice at every level, from investigations to courtrooms to judicial policy. This CLE panel brings together practitioners, technologists, and jurists to examine AI's expanding role across the federal criminal arena, including its use in court supervision programs like U.S. Probation, law enforcement investigations, cybercrime and national security matters, and technology-assisted review in criminal discovery.
Panelists include a sitting federal district judge and Chair of the Judicial Conference's Criminal Law Subcommittee, who will address the Conference's AI Task Force and its implications for the federal judiciary; the former Chief Product Officer of Harvey AI, who will discuss how cutting-edge legal AI tools are being adapted for criminal practice; and prominent white collar defense attorneys and former AUSAs with hands-on experience deploying these tools.
A View from the Bench
Few opportunities are more valuable to a federal practitioner than candid, unfiltered dialogue with the judges before whom they appear. This panel offers a chance to hear directly from members of the federal judiciary on the practices, preferences, and pet peeves that shape their courtrooms.
Panelists will reflect on trends they are observing in federal criminal cases, offer guidance on effective advocacy, and engage in a frank discussion about the evolving demands of the federal bench. Attendees are encouraged to come with questions.
Register for the 2026 Federal Criminal Law Seminar
Sign up for the 2026 edition of Hot Topics, Practice Tips & Current Developments in Federal Criminal Law. Please note: The event itself is complimentary. The cost covers the reception, marketing, and related administrative fees.
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