Judicial security is critical to advancing the rule of law and ensuring judicial independence. This virtual event will build on the momentum of our December 2024 Chancellor’s Forum on this topic by delving deeper into the people and positions being impacted by a rising number of threats and the drivers behind the increase in threats and violence to judges, as well as others in the legal industry.

Two specialists in enterprise risk solutions, crisis management, and security will discuss the steps that judges and attorneys can take to ensure their personal protection and protection for their staffs, clients, and families whether at home, in the office, while traveling, or in the courtroom. 

Celebrate member milestones and look ahead to an exciting year for Philadelphia as we celebrate 250 years of independence in 2026!

Our program will include:

• Recognizing the 2025 inductees into the 50-, 60- and 70-Year Clubs
• Honoring 97th Chancellor Jen Coatsworth
• A panel discussion featuring organizers of exciting events coming to Philadelphia in 2026, including America's 250th, the FIFA World Cup, the NCAA men's basketball tournament and more!

Our panelists will be:

• Angela Val, President and CEO, Visit Philadelphia
• Michael DelBene, President and CEO, Welcome America
• Meg Kane, Host City Executive/CEO, Philadelphia Soccer 2026

A 90-minute reception will follow the program. Enjoy complimentary beer, wine and appetizers in the College of Physicians' historic Mitchell Hall and Ashhurst Room. 

Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors:

Gold:
Cozen O'Connor
Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock Dodig LLP
Margolis Edelstein
Blank Rome

Silver:
Fox Rothschild

Bronze:
Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP
Fulginiti Law

**Registration closes at 5:00 p.m. today.**

We continued our series on topics affecting our clients and the community, this time focusing on federal funding. With its robust legal nonprofit and community engagement sectors, Philadelphia stands to be particularly impacted by recent actions that would freeze or dramatically cut federal funding in those areas.

This program examined the far-reaching impacts of these cuts on our state and local governments, nonprofit organizations and communities, and how the philanthropy sector might help fill the void. 

This CLE presentation introduced the newest Judges in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, as they addressed their policies, procedures and best practices in their courtrooms, including highlighting:  

• Communications with Chambers and general policies

• Procedures for hearings, trials and discovery disputes

• Motions practice and arguments

• Guidance regarding settlement conferences and mediations

Attendees also heard from the Deputy Clerk of Court regarding the current court operations and the most recent updates regarding court procedures. 

Moderator:
Leslie Miller Greenspan, Esq.
Partner, Tucker Law Group
Chair, Federal Courts Committee, Philadelphia Bar Association

Introduction:
Hon. Mark A. Kearney
District Court Judge
U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Panelists:
Hon. Mary Kay Costello
District Court Judge
U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Hon. Catherine Henry
District Court Judge
U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Hon. Gail Weilheimer
District Court Judge
U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Timothy O’Hora
Chief Deputy, Clerk of Court Office
U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Celebrate individuals and groups making a positive impact on our community!

Achievement Award 
To be presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting on December 10, 2025
Description: The Award recognizes significant accomplishments in improving the administration of justice (preferably in Philadelphia.)
Deadline: Friday, November 7, 2025

The Philadelphia Bar Association is now on Bluesky! If you'd like to follow us, you can create a FREE account to keep up with the latest news and updates!

A roundup of the latest activity taking place in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

The Winter 2025 issue celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Civil Gideon Task Force, introduces the 98th Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, highlights the 2024 Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg "Pursuit of Justice" Legal Writing Competition winning essay, and more.

We want to hear from you! Do you have a legal analysis article idea or a story to share about a memorable case, social issues, travel or even pop culture, fiction or poetry? Share your submission with us to be featured in a future issue of The Philadelphia Lawyer magazine!

Email communications@philabar.org with the subject line: Magazine submission

Share your routines with us in 300-500 words for the Summer issue of The Philadelphia Lawyer magazine!

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Email communications@philabar.org with your article and headshot by June 2 to be featured.

Share your hobbies with us in 300-500 words for the Summer issue of The Philadelphia Lawyer magazine!

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Email communications@philabar.org with your article and headshot by June 2 to be featured.

Members have access to HeinOnline archive collection of Philadelphia Bar Association publications. To access the archive, you must be a member of the Philadelphia Bar Association.

If you have a moment, we’d truly appreciate it if you could leave us a quick Google review. Share how your experience with the Bar Association has helped you to make connections and grow your career! It only takes a minute, and your insights can help others know what to expect. Your positive feedback helps our Association grow and continue providing the best service possible for members. 

Thank you for your support—it means the world to us!

Google: Philadelphia Bar Association -> Give us a star rating -> Write a review -> Hit Post

Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (PVLA) is thrilled to announce the return of The Arts Affair 2025 on Thursday, May 15 at REC Philly. This unforgettable evening will celebrate the vibrant intersection of the arts and legal advocacy, recognizing outstanding pro bono legal professionals and showcasing immersive artistic experiences, live performances, music, and more.

“The legal community plays an essential role in empowering artists, cultural institutions, and creative entrepreneurs, and we are proud to celebrate these honorees for their unwavering dedication,” said Nan Latona, Executive Director of PVLA. “Recognizing Joan Myers Brown with the inaugural Creative Impact Award underscores the profound influence that artists have on our cultural landscape. Their visions inspire our work at PVLA, and these award winners are instrumental in ensuring the arts continue to flourish in Philadelphia.”

This year, Juvenile Law Center is celebrating their 50^th anniversary with a Gala on May 2 in the Grand Belle at The Bellevue Hotel. Join them for cocktails, dinner, and dancing to celebrate Juvenile Law Center’s first 50 years and honor Co-Founder and Chief Legal Officer, Marsha Levick, who is stepping down at the end of this year. They will also pay tribute to Bob Schwartz, JLC's Co-Founder and former Executive Director, whom they lost in 2024 but who will always remain in their hearts. JLC anticipates a full house and encourages you to reserve a table or purchase tickets now.

We are happy to share two exciting opportunities for a quick mindfulness practice to help you get through your work week offered by mindfulness expert and attorney Courtney Schulnik!

Learn about why judicial elections are important and how to evaluate judicial candidates to make informed decisions.

Our Annual Partners and other benefit providers give Bar Association members access to discounts from local and national retailers, for legal and professional services and more!

DISCOUNTS INCLUDE:

• Wireless and data services discounts from Verizon, including 22% off your monthly bill for eligible members
• Travel discounts and planning services from Mondee
• Up to 35% PC computers and printers from HP
• Up to 20% off on gifts from 1-800-FLOWERS, Harry & David, and Cheryl’s Cookies
• Additional discounts on products and services, including performances at the Kimmel Cultural Campus, rental cars through Avis and Budget, and more

Decisis is a fast, reliable legal research tool powered by LexisNexis - free for Philadelphia Bar Association members - a $1788 value! Search all courts and jurisdictions (Need a case outside Pennsylvania? Find it with Decisis™.)

To access the benefit login with your member account.

New Year. New Job? Alevistar Legal Search is a Philadelphia Bar Association Annual Partner, and the premier legal search firm in the Philadelphia area focused on partner placements, group mergers, and associate placements.

If you want to grow or take a new direction in your career in 2025, consider working with Alevistar. Some of the best jobs are never advertised and many law firms and companies turn to Alevistar to recruit and refer top candidates to fill these positions. Alevistar Legal Search has relationships with many types of law firms & organizations that rely on us to assist with their hiring process.

To learn more or set up a meeting contact Brian Levinson at 610-617-1218 or brian@alevistar.com or Jason Mandel at 610-617-1219 or jason@alevistar.com or visit www.alevistar.com.

Check out these events from the Wellness Committee!

Join the Corporate In-House Counsel Committee on Thursday, April 3 at 5:00pm for a kick-off happy hour at Bentley Systems! 

Hot Topic to include Compliance in the Era of Trump EOs (FCPA (non)enforcement, anyone?)

**advanced registration is required**

We are excited to invite you to attend our upcoming legal panel, designed specifically for law students. This event aims to provide valuable insights into the legal profession, offering students the opportunity to hear directly from experienced attorneys.

This legal panel will bring together speakers from various legal specialties, including corporate law, criminal law, public interest, and in-house, to provide valuable insights into the diverse career paths available in the legal field. Emphasizing the importance of mentorship, panelists will discuss how mentorship has shaped their careers and offer advice on finding and nurturing meaningful professional relationships. This session will highlight the role of mentors in guiding law students through the complexities of legal practice, fostering personal and professional growth, and navigating the transition from law school to the legal workforce.

Join us on April 23 for a special Happy Hour hosted by the YLD as we partner with For Pete's Sake Cancer Respite Foundation to raise awareness for their upcoming walk! This event will be an opportunity to network, relax, and learn more about the incredible work that For Pete's Sake does in providing respite for cancer patients and their families.

Join the Wellness Committee as they partner with the For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation