Philadelphia’s next District Attorney will shape the future of public safety and justice in our city. Join the Philadelphia Bar Association, the Committee of Seventy, WHYY, Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, The Forum of Executive Women, and The League of Women Voters of Philadelphia for a forum featuring Democratic DA candidates incumbent District Attorney Larry Krasner (confirmed) and former Municipal Court Judge Pat Dugan (invited).
Moderated by WHYY’s Carmen Russell-Sluchansky and Cherri Gregg, this conversation will give voters a chance to hear directly from both candidates about their priorities and vision for the office.
Registration for this event has closed, but a livestream will be available via the WHYY YouTube channel and WHYY Facebook page.
Join us for a rally in Center City as we unite with legal professionals across the United States to speak up to defend the rule of law, judicial independence, and the independence of the legal profession.
When: Noon on Law Day, Thursday, May 1
Where: City Hall North Portico
What to Expect: Join your colleagues for a peaceful gathering. We will stand together at legal professionals and retake the Pennsylvania Attorney's Oath as part of a National Day of Action.
What to Wear: Dress professionally. Please do not bring any signs.
Can I invite my colleagues the day of the event? Yes – we welcome you to bring fellow legal professionals to join us.
Plan to arrive by 11:45 a.m.; the program will begin promptly at noon.
This event is part of a National Day of Action, with events planned across the country. Learn more: https://lawdayofaction.org/
News
You decide who becomes a judge in Philadelphia. Our Judicial Commission's objective, nonpartisan investigations rate candidates on their ability, integrity and judgment. Make an informed decision – view our 2025 ratings and share them with your networks!
Join us at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 18, in beautiful Fairmount Park to run, walk or cheer on your favorite team of participants!
Since the first Bar Run in 1979, this event has benefited the Support Center for Child Advocates (Child Advocates), and has placed a spotlight on the Philadelphia Bar Association’s commitment to the young people of the region. As one of the most successful volunteer models in the country, Child Advocates serves close to 1,000 clients each year, providing legal assistance and social service advocacy for children and youth who have experienced abuse and severe neglect.
The Bar Run is a family friendly day that includes the 5K Run Individual Competition, 5K Run Team Competition, Philadelphia Bar Association Member Competition, and the Buchanan Kids Dash!
Join us as we continue our series on topics affecting our clients and the community, this time focusing on LGBTQ+ rights. With the rollback of legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community, education, collaboration, and advocacy will be critical to charting a path forward.
Panelists will discuss top-of-mind issues and impacts due to recent policy changes at the federal level, the critical state and federal court cases on the horizon, and what the legal community can do to help.
Help us continue to Meet the Moment – you can view additional resources and Bar statements, watch recordings of past events, and see upcoming events here.
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 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!
Features
A roundup of the latest activity taking place in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Congratulations again and thank you for your service to our 2025 50-, 60- and 70-Year Club inductees. ICYMI, watch and read remarks from Deborah Willig and Bob Fiebach from the event.
The Honorable Holly San Angelo has recently been appointed as the Director of the Workers’ Compensation Office of Adjudication. Prior to this, she served as Judge Manager for the Southeastern District, which has hearing offices in Philadelphia and Springfield (Delaware County). Director San Angelo’s career has been marked by commitment and service to the Bar. She served as the Southeastern District Judge Manager through the COVID-19 pandemic, a time where uncertainty marked our days as we were making the rapid transition from in-person to virtual practice. Director San Angelo’s leadership helped practitioners navigate through the adjustment and ensure the adjudicatory process remained fair and efficient. To say the least, she is well-prepared for her new role as Director and it is with warm regards that we welcome her. We recently had the opportunity to speak to Director San Angelo about her new role.
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.
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.
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.
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
Public Interest Spotlight
In March, a comprehensive settlement agreement was reached in a lawsuit filed by Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP) against the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services over claims of abusive conditions and disability discrimination at the state’s Youth Development Centers. The Youth Development Centers are secure facilities operated by the state to treat youth committed to the state’s care by county juvenile courts.
Around Our Community
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!
Together with clients and supporters, we look forward to welcoming sponsors, award recipients, and guests to celebrate the Pennsylvania Innocence Project's 16th anniversary year!
This year, Juvenile Law Center is celebrating their 50th 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.
Learn about why judicial elections are important and how to evaluate judicial candidates to make informed decisions.
Benefits and Partner Spotlight
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:
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.
Through the Philadelphia Bar Association UPS® Savings Program, you have access to exclusive discounts, reliable delivery, and enhanced shipping protection—all designed to help you save time and money.
In 2024, Philadelphia Bar Association members collectively saved $ 1488.99* on shipping. Whether you're managing personal or small business shipments, our program ensures cost-effective, hassle-free shipping.
Here’s a look at the 2024 savings and activity for Philadelphia Bar Association members:
· 159 Number of Shipments*
· $ 2834.24 Spent on Shipping
· $ 1488.99 Savings through the UPS Program**
Member-Exclusive Savings Include:
· 65%* off Domestic Next Day / Deferred
· 42%* off Ground Commercial / Residential
· Up to 65%* off International Imports / Exports
· Savings starting at 75%* on LTL Freight shipping services
Learn How You Can Save Today!
If you’re not enrolled yet, now’s the time to start saving. Sign up for a new account or re-enroll to apply your member discounts.
Save up to 44% OFF select appliances and FREE DELIVERY on orders over $399*. Plus, save an additional 5%† with code SALE5.
Offer available 4/3/25 – 4/23/25
Featured CLEs & Events
Check out these events from the Wellness Committee!
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.
As organizations continue to navigate changes in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), it’s essential for their legal counsel to separate fact from fiction and understand how to position DEI as an integral part of a company’s workplace culture. It is critical to understand that abandoning such initiatives present legal risk from employees. This CLE presentation will present a clear framework for discussing DEI changes, exploring the legal landscape, and identifying practical steps organizations can take to align their DEI efforts with both their values and compliance requirements. With a focus on federal regulations, executive orders, and risk analysis, attendees will gain clarity on how DEI applies to their specific organization.
As executive Orders and federal regulations put pressure on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts worldwide, attend this program to hear guidance on how to remain committed to fostering inclusivity, and position DEI as an integral part of organizational culture.
The Business Law Section's Annual Reception will be held at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel on May 14, 2025!
You're invited to an evening celebrating excellence in the legal profession. We are pleased to announce that the 2025 Replansky Award will be presented to William H. Clark, Jr. and the 2025 Dandridge Award will be presented to Sophia Z. Lee in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the profession. The evening will include a networking reception with colleagues and friends.
Thanks to our sponsor:
Join the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for a happy hour to celebrate the conclusion of the WRAP Court Law School Hygiene Drive in collaboration with Local Law Schools including: Temple Beasley School of Law, Villanova Charles Widger School of Law, Drexel Kline School of Law, University of Pennsylvania Carey School of Law, Rutgers Camden School of Law, Penn State Dickenson School of Law, and Widener School of Law.
Please join us to mark the beginning of summer and a successful Law School Drive to collect hygiene items for youth involved in Philadelphia’s WRAP Court. In Philadelphia, WRAP Court, which stands for "Working to Restore Adolescent Power," is a specialty court within the Juvenile Division of the Philadelphia Family Court. It focuses on human trafficking and sex trafficking victims, particularly minors who have been through the dependency or delinquency systems. WRAP Court aims to provide specialized support and resources to these individuals, including trauma-informed care and a multidisciplinary team approach to address their unique needs.
Entry is free for members and law students who bring a hygiene item. We will be announcing the winners of our Drive who will be presented with a certificate. All those who bring a hygiene item will be given a ticket to our raffle to win one of 2 Raffle Baskets. Food and drink available for payment.
