ICYMI: See photos from last week's DA Forum and watch the livestream below!

Photos here

ICYMI: 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.

Watch the full program below.

ICYMI: Our 2025 Spring Quarterly included:

• 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 were:

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

Watch the full program below.

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!

The 2025 recipient of the Fiebach award is The Law Office of Kristine L. Calalang. Through her firm, Kristine Calalang has worked to advance and promote women in the law. She created mentoring initiatives within the firm and participates in various mentoring programs through the PBA, Philadelphia Bar Association and Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law (Villanova Law).

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.

Joining only a few other judicial districts in the nation, Philadelphia Courts have partnered with West Chester University to provide post-jury service support for any trial juror experiencing jury service-related anxiety or trauma.

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

At the Bar Association, we understand that upholding these rights transcends politics – they are critical for a functioning justice system that has the public’s trust. This is why we believe our value to our members is meeting this moment in time by standing up and speaking out.

Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (PVLA) is thrilled to announce the return of its annual benefit celebration, The Arts Affair 2025, taking place on Thursday, May 15 at REC Philly (901 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107). Hosted by Cookie Diorio, this highly anticipated 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. Guests will enjoy light fare and drinks while engaging with Philadelphia’s dynamic creative community within REC Philly’s unique space.

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!

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.

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!
 

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.

Thanks again to Simon Page and H. Kyle Hebenstreit from PMP Marketing Group for joining us at last week's Board of Governors meeting.

PMP helps legal professionals with data-driven marketing solutions designed to accelerate the growth of their legal practices.

Check out these events from the Wellness Committee!

Join us for an informal happy hour with your fellow State Civil Litigation professionals at Wicked Wolf Philadelphia! Step away from your desk and enjoy good conversations, light refreshments, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Thank you to our sponsors:

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 Young Lawyers Division, Probate and Trust Law Section and the Tax Section for a happy hour at the Fitler Club. Network with section members over food and drinks and learn about all the Fitler Club has to offer.

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.