More than 400 Philadelphia legal professionals joined the Philadelphia Bar Association at City Hall on Thursday, May 1 as part of the national Law Day of Action.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to defending the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession by re-taking the Pennsylvania Attorney’s Oath. The oath was administered by former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Hon. Jane Cutler Greenspan (ret.).
Thank you to everyone who attended! Special thanks to our organizers, YLD Vice Chair Paul Carrion and Deborah Winokur, with an assist from Ellen Brotman as well as our leadership Chancellor Katayun Jaffari, Chancellor-elect Ezra Wohlgelernter, Vice Chancellor Kristine Calalang for guiding such a peaceful and powerful rally.
For the latest updates regarding the Bar Association’s efforts to defend democracy and assist individuals whose rights are under attack, please visit our Meeting the Moment webpage. The page includes information about Association statements and public policy efforts, upcoming events and CLEs and “Know Your Rights” resources to share with your clients and the public.
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.
News
Join us as we celebrate achievements by women aviators. Women in aviation and women in combat have been trailblazers in ensuring all people, regardless of gender, have an equal opportunity to serve their country. This program will highlight the accomplishments of women aviators and the legal and policy changes that have allowed women to serve as pilots in the military and private sector.
Whether you are three years or 30 years away, preparing for retirement is likely one of the the most important financial challenges you face today.
Join experts from annual partner Wealth Enhancement on Thursday, May 8 at the Pyramid Club for dinner and a discussion of how current market conditions will impact your retirement planning.
As markets grow more crowded and competition heats up, how can your law firm stay ahead? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with a leading professor from Indiana University as we unpack the forces driving competitive intensity today. This interview-style webinar explores the trends, strategies, and insights you need to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape — straight from the heart of academia to your screen.
The annual Bar Run is a day that is a must attend event every year for lawyers and many who work at law firms around the Philadelphia legal community. It has become a day where you are almost guaranteed to run into colleagues or friends you have not seen all year and provides a great chance to reconnect.
Congratulations to 2025 Martha Hampton recipient Judge Manager Todd Seelig!
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!
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
WWIL is organized annually by the Institute for Well-Being in Law (IWIL) during Mental Health Awareness Month. It aims to raise awareness about mental health and encourage action and innovation across the profession year-round to improve well-being. This year’s overall theme is The Social Rx: Boosting Well-Being with Connection.
The Philadelphia Bar Association is partnering with Carpenters’ Hall historic site to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Provincial Conference in 2026. This June 1776 colonial gathering authorized the creation of Pennsylvania’s 1776 constitution and influenced the adoption of the Declaration of Independence just a week later. Due to the significance of this event, the Pennsylvania General Assembly has designated Carpenters’ Hall as the official birthplace of the Commonwealth.
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.
Featured CLEs & Events
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:
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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.
