For the fourth election in a row, only judicial candidates for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas rated “Recommended” by the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Commission on Judicial Selection and Retention won positions on November’s general election ballot.

In the primary election for Philadelphia Municipal Court, Amanda Davidson, the only candidate rated as “Recommended” by the Commission, will move forward to the general elections after receiving significantly more votes than the Non-Recommended candidates. The 36-member Commission, composed of judges, lawyers and community leaders, conducts a thorough, nonpartisan review and investigation of Philadelphia-based judicial candidates’ qualifications in such critical areas as legal ability, experience, integrity, temperament, community involvement and sound judgment before issuing a rating.

Join us as we continue our series on topics affecting our clients and the community, this time focusing on education. We will provide an overview of the recent threatened rollbacks in federal education funding, oversight, and support, including the proposed shutdown of the U.S. Department of Education and the impacts on students with disabilities.

Panelists will discuss top-of-mind issues and impacts due to recent policy changes at the federal level, the critical court cases on the horizon, and what the legal community can do to help. 

The Philadelphia Bar Association’s Commission on Judicial Selection and Retention is conducting its biannual poll on the qualifications of judges seeking retention in the November 2025 general election. The poll closes Friday, May 30!

Take the poll now.

Look for us at #38 and #39! Voting ends June 13.

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.

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.

The Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law and the UCLA School of Law co-host the Trial by Combat, the 1-on-1 collegiate mock trial national championship. This tournament aims to celebrate the best individual college competitors in the country—and identify the very best.

The eighth annual Trial by Combat will be held at Drexel Kline Law at the Kline Institute of Trial Advocacy on June 20-22, 2025. The field features the top 16 college mock trial competitors in the country. Here are the times of the trials (inclusive of check in and post-trial feedback):

• Round 1 (Saturday, June 21, 9 am - 11:30 am)
• Round 2 (Saturday, June 21, 12 pm - 2:30 pm)
• Round 3 (Saturday, June 21, 3 pm - 5:30 pm)
• Round 4 (Sunday, June 22, 9 am - 11:30 am)
• Semifinal (Sunday, June 22, 11:30 am - 2 pm)

The Independence of our Judiciary, the third branch of government, is crucial to the continuance of our democracy. There are various threats and challenges to this important institution. This will be a conversation about these threats, and ways to support judicial independence.

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.

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!

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.

This May, City Fitness is offering an exclusive deal for all new Corporate Members! You'll pay no dues until 6/6 and can take advantage of our amazing perks at any of our 8 locations at this unbeatable price. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to Brendan Fagan at (609) 254-9048.

Up to 43% off select major appliances and FREE DELIVERY on orders over $299.* Plus, take advantage of flexible financing options.**

*Offer valid 5/15/25-6/4/25. See Store for details.

Check out these events from the Wellness Committee!

Are you an attorney living with a disability? If so, we want your feedback. The Legal Rights of Persons with Disabilities Committee is requesting input from the Bar Association's own attorneys living with disabilities. We will be meeting on Friday, June 6 from 12-1 pm via Zoom to discuss the Committee's priorities, network with other attorneys living with disabilities, and enjoy each other's fellowship. If you can’t make the meeting but are interested in providing input, email the co-chairs who are attorneys living with disabilities: Anne Armistead at armisteada@congreso.net, Melissa Mazur at mmazuresq@gmail.com, or Darlene Hemerka Martin at darlmartin@pa.gov.

Get ready for an evening of connection and celebration at Water Works! Enjoy a lively atmosphere with a premium open bar, a generous reception-style menu, and music to set the mood.

We'll be recognizing our 2024 section chairs and proudly presenting the prestigious Irvin Stander Award to Connor J. Thomson, our 2025 recipient.

Come celebrate with us at the Family Law Section Summer Social at Uptown Beer Garden on Thursday, June 12th! It's a great chance to unwind, connect, and enjoy the company of your colleagues. With delicious food and refreshing drinks, we’ve got everything you need for a great time.

Join us for an evening of networking and conversation at our upcoming happy hour, co-hosted by the Young Lawyers Division alongside the Securities Regulation and Litigation and the Mergers & Acquisitions Subcommittees of the Business Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association.

Drinks and appetizers will be provided courtesy of Holland and Knight.

This event is generously sponsored by M&T Bank

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.