When lawyers are connected, informed, and engaged, the justice system works better for everyone.
Renew your membership with the Philadelphia Bar Association by **TOMORROW March 31** and continue advancing your practice, expanding your network, and strengthening access to justice across our community. Don't lose access to your member benefits!
We hope you will join us this Thursday for an insightful program on the opportunities and challenges facing our justice system, and the important role the courts and all who interact with them, play in uplifting democracy.
The program includes:
– A keynote address by Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Hon. Daniel D. McCaffery
– A panel discussion moderated by former U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent. Panelists include Hon. Mitchell S. Goldberg, former chief judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; Hon. Anne E. Lazarus, president judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court; Hon. Thomas I. Vanaskie, former judge with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit; and Hon. Nina Wright Padilla, president judge of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
We will also honor 98th Chancellor Katayun I. Jaffari, and stand together as legal professionals and retake the Pennsylvania Attorney's Oath as part of a National Day of Action. The oath will be administered by Hon. Daniel J. Anders, administrative judge for the Trial Division of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
News
The Board of Governors met on May 21, 2026. The board approved several resolutions, including one in support of state pardon reform; a resolution supporting legislation that would allow individuals convicted of felony offenses to serve on juries; two resolutions endorsing bills in support of LGBTQIA+ rights, and a resolution opposing a bill barring transgender athletes from competing in school sports.
Congratulations to our Chancellor Ezra Wohlgelernter for being inducted into the SeniorLAW Center Hall of Fame for his 20+ years of service as a SeniorLAW Center Board member, Officer, volunteer, and supporter!
Ezra has been dedicated to the work of SeniorLAW Center for over two decades, serving in numerous Officer roles on the Board of Directors, through his work on the Board Development, Finance and Audit Committees, and as an eloquent storyteller of the challenges of their clients growing old in poverty in America. Ezra’s vibrant leadership has advanced justice for thousands.
Thank you for your powerful impact over the years at the SeniorLAW Center, Ezra!
Register for these upcoming March CLEs:
Mon. 3/30 - What the Suffragettes Won, the SAVE America Act Threatens: Understanding the Save America Act’s Impact and Protecting Voting Rights for Women and Marginalized Communities - Register now
Tues. 3/31 - Fighting Over Fido: The Latest Case Law and Statutory Developments Involving Companion Pets in Divorce - Register now
Tues. 3/31 - Reputation, Risk and Rules: The Reliable Way to Enhance Your Law Firm Brand Ethically - Register now
Women’s History Month is more than reflection - it’s momentum. Here’s to the women who challenge the status quo, open doors wider, and make history every single day. Happy Women's History Month!
As we come to the close of Women’s History Month, we’ve spent time recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of women lawyers. These reflections not only highlight the remarkable capabilities of women in the profession - they also reflect the reality that many of us are, in many ways, real-life superwomen. We manage demanding caseloads, navigate complex client situations, mentor younger attorneys, support colleagues, and often carry significant responsibilities in our personal lives, as well. And because so many of us are overachievers, we do it all - and we do it exceptionally well.
Legal Services Manager provides management, oversight and strategic support to the Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) and Fee Dispute Resolution Program, including operation, financial performance, and compliance. The Manager supervises the Legal Services Coordinator and the LRIS Staff Attorneys. The role also serves as staff liaison to LRIS Committee, the Fee Dispute Committee, the Professional Responsibility and Guidance Committee and other assigned committees.
This position is responsible for meeting annual LRIS and Fee Dispute revenue targets and key performance metrics, in partnership with the Director of Policy, Governance, and Legal Services and the Executive Director.
This year's Bar Run will benefit the Anchors Foundation. Established in 2019 in honor of Carol Camp and her courageous fight against ovarian cancer, Anchors strives to ease the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis by arranging household services for families navigating treatment, providing transportation and lodging for appointments, and funding ovarian cancer research.
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!
Have questions about team registration? Follow these step-by-step instructions: Team Leader Guide and Team Participant Guide
If you have an ethics question, please call (215) 238-6328 and a member of the Professional Guidance Committee will assist you.
Get ready for the upcoming election by learning about the different offices, candidates, and ballot measures that will appear on your ballot.
Interested in helping out on Election Day? Learn about the roles and responsibilities, the training requirements, and the crucial part poll workers play in ensuring a smooth and fair voting process. A great opportunity for those who want to support their community and democracy firsthand.
This year is a special one as the country celebrates its 250th birthday – with Philadelphia, as the birthplace of our nation, stepping into the spotlight. Last fall, Kathryn Ott Lovell, executive director of Philadelphia250, shared the vision, priorities, and progress of the city’s Semiquincentennial celebration.
Watch the video to learn how the legal community can meaningfully support and amplify the initiative. Gain insights into the strategic goals and civic impact of Philadelphia250, opportunities for engagement by firms and other legal organizations, sponsorship, and storytelling, and ways to align organizational values with the celebration’s themes of equity, innovation, and community.
Features
A roundup of the latest activity taking place in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
The Winter 2026 issue includes a conversation with Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas President Judge Nina Wright Padilla, a pro bono success story about the community impacts of unlawful discriminatory mortgage lending practices in the Greater Philadelphia area, and introduction of the 99th Chancellor Ezra Wohlgelernter.
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.
What does the Constitution mean to you? As the nation celebrates the semi quincentennial, tell us how our nation’s founding document has influenced and guided you as an attorney or as an individual, or describe a personal or professional experience informed by the Constitution or one of its amendments.
Submit at 300–700-word reflection to communications@philabar.org, along with a headshot for publication in a future issue of The Philadelphia Lawyer.
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
We take pride in supporting legal professionals in Philadelphia at every stage of their careers. Our members' experiences highlight the value of the Philadelphia Bar Association's resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts. Whether you're a seasoned attorney, a recent law school graduate, or a law student preparing for the future, our community is here to help you thrive. Read what our members have to say about how the Philadelphia Bar Association has positively impacted their professional journeys.
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
Around Our Community
Founded to eliminate bias and increase diversity in the courts, the Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) continues to advance this mission while also supporting diversity across the broader justice system. Through paid internships, students gain access to judges and courts, receive meaningful mentoring, and develop professional networks that can shape their careers. JIOP interns help carry forward the values of equal access to justice, a cornerstone of the legal profession.
Philly VIP will be hosting a Small Business Legal Clinic on April 21, and we invite attorneys interested in supporting local entrepreneurs and small business owners to volunteer!
Clinic Details
Date: Tuesday, April 21
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: Blank Rome, 310 N. 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Volunteer attorneys will provide brief legal guidance to small business owners on a range of issues impacting their operations and growth. This is a great opportunity to support the small business community while offering meaningful pro bono service.
Please direct any questions to Robin Miles at rmiles@phillyvip.org.
Member Spotlight
Celebrating the members of the Philadelphia Bar Association who lead, inspire, and make an impact every day.
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.
Upcoming Educational Medicare Webinar
Turning 65 or approaching Medicare eligibility? Join us for an educational Medicare webinar designed to help you better understand your options and next steps.
When: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Time: 12:00PM
Host: Irwin Cherry, Jr., My Benefit Advisor
Save up to 42% OFF select appliances.
Plus, receive FREE DELIVERY on orders over $399.
Save an additional 10%† with code REFRESH10.
Offer valid 2/26/26-4/1/26 on GE Appliances Store purchases only. Excludes small and countertop appliances. See Store for details.
Your Philadelphia Bar Association Avis and Budget Car Rental Savings Program is bringing you the most flexible savings ever. For the first time, you can enjoy up to 35% off base rates, whether you choose Pay Now for maximum savings or Pay Later for stress‑free flexibility.
Your program also includes exclusive benefits like double upgrades (where available), special member offers, and complimentary enrollment in Avis Preferred® and Budget Fastbreak®—allowing you to skip the counter and start your trip faster at most participating airport locations.
Lock in your reservation by April 30, 2026, and rent by June 15, 2026
To make a reservation with Avis, visit the link below and be sure to use your Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number D423501 to collect these discounts.
To book with Budget, visit the link below and be sure to use your Budget Customer Discount (BCD) number D836601 and collect these discounts.
Featured CLEs & Events
Join fellow members of the Philadelphia Bar Association for a networking event hosted by M&T Bank & M&T Nota.
The Workers’ Compensation Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association is pleased to host the Martha Hampton Award Luncheon on April 9, 2026 at The Bellevue's XIX Rose Garden from 12:30 to 2:30pm.
Please come out to celebrate the recipient of the 26th Annual Martha Hampton Award, Amit Shah from Martin Law!
Please join the Young Lawyers Division on April 16 at Raynes & Lawn for a happy hour and networking with Philadelphia Pro Bono agencies! The event will also benefit For Pete's Sake ® Cancer Respite Foundation and attendees will have a chance to donate to and sign up for our YLD team for the For Pete’s Sake walk!
YLD Connections is hosting an engaging and energizing event designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to make confident money decisions at any stage of life. Featuring a presentation by Creative Financial Group, we'll be exploring Managing Student Debt, Maximizing Workplace Benefits, Creating a Budget, and Overall Financial Wellness. The presentation will be followed by an interactive Q&A session — giving you actionable insights you can start using right away.
“The Inside Track” is a focused series of expert, peer-facilitated conversations illuminating the unique path of in-house counsel. Each session explores pivotal transitions, mindset shifts, and specialized communication strategies needed for lawyers to succeed in the corporate world. On May 8, the conversation will cover the business mindset, and adapting to think as a business-minded legal partner. Marc Esterow will be doing the welcome address on May 8.
The panelists are:
Dredeir Roberts, fractional general counsel and AI governance professional at Drédeir Law, Katherine Kelton, of Kelton Graham, LLC, and Geneva Brown, Vice President of Corporate Impact at The Cigna Group. Moderating is 2025 Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Kathy Jaffari, shareholder at Cozen O'Connor!
Lunch will be provided by our gracious hosts, Cozen O'Connor!
