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.
Almost a year ago, on Law Day 2025, more than 400 legal professionals gathered with us outside City Hall to retake their attorney’s oath as part of a national Law Day of Action.
On that day, and throughout the past year, our battle cry has been ‘justice matters.’ We have acted at the local, statewide, and national level to speak out against threats to the rule of law and equal access to justice. Led by 98th Chancellor Katayun I. Jaffari, our Association launched a Meeting the Moment initiative last year to bring vital information and connections to our community at a time of high uncertainty.
News
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to strengthen our collective response to sexual violence and to learn about the systems working to respond to sexual violence in Philadelphia. While violent crime and homicide rates in Philadelphia are declining, reported rape cases in Philadelphia are on the rise, highlighting the ongoing and critical need for sexual violence prevention, response, and support for survivors.
Don't miss the opportunity to build a more perfect practice: Join us September 17-18 at the 2026 Philadelphia Bar Association Bench-Bar & Annual Conference!
This year, we are holding Bench-Bar in Philadelphia, to celebrate the unique history of our city and to highlight the lasting legacy of Philadelphia lawyers in our country's 250th year. Hone your skills with relevant and timely CLEs, hear from insightful and prominent speakers, and build relationships with your fellow legal professionals.
As the fight for justice continues, we all have a unique role to play. We hope you will join us to celebrate history, to affirm our commitment to democracy, and to enjoy learning and socializing with our community.
FIND YOUR COURSE TODAY
- Live webcasts that can be taken from anywhere
- On-Demand courses available 24/7
- Grow in your practice, reset, and refresh with us!
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
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.
If you have an ethics question, please call (215) 238-6328 and a member of the Professional Guidance Committee will assist you.
Features
A roundup of the latest activity taking place in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
The Spring 2026 issue includes a conversation with the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, Zane David Memeger, the 2025 Hon. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg “Pursuit of Justice” Legal Writing Competition winning essay, the 25th anniversary of Marshall Dennehey’s Advanced Trial Advocacy & Mock Trial Program, and much 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.
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
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
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.
We hit the trifecta! No, we were not at the track. The trifecta we refer to is a reservation at Pine Street Grill (PSG) for brunch. Amanda Shulman and Alex Kemp, of My Loup and Her Kitchen fame, have opened a third restaurant, at the space formerly occupied by Dimitri’s at 2227 Pine Street and it is not to be missed. It is themed as a neighborhood restaurant offering American style brunch classics.
Around Our Community
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Provincial Conference and the 1776 Pennsylvania Constitution, Carpenters’ Hall is hosting a series of programs and events throughout 2026 to explore this important milestone in Commonwealth history and engage Pennsylvanians in the contemporary relevance of our state constitution. This Town Hall will feature a panel discussion with experienced lawyers and legal scholars exploring the early history of our state constitution as well as issues such as public education, voting rights, the environment, reproductive rights and others that are within the jurisdiction of our current state constitution.
House Speaker Joanna McClinton is going to serve on the panel for this Wednesday's town-hall discussion in Harrisburg. She joins a strong panel of legal experts and constitutional historians, so it promises to be a thoughtful and rewarding discussion. This is a live in-person event that won’t be recorded.
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.
Join The Barristers' Association of Philadelphia for the 2026 Annual Awards & Scholarship Gala on Saturday, May 2 at 6 PM at The Grand Belle at The Bellevue.
Now in its 76th year, the Barristers' has long been a cornerstone of Philadelphia's legal community, advocating for civil rights and supporting the professional development of Black attorneys. The Annual Awards & Scholarship Gala is one of the most anticipated evenings in the Philadelphia legal calendar, bringing together lawyers, judges, law students, and community leaders for a night of recognition, celebration, and impact.
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.
April brings a fresh wave of member‑exclusive savings. For up to 10% off non-gaming systems, accessories, monitors and tablets, use code: EXTRASAVEAFF
Offer valid Now - 4/13/26
Earn BIG with MyLenovo Rewards
Sign up and earn rewards for future purchases. Plus, you’ll receive expedited delivery at no extra cost! Rewards are available to redeem 30 days after an order is shipped. For Lenovo Pro members, rewards are available to redeem 45 days after an order is shipped.*
*Rewards cannot be earned or redeemed on Lenovo Managed services, Deployment services, or Software Subscriptions. Monthly giveaway not eligible for Quebec
Unlock special offers by sending PHILABARLENOVO to 833-344-0228 today!
For assistance with purchases, call: 1-800-426-7235 (M-F: 9am-9pm ET, Sat: 9am-6pm ET)
Be sure to check the website often – special offers change frequently.
Don’t miss out on the full power of your Philadelphia Bar Association membership! Explore your personalized benefits portal today!
Your Philadelphia Bar Association ODP Savings Program has upgraded and improved its member pricing, giving you better everyday value on a wider range of products you purchase most.
As part of this update, members now receive discounts up to 50% off ODP Business stocked items, with deeper savings across key categories including paper, ink, toner, breakroom essentials, facilities supplies, technology, furniture and more.
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.
Members can get 24/7 bilingual answering and intake services at the discounted rate of $2.25 per minute from LawyerLine.
Featured CLEs & Events
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 Philadelphia Bar Association in conjunction with the Justinian Society of Philadelphia are pleased to invite you to an event hosting Italian Lawyers and Judges as part of Temple's EFLIT Program! They are visiting the United States to learn about our legal system and we hope you can join us in showing them a warm Philadelphia welcome.
**advance registration is required by Monday, April 27 at 5pm**
“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!
Spring is here, and it’s time to mix and mingle!
Come out to Uptown Beer Garden on Wednesday, May 13 at 5:30pm with the Young Lawyers Division, Probate & Trust, and Tax Section for drinks, great conversation, and a chance to connect with fellow attorneys.
We hope to see you there!
