Bridging Chicago's Federal Legal Network

The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter provides unmatched and valuable opportunities for individuals to connect with the judiciary, experienced legal professionals, and their fellow peers within the community.

This organization fosters an environment where meaningful relationships can be developed and strengthened, enhancing both professional growth and collaborative efforts.

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Advantages of Joining the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter

Receive Discount Registration Costs at All Events

Maximize your membership benefits with exclusive discounts on registration costs for all Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs and annual events. These cost-saving opportunities make it easier for legal professionals to stay informed, advance their careers, and stay connected within the legal community.

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Access the Nationwide FBA Directory

Expand your professional network with access to the comprehensive nationwide directory of Federal Bar Association members and chapters. This valuable resource connects you with peers, mentors, and collaborators across the country, helping you build meaningful professional relationships.

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Unique Opportunities to Join a Committee

Take advantage of our diverse committees focusing on different practice areas and provide networking opportunities with the bench and bar. Whether you want to develop leadership skills, contribute to policy discussions, or connect with legal professionals, our committees offer valuable ways to grow your career.

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Explore Our Full Member Benefits
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About the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA)

Organizational Mission & Representation

Currently, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter represents and supports over 600 federal practitioners and judges in the Chicagoland area. As part of the National FBA, we are committed to strengthening the federal legal system and promoting justice. The Chapter represents the Eastern Division of the Northern District of Illinois.

Ongoing Programs & Initiatives

The Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association offers a range of programs and events for federal judges and attorneys. Our committees organize seminars, networking, and advocacy opportunities while also supporting students and those in need.

Organizational Mission and Representation

Currently FBA represents and supports over 600 federal practitioners and judges in the Chicagoland area. As part of the National FBA, we are committed to strengthening the federal legal system and promoting justice. The Chapter represents the Eastern Division of the Northern District of Illinois.

Programs and Initiatives

The Chicago Chapter of the FBA offers a range of programs and events for federal judges and attorneys. Our committees organize seminars, networking, and advocacy opportunities while also supporting students and those in need.

Explore Our Latest Events

Events & CLE Opportunities
2026 Annual Employment Law Seminar
Jan 28
2026 Annual Employment Law Seminar

The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter invites members of the legal community to attend the 2026 Annual Employment Law Seminar, an afternoon of timely updates and practical guidance for in-house counsel and employment practitioners. Co-sponsored by JAMS and Chicago-Kent’s Martin H. Malin Institute for Law and the Workplace, this hybrid program features experienced practitioners, government officials, and judges discussing key policy developments, emerging case law, and advocacy strategies across the labor and employment landscape. This program features 4 hours of CLE credit (pending approval). A cocktail reception will follow. Remote attendees are invited as well.

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A Critical Review of the 1913 Federal Mann Act Prosecution of Jack Johnson
Feb 11
A Critical Review of the 1913 Federal Mann Act Prosecution of Jack Johnson

In honor of Black History Month, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter hosts a timely in-person program examining A Critical Review of the 1913 Federal Mann Act Prosecution of Jack Johnson. This event features Chicago Journalist Dorothy Tucker conversing with Biographer David Maraniss.

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Explore Our Blog & Event Recaps

Whether exploring complex case law, highlighting key events in the federal legal community, or discussing emerging areas of interest, our blog is dedicated to fostering an informed and engaged audience.

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Blog & Event Recaps
2025 Holiday Party at New Greenberg Traurig Office
Annual Events, In-Person
2025 Holiday Party at New Greenberg Traurig Office
Annual Events, In-Person
Annual Events, In-Person
Federal Criminal Appeals in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
CLE, Webinar
Federal Criminal Appeals in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
CLE, Webinar
CLE, Webinar
Alternative Dispute Resolution Lessons From “Deal or No Deal”
CLE, In-Person
Alternative Dispute Resolution Lessons From “Deal or No Deal”
CLE, In-Person
CLE, In-Person
Mentorship Program Happy Hour Pairs Chicago Chapter Mentors & Mentees
In-Person, Younger Lawyers Division
Mentorship Program Happy Hour Pairs Chicago Chapter Mentors & Mentees
In-Person, Younger Lawyers Division
In-Person, Younger Lawyers Division
Class Actions Debate Held at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
CLE, In-Person
Class Actions Debate Held at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
CLE, In-Person
CLE, In-Person
2025 FBA Annual Meeting Welcomes New Officers & Spotlights Elizabeth Prelogar
Annual Events, In-Person
2025 FBA Annual Meeting Welcomes New Officers & Spotlights Elizabeth Prelogar
Annual Events, In-Person
Annual Events, In-Person
Trial in the Delta: Reflections on the Injustice Surrounding Emmett Till
DEI, CLE, In-Person
Trial in the Delta: Reflections on the Injustice Surrounding Emmett Till
DEI, CLE, In-Person
DEI, CLE, In-Person
2025 District Court Judges Meet Chicago Chapter Members
In-Person, Younger Lawyers Division, Judicial
2025 District Court Judges Meet Chicago Chapter Members
In-Person, Younger Lawyers Division, Judicial
In-Person, Younger Lawyers Division, Judicial
2025 NDIL Judges Share Insights with New & Pending Lawyers
CLE, In-Person, Younger Lawyers Division
2025 NDIL Judges Share Insights with New & Pending Lawyers
CLE, In-Person, Younger Lawyers Division
CLE, In-Person, Younger Lawyers Division
Hon. John F. Kness: Insights from Federal Chambers Luncheon
Chambers Lunch, In-Person, Younger Lawyers Division
Hon. John F. Kness: Insights from Federal Chambers Luncheon
Chambers Lunch, In-Person, Younger Lawyers Division
Chambers Lunch, In-Person, Younger Lawyers Division
Settlement Assistance Program: Promoting Equal Access to Justice
Annual Events, In-Person, Effective Settlement Advocacy, CLE
Settlement Assistance Program: Promoting Equal Access to Justice
Annual Events, In-Person, Effective Settlement Advocacy, CLE
Annual Events, In-Person, Effective Settlement Advocacy, CLE
2025 State of the Court Recap: Chief Judge Kendall Addresses NDIL
Annual Events, 2025, In-Person, State of the Court Address
2025 State of the Court Recap: Chief Judge Kendall Addresses NDIL
Annual Events, 2025, In-Person, State of the Court Address
Annual Events, 2025, In-Person, State of the Court Address
2025 FBA Ethics Program Draws Chicago Legal Community for Hybrid CLE
In-Person, Webinar, CLE, Annual Events
2025 FBA Ethics Program Draws Chicago Legal Community for Hybrid CLE
In-Person, Webinar, CLE, Annual Events
In-Person, Webinar, CLE, Annual Events
Wen Ho Lee Case Revisited at 25th Anniversary Legal Program
In-Person, CLE, AAPI Heritage Month, Event, Federal Criminal Practice
Wen Ho Lee Case Revisited at 25th Anniversary Legal Program
In-Person, CLE, AAPI Heritage Month, Event, Federal Criminal Practice
In-Person, CLE, AAPI Heritage Month, Event, Federal Criminal Practice
New NDIL Magistrate Judges Introduced at May 2025 FBA Event
CLE, In-Person, Magistrate Judges
New NDIL Magistrate Judges Introduced at May 2025 FBA Event
CLE, In-Person, Magistrate Judges
CLE, In-Person, Magistrate Judges
Judge Beth W Jantz Hosts Chambers Lunch for FBA Chicago Chapter
In-Person, Chambers Lunch
Judge Beth W Jantz Hosts Chambers Lunch for FBA Chicago Chapter
In-Person, Chambers Lunch
In-Person, Chambers Lunch
Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation Hosts Successful Inaugural Reception
In-Person, DEI, Reception
Federal Problem-Solving Courts Foundation Hosts Successful Inaugural Reception
In-Person, DEI, Reception
In-Person, DEI, Reception
2025 Criminal Law Seminar: Enforcement Trends, Trial Strategy & Judicial Insights
CLE, In-Person, Criminal Law, Annual Events
2025 Criminal Law Seminar: Enforcement Trends, Trial Strategy & Judicial Insights
CLE, In-Person, Criminal Law, Annual Events
CLE, In-Person, Criminal Law, Annual Events
Women's History Month Panel Showcases Endless Career Opportunities for Lawyers
CLE, In-Person, DEI
Women's History Month Panel Showcases Endless Career Opportunities for Lawyers
CLE, In-Person, DEI
CLE, In-Person, DEI
Hon. Robert Dow Shared Insights at Exclusive FBA Chicago Chapter Event
CLE, In-Person
Hon. Robert Dow Shared Insights at Exclusive FBA Chicago Chapter Event
CLE, In-Person
CLE, In-Person
Hon. Manish S. Shah Hosted an Exclusive FBA Luncheon for Young Attorneys
Younger Lawyers Division, Chambers Lunch, In-Person
Hon. Manish S. Shah Hosted an Exclusive FBA Luncheon for Young Attorneys
Younger Lawyers Division, Chambers Lunch, In-Person
Younger Lawyers Division, Chambers Lunch, In-Person
2025 Employment Law Seminar: Title VII, Arbitration & Post-Chevron Changes
In-Person, CLE, Webinar, Employment Law Seminar, Younger Lawyers Division, DEI
2025 Employment Law Seminar: Title VII, Arbitration & Post-Chevron Changes
In-Person, CLE, Webinar, Employment Law Seminar, Younger Lawyers Division, DEI
In-Person, CLE, Webinar, Employment Law Seminar, Younger Lawyers Division, DEI
FBA Chicago Chapter Celebrates 2024 with Annual Holiday Party
In-Person
FBA Chicago Chapter Celebrates 2024 with Annual Holiday Party
In-Person
In-Person
Chevron Doctrine Overruled: Exploring the U.S. Supreme’s Court Decision
CLE, Webinar
Chevron Doctrine Overruled: Exploring the U.S. Supreme’s Court Decision
CLE, Webinar
CLE, Webinar
Indian Citizenship Act of 1924: Highlights from Chicago's Centennial Event
CLE, In-Person, DEI
Indian Citizenship Act of 1924: Highlights from Chicago's Centennial Event
CLE, In-Person, DEI
CLE, In-Person, DEI
From Federal Judge Back to Litigator Recap
Event, Webinar, CLE
From Federal Judge Back to Litigator Recap
Event, Webinar, CLE
Event, Webinar, CLE
2024 Annual Meeting & Installation Luncheon Recap
In-Person, Event
2024 Annual Meeting & Installation Luncheon Recap
In-Person, Event
In-Person, Event
Historic Re-Creation of Brown v. Board of Education Oral Arguments
In-Person, CLE, DEI
Historic Re-Creation of Brown v. Board of Education Oral Arguments
In-Person, CLE, DEI
In-Person, CLE, DEI
Judge Rowland Chambers Lunch Recap
In-Person, Chambers Lunch
Judge Rowland Chambers Lunch Recap
In-Person, Chambers Lunch
In-Person, Chambers Lunch
2024 Northern District Practice for New Lawyers Recap
In-Person
2024 Northern District Practice for New Lawyers Recap
In-Person
In-Person