The distinguished “Northern District Practice for New Lawyers and Lawyers-to-Be” symposium is critical to effective legal practice in Illinois. This seminar hosted hundreds of recent law school graduates, summer associates, interns, and current law students.

The symposium offered important insights and practice advice from four distinguished federal court judges: Hon. Matthew F. Kennelly, Hon. Steven C. Seeger, Hon. Nancy L. Maldonado, and Hon. Young B. Kim. Overall, the professional trajectory of each of these jurists to the federal bench is highlighted by noteworthy legal accomplishments, a commitment to public service, and lessons learned through decades of experience in front of and behind the bench. Each judge represents an integral part of the federal court in Chicago and its encompassing jurisdiction.

Hon. Matthew F. Kennelly

Judge Kennelly became a federal court judge in 1999. Prior to his appointment, Judge Kennelly served as a law clerk to the Hon. Prentice Marshall of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois from 1982 to 1984 and worked in private practice.

Hon. Steven C. Seeger

Judge Seeger became a federal court judge in 2019. Prior to his appointment, Judge Seeger worked in private practice and later served as Senior Trial Counsel at the Chicago Regional Office of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Hon. Nancy L. Maldonado

Judge Maldonado became a federal court judge in 2022. Prior to her appointment, Judge Maldonado served as a law clerk for the Hon. Rubén Castillo of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois from 2001 to 2003 and later worked in private practice.

Hon. Young B. Kim

Judge Kim became a federal court judge in 2014. Prior to his appointment, Judge Kim worked as a public defender, as a law clerk for the Hon. Charles R. Norgle of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, an Administrative Judge for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and as a federal Magistrate Judge.

The Legal Landscape of Northern District Practice

The “Northern District Practice for New Lawyers and Lawyers-To-Be” seminar recognized the transformative experience offered by four distinguished judges in the Northern District of Illinois. Hosted by the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter, this event educated and empowered new lawyers and lawyers-to-be on effective and compelling written and oral advocacy.

The judges’ insights and practice advice underscored the event’s commitment to fostering excellence in federal court practices. Under the guidance of Judges Matthew F. Kennelly, Steven Seeger, Nancy Maldonado, and Young Kim, the Northern District of Illinois remains an excellence of equitable legal practice. Moreover, the collective expertise of these esteemed judges fosters a supportive environment for emerging legal professionals.

To watch the 2022 edition of the Northern District Practice for New Lawyers and Lawyers-To-Be, please watch the full webinar on YouTube.

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