Hon. Manish S. Shah Hosted an Exclusive FBA Luncheon for Young Attorneys
Hon. Manish S. Shah hosted an exclusive luncheon on January 29, 2025, at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago for Federal Bar Association (FBA) Chicago Chapter members under 40 years old or with less than ten years of legal experience. The Chambers Luncheon provided a small-group setting, allowing attorneys to engage in a direct conversation with Judge Shah about federal litigation, courtroom advocacy, and judicial expectations.
Held in Judge Shah’s Jury Room on the 19th floor, this event was limited to 12 attendees, ensuring an interactive experience. The discussion focused on key aspects of practicing law in the Northern District of Illinois, giving young attorneys practical guidance on succeeding in federal court.
Engaging Discussion with Hon. Manish S. Shah
Judge Shah provided insightful commentary on his experiences on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and his time as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Chicago. He discussed his approach to complex civil and criminal litigation, offering young attorneys a deeper understanding of effective courtroom strategies.
Key topics included:
Best practices for federal motion practice
The importance of clear and concise legal writing
Effective trial advocacy and oral arguments
Judicial expectations for professionalism and ethics
Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, leading to an engaging discussion about case law developments, procedural nuances, and the evolving landscape of federal litigation. Judge Shah emphasized the significance of thorough preparation and persuasive advocacy, stressing that attorneys must understand their case law and articulate arguments with precision.
Networking and Professional Development for Young Attorneys
Beyond the legal discussion, the event provided attorneys with the opportunity to network with peers, fostering valuable relationships with other early-career federal practitioners. Given the competitive nature of federal litigation, these connections offered attendees opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
Attorneys exchanged insights on building a federal litigation practice, navigating early-career challenges, and developing strategies for professional advancement within the FBA community. Judge Shah encouraged participants to strengthen their advocacy skills, engage in continuing legal education, and seek mentorship opportunities to enhance their capabilities in federal litigation.
Exclusive Setting and Limited Attendance for an Intimate Conversation
The small-group format of this luncheon set it apart from traditional panel discussions or judicial lectures. With only 12 seats available, each attendee had the opportunity to engage directly with Judge Shah, creating a more personalized and interactive experience.
This setting fostered one-on-one engagement with a federal judge, allowing for deeper discussions on courtroom strategies and tailored career advice for young attorneys. Additionally, the event highlighted the value of FBA membership, providing young attorneys with unique access to judges and legal experts—an advantage not typically found in larger-scale events.
Key Takeaways from the Luncheon with Hon. Manish S. Shah
This exclusive FBA Chicago Chapter event reinforced the importance of direct judicial engagement for young attorneys practicing in Illinois federal courts. Attendees left with a stronger understanding of federal practice, valuable insights into courtroom advocacy, and a clearer sense of judicial expectations.
The Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter invites you to stay engaged with our mission of connection and professional development. Join us at future events to network, learn, and grow within the legal community. Stay informed about upcoming opportunities by visiting our event calendar!
