The great thing about large crowds is that you never know who you might bump into. It’s those meet-ups that often lead to referrals, new career trajectories and mentorships down the road.
The Annual Meeting in Chicago is chock-full of opportunities where you won’t have to swipe right to make such meaningful connections.
Thousands are expected at dozens of mixers — but here are some of our favorites, where you won’t be standing alone like a wallflower.
Reception Honoring the Judiciary. The old saying, “Knowing the law is good, but knowing the judge is better” is put to the test here, as the usual divisions between the bench and bar dissolve at this unofficial kickoff to the conference. Mingle with jurists from around the country, including Judge Michelle Childs of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, who’s well known as a top contender on Biden’s high court short list, but is best known by all of us for her iconic career in South Carolina as a superstar in private practice, elected office and on state and federal courts.
Wednesday, July 31, from 5-7 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency
CLE in the City. Chicago law firms roll out the red carpet and offer up their top industry insiders for this one-of-a-kind tour of the Windy City’s well-known shingles. These sessions for credit cover hot topics — from ethics to gaming and casino law, to AI and wellness. Limited seating ensures you’ll have time with the presenters without a long grip-and-grin queue to waste your time.
Thursday, Aug. 1, various times between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at downtown locations
Democracy Summit. The nation’s best legal minds answered the call last year when the ABA sounded the alarm on threats to America democracy, and the ones leading our battle against authoritarianism are all gathered here. Big Tech’s Carly Fiorina and pharmaceuticals exec Ken Frazier kick off the marquee event to rally the troops. Former federal judge J. Michael Luttig and Obama’s Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, co-chairs of the ABA Task Force for American Democracy, lay out for would-be volunteers the game plan under their monthslong stewardship. Meet under one roof your fellow democracy warriors among the mix of lawmakers and big players in business and academia.
Friday, Aug. 2, luncheon and various breakouts between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency
President’s Reception. Chicago’s lakefront treasure Navy Pier opens for exclusive access its Offshore Rooftop, where you’ll take in a rare unencumbered view of the famed cityscape. Hosted by VENG Group’s Mary Smith, who steps down from the ABA helm at the conference’s closing, the event boasts the best passed plates you’ll eat all week and a great mix of legal movers and shakers. You won’t find booming speakers or too many folks cutting a rug on the dance floor, allowing you to rub elbows without many distractions.
Friday, Aug. 2, from 6-9 p.m. at Navy Pier
Public Service Project: The Boulevard. The generosity of the legal profession shines at this volunteer effort to assemble supplies for The Boulevard, a Chicago medical respite center that provides critically needed services to those experiencing homelessness. Meet your fellow big hearts on the assembly line and do some good while you make connections.
Saturday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hyatt Regency
Sidebar. This daytime lounge is the beating heart of the meeting. With its choice location near main registration, you are bound to see old friends and meet new ones among the steady traffic. A good number of power outlets allow you to lurk with your electronics and soak up the social vibe — or pop in when gourmet snacks are served for a critical mass of hungry lawyers.
Thursday, Aug. 1 to Saturday, Aug. 3, all day at Hyatt Regency