Making your debut appearance at the Annual Meeting?
Our big tent may seem a bit overwhelming with hundreds of events to consider. But no matter where you decide to go, you will surely make new friends, learn from the best of our profession and be inspired by the greats.
Really, you can just dive right in, but for those of us planning ahead, here’s a start to soaking up the best that the week has to offer.
INSPIRE
Raise your spirits as we join together on Friday, Aug. 2 to celebrate the finest in law. Come early to the Hyatt Regency Chicago for a good seat at the General Assembly to catch the presentation of the ABA Medal, our highest honor. This year’s recipient is Emmet Bondurant, who successfully wielded the law for more than five decades to advance our civil rights. He is a legend for his tenacity on behalf of democratic values, indigent defense and voting rights; and few others can so solidly epitomize the noble values of the legal profession.
You’ll also hear from U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, who keynotes the gathering to speak about the challenges to the rule of law and pressing concerns facing the nation and the legal profession.
LEARN
The spotlight will be on the Democracy Summit at the Hyatt Regency on Friday, Aug. 2, when we will launch our tactical response to the threats to democracy that Monaco will detail in her keynote.
The summit convenes the nation’s best and brightest from law, corporate America, Big Tech, social action groups and more for concrete steps to protect the rule of law.
The action kicks off with fireside chat on the problems at hand, hosted by former Merck CEO Ken Frazier and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina.
Later, action plans will be deployed by former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and retired federal judge J. Michael Luttig, who have led the association’s charge to defend the rule of law.
On Thursday, Aug. 1, another marquee event is CLE in the City, which offers an inside track on the hottest legal topics, hosted at six downtown Chicago law offices. Earn educational credits while gaining insight from the top experts at these firms at a half-dozen informative sessions that cover wide-ranging interests — from ethics to casino law to democracy and elections, as well as AI and wellness.
CONNECT
Conferences are all about making connections with other like-minded professionals. Pace yourself as you hobnob at a host of worthwhile mixers. Be sure to make time for the Reception Honoring the Judiciary, featuring a true superstar among us, Judge Michelle Childs of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, on Wednesday, July 31at the Hyatt Regency. You can also mingle with both newbies and meeting vets alike at the Welcome Networking Reception on Thursday, Aug. 1 at the Hyatt Regency.
EXPLORE
In between all the ripping and running to various places, you’ll need time to renew your mind, body and spirit. Early risers can join the weekend 7 a.m. exercise class to work out the kinks or you can get pumped up at the Young Lawyers Division Bacon 5K at 6:30 a.m. onFriday, Aug. 2. The Sidebar Lounge near the Hyatt Regency registration desk is a great spot to kick back, breathe and enjoy some snacks.
And don’t forget to take in the sights and sounds of Chicago, a world-class city known for its food, music, sports and diverse neighborhoods. Check out the Navy Pier, site of the President’s Reception, the nearby Riverwalk and beautiful lakefront, and shopping on the Magnificent Mile. Deep dish pizza, anyone?