2025 Bench-Bar & Annual Conference
Advancing Justice in a Changing World! Earn up to 9.5 CLE/CJE* credits
Thu, October 9, 2025
7:00 PM to
Sat, October 11, 2025
1:00 PM ET
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The 2025 Bench Bar & Annual Conference: Advancing Justice in a Changing World, provides a lively and informal environment to network and earn CLE/CJE* credits. Join Philadelphia Bar Association members, judges, and colleagues for another entertaining and educational experience at the Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey from the evening of Thursday, October 9, through the afternoon of Saturday, October 11, 2025. Experience the conference live in-person to enjoy the sponsors, social events, and educational sessions. If your schedule does not permit your physical presence at the conference, don't miss the exceptional CLE/CJE* programming by attending select Friday and Saturday educational sessions virtually.
IN-PERSON REGISTRATION CLOSES MONDAY, SEPT. 29th!
Beat the Friday morning traffic, and travel down on Thursday (10/9) evening to join your colleagues for a relaxed happy hour after check-in.
Engaging Plenary Sessions:
Our CLE plenaries kick off at lunchtime on Friday 10/10 (12:30-2:00p) with a session planned by Superior Court Judge Timika Lane exploring the complex role of law in shaping society, addressing the critical question: is the law a force for progressive change or a mechanism for reinforcing the status quo?
Our Friday closing plenary session (4:15 - 5:30p) planned by Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice David N. Wecht examines the internal review process at the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
Saturday's closing plenary (11:30a – 1:00p) planned by our ACE Committee co-chairs is “a call to action” addressing the ethical responsibility to promote civic engagement in uncertain constitutional times.
With up to 24 sessions being presented, this year's conference affords lawyers and judges the ability to earn up to 9.5 CLE credits (CJE* credits pending) that offer something for everyone. Thanks to the brilliance of our sections, committees and members, the conference will highlight some of the following topics and many more (in no particular order).
- Insight Into Commercial Litigation
- Effective Crisis Management for Corporate Counsel
- The Unfinished Promise of Brown: The Effect of Structural Racism on Educational Opportunities
- Hybrid Legal Custody
- Challenges to Obtaining an Impartial Jury and a Jury of One’s Peers
- Can AI Receive Copyright Protection?
- Swipe Left on Exploitation of Vulnerable Populations
- Ethical/Disciplinary Issues Related to Changes in the Legal Environment under the current Administration
*Titles and topics subject to change and/or update.
Friday kicks off with a continental breakfast and wellness activity before the three sets of concurrent sessions beginning at 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30 a.m. With exciting, timely and contemporary educational topics, our attendees are sure to be engaged, enlightened, and entertained. Then attend the Friday luncheon, with conference remarks and a CLE plenary beginning at 12:30 p.m., followed by a final set of concurrent sessions at 2:00 p.m. Then enjoy a networking and social break before concluding the Friday with a closing plenary.
On Saturday, join your colleagues for the two sets of concurrent sessions at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. boasting informative and practical topics on the latest issues affecting your practice. After a break, the conference concludes with our closing remarks, prize drawing, and a dynamic educational plenary from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Don't miss the Association's signature event of year!
More details to be added in the coming weeks.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor:
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Diamond Sponsor(s):
Platinum Sponsor(s):
Joseph L. Messa, Jr. and
Gold Sponsor(s):
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Silver Sponsor(s):
Eagles Watch Party Sponsor(s):
Friends of the Bar Sponsor(s) & In Kind:
Looking to become a sponsor? Please contact:
Jen McAuliffe, Partnership Coordinator
jmcauliffe@philabar.org
Thank you to our Annual Partners:
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In-Person:
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
1 Borgata Way
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Directions
Virtual:
Via LIVE Webcast on your computer, tablet or smart phone
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to Tara Phoenix at tphoenix@philabar.org and Allie Hooven at ahooven@philabar.org. The amount refunded for cancellation is dependent upon the date the cancellation request is received. Cancellations received on or before Sept. 19, full refund less a $50 processing fee. Cancellations received Sept. 20 through October 9, 50% of the total registration fee will be refunded. Cancellations received after Oct. 9th are 100% NON-refundable. Discounted rates are available at The Borgata. A link to book your room will be emailed to you after your conference registration is received. Deadline to register for the hotel is Fri., SEPT. 12th.
Questions About the Hotel? Contact Tara Phoenix at tphoenix@philabar.org or 215.238.6349.