2026 Bench-Bar & Annual Conference
As nation celebrate America's 250th year, the Association invites you to join the us for the 2026 Bench-Bar & Annual Conference, 1776-2026: The Fight for Justice Continues, in the birthplace of democracy, our home, Philadelphia. Through engaging, timely CLE topics, thought-provoking discussions with distinguished speakers, and unparalleled opportunities to connect with judges, attorneys, and legal professionals, we celebrate Philadelphia's enduring role in the pursuit of justice, while exploring the challenges and opportunities facing the legal profession today.
The Conference provides a lively and informal environment to network and earn up to 9.5 CLE/CJE* credits. Join Philadelphia Bar Association members, judges, and colleagues for an entertaining and educational experience at the W Hotel in Philadelphia on Thursday, September 17 and Friday, September 18, 2026. We offer two ways to experience the CLE programming, virtually on Thursday, September 17th with concurrent sessions from 9:30a - 1:20p, and then in-person on Friday, September 18th for concurrent sessions from 9:00a - 5:15p, including a brunch and closing plenary, with breaks in the day to socialize with and thank our sponsors, as well as take advantage of the headshot lounge and connect with colleagues and friends.
If your schedule does not permit your physical presence at the CLE sessions on Friday 9/18, don't miss the exceptional CLE/CJE* programming by attending select Bench Bar educational sessions virtually both days.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY, AUGUST 21st!
With up to 27 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 engaging, timely, thought-provoking topics that explore legislative updates, updates in the law, as well as challenges and complex issues facing the legal profession. See the full conference scheduled, with session descriptions and faculty names by clicking the scroll below:
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Thursday, September 17:
Begins with a half-day of exceptional virtual CLE programming offering the opportunity to earn up to 3.0 CLE/CJE* credits.
Virtual Programming schedule:
- 9:30 - 9:45 a.m. - Conference Welcome, CLE Admin Announcements, and Sponsor Commercial
- 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. - Concurrent CLE Sessions (3 from which to choose)
- 10:45 - 10:55 a.m. - Sponsor Commercial & A/V Break
- 10:55 - 11:55 a.m. - Concurrent CLE Sessions (3 from which to choose)
- 11:55 a.m. - 12:05 p.m. - Sponsor Commercial & A/V Break
- 12:05 - 1:05 p.m. - Concurrent CLE Sessions (3 from which to choose)
1:05 - 1:20 p.m. - Administrative Announcements and remarks to close virtual CLE programming
Kick-off in-person Bench Bar interaction on Thursday late afternoon with networking and a sponsor showcase, where attendees meet and greet our sponsors, and connect with colleagues before the evening program begins. The evening boasts an opening Constitution Day Cocktail hour before dinner, Constitution Day Introduction, and then our program where we will honor two distinguished speakers:
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is this year's recipient of the Justice Brennan Distinguished Jurist Award. We will honor her outstanding record of judicial service and the significant, positive impact she has made on the quality and administration of justice. Justice Jackson will accept the award remotely, with remarks recorded for the Philadelphia Bar Association.
Kenneth C. Frazier, Former Chairman and CEO of Merck is this year's recipient of the Achievement Award, recognizing a lifetime of significant accomplishments in the legal, corporate and nonprofit sectors. Mr. Frazier is recognized for his legendary career and his accomplishments at Drinker Biddle & Reath, Merck, and General Catalyst, where he leads its Health Assurance Initiative. Frazier will appear in person in a fireside chat with Sozi Tulante, partner at Dechert and co-managing partner of the Philadelphia office.
Thursday afternoon/evening schedule:
3:30 p.m. - Constitution Day and Sponsor Showcase Registration Opens (Great Room Foyer)
3:30 – 5:00 p.m. - Sponsor Showcases (Rooms TBA)
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. - Constitution Day Cocktail Hour (Great Room Foyer)
6:00 - 8:30 p.m. - Dinner, Chancellor/Chairs Welcome and Remarks, Constitution Day Introduction, Justice Brennan Distinguished Jurist Award presentation and remarks, 2026 Achievement Award presentation and remarks, and Fireside Chat (Great Room)
Schedule subject to change.
Friday, September 18:
Friday's exciting, timely and contemporary educational topics provide our attendees with an opportunity to earn up to 6.5 CLE/CJE* credits. The day's schedule starts at 8:00 a.m. with registration and a continental breakfast and proceed through the day as noted in the schedule below. Enjoy 2 exceptional plenary sessions: 11:15 a.m., Eyes on the Midterms: Preserving the Right to Vote and Election Integrity in Pennsylvania and the 4:15 p.m. closing plenary, "We The People” - Featuring Melissa Murray, Professor of Law, NYU School of Law; Co-Host, Strict Scrutiny, academic and legal scholar and leading expert in Constitutional Law. She is the coauthor of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Trump Indictments: The Historic Charging Documents with Commentary. We conclude the conference from 5:15 - 8:00 p.m. with the presentation of the Justice Sonia Sotomayor Award, Sponsor Passport raffle drawings, closing remarks, and a closing cocktail reception.
- 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Continental Breakfast and Registration
- 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. - Concurrent CLE Sessions (4 from which to choose)
- 10:00 - 10:15 a.m. - A/V & Conference Break
- 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. - Concurrent CLE Sessions (4 from which to choose)
- 11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Brunch, Remarks, and Plenary CLE (longer to include brunch, CLE plenary, & short break to get to next session)
- 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. - Concurrent CLE Sessions (4 from which to choose)
- 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. - Sponsor Showcase and A/V & Conference Break
- 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Concurrent CLE Sessions (4 from which to choose)
- 4:00 - 4:15 p.m. - A/V & Conference Break
- 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. - Closing Plenary CLE
- 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. – Justice Sonia Sotomayor Award presentation, Sponsor Passport Raffle drawings & Closing Remarks
- 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. – Conference Closing Cocktail Reception
Don't miss the Association's signature event of year!