Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
This event is not open to the Press.
The Federalist Society at ASU Law will host the 45th National Student Symposium on March 13–14, 2026. The theme, Liberty Rising: The Rebirth of Free Markets, Free Speech, and Federalism, reflects the enduring principles of the American Founding and the spirit of renewal embodied by the symposium’s setting.
Online registration now closed.
Liberty Rising: The Rebirth of Free Markets, Free Speech, and Federalism
hosted at the
Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Friday, March 13 – Saturday, March 14, 2026
The Federalist Society at ASU Law will host the 45th National Student Symposium on March 13–14, 2026. The host chapter selected the theme Liberty Rising: The Rebirth of Free Markets, Free Speech, and Federalism with both history and place in mind. Drawing inspiration from the American Founding nearly 250 years ago and from Phoenix, Arizona, a city synonymous with renewal, the symposium asks how the Spirit of '76 can be sustained in 2026 and how foundational constitutional principles can be renewed and revitalized. Set against a backdrop of innovative legal and regulatory reforms, the symposium will feature debate and discussion on the historical roots and modern interconnections of free markets, free speech, and federalism, the emerging legal landscape, and what is required to restore and renew the values of the American Founding as liberty rises anew.
- Panel I: Laboratories of Liberty: State Deregulation and Economic Freedom
- Opening Debate: Learning Liberty: Is Education Advancing or Suppressing Freedom?
- Panel II: Federalism and Subsidiarity: Decentralizing Decisions and Balancing Power from Nation to Neighborhood
- Panel III: When Free Speech and Free Markets Intersect
- Lunch and Breakout Sessions:
So, you want to . . .
. . . become a law professor?
. . . work in public interest?
. . . work in-house?
. . . work in private practice?
. . . practice appellate litigation?
. . . serve in the Federal government?
. . . serve in State or Local government?
. . . find a pathway to the bench? - Post-Lunch Session: The Federalist's Quill—A Powerful Tool, But Only If You Know How to Use It!
- Closing Debate: Formalism and the Fate of the Republic—Defending the Judiciary from Itself
- Panel IV: Mandates, Medicine, and Liberty: The Legal Battle Over Bodily Autonomy and the Right to Choose
Symposium Registration
Student Symposium Registration ONLY (includes all events except the Saturday night Rooftop Reception and Banquet):
- $15 (student members)
- $100 (non-student members)
Banquet Registration ("Banquet Registration" includes the Saturday night Rooftop Reception and Banquet dinner at the Renaissance Downtown Phoenix Hotel. This does not include "Student Symposium Registration." You must also register for the “Student Symposium Registration” if you’d like to attend the panels, Friday night reception, Saturday breakfast, and Saturday lunch.):
- $85 (student members)
- $200 (non-student members)
Note: Please indicate whether you will need a vegetarian meal. Otherwise, the banquet meal defaults to beef.
Travel
$300 TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP (TRAVEL ONLY—does not include hotel) FOR DUES-PAYING STUDENT MEMBERS.
Please submit AFTER the symposium concludes
FOR DUES-PAYING STUDENT MEMBERS.
Reimbursement Form
https://fedsoc.org/travelscholarship
Join or Renew Your $5 Student Membership:
https://fedsoc.org/join
Traveling to and Getting Around Phoenix
The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law is conveniently located in Downtown Phoenix in the Beus Center for Law and Society (“BCLS”) Building (111 E. Taylor Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004), just 4 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (“PHX”).
Phoenix offers a variety of seamless and accessible transportation options for attendees. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. In addition to traditional rideshare options, Phoenix is also home to Waymo, a fully autonomous ride-hailing service, offering attendees a cutting-edge, driverless travel experience. Available throughout much of the metro area, including downtown Phoenix and the airport, Waymo provides a convenient, safe, and innovative alternative for event transportation.
In addition to rideshare options, the Valley Metro Light Rail system also provides an affordable and efficient way to navigate the city. A quick and free PHX Sky Train® ride from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport connects travelers to the Valley Metro Light Rail station. From there, attendees can purchase a one-way light rail pass ($2.00) and arrive at ASU's Law School campus in just 15 minutes, with less than a quarter mile of walking required.
For those lodging at one of the many hotels within walking distance of the light rail, an all-day pass ($4.00) offers unlimited rides to and from the event venue. The light rail operates from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with trains arriving every 12–20 minutes on Fridays and 15–20 minutes on Saturdays.
Accommodations
We strongly recommend booking your hotel as early as possible to ensure rooms are available and rates are low.
Please note that the Federalist Society will not be providing shuttle service from any hotels to the law school.
Hotels with Discounted Room Blocks:
Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel ($249/night + tax) — 0.1 miles
*The Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel will serve as the venue for the Saturday evening rooftop reception and banquet.
100 North 1st Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Book here — Reservations must be made by Thursday, February 26.
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown ($249/night + tax) — 0.1 miles
340 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Book here —A limited number of rooms remain in this block. Secure your reservation today.
Springhill Suites by Marriott Phoenix Downtown ($229/night + tax) — 0.8 miles
802 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Call (602) 307-9929, select option 1, and ask for the 2026 National Student Symposium Rate. Reservations must be made by Friday, February 27.
Amenities: Complimentary Sky Harbor Airport transfers from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (based on availability), complimentary parking, complimentary hot breakfast, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Hilton Phoenix Airport ($209/night + tax) — 8.6 miles
2435 South 47th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Book here — Reservations must be made by Wednesday, February 11.
Amenities: Complimentary Sky Harbor Airport transfers 24 hours a day, complimentary parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Airport ($215/night + tax) — 8.3 miles
2621 South 47th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Book here — Reservations must be made by Monday, February 16.
Amenities: Complimentary Sky Harbor Airport transfers 24 hours a day.
Other Nearby Accommodations:
Westin Phoenix Downtown (0.2 miles)
Hampton Inn and Suites Phoenix Downtown (0.1 miles)
Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown (0.25 miles)
Hyatt Regency Phoenix (0.3 miles)
Hyatt Place Phoenix/Downtown (0.5 miles)
Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown (0.6 miles)
Residence Inn Phoenix Downtown (0.5 miles)
Kimpton Palomar Phoenix (0.8 miles)
Courtyard Marriott (0.7 miles)
Holiday Inn Express (1.1 miles)
Fairfield Inn & Suites Phoenix Midtown (1.4 miles)
Airbnb (various locations)
Contact: [email protected] for hotel-related questions.
For other inquiries, please feel free to contact the Arizona State chapter at [email protected].
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Pre-Registration Event: Rationally Based Live Taping
2026 National Student Symposium
W.P. Carey Foundation Armstrong Great Hall
Beus Center for Law and Society (“BCLS”) Building
111 Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Beus Center for Law and Society (“BCLS”) Building
111 Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Description
Featuring
- Mr. David Haungs, President, Yale Student Chapter
- Mr. Matthew Holmes, President, Michigan Student Chapter
- Ms. Kathryn Johnson, Development Director, Center of the American Experiment
- Mrs. Morgan Larson, President, Arizona State Student Chapter
- Prof. Ilan Wurman, Julius E. Davis Professor of Law, University of Minnesota Law School
Speakers
4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Registration
2026 National Student Symposium
Snell & Wilmer Plaza
Beus Center for Law and Society (“BCLS”) Building
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Beus Center for Law and Society (“BCLS”) Building
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Description
Symposium volunteers will greet you at the entrance to the Beus Center for Law and Society.
5:00 p.m. - 5:10 p.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
2026 National Student Symposium
W.P. Carey Foundation Armstrong Great Hall
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Description
Welcome:
- Mrs. Morgan Larson, President, Arizona State Chapter
Opening Remarks:
- Dean Stacy Leeds, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University
Speakers
5:10 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Panel I: Laboratories of Liberty: State Deregulation and Economic Freedom
2026 National Student Symposium
W.P. Carey Foundation Armstrong Great Hall
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Event Video
Description
Featuring:
- Mr. Paul Avelar, Arizona Office Managing Attorney, Institute for Justice
- Mr. Danny Seiden, President & CEO, Arizona Chamber of Commerce
- Prof. Jennifer Selin, Associate Professor of Law, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
- Hon. James Uthmeier, Attorney General, Florida
- Moderator: Hon. Michael T. Liburdi, Judge, United States District Court for the District of Arizona
Speakers
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Cocktail Reception
2026 National Student Symposium
Snell & Wilmer Plaza
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Registration
2026 National Student Symposium
Snell & Wilmer Plaza
Beus Center for Law and Society (“BCLS”) Building
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Beus Center for Law and Society (“BCLS”) Building
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Description
Symposium volunteers will greet you at the entrance to the Beus Center for Law and Society.
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast
2026 National Student Symposium
Snell & Wilmer Plaza
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Panel II: Federalism and Subsidiarity: Decentralizing Decisions and Balancing Power from Nation to Neighborhood
2026 National Student Symposium
W.P. Carey Foundation Armstrong Great Hall,
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Event Video
Description
Featuring:
- Hon. Clint Bolick, Justice, Arizona Supreme Court
- Hon. Anthony Johnstone, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- Hon. Justin R. Walker, Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
- Hon. Evan Young, Justice, Texas Supreme Court
- Moderator: Prof. Jonathan A. Green, Associate Professor of Law, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
Speakers
10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Panel III: When Free Speech and Free Markets Intersect
2026 National Student Symposium
W.P. Carey Foundation Armstrong Great Hall
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Event Video
Description
Featuring:
- Prof. Adam Candeub, Professor of Law, Michigan State University (currently serving as FCC General Counsel)
-
Prof. Gregg P. Leslie, Executive Director, First Amendment Clinic, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University
- Mr. Jonathan Scruggs, Senior Counsel, Vice President of Litigation Strategy, Alliance Defending Freedom
- Mr. Bilal Sayyed, Senior Competition Counsel, TechFreedom
- Moderator: Hon. Patrick J. Bumatay, Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Speakers
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch and Breakout Sessions
2026 National Student Symposium
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Description
Location will differ depending on which Breakout Session you RSVP for.
So, you want to . . .
▪ . . . become a law professor?
- Prof. J. Joel Alicea, St. Robert Bellarmine Professor of Law; Associate Dean for Faculty Research; and Director, the Center for the Constitution and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition
- Prof. Tessa L. Dysart, Assistant Director of Legal Writing and Clinical Professor of Law, James E. Rogers College of Law, University of Arizona
- Prof. Zachary Gubler, Marie Selig Professor of Law, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
- Hon. Lee Liberman Otis, Executive Vice President and Senior Counselor to the President, The Federalist Society
▪ . . . Be a Public Interest Lawyer?
- Mr. Adi Dynar, Attorney, Pacific Legal Foundation
- Mr. Jordan Lorence, Senior Counsel, First Liberty Institute
- Mr. Jonathan Riches, Vice President for Litigation & General Counsel, Goldwater Institute
▪ . . . Work In-house?
- Ms. Dawn Grove, General Counsel, Karsten Manufacturing Company
- Mr. Andy Halaby, Chief Legal Officer, Rafi Law Group, PLLC
- Mr. Len Munsil, President, Arizona Christian University
- Ms. Keeley Smith, Associate General Counsel, Shamrock Foods Company
▪ . . . Work in Private Practice?
- Mr. Grant Frazier, Managing Partner, Frazier Law PLLC
- Hon. Andrew W. Gould, Partner, Holtzman Vogel Baran Torchinsky & Josefiak PLLC
- Mr. Brett Johnson, Partner, Snell & Wilmer LLP
▪ . . . Be an Appellate Litigator?
- Mr. Tim Berg, Director, Fennemore Craig, P.C.
- Mr. Dominic Draye, Co-Chair of the National Appeals & Legal Issues Group, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
- Mr. Eric M. Fraser, Co-Chair of Appellate Practice, Osborn Maledon, P.A.
- Mr. Karl Worsham, Counsel, Perkins Coie LLP
▪ . . . Serve in the Federal Government?
- Mrs. Anne Courchaine, Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps Reserve
- Mr. Timothy Courchaine, United States Attorney for the District of Arizona
- Ms. Rebecca Layne, Of Counsel, Holtzman Vogel Baran Torchinsky & Josefiak PLLC
- Mr. Bilal Sayyed, Senior Competition Counsel, TechFreedom
- Ms. Madeline Shupe, Assistant U.S. Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona
▪ . . . Serve in State or Local Government?
- Hon. Shawnna Bolick, Arizona State Senate
- Mr. Nate Curtisi, Rules Attorney, Arizona State Senate
- Mr. Stephen Richer, CEO, Republic Affairs
▪ . . . Find a Pathway to the Bench?
- Hon. Cynthia J. Bailey, Judge, Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One
- Hon. Scott Blaney, Judge, Maricopa County Superior Court
- Hon. Michael S. Catlett, Judge, Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One
- Hon. Anthony Johnstone, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- Hon. John R. Lopez, IV, Justice, Arizona Supreme Court
1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
The Federalist’s Quill: A Mighty Tool—But Only If You Know How to Use It! A Mini-Session on Legal Writing
2026 National Student Symposium
Phoenix, AZ
Event Video
Description
Featuring:
- Prof. Tessa L. Dysart, Assistant Director of Legal Writing and Clinical Professor of Law, James E. Rogers College of Law, University of Arizona
- Mr. Timothy Sandefur, Vice President for Legal Affairs, Goldwater Institute
Speakers
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Formalism and the Fate of the Republic—Defending the Judiciary from Itself
2026 National Student Symposium
W.P. Carey Foundation Armstrong Great Hall
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Event Video
Description
Featuring:
- Prof. Jonathan A. Green, Associate Professor of Law, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
- Prof. Ilan Wurman, Julius E. Davis Professor of Law, University of Minnesota Law School
- Moderator: Hon. Mark V. Holmes, Judge, United States Tax Court
Speakers
4:15 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Panel IV: Mandates, Medicine, and Liberty: The Legal Battle Over Bodily Autonomy and the Right to Choose
2026 National Student Symposium
W.P. Carey Foundation Armstrong Great Hall
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Beus Center for Law and Society
111 E. Taylor Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Event Video
Description
Featuring:
- Prof. Hadley P. Arkes, Founder and Director, The James Wilson Institute
- Mr. Steven Griffin, Deputy Attorney General and Director of the Civil Rights Enforcement Division, Office of the Tennessee Attorney General
- Mrs. Christina Sandefur, Executive Vice President, Goldwater Institute
- Moderator: Hon. Jennifer M. Perkins, Judge, Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One
Speakers
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Rooftop Reception*
2026 National Student Symposium
Renaissance Hotel
100 N 1st St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
100 N 1st St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Description
*This event requires the purchase of a separate “Banquet Registration” ticket.
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Closing Banquet: Keynote Address and Presentation of the Annual Joseph Story Award and Feddie Awards*
2026 National Student Symposium
Renaissance Hotel
100 N 1st St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
100 N 1st St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Event Video
Description
Keynote Address: The Proper Judicial Role, 250 Years Later
- Hon. Lawrence VanDyke, Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
*This event requires the purchase of a separate “Banquet Registration” ticket.
