Philadelphia, PA
This event is not open to the Press.
REGISTRATION CLOSED
2026 Third Circuit Chapters Conference
Please join the Lawyers Chapters across the Third Circuit for their annual conference!
May 1, 2026
The Liberty View
at Independence Visitor Center
599 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
CONFERENCE PRICING
Student Member: $40
Member: $75
Non-Member: $150
CLE
We are seeking CLE credit in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey for
4.50 hours (270 minutes)
Attendees must sign in and out at the event to receive CLE credit.
Registration will open March 2026.
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10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Registration
2026 Third Circuit Conference
10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Panel 1: America 250: The Declaration of Independence and American Sovereignty
2026 Third Circuit Chapters Conference
CLE
1.25
hours
Ethics
0
hours
Philadelphia, PA
Description
The year 2026 marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In connection with the “semi-quincentennial,” this panel will explore the “sheet of parchment and 56 signatures” that began the greatest political journey in human history. Why did the Founders choose independence, rather than reconciliation? What does the Declaration tell us about the unique nature of sovereignty in America? What (if any) role does the Declaration play in interpreting and understanding the Constitution? This panel will discuss the history, ideas, and enduring legacy of our founding instrument.
Featuring:
- Anastasia P. Boden, Director of Constitutional Scholarship, Pacific Legal Foundation
- Prof. Kurt T. Lash, E. Claiborne Robins Distinguished Professor of Law, University of Richmond School of Law
- Prof. Kevin C. Walsh, Knights of Columbus Professor of Law and the Catholic Tradition, The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law
- Moderator: Hon. Eleni M. Roumel, Judge, U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Speakers
12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Luncheon & Keynote Fireside Chat
2026 Third Circuit Chapters Conference
CLE
0.75
hours
Ethics
0
hours
Philadelphia, PA
Description
Featuring:
- Hon. Jenn L. Mascott, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
- Moderator: Michael H. McGinley, Partner, Dechert LLP
Speakers
1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Panel 2: The Rise of the Modern State Solicitor General
2026 Third Circuit Chapters Conference
CLE
1.25
hours
Ethics
0
hours
Philadelphia, PA
Description
Over the past few decades, the office of the State Attorney General has evolved into one of the most significant offices in American law and politics. And as the modern State Attorney General Office has risen, the modern state Solicitor General Office has risen as well, with Pennsylvania and Alaska joining more than 40 states with Solicitor General Offices by establishing Solicitor General roles this past year.
While in some states, State Solicitor General Offices are modeled on the federal model and involved exclusively in appellate litigation, now that today's AGs play a central role in shaping policy through litigation, regulatory enforcement, and multistate coordination, many State Solicitor Generals have become involved in those multistate and strategic efforts and trial litigation as well, resulting in State Solicitor General Offices that have varying sizes and responsibilities across the country.
This panel will explore how the role of state AGs has developed and fueled the rise of the modern state solicitor general. It will also discuss what responsibilities and opportunities the modern solicitor general role entails, how those responsibilities vary across the country, and how state AGs and SGs are currently influencing both state governance and the broader national legal landscape through litigation.
Featuring:
- Louis J. Capozzi, III, Solicitor General, Missouri
- Jeremy Feigenbaum, Solicitor General, New Jersey
- Autumn Hamit Patterson, Solicitor General, Arkansas
- Stephen Raiola, Counsel, Kibler Fowler & Cave LLP and Former Solicitor General, Pennsylvania
- Moderator: Hon. Stephanos Bibas, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
Speakers
3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Panel 3: Third Circuit Round Up
2026 Third Circuit Chapters Conference
CLE
1.25
hours
Ethics
0
hours
Philadelphia, PA
Description
Join us in a rare opportunity to hear Third Circuit judges speak on some of the court’s most significant cases from the past year. The judges may also offer advice on effective appellate advocacy and common pitfalls in brief writing and oral argument, and provide insight into the court's internal processes and expectations for appellate counsel.
Featuring:
- Hon. Stephanos Bibas, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
- Hon. Arianna J. Freeman, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
- Hon. David J. Porter, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
- Moderator: Hon. Joshua D. Wolson, Judge, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Speakers
4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Closing Reception
2026 Third Circuit Chapters Conference
