Registration for the ABA Annual Meeting is now available. We invite you to attend our 2024 Annual Section Council Meeting and Events. We have compiled schedule of all CRSJ activities below. All current and prospective CRSJ members are welcome to join us in August as we discuss CRSJ business, including plans to address current civil rights & social justice issues in the upcoming Bar Year.
Don't forget to visit the ABA Annual Meeting Portal for meeting updates.
All events will be held in the Fairmont Chicago - Millennium Park (200 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60601), unless otherwise stated. CRSJ-sponsored events are bolded, and co-sponsored events are italicized below. Select meetings* will be available virtually - if you would like to attend online, please email staff for the join link.
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. CT
Lawyers Saving Democracy: The Roles Lawyers Can Play in the Election Process (CLE in the City)
Chicago Board of Election Commissioners’ Early Voting Supersite (191 North Clark Street)
This panel will provide insight into the various roles attorneys can play in the election process. These panelists also represent different types of organizations in the election space that attorneys viewing this program will also have in their local communities.
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. CT
CRSJ Executive Committee (Closed Meeting)
Embassy Room, 2nd Floor
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT
Development and Fundraising Council Committee Meeting
State Room, 2nd Floor
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT
Membership, Diversity & Inclusion Council Committee Meeting
State Room, 2nd Floor
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. CT
CRSJ Section Council Meeting*
International Ballroom, 2nd Floor
Our Section's Council Meeting provides additional opportunities to learn about our work and Section projects as well as expand your network and exchange ideas with fellow legal professionals. During this time, the Council will address budgets, programs, policies, and hear from other prominent ABA leaders. This meeting will be available virtually - if you would like to attend online, please email staff for the join link.
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT
Welcome Networking Reception
Hyatt Regency Chicago, Crystal Ballroom C
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. CT
Distinguished Guests & Board of Governors Dinner (Invite Only)
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. CT
CRSJ Leadership Dinner ($85 per person, Invite Only)
River Roast Chicago, 315 N. LaSalle Street Chicago, IL
This networking dinner will take place at River Roast Chicago (315 N. LaSalle Street) and is $85 per person. Tickets are available for purchase through Annual Meeting registration.
7:30 a.m. CT
Breakfast Available
International Ballroom, 2nd Floor
8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. CT
CRSJ Section Council Meeting*
International Ballroom, 2nd Floor
Our Section's Council Meeting provides additional opportunities to learn about our work and Section projects as well as expand your network and exchange ideas with fellow legal professionals. During this time, the Council will address budgets, programs, policies, and hear from other prominent ABA leaders. This meeting will be available virtually - if you would like to attend online, please email staff for the join link.
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT
Section Leadership Luncheon: Annual Meeting, Elections and Passing of the Gavel Luncheon
State Room, 2nd Floor
As the Section closes out the 2023-24 Bar Year, join Section leaders and staff for the annual Leadership Luncheon, taking place from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CT. The Section's Annual Meeting will take place from 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. CT, and will feature the presentation of the Sheila Y. Thomas Committee Excellence Award, the announcement of our new Council and Executive Committee members, and the passing of the gavel from 2023-24 Section Chair Robin R. Runge to 2024-25 Section Chair Lacy L. Durham.
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT
Democracy Luncheon
Hyatt Regency Chicago, Room TBD
1:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. CT
Democracy Summit
Hyatt Regency Chicago, Room TBD
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT
ABA General Assembly & Presentation of ABA Medal
Hyatt Regency Chicago, Room TBD
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. CT
ABA President’s Reception (Ticketed Event)
Hyatt Regency Chicago, Room TBD
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. CT
2024 John H. Pickering Award Presentation and Luncheon honoring Pauline Weaver
International Ballroom, 2nd Floor
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT
Perfecting Democracy: Young Lawyers Roles in the Upcoming Election
Hyatt Regency Chicago, Grand Ballroom A, East Tower, Ballroom Level
As part of its Perfecting Democracy Program, CRSJ and the YLD will present a session to highlight and educate ABA members about the ongoing misinformation campaigns and challenges confronting voters and how the ABA must continue to be in partnership with civil rights and social justice organizations to achieve fair elections and to highlight the role of young lawyers in the election process. The goal of this session is not only informational but to provide concrete strategies and actions that participants can take through the Election Protection program and other efforts to protect the voting rights of all voters.
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT
Silver Gavel Awards Presentation
Hyatt Regency Chicago, Regency Ballroom A/B
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. CT
Thurgood Marshall Award Celebration, honoring Eva Paterson (Ticketed Event, $200 per ticket)
Imperial Ballroom
Please see the Annual Meeting Schedule for the ABA House of Delegates Caucus Meetings
3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. CT
Margaret Brent Awards Ceremony & Reception, honoring Estelle H. Rogers, Hon. Pamila J. Brown, Dolores Atencio, Gina Shishima, and Barbara Wall
Swissotel Chicago, 1st Floor, Zurich Ballroom
9:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT
House of Delegates Session
Hyatt Regency Chicago, Grand Ballroom
9:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. CT
House of Delegates Session
Hyatt Regency Chicago, Grand Ballroom
