ABA 2026 Annual Conference will explore election integrity, AI and America’s 250th

July 16, 2026

ABA 2026 Annual Conference will explore election integrity, AI and America's 250th

CHICAGO, July 16, 2026 - Legal professionals from across the nation will convene July 30-Aug. 4 in Chicago for the American Bar Association 2026 Annual Conference, where attorneys, judges and legal scholars will examine pressing issues shaping the legal profession, including artificial intelligence, election integrity, the current state of the justice system and the judiciary. The conference also will feature events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The ABA House of Delegates (HOD) - the association's policymaking body encompassing nearly 600 delegates from ABA entities and state, local and specialty bar associations - will meet in person at 9 a.m. CDT on Monday, Aug. 3, and Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Delegates will consider almost 45 policy matters, including ones on discrimination, independence of the legal profession, habeas corpus and immigration enforcement issues including the wearing of masks by agents and the rules under which they can enter private homes. Several ABA governance issues and law school accreditation matters will be discussed.

A list of resolutions can be found here. Resolutions are not ABA policy until they are voted on and passed by the House of Delegates, which meets twice annually. The next HOD meeting will be held during the ABA Midyear Conference, Jan. 27-Feb. 1, 2027, in Chicago.

The program will feature remarks from senior ABA leadership. When the House adjourns on Tuesday afternoon, Barbara J. Howard will officially become ABA president, and Laura V. Farber will become ABA president-elect.

For reporter access, contact ABA Communications at [email protected] with proof of credentials. Details for free online registration will follow ABA approval.

The conference will feature events including "Architects of Justice: Lawyers Advancing American Ideals 250th Anniversary Gala," celebrating and reflecting on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and honoring the profound legacy of the lawyers who helped build America and inspired countless movements for freedom and justice throughout the world. Twenty-five of the 56 signers of the Declaration were lawyers who used their legal skills to change their society, inspiring countless movements for independence and the rule of law worldwide.

This special event will feature a keynote address by writer and political commentator George Will, followed by a ceremony presenting the prestigious ABA Medal, the association's highest honor recognizing outstanding lifetime service in the law and jurisprudence. This year's ABA Medal recipient is Holocaust survivor and longtime civil and human rights activist John M. Rosenberg, executive director emeritus of the Appalachian Research and Defense Fund (AppalReD). The ticketed event runs from 6-10 p.m. July 31 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

There will also be a "250th Anniversary Showcase Plenary: The Global Roots and Continuing Legacy of the Declaration of Independence," July 31 from 1:30-3 p.m. CDT. Retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and his judicial counterparts from the United Kingdom and Canada will discuss the international legal roots and ongoing legacy of the Declaration of Independence and movement for independence.

In addition to the ABA Medal, the conference will highlight the presentation of some of the ABA's most prominent awards. These include:

The John H. Pickering Award of Achievement - Jonathan K. Baum, director of pro bono services at Chicago-based Katten, will be recognized for his illustrious career and contributions to pro bono and access to justice. Saturday, Aug. 1, 12:30-2 p.m. CDT

The Silver Gavel Awards for Media & the Arts - Since 1958 the Silver Gavel Awards have honored outstanding current (produced in the previous calendar year) popular public-facing media that foster public understanding of law. ABA President Michelle A. Behnke will present awards across eight categories: Books, Documentaries, Drama & Literature, Magazines, Newspapers, Radio & Podcasts, Television and Web & Multimedia. Saturday, Aug. 1, 3:30-5 p.m. CDT

Thurgood Marshall Award - The award recognizes long-term contributions by members of the legal profession to the advancement of civil rights, civil liberties and human rights. Anthony C. Romero, executive director at the American Civil Liberties Union, which he has helmed for 25 years, will be honored. Saturday, Aug. 1, 7-10 p.m. CDT

Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Awards - Established in 1991 to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women lawyers, this award honors up to five outstanding women lawyers who have achieved professional excellence within their area of specialty and have actively paved the way to success for other women lawyers. This year, the following are awarded: Cory Amron, president, Women Lawyers on Guard Inc., Arlington, Virginia; Sheila S. Boston, partner, Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP, New York, New York; Michelle Childs, circuit judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C.; Ramona Romero, vice president and general counsel, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey; and Mary Smith, independent director, PTC Therapeutics; CEO, Task Force for American Democracy, Lansing, Illinois. Sunday, Aug. 2, 3-5:30 p.m. CDT

Other newsworthy highlights include (all times are CDT):

Thursday, July 30

"The In-house Counsel Perspective" - This CLE program will feature top in-house counsel in an interactive setting. Topics will include in-house career pathways, the effect of AI on the legal department and relationship with outside counsel, current top legal concerns, future challenges to the legal profession and the role of in-house counsel in advancing the profession. 3:30 - 5:00 pm CDT

Friday, July 31

"The Judiciary and American Experiment: 250 Years After the Declaration of Independence" - In recognition of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the ABA National Conference of Federal Trial Judges presents this 90-minute multi-panel program that examines the judiciary's enduring role in sustaining the American experiment. Drawing on the founding principles of liberty, equality and self-governance, the program traces the evolution of the federal judiciary and its central responsibility to uphold the rule of law and maintain judicial independence. A panel of six current and retired federal judges will participate. 8:30-10 a.m. CDT

"Technology Issues: Ethical and Professional Obligations, Challenges Identifying and Adopting Emerging Technology and Technology Challenges That Your Clients May Be Facing" - A discussion of lawyers' ethical and professional obligations when it comes to technology, how to adapt to new technology, including remote work issues and generative AI (e.g., client expectations and billing impacts) and tech issues that clients may be facing (e.g., tracking technology lawsuits, IP and employment issues relative to generative AI). 8:30-9:30 a.m. CDT

"Guardians of Justice - The Role of the Lawyers and Judiciary in Advancing Civil Rights Over the Past 60 Years" - An exploration of the pivotal decisions and moments in history that have influenced the trajectory of civil rights and social justice, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges, and the future of civil rights in America. Participants will gain insight into how the legal profession and judicial interpretations of the Constitution have impacted communities, protected fundamental freedoms and how we have and continue to shape the pursuit of justice in our society. 10:30 a.m.-noon CDT

"OUR TURF WAR: The Lawyer's Duty to Quarterback America's Democracy," - Featuring former National Football League Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice F. Smith. He is a lawyer, executive leader, author and educator who has been a nationally recognized voice on law, labor, governance, sports organizations, civil rights and institutional accountability for over 35 years. 3:30-5:00 pm CDT

"Safeguarding Democracy: Critical Issues for the 2026 Midterm Elections" - This program convenes leading experts in election law, technology and public policy to examine the evolving challenges facing the 2026 midterm elections. Through a dynamic panel discussion, participants will explore the major threats impacting election security and public trust, including the roles of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the spread of disinformation. Panelists will delve into practical strategies for countering these threats, fostering transparency and upholding the integrity of the electoral process. The program also highlights the crucial role of legal professionals in protecting democratic institutions and ensuring free, fair and credible elections in 2026 and beyond. 4:30-5:30 p.m. CDT

Saturday, Aug. 1

"The Increasing Politicization of Prosecutorial Discretion" - Over the past several years, at both the state and federal levels, political attacks on prosecutors for the routine use of prosecutorial discretion have dramatically escalated. These attacks threaten the rule of law by undermining confidence in the criminal justice system. Nationally known prosecutors, criminal defense lawyers and academics will discuss the implications of these actions on the rule of law and criminal justice. 9:30-11 a.m. CDT

"Effective and Ethical Use of AI in Your Practice" - An exploration of how AI is changing the practice of law and an examination of the questions about the many opportunities to enhance your practice with the use of AI and the ethical lines in the sand about AI use. 11 a.m.-noon CDT

"Navigating Emergency Motions in the Appellate Courts: Bringing to Light the "Shadow Docket" - Temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions can be crucial in protecting clients prior to trial. Recently, stays and injunctions pending appeal have increased in frequency and importance. This discussion will focus on the practical aspects of bringing and responding to emergency motions in the federal circuits and state appellate courts. These practices will be contrasted with how the Supreme Court approaches its "shadow docket." 2-3 p.m. CDT

The full agenda can be found here.

NOTE: Annual Conference programming is available to news reporters according to the ABA Open Meetings policy. For general assistance regarding the Annual Conference, contact [email protected].