Wednesday
July 23

Opening Workshops

2:00 pm - 4:30 pm CT

Film Screening + Talk Back: Zurawski v Texas

Join us for a screening of Zurawski v Texas, the critically acclaimed documentary that shadows three Center for Reproductive Rights clients and the attorneys fighting on their behalf. The film reveals the dire impact of losing access to healthcare – and the extraordinary efforts of the folks fighting on the front lines to regain those rights.

Following the film, we’ll hear about current efforts around reproductive rights.

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm CT

Pro Bono Clinic

Join us for a pro bono clinic featuring the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights and Together & Free. This session is more than just a pro bono project—it’s a powerful call to collective action. Join us in making a difference for immigrant children who were separated from their families at the U.S. border between 2017 and 2021. During this clinic, you will have the opportunity to help these families renew their applications for humanitarian parole, exercising their rights under a class action settlement when they have otherwise been cut off from accessible legal services.

To participate, please sign up in the conference app (launching soon), complete a 1-hour on-demand training before the clinic, and bring your laptop with Adobe Acrobat. With only 20 spots available, this is a unique chance to contribute to a meaningful cause. Additional details will be provided in the conference app.

Wednesday
July 23

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm CT

Welcome Reception

We encourage you to wear NAWL colors (purple, white, and/or gold) and step into a room full of powerhouse professionals ready to inspire and engage. This is your moment to set the tone for your conference experience—share your superpower, spark new conversations, and connect with NAWL’s incredible national network. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Wednesday
July 23

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm CT

Dine-Arounds

Elevate your conference experience through a curated networking opportunity to connect with fellow attendees over a delicious pay-on-your-own dinner. Join a host committee member at these intimate gatherings where you'll mix, mingle, and savor the flavors of the city at nearby restaurants.

Sign up for the restaurant of your choice in the conference app (launching soon). Bon appétit!

Wednesday
July 23

8:30 pm - 9:30 pm CT

Post-Dinner Meet-Ups

Not ready for the fun to end? Meet at the Hilton lobby bar to keep the conversations going or find our group in the lobby to walk over to Millennium Park to enjoy the Navy Pier fireworks together.

Thursday
July 24

6:30 am - 8:00 am CT

Morning Walk or Run

Rise and shine! Start your day with an invigorating walk or run through the heart of Chicago's stunning architecture. Walkers get the chance to admire the iconic Bean (Cloud Gate) in Millennium Park as you stretch and connect with fellow attendees. This energizing activity will have you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day's events. Don't miss this chance to embrace the city's best season before a day of incredible programming.

Let's paint the town purple! Wear NAWL merch for your walk or run.

Thursday
July 24

8:00 am - 8:30 am CT

Registration and Breakfast Reception

Collect your name badge and fuel up with a delicious breakfast, setting the stage for a productive and engaging day ahead.

Thursday

July 24

8:30 am - 9:30 am CT

Sponsor:

Breakfast Mainstage

Redefining Leadership: A Power Panel of Legal Leaders

Leadership in the legal profession is evolving – and this powerful panel brings together legal professionals from a wide range of backgrounds and roles to share how they have carved out leadership paths that reflect their values, identities, and unique career journeys.

Through candid conversation and shared experiences, panelists will discuss how leadership can be cultivated at every stage of a legal career and within every role. You will gain insights into navigating challenges, building influence, and driving change within your organizations. This session will challenge and empower you to lead in ways that matter.

Thursday

July 24

9:30 am - 11:00 am CT

"Choose Your Own Adventure" Concurrent Workshops

NAWL's Annual Meeting workshops dive into timely topics that address current trends and challenges. Expect interactive conversations that foster engagement, collaboration, and real-world solutions.

Leading with Integrity

Hear stories of bravery and steadfastness about true leadership and the enduring power of principled action in the face of adversity. Be inspired by our speakers' courage and conviction - both vital in upholding the rule of law

Sponsor:

Thursday

July 24

11:00 am - 11:30 am CT

Networking Break

Use the time to grab a snack, refill your coffee, or join a group at one of many activity tables. From puzzles, to sticker by number, to friendship bracelet making, we have lots of ways to connect with the NAWL community.

Thursday

July 24

11:45 am - 1:00 pm CT

Voices of Impact

Join us over lunch for a dynamic hour of storytelling and celebration.

Hear from some of our incredible 2025 award recipients whose work is influencing national policy and empowering the next generation of legal leaders. Come for the inspiration, leave with renewed purpose.

Thursday

July 24

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm CT

Dessert and Coffee Break

Enjoy a sweet treat, refill your coffee, or join a group at one of many activity tables. From puzzles, to sticker by number, to friendship bracelet making, we have lots of ways to connect with the NAWL community.

Byte-Sized Security: Protecting Your Data in the Age of AI

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the legal landscape, it also introduces new complexities around data privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical responsibility. This session is designed to equip you to navigate navigate issues relevant to the evolving AI landscape.

We’ll explore evolving technology and responsible AI policies, risks (including hallucinations and bias), and records retention and the proliferation of data. Whether you're advising clients, managing firm operations, or shaping policy, this session will help you stay ahead of the curve—and protect what matters most.

Thursday

July 24

2:45 pm - 3:15 pm CT

Networking Break

Use the time to grab a snack, refill your coffee, or join a group at one of many activity tables. From puzzles, to sticker by number, to friendship bracelet making, we have lots of ways to connect with the NAWL community.

Thursday

July 24

3:15 pm - 4:30 pm CT

Closing Panel Discussion

NAWL's award recipients are integral to our program. They won't just receive their awards and leave the stage; they'll share their journeys and insights during this session. You’ll have the chance to hear their stories firsthand, ask your burning questions, and dive into timely conversations that matter to you.

Champions of Justice: Stories from the Front Lines of Defending Democracy

Thursday

July 24

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm CT

Closing Reception

As we wrap up the 2025 Annual Meeting, join us for one last chance to connect with fellow attendees and celebrate our journey together.

This is the perfect moment to make plans and ensure the connections you've made continue to thrive after the conference.