Mar 20, 2025 @ 3:00PM - Mar 22, 2025 @ 11:30AM
Ann Arbor, MI
The NAWJ 2025 Midyear Meeting will take place at the Lawyers Club at the University of Michigan School of Law in Ann Arbor, Michigan and accommodations will be available at the Graduate Hotel a few blocks away.
Registration Rates | Early Bird Rate (through February 26) | Regular Rate (through March 14) |
Member Rate | $299.00 | $329.00 |
Non-Member Rate | $369.00 | $389.00 |
The cancelation fee for persons who cancel before March 6, 2025, is $50. Registrants who cancel after March 6, 2025, will not be eligible for a refund.
Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor
615 E. Huron St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Hotel group room block rates are $329/night and the hotel reservation cutoff is February 26, 2025. Use the following link to make your reservation:
We want to thank all of our 2025 Midyear Meeting sponsors!
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Information subject to change, All times listed in EDT
Thursday, March 20 | |
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Professional legal photographer Emma Burcusel will be available for styled professional headshots. Sessions are $100 and take approximately 10 minutes. |
11:30 AM - 4:00 PM | NAWJ Board of Directors Meeting |
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM | Planting the Seed Program - Law Student Mentorship |
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Resource Board Meeting |
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Opening Reception |
Friday, March 21 | |
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Breakfast & Welcome Remarks from ABA President William R. Bay |
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM | Education Session
The Invisible Cost of Administering Justice: How Judges Can Prioritize Their Own Healing To Better Serve Themselves And Others Judges carry the immense responsibility of administering justice, yet the personal cost of this work is rarely acknowledged. This session will explore how a judge’s well-being directly impacts their ability to serve others with fairness, clarity, and compassion. Through reflective exercises and discussions, participants will consider how prioritizing their own care—physically, mentally, and emotionally—could help them serve others. The session will highlight the essential role of self-compassion, emphasizing that knowing oneself, recognizing shared humanity, and responding with kindness are not only vital for personal well-being but also for serving others with integrity and wisdom. |
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM | Education Session
Women in Prison and Family Preservation While in the US, women only account for 9% of the total prison population and 15% of the total jail population, they are growing at exponential rates compared to men. Historically, justice-involved women have been under-studied, simply placed in prisons and programs designed for men. Thus, gendered issues that women experience have been ignored in the larger field of study. Increasingly, we have learned that they commit crimes differently than men (largely non-violent, less serious), experience different challenges, and need different support than men in carceral setting. This session will focus on the gendered issues that arise for women around pregnancy, parenting, and separation from children during incarceration, including barriers and possible solutions.
Panelists: |
12:30 PM - 1:45 PM | Lunch with Speaker
Bridging the Gap: State Court Leadership in Increasing Access to Justice Join us for an insightful luncheon with Justice Beth Clement, where we will explore the critical efforts being led by state courts to address and reduce the justice gap. Justice Clement will share her expertise on the initiatives and reforms aimed at ensuring equitable access to justice for all, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations. Through innovative policies, procedural changes, and strategic partnerships, state courts are making strides toward a more inclusive and accessible legal system. This session will offer a unique opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in the movement to close the justice gap and make justice truly accessible for everyone. Featuring Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement |
2:15 PM - 3:30 PM | Education Session
How Can Specialty Courts Increase Access to Justice? This session delves into the critical role specialty courts play in providing justice to individuals from marginalized communities, especially those who have become entangled in the justice system due to systemic barriers and circumstances beyond their control. It will highlight how specialty courts, including Tribal Courts, Juvenile Courts, Human Trafficking Courts and Street Courts offer alternative pathways that prioritize rehabilitation and restorative justice over punitive measures. The session will explore how courts can better serve vulnerable populations, with a focus on the importance of collaborative, trauma-informed approaches that address the underlying causes of involvement in the justice system. By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
Hon. Mariam Bazzi Hon. Megan Cavanagh Hon. Shauna Dunnings Hon. Allie Maldonado Mr. Jayesh Patel |
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM | Education Session
Justice in the AI Age: Supporting Self-Represented Litigants The large number of unsophisticated self-represented litigants (SRLs) presents significant challenges to the administration of justice. In some courts, upwards of 80-90% of family law cases involve at least one SRL. Studies show a high percentage of pro se claims fail to survive preliminary motions. This session explores how the use of artificial intelligence might help. Discover how AI-powered tools can aid judges in handling SRL cases effectively, enhance access to justice for SRLs, and streamline overloaded court operations. Explore ethical considerations and gain actionable insights for navigating the evolving landscape of law and AI. Upon completing this session, attendees will be able to:
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6:15 PM - 8:00 PM | Dinner on own |
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Dessert Reception |
Saturday, March 22 | |
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Breakfast |
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Education Session - Presented by JAMS
Making the Move: Best Practices, Ethics & Tips to Transition to ADR Transitioning to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) can be a rewarding career change, but it requires a unique set of skills and ethical considerations distinct from those in judging or lawyering. This program is designed to help you determine if ADR is the right path for you and to guide you through the transition process. Join us to explore:
Gain insights from experienced panelists who have successfully made the switch and learn how to make your transition to ADR smooth and successful. Panelists:Maryam Hatcher, Esq. (Moderator) Joan Kessler, Esq., Ph.D. Hon. Denise Langford Morris (Ret.) Hon. Heather A. Welch (Ret.) |