Lawyers in Philadelphia, mark your calendars for a wholesome dose of continuing legal education. The city's Law Department is all set to host its 30th Annual Life in the Big City CLE Conference, promising two days of dense, educational opportunities designed to keep legal practitioners at the top of their game. The conference, completely free for Law Department attorneys, is happening August 8-9, 2025, offering a mix of in-person and virtual sessions.
According to the official announcement, the event takes off at the Philadelphia Convention Center with a lineup of courses that delve into the nitty-gritty of municipal law and its evolution. The second day switches gears to an online format, covering the legal landscape's response to pressing issues such as educational inequality and environmental policy.
Featured on the speaker list for the kick-off event is Jennifer Coatsworth, Esq., both a partner at Margolis Edelstein and the Chancellor at the Philadelphia Bar Association. Attendees can expect to gain insight from a diverse panel of experts, with courses coordinated by Law Department attorneys who devote their time and expertise voluntarily.
Day one covers crucial topics like "Election Law: Defending Democracy," taking a close look at the intricate machinery behind elections in an election year. The panel includes Alison Stohr, Esq. and Ryan Smith, Esq. from the Law Department, alongside Neil Mahkija, Esq., a Montgomery County Commissioner, and Stephanie Reid, from the Board of Elections, among others. Day two doesn’t ease up, tackling the themes of "Education and Inequality" in light of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's ruling against the state's school funding system—an issue intertwined with racial disparities that notably impacts Philly students.
The Law Department has a tradition of self-education and peer-led training that stretches back decades. Participants in "Thirty Years of CLE: Evolution of the Law Department" will hear from a range of former City Solicitors. This gives them a chance to absorb lessons from those who've steered the legal ship through both quiet and stormy seas. Moreover, there's a dedicated course delving into the greenery of Philadelphia — "A Tree Grown in Philly" will explore the legal entanglements of creating greener urban spaces, thereby enhancing the city’s living conditions.
So, for those in the legal field looking to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve, the Life in the Big City CLE Conference is the go-to event. With topics that mirror the pulse of Philadelphia's societal and legal challenges, this conference is shaping up to be as informative as it is indicative of the Law Department's investment in its community's legal health.
