Programs and Events
Events
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July 4, 2026 is the Deadline for Entries to the the FCBA Annual Constitution Contest
The Northern District of New York–Federal Court Bar Association (NDNY-FCBA) is now accepting submissions for its 11th Annual Constitution Contest, an academic competition open to all high school students (grades 9–12) residing in the 32 counties of the Northern District of New York. All entries must be received no later than the end of July 4, 2026. Winners will be announced on Constitution Day — September 17, 2026.
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Lunch with the Federal Judiciary – September 9 in Binghamton with Judge Lovric (RSVP Required)
Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse 15 Henry Street, Binghamton, United StatesJoin the NDNY-FCBA First Decade Committee for a luncheon series bringing attorneys together with members of the federal judiciary in an informal setting. Held across the Northern District of New York, each session will feature a different federal judge and offer a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the bench, ask questions, and connect with colleagues.
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CLE: Hyperlinks and Bookmarks – How to Create Them and Why You Should Use Them (Sept 21 Virtual)
Virtual (Zoom)This CLE program will provide practical, hands-on guidance on using hyperlinks and bookmarks to enhance the clarity, accessibility, and professionalism of legal filings. Attendees will learn how to efficiently link citations and record materials, organize documents for ease of navigation, and apply best practices that improve the Court’s ability to review and engage with their submissions.
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Federal Criminal Defense Training 2026 Presented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender, NDNY
Hilton Albany 40 Lodge Street, Albany, NY, United StatesThis CLE Program is presented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender, Northern District of New York and is a day-long training, offered in two parts for busy practitioners focusing on current topics for criminal defense attorneys.
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CLE: Avoiding Chaos: Coordinating Sentences When a Defendant Faces Charges in Multiple Jurisdictions (Tues., Oct. 13)
Virtual (Zoom)When a defendant faces criminal charges in multiple jurisdictions, they may end up serving years longer than anyone intended if proper procedures are not followed. It is vitally important that prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation officers, and judges have all of the information necessary to follow those procedures and that they use precise language in sentencing documents and at sentencing hearings. In this one-hour virtual CLE, participants will learn what information must be gathered and what language must be used to effectuate the intent of the parties and the courts.
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Lunch with the Federal Judiciary – October 14 in Syracuse with Judge Freedman (RSVP Required)
James M. Hanley Federal Building 100 South Clinton Street, SyracuseJoin the NDNY-FCBA First Decade Committee for a luncheon series bringing attorneys together with members of the federal judiciary in an informal setting. Held across the Northern District of New York, each session will feature a different federal judge and offer a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the bench, ask questions, and connect with colleagues.
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CLE: PRO BONO TRAINING 2026: TRYING A CIVIL RIGHTS CASE – SYRACUSE
James M. Hanley Federal Building 100 South Clinton Street, SyracuseThis CLE program will provide practitioners with the information necessary to handle the trial of a prisoner case typically brought under 42 USC §1983. Ethical issues and substantive and practical areas will be covered.
***This program is offered free of charge, but advance registration is required. Because seating is limited and breakfast and lunch will be provided, registrants who can no longer attend are asked to cancel their registration at least 72 hours in advance whenever possible.
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CLE: PRO BONO TRAINING 2026: TRYING A CIVIL RIGHTS CASE – ALBANY
James T. Foley Federal Courthouse 445 Broadway, Albany, NY, United StatesThis CLE program will provide practitioners with the information necessary to handle the trial of a prisoner case typically brought under 42 USC §1983. Ethical issues and substantive and practical areas will be covered.
***This program is offered free of charge, but advance registration is required. Because seating is limited and breakfast and lunch will be provided, registrants who can no longer attend are asked to cancel their registration at least 72 hours in advance whenever possible.
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CLE: Supreme Court Update: §1983 Civil Rights Litigation with Erwin Chemerinsky, October 30, 2026 – 12 PM TO 2:00 PM (Virtual Program)
Virtual (Zoom)Liability issues stemming from §1983 claims remain a complex and evolving challenge for courts nationwide, with the Supreme Court playing a significant role in shaping this area of law. American legal scholar and leading expert in civil rights and constitutional law, Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, presents this CLE program, helping practitioners stay informed about the most recent cases, emerging trends, and practical strategies impacting §1983 litigation.
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Save the Date! NDNY-FCBA Annual Meeting and Dinner – December 10, 2026
The NDNY-FCBA Annual Meeting and Dinner Event will take place this year on December 10, 2026 at the Landing Hotel in Schenectady. Stay tuned for more information.