Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference 2024
The Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference is an annual gathering organized by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. This event brings together judges, lawyers, and legal professionals from the western United States and Pacific territories to discuss the administration of justice and explore current legal issues.
The 2024 conference, themed "Navigating Legal Frontiers: Inspiring Ideas and Innovation," featured sessions on topics such as the impact of generative AI on the legal profession, the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions, and the evolution of Native American tribal law. Notable discussions included "Generative AI: Where are we and what legal challenges await us?" and "Doors Dobbs Opened," addressing the effects of landmark rulings.
Attendees had opportunities to engage in networking events, participate in specialty court panels, and hear from distinguished speakers like U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan and Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar. The conference also honored individuals for their contributions to the legal field, including the presentation of the John P. Frank Award to Stephen Berzon.
This conference is ideal for legal professionals seeking to stay informed about emerging legal trends, engage with peers, and contribute to discussions on improving the administration of justice within the Ninth Circuit.
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Speakers(29)
Aayush Shah
Student at BASIS Chandler, Chandler, Arizona
Aayush Shah, part of the team that won first place in the video portion of the 2024 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest, was honored during the conference.
Angela R. Riley
Professor and Chief Justice at Native Nations Law and Policy Center, UCLA School of Law; Supreme Court of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation
Professor Angela R. Riley contributed as a panelist in the session on Native American tribal law, discussing Supreme Court dynamics.
Barbara McAuliffe
Magistrate Judge at Eastern District of California
Judge Barbara McAuliffe, presiding judge of the Wellness Court, contributed to the session on specialty courts.
Colin Williams
Student at Sprague High School, Salem, Oregon
Colin Williams, first-place essay winner of the 2024 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest, was honored during a special reception at the conference.
Dylan C. Penningroth
Professor at U.C. Berkeley Law School
Professor Dylan C. Penningroth participated as a panelist in the session on the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.
Elena Kagan
Associate Justice at Supreme Court of the United States
Justice Elena Kagan participated in the 'Conversation with the Justice,' addressing various topics including the Supreme Court's docket and collegiality.
Jeffrey Fisher
Professor at Stanford Law School
Professor Jeffrey Fisher presented the Supreme Court Review during the conference.
Johnathan Smith
Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at Department of Justice
Johnathan Smith was a panelist in the session 'Reflections on the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act: Remembering the Past, Imagining the Future.'
Joseph William Singer
Professor at Harvard Law School
Professor Joseph William Singer was a panelist in the session 'Doors Dobbs Opened,' discussing constitutional law topics.
Karen J. Kirksey Smith
Courtroom Deputy at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
Karen J. Kirksey Smith performed the National Anthem during the opening program of the conference.
Karen S. Crawford
Magistrate Judge at Southern District of California
Judge Karen S. Crawford received the American Inns of Court Ninth Circuit Professionalism Award during the opening ceremonies of the conference.
Lina M. Khan
Chair at Federal Trade Commission
FTC Chair Lina Khan engaged in a discussion with District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers on topics including corporate mergers, non-compete agreements, social media influencers, and AI fraud.
Madeleine C. Wanslee
Bankruptcy Judge at District of Arizona
Judge Madeleine C. Wanslee, chair of the Conference Executive Committee, engaged in the 'Conversation with the Justice' with Justice Elena Kagan.
Mary H. Murguia
Chief Judge at U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Chief Judge Mary H. Murguia presided over the 2024 Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, emphasizing the importance of staying apprised of innovations in the legal community, including the use of artificial intelligence.
Mary Ziegler
Professor at U.C. Davis School of Law
Professor Mary Ziegler participated as a panelist in the session 'Doors Dobbs Opened,' providing insights into constitutional law.
Matthew D. McGill
Attorney at Gibson Dunn
Matthew D. McGill participated as a panelist in the session on Native American tribal law, offering insights into recent legal developments.
Matthew L. Campbell
Attorney at Native American Rights Fund
Matthew L. Campbell was a panelist in the session on Native American tribal law, discussing recent Supreme Court decisions.
Michelle M. Pettit
Magistrate Judge at Southern District of California
Judge Michelle M. Pettit, associated with the Veteran’s Diversion Program, participated in the specialty courts session.
Mihir Sahani
Student at BASIS Chandler, Chandler, Arizona
Mihir Sahani, part of the team that won first place in the video portion of the 2024 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest, was honored during the conference.
Nancy J. Koppe
Magistrate Judge at District of Nevada
Judge Nancy J. Koppe moderated the session 'Innovative Justice: Exploring the Ninth Circuit's Specialty Courts,' leading discussions on specialty courts.
Nikolas Bowie
Professor at Harvard Law School
Professor Nikolas Bowie moderated the session 'Reflections on the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act: Remembering the Past, Imagining the Future.'
Richard A. Jones
Senior District Judge at Western District of Washington
Judge Richard A. Jones, presiding judge of the DREAM Court, participated in the session on specialty courts.
Robert J. Conrad Jr.
Senior District Judge and Director at Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. addressed the conference audience during opening ceremonies, highlighting the importance of teamwork in the pursuit of excellence in the administration of justice.
Roger M. Townsend
Attorney at Breskin Johnson & Townsend PLLC
Roger M. Townsend, program chair for the 2024 Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, participated in the 'Conversation with the Justice' with Justice Elena Kagan.
Samuel Lewis
Samuel Lewis, a specialty court graduate, discussed his experience as a participant in the specialty courts session.
Sherif Girgis
Associate Professor of Law at University of Notre Dame, The Law School
Professor Sherif Girgis was a panelist in the session 'Doors Dobbs Opened,' contributing insights on constitutional law.
Silvio Lugo
Chief U.S. Pretrial Services Officer at Northern District of California
Silvio Lugo, associated with the LEADS Court, contributed to the session on specialty courts.
Stephen Berzon
Founding Partner at Altshuler Berzon LLP
Stephen Berzon received the 2024 John P. Frank Award at the conference, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the legal profession.
Vivan Patel
Student at BASIS Chandler, Chandler, Arizona
Vivan Patel, part of the team that won first place in the video portion of the 2024 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest, was honored during the conference.
Event Details
- Date
- July 15-18, 2024
- 4 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Sacramento, United States
- Sacramento Convention Center
- Audience
- Judges, lawyers, and legal professionals within the Ninth Circuit
- Attendees
- Approximately 714 attendees