ABA Section of State, Local, and Tribal Government Law Annual Conference 2026

The ABA Section of State, Local, and Tribal Government Law Annual Conference is a premier event organized by the American Bar Association's Section of State, Local, and Tribal Government Law. Scheduled from July 30 to August 1, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois, this conference brings together legal professionals specializing in urban, state, and local government law to discuss pressing issues and developments in the field.

The conference features a comprehensive lineup of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) sessions, receptions, and awards. Key topics include legal pathways for communities to participate in data center development, state authority and the rise of AI-powered private schools, flood management and disaster recovery, election integrity amid AI and cyber threats, and the intersection of antitrust law with algorithms. Notable speakers include Samir Mayekar, Letitia S. Johnson, Anamaria Hazard Meanes, Caitlin Millat, Katie Page, Collins Saint, Donald Griffin, Michael G. Mehary, Heather Urwiller, David J. Becker, Edward H. Lindsey Jr., David A. Wheeler, Gwendolyn Lindsay Cooley, Scott Hemphill, Elizabeth R. Odette, Eugene Jones, Lindsey Haines, and Kristin Faust.

Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities such as the SLTG Chair Reception at Seyfarth Shaw, offering a chance to connect with peers and leaders in the field. The conference also includes the Jefferson B. Fordham Awards ceremony, celebrating outstanding contributions to state and local government law.

This conference is ideal for legal professionals, policymakers, and academics interested in urban, state, and local government law. It provides a platform to stay informed about current challenges, share insights, and collaborate on solutions to complex legal issues affecting communities.