The Presidential Summit 2026 is a premier event organized by the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. This summit serves as a focal point of NYSBA's Annual Meeting, bringing together legal professionals to discuss pressing issues affecting the legal community and society at large.
This year's summit features a session titled "The Case for Constitutional Failure," addressing concerns about potential constitutional crises in the United States. The discussion will explore whether the three branches of government have abdicated their fundamental responsibilities, leading to a state of constitutional failure. The session will be moderated by Lawrence O'Donnell, host of 'The Last Word' on MS NOW, and will include insights from Jack Rakove, emeritus professor of history and political science at Stanford University, and Sonia Mittal, former Assistant United States Attorney and Associate Research Scholar in Law at Yale Law School.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with esteemed panelists and fellow legal professionals, fostering meaningful discussions on the state of constitutional governance. The event also offers 2.0 MCLE credits in Areas of Professional Practice, contributing to the continuing education requirements for attorneys.
Legal practitioners, scholars, and students interested in constitutional law and the current challenges facing democratic institutions are encouraged to attend. The summit provides a platform to gain valuable insights, participate in critical discussions, and network with peers committed to upholding the rule of law.
Categories
Speakers(3)
Jack Rakove
William R. Coe Professor of History and American Studies, Professor of Political Science, Emeritus at Stanford University
Jack Rakove is a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and professor emeritus at Stanford University. He has authored eight books, including 'Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the Constitution'.
Lawrence O'Donnell
Television Anchor, Producer, and Commentator at MSNOW
Lawrence O'Donnell hosts 'The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell' on MSNOW. He is an Emmy Award-winning executive producer and writer for the NBC series 'The West Wing' and creator and executive producer of the NBC series 'Mister Sterling'.
Sonia Mittal
Clinical Lecturer in Law and Associate Research Scholar at Yale Law School
Sonia Mittal is a Clinical Lecturer in Law and Associate Research Scholar at Yale Law School, where she teaches the Peter Gruber Rule of Law Clinic. She previously served as Senior Counsel and Assistant U.S. Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Event Details
- Date
- January 14, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 New York, United States
- New York Hilton Midtown, Grand Ballroom West, Third Floor
- Pricing
- $150 - $395
- Audience
- Legal practitioners, scholars, and students interested in constitutional law and democratic institutions.
- CLE Credits
- 2.0 MCLE credits in Areas of Professional Practice