2026 Annual Meeting and Futures Conference Postponed

Because of the unusually severe weather forecast for New York City, including a rare blizzard warning and many flight cancellations, we made the difficult decision to postpone the gala celebration and Futures Conference in order to put our community’s safety and well-being first. 

The conference committee, led by Kristen Bateman Leis, organized an outstanding program, including the induction gala, educational sessions, and networking events, which we will do our best to preserve. We are working with the venues to reschedule the events as quickly as possible and will provide details as soon as they become available. If you couldn't join us in February as originally planned, we hope the new dates—once they're announced—will work better for your schedule.

We look forward to celebrating our new Fellows, the Michael Mills InnovAction winner, and reconnecting as a community in the near future! 

2026 Michael Mills InnovAction Award Winner Announced

We’re proud to announce People’s Law School, based in Vancouver, BC, as the 2026 Michael Mills InnovAction Awards Winner. Their winning initiative, Beagle+, is a Gen Ai chatbot that delivers free, anonymous, plain-language legal information to help people effectively deal with the legal problems of daily life. By combining responsible AI, lived-experience design, and jurisdiction-specific legal accuracy, People’s Law School is making trusted legal information accessible to everyone, and we are thrilled to present them with this award. Executive Director Patricia Byrne, BA, JD, MBA will accept the award and $10K USD prize at the Futures Conference Honors Gala on Monday, February 23. 

First Keynote Speaker Announced

Visionary. Trailblazer. Global authority on the future of legal services. 

We are honored to welcome Professor Richard Susskind CBE KC (Hon) as our featured keynote speaker for the 2026 Futures Conference. No name is more synonymous with the future of law than Richard Susskind’s. For over four decades, he has shaped how the legal world thinks about transformation, technology, and tomorrow. His insights into artificial intelligence, online courts, and the evolution of professional services have influenced governments, judiciaries, and legal organizations across the globe. Click here for more information about Richard and his impressive credentials. Register now!   

Second Keynote Speaker Announced

The 2026 College of Law Practice Management Futures Conference welcomes 7x Emmy-winning comedy writer and comedian Beth Sherman as its second keynote speaker. Her engaging session will highlight how humor and storytelling can elevate leadership, offering attendees practical strategies for building trust, communicating effectively, and leading with empathy and authenticity Click here for more information about Beth. Register now!

Futures Forum Recap

Who Will You Be In 2026? The Reinvention Imperative for Lawyers

This recording is a must-watch! Learn directly from Professor Michele DeStefano about adapting to changing client expectations, becoming a true business partner, and developing the skills that will define tomorrow’s successful legal professionals. In a session moderated by College of Law Practice Management Fellow Terri Mottershead, these thought leaders engaged in a candid, eye-opening conversation about how lawyers can reinvent themselves before the future forces their hand. As an added bonus, Michele has generously shared her recommended reading list, helping you continue your journey of growth and learning.

Participants were inspired with the call to “do something that scares you to death” and “go challenge yourself,” setting the stage for a journey of professional renewal. 

Black-Tie Gala is Back: A Night to Honor Excellence

Kick off the conference with a night of recognition and connection. Join us Monday, February 23, 2026, for an elegant evening at the "Robert," atop the Museum of Arts & Design at Columbus Circle. This stunning venue—with floor-to-ceiling views of Central Park—sets the scene for honoring the profession’s brightest innovators and newest inductees into the College. The evening includes:

  • Formal Induction of the 2026 Class of College Fellows
  • Presentation of the Michael Mills InnovAction Award
  • Cocktail Reception with Seated Dinner and Entertainment
  • Meaningful Connections with Legal Innovation Leaders

Registered attendees and their ticketed guests are invited to attend. Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so you'll want to register early for the 2026 Annual Meeting and Futures Conference! 

In Memoriam

The College Fellows In Memoriam pages capture College Fellows’ personal memories of their friends and colleagues, and remembrances of their contributions to the profession. If you would like to contribute a message or memory to the In Memoriam pages, please write the College Administrator.

 

Charles McCallum, 1939-2026
 

Michael Mills InnovAction Awards

Each year the College presents the coveted InnovAction Awards to the unsung heroes and rising stars within the legal profession who dare to think differently and succeed by doing so. We invite entries from passionate professionals with big ideas determined to make a difference. Entries are judged on originality, disruption, value and effectiveness.

HOW TO ENTER

Access to Justice

One of the opportunities available to College Fellows is to volunteer to help perform on-site evaluations of Legal Services Corporation (LSC) grantee programs to ensure these programs provide high-quality legal services. The site visits are a wonderful opportunity to “give back” and help improve the capacities of legal aid organizations in the United States.

VOLUNTEER NOW

 

The Futures Conference, Annual Meeting and Michael Mills InnovAction Awards would not be possible without our sponsors. Please join the College in expressing our appreciation for their ongoing support!