On August 27, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT, the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and the Seventh Circuit Bar Association Pro Bono & Public Service Committee will host a free CLE event focused on effective settlement advocacy for pro se matters. The program will be held at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 219 South Dearborn Street, Courtroom 2525.
Topics will include:
SAP Matters: Overview and the Volunteer Experience: Presented by J. Cunyon Gordon, Settlement Assistance Program Director, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, and Rami Fakhouri of Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum LLP.
Listening Differently: Client Communication Strategies: Presented by Jim Alrutz of the Center for Conflict Resolution.
Strategies and Pitfalls: Lessons from the Bench: Moderated by Margot Klein of Ogletree Deakins and presented by a panel of federal magistrate judges:
- Judge Jeannice Appenteng;
- Judge Albert Berry III; and
- Judge Laura K. McNally.
Attendees will receive 3 hours of general CLE credit pending approval and become eligible to participate in the Pro Se Litigants Settlement Assistance Program (SAP). Registration is free, but space is limited. To register, contact Debbie Groboski at admin@7thcircuitbar.org.