In-Person CLE – Civil Division State of the Union

On Jan. 1, 2026, the 5th Judicial District, Civil Division will implement the most robust changes to how it operates and administers cases in at least the last 30 years. These changes involve the creation of a comprehensive case management system that will require parties/lawyers who file Complaints on the Civil Division’s General Docket to appear for a case management conference within approximately 60 days of filing, and further to also file a case memorandum prior to that conference. Additionally, following the case management conference parties/lawyers will receive a Case Management Order that sets significant discovery, pre-trial, dispositive motions, and trial dates.

New Local Rules will be in place that all parties/lawyers will be required to follow; this program is intended to not only “introduce” the Local Rules, but allow for an explanation and practical guidance that will help lawyers comply with the Local Rules that the Court will use to implement the new case management system. Additionally, a portion of the CLE will provide participants with information concerning changes to certain Judicial operations that will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. While many changes are occurring as a result of the case management system, additional changes will happen as a result of special assignment changes. This CLE is designed to inform lawyers about such changes to enhance their abilities to comply with all revised Judicial operating procedures that take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

The ACBA Civil Litigation Section Holiday Party will immediately follow the CLE.

Speakers:

• Hon. Alan D. Hertzberg
  Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Civil Division
• Hon. Patrick M. Connelly
  Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Civil Division
• Hon. Chelsa L. Wagner
  Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Civil Division
• Eric Efinger
  Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Civil Division
• Quinn Kobelak
  Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Civil Division

Moderator:

• Michael Feeney
  UPMC

*This program is only being offered live in-person at the Embassy Suites Hotel.

*This program has been approved for 1 hour of Substantive CLE credit and also qualifies for 1.2 hours of credit under the West Virginia Rules for Mandatory Continuing Legal Education.

Last day to Pre-register: Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, 11:59 p.m.

*Please note: The Pa. CLE Board can take up to 45 days to post credits.

CLE and Events Registration Policy: Members and Non-members can register for ACBA programs online or by paper mail-in registration, up to two days prior to a program start date. Seating is limited, so pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits. To secure your spot, payment must be made in advance due to limited registration capacity. You can do so online via credit card or by mailing in a check. If this ACBA CLE cannot be held in-person, it will be converted into a webinar and held on the same date and time. You will be notified via email if that change is made.

Printed materials are available for an additional fee upon request.

Interested in this program but have a conflict and can’t attend? The vast majority of our webinar CLEs programs are recorded and available for CLE credit online within 72 hours. Click here to see all available ACBA online CLEs.