Curious about the basics of practicing in Orphans’ Court? The ACBA Probate and Trust Law Section is presenting a non-CLE lunch-and-learn – “Orphans’ Court Basics” – on Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Frick Building. This session – designed for attorneys early in their careers wishing to learn about this practice area, as well as experienced attorneys looking for a refresher – will offer attendees helpful information about the operation of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Orphans’ Court Division.

Topics of discussion will include an overview of the jurisdiction of the Orphans’ Court, discussion from representatives of the Department of Court Records and Orphans’ Court. They’ll cover the different departments within the Orphans’ Court, as well as a discussion on Orphans’ Court courtroom etiquette. The program will begin on the 17th floor of the Frick Building with a welcome and introductory tour led by Judge Michael McCarthy. Following the tour, attendees continue on the third floor for a pizza lunch and additional discussion.

The Pittsburgh Legal Journal – the official legal journal of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas containing trial lists, legal notices, sheriff sales and more – is published five days per week and is available only to subscribers. It is delivered via email as an easy-to-print, 8.5x11-inch pdf. For an informational video on the PLJ, click here.

The ACBA Young Lawyers Division Esquire Open pickleball tournament is Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Rivers Club in downtown Pittsburgh from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Organized by the YLD, this event is open to all ACBA members and their guests. No prior pickleball experience is required. For more info, click below.

The ACBA Knowledge Center is the premier resource library for legal professionals. Explore this library of content and resources from the ACBA, as well as experts and providers across the legal industry. These resources include timely, actionable research from the ACBA as well as third-party resources that are designed to be helpful to your organization. Please note that the ACBA does not endorse third-party content.

Safety has become the cornerstone of travel amid a rapidly evolving global landscape. New technologies, real-time safety alerts, and comprehensive insurance options can help you travel with greater confidence. The below article from the ACBA Insurance Partners at USI will cover more. For more on the ACBA Insurance Program, visit www.ACBA.org/Insurance.

The new ACBA “bar year” is upon us, which means that ACBA CLEs, programing, networking events and more will be picking up steam in the weeks ahead. Have you renewed your membership? 

All ACBA members should have received an email containing a link where you can renew your membership for the 2025-26 bar year, which began July 1. Members also will have the opportunity to make changes to their membership, such as adding committee or section memberships. For a snapshot of the benefits of becoming an ACBA member, click below. If you do not receive the email or have questions, email staff@acba.org.

The ACBA is exploring the idea of forming an In-House Counsel Committee and will hold an informational town hall meeting on the topic on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at noon on Zoom. All ACBA members interested in or with thoughts on the ACBA potentially forming an In-House Counsel Committee are invited to attend the meeting. To register or for the Zoom link, click below.

All members are invited to a retention election campaign fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Omni William Penn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. Organized by the ACBA Judicial Excellence Committee (PAC), the event is designed to support the retention election campaign for the following Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Judges:

• Hon. Alan D. Hertzberg – Civil Division
• Hon. Beth A. Lazzara – Criminal Division
• Hon. Jennifer McCrady – Family Division
• Hon. Hugh F. McGough – Orphans’ Court
• Hon. Dan D. Regan – Civil Division
• Hon. Dwayne D. Woodruff – Family Division

During the ACBA’s annual elections this spring, members of the ACBA overwhelming voted to recommend these six judges for retention. These judges will face the electorate in a yes-no referendum during the Pa. general election on Tuesday, Nov. 4. This event is designed to raise funds for the campaign to keep these qualified judges on the bench. For more information, click below.

JLL’s Mid-Year 2025 Law Firm Perspective highlights the intensifying “flight to quality” trend in legal sector real estate. While overall office leasing declined, premium buildings show remarkable resilience. Law firms are relocating to significantly newer buildings, with those constructed since 2015 generating positive absorption.

Limited new construction has dropped vacancy in top-tier buildings to single digits, giving landlords leverage on pricing. With substantial space removed from inventory through conversions and demolitions, and true vacancy at just 9.2 percent for quality space, renewal activity has increased significantly as viable options diminish. Download the complete report below.

In addition to the hard copy edition that is sent to members through the mail, the Aug. 22 edition of the Lawyers Journal — the ACBA’s flagship publication featuring substantive legal articles and stories of interest to the legal community — is available digitally on the ACBA website and at the button below.