Attorneys, you remember what it was like. Passing the bar exam is a huge deal. Members are invited to this celebration for new attorneys who passed the bar exam in 2025 at the annual “Passing the Bar Bash” on Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. This party moves to a new location in 2025: Coup de Ville in the Strip District. This event – sponsored by Compass Rose Financial, the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University – is an opportunity for new attorneys to network with other attorneys and become introduced to the ACBA.

In addition to the hard copy edition that is sent to members through the mail, the Oct. 31 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.

ACBA members as well as non-member attorneys are invited to the ACBA’s Labor and Employment Law Symposium on Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Westin Pittsburgh. This robust, full-day symposium will feature a full day of programming that highlights the latest developments in labor and employment law.

Don’t miss this opportunity to earn 6 CLE credits (Option: 6 substantive credits, or 5 substantive and 1 ethics), network with colleagues and learn from experienced panelists. A distinguished panel of judges and seasoned practitioners will lead dynamic discussions on the latest developments shaping today’s labor and employment law landscape.

ACBA President Amy Coco recaps two recent Board of Governors Meetings in the below video. She covers the board’s formal appointment of Thomas Petropoulos as the new ACBA and ACBF Executive Director effective July 1, 2026 following the retirement of David Blaner. Additionally, she covers the approval of the Civil Litigation Section Civil Rules Committee’s opposition to the adoption of rules 213 and 213.1; the updating of ACBA by-laws related to definitions, membership procedures and disciplinary processes, the approval of audited financial statements, and the approval of a line of credit to cover operating expenses of the ACBF Juvenile Court Project amid the Pa. budget stalemate.

For the first time, the ACBA Insurance Program, powered by its endorsed broker USI Affinity and MassMutual, is offering members a Group Whole Life Insurance benefit. This program is not only exclusive to ACBA members, but it’s never been offered by other association groups and not currently offered outside of Pennsylvania, making it a truly rare and valuable opportunity.

This new benefit provides up to $250,000 of permanent Whole Life coverage per enrollment, every 6 months, up to an aggregate of $1,000,000 with guaranteed cash value accumulation, annual dividends, and you get it with simplified underwriting – no exams, just three questions asked. This benefit is designed to help legal professionals protect their families, build wealth, and enhance their retirement strategies.

To get started, contact Mark LeFever at mark.lefever@usi.com. Additional information is below.

On Oct. 21, the ACBA Board of Governors voted to amend the ACBA By-Laws; the proposed amendments and additional information regarding the specifics of the proposed changes are available at the button below. In accordance with Article 21 of the ACBA By-Laws,  the amendments shall become effective on Sunday, Nov. 16 unless a petition is filed with the ACBA signed by 50 active members in good standing requesting a vote of the membership on the subject amendments, or particular portions thereof. For more, click below.

Western Pennsylvania’s largest annual bankruptcy law event – the ACBA’s 38th Annual Western District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Symposium – is Friday, Dec. 5 at the Westin Pittsburgh. The event will feature a full day of bankruptcy programming and multiple networking opportunities. Earn up to six CLE credits, selecting from eight total programs. Click the button below for more.

The ACBA partners at 8am™ LawPay provide the trusted payment solution for 150,000+ lawyers, which is approved by all 50 state bars. Easily accept client payments by card or eCheck from anywhere —email, online, or in your office. Every transaction is secure, every deposit is accurate, and your firm stays compliant with ease. Plus, get reporting, client insights and dedicated support designed for legal professionals. For a limited time, can sign up for 8am LawPay to experience the simplest, most trusted way to manage your firm’s finances and pay no monthly fee for one year. Terms and conditions apply.

All members are invited to help make the holidays special for underprivileged children through the annual ACBA Young Lawyers Division Children’s Gift Drive and Holiday Party, which provides holiday gifts to hundreds of underprivileged children in area shelters and programs. Here’s how you can help:

• Sponsor a Child – Children will enter their wish lists on DreamList, then members can help by sponsoring a child. DreamList gift lists will be available through Nov. 21. This online website allows us to create angel tree tags so attorneys can shop for the gifts without preselecting items and feel more involved in the process. The total cost of gifts per child will range between $60 and $100. To sponsor a child or children, click here or email the ACBA YLD Gift Drive Committee at acbayldtoydrive@gmail.com.
• Stocking Stuffers – You can help stuff stockings for the children on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Koppers Building Conference Center. Sign up via MembersCentral here. 
• Monetary Donations – The Children’s Gift Drive also accepts monetary donations to cover expenses such as dry cleaning for the Santa suits, cookie trays, juice boxes and other stocking stuffer items. To contribute, email acbayldtoydrive@gmail.com for more information.

All of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas judges seeking retention, along with those judges from the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, Pennsylvania Superior Court and the three Justices of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court seeking retention, have been retained. On Election Day, voters in Allegheny County and across Pennsylvania voted for each judge/justice to serve a new 10-year term. Additionally, eight new judges have been elected to the Court of Common Pleas. Click below for more.