2026

Law & Literature 2025-26

Friday
May 29, 2026
12:00 pm (PT)

Session 6: Aeschylus | The Oresteia Trilogy: Agamemnon, the Libation-Bearers and the Furies
Location:
 Zoom
Speaker(s): Dr. Julie Empric, Eckerd College

Using great works as text, these programs provide participants the opportunity to reflect on how literature provides insight into contemporary issues. All are welcome to register to participate; we ask those participating to be prepared to discuss the readings during out time together.

Tending Transitions: How to Shift Gears between Work and Home (and Back Again)

Friday
May 29, 2026
11:00 am (PT)

EXCLUSIVELY FOR JUDGES

Location: Zoom
Speaker(s): Ziedah Diata, formerly Chief ALJ, New York State Department of State

This session is about expanding your capacity to recover from overwhelm, stress, mental fog, and numbness on both ends of your commute. Join Ziedah Diata on May 29 from 11 am – 12 pm (PT) to learn accessible science-supported techniques for settling your nervous system all day (and night).

Casework

Friday
May 15, 2026
11:00 am (PT)

EXCLUSIVELY FOR JUDGES
Location: Zoom
With Prof. Michele Statz, Director of Judicial Wellbeing, BJI
Speaker(s): Hon. Julia Alloggiamento, Santa Clara County Superior Court, California; Hon. Kathryn Loring, San Juan County Superior Court, Washington; Hon. Andrew Peterson, Alaska Third District Superior Court

Do you ever feel like your best isn’t good enough? You’re not alone.

Join us on May 15 for an honest conversation about frustration, from feeling like you can’t keep up to worrying that you’re not meeting your own (or others’) standards. Our panelists, Judges Julia Alloggiamento, Kathryn Loring, and Andrew Peterson, will share their reflections on frustration—as well as how they find progress and satisfaction in everyday judicial work.

Advancing Innovation: A National Summit and Webinar Series on Judicial Leadership

Wednesday
May 13, 2026
11:00 am (PT)

EXCLUSIVELY FOR JUDGES

Session 5: Collaborative Leadership: Building Coalitions for Innovation
Location:
 Zoom
Speaker(s): Hon. Susan Blanco, 8th Judicial District of Colorado; Hon. Maritza Dominguez Braswell, U.S. District Court, D. Colo.; Hon. Samuel Thumma, Arizona Court of Appeals; Hon. Bernice Donald (ret.), United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

Coalitions are essential to real change. Discover how to build powerful partnerships to drive judicial innovation. This session will feature experienced judicial leaders who have successfully collaborated with other branches of government, community organizations, and non-profit groups. Gain invaluable insights into best practices for building strong relationships, navigating complexities, and achieving shared goals for a more innovative justice system.

Leading an Enriching Life: Enhancing Your Judicial Application

Tuesday
May 12, 2026
12:15 – 1:30 p.m. (PT)

Hosted by The California Judicial Mentor Program (Appellate)
Location: Zoom
Key Speaker(s):
Hon. Jeremy Fogel (ret.), BJI, UC Berkeley Law; Hon. Hernaldo Baltodano, CA Court of Appeals; Hon. Martin Jenkins, CA Court of Appeals; Hon. Amy Guerra, Fresno County Superior Court, CA; Jennifer Chen, CA Court of Appeals

Learn how building a supportive network, engaging in community service, and doing your job with purpose and excellence can help you do much more than respond to questions on your judicial application. It can enrich your life!

Under Siege: The American Judiciary and the Rule of Law

Tuesday
May 5, 2026

Location: Zoom

This program will examine the rising criticism, political pressures and physical threats confronting judges and courts, and the broader implications of these developments for judicial independence and our constitutional order. Panels featuring respected jurists, distinguished scholars, and prominent lawyers will explore ethical boundaries, systemic responses, and the role of the legal profession in safeguarding and advocating for the rule of law. Attendees will gain insight into both the challenges facing the judiciary today and the concrete steps lawyers and institutions can take to help protect our republic. 

Casework

Friday
April 17, 2026
11:00 am (PT)

EXCLUSIVELY FOR JUDGES

Session 2: A colleague I’ll never forget
Location:
Zoom
With Prof. Michele Statz, Director of Judicial Wellbeing, BJI
Speaker(s): Hon. David Keenan, King County Superior Court, Washington; Hon. Jo Deen Lowe, Ho-Chunk Nation Trial Court; Hon. Anne McKeig, Supreme Court of Minnesota

Who is the colleague you could never live without? 
Who is the colleague you wish you could forget? 

Join us on April 17 as we explore what makes a great judicial colleague (and what it takes to be one!). Our panelists, Judge David Keenan (King County Superior Court, Washington), Judge Jo Deen Lowe (Ho-Chunk Nation Trial Court, Wisconsin), and Associate Justice Anne McKeig (Supreme Court of Minnesota), will share their reflections on the colleagues who mentored them, challenged them, and supported them in their important work.

Law & Literature 2025-26

Friday
Mar 20, 2026
12:00 pm (PT)

Session 5: William Shakespeare | Measure for Measure
Location:
 Zoom
Speaker(s): Dr. Julie Empric, Eckerd College

Using great works as text, these programs provide participants the opportunity to reflect on how literature provides insight into contemporary issues. All are welcome to register to participate; we ask those participating to be prepared to discuss the readings during out time together.

Casework

Friday
March 20, 2026
11:00 am (PT)

EXCLUSIVELY FOR JUDGES

Session 1: When I noticed my body’s role in decision-making
Location:
Zoom
With Prof. Michele Statz, Director of Judicial Wellbeing, BJI

The prompt for our first Casework event will be: “When I noticed my body’s role in decision-making.” Panelists will start the conversation by reflecting on the cases that tested their bodies; the impacts of judicial work on health; and the steps they take to bring healthy bodies to the bench. We will then open the floor for a facilitated conversation among all attendees.

Justice In Balance: The Courts, Civil Rights, and Our Democracy

Thursday
Feb 26, 2026
4:00 pm (PT)

Location: In-Person: Location: 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103 | Virtual: Zoom
Speaker(s): Hon. Bernice Donald (ret.), U.S. District Court, W.D. TN, and U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Cir.; Hon. Allyson Duncan (ret.), U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Cir.; Hon. Jeremy Fogel (ret.), BJI, U.S. District Court, N.D. Cal.; Hon. James Giles (ret.), U.S. District Court, E.D. Pa.
Hosted by the National Civil Rights Museum & Keep Our Republic

The National Civil Rights Museum and Keep Our Republic are partnering to host a community-focused convening to explore the integral role of the judiciary during the Civil Rights Movement, the recent role of the courts in pursuing racial justice, and the increasing threat to judges, and an independent judiciary.

The program will feature a moderated panel discussion with retired federal district and circuit court judges, offering regional and national perspectives. This program is expected to receive both local and national visibility and is part of a series planned across major U.S. cities.

Advancing Innovation: A National Summit and Webinar Series on Judicial Leadership

Wednesday
Feb 11, 2026
11:00 am (PT)

EXCLUSIVELY FOR JUDGES

Session 4: Staying the Course: Strategies for Sustaining Change
Location:
 Zoom
Speaker(s): Dr. Lana Cook, MIT Systems Awareness Lab

Innovation is a long game. How do you ensure lasting impact and maintain momentum in the face of challenges? This session will provide concrete strategies for overcoming obstacles and opposition, maintaining commitment, and celebrating milestones to ensure the long-term success of your innovation efforts.

Law & Literature 2025-26

Friday
Jan 23, 2026
12:00 pm (PT)

Session 4: Joseph Conrad | The Secret Sharer
Location:
 Zoom
Speaker(s): Dr. Julie Empric, Eckerd College

Using great works as text, these programs provide participants the opportunity to reflect on how literature provides insight into contemporary issues. All are welcome to register to participate; we ask those participating to be prepared to discuss the readings during out time together.