National Foundation for Judicial Excellence 22nd Annual Judicial Symposium

This symposium brings together judges, academics, and attorneys to examine the state of the American judiciary and the challenges it faces today. Beginning with a keynote on judicial independence and impartiality, the program covers a wide range of topics including a review of the Supreme Court's significant 2025 term, the personal journey of a trailblazing Latinx appellate judge, and the strain that commercially aggressive litigation tactics place on courts and litigants. Participants will also explore how state supreme courts are grappling with expanding access to legal services through reforms like alternative bar admission pathways and non-lawyer firm ownership, as well as the ethical and privilege questions raised by lawyers and litigants increasingly relying on generative AI tools. Rounding out the program is a session on improving judicial writing by applying cognitive science principles to make opinions clearer and more accessible. The overarching goal of the symposium is to foster meaningful dialogue and practical solutions that strengthen the legitimacy, resilience, and fairness of the courts in a democratic society.