Annual convention hosts not-to-miss events, education, political guests.AAJ's annual convention convenes this month at the Hyatt Regency Chicago The Hyatt Regency Chicago is a 246 foot tall Hyatt hotel on East Wacker Drive in Chicago, Illinois. The hotel operates around 2,000 guest rooms in two different towers. The towers are connected by both an above-ground skyway and an underground concourse. , featuring a full agenda of education programs, committee meetings, networking opportunities, and social events. A series of high-profile political guests--including at least five announced presidential candidates--will appear, highlighting important public policy issues as the campaign season heats up. [See story on opposite page.] The schedule for the convention, which runs July 14-18, is a little different this year. The Membership Meeting has been moved from Wednesday to Monday morning, July 16. CLE Cle total elimination clearance. programs and seminars will be held all weekend, Monday afternoon, and all day Tuesday and Wednesday. Other highlights of the convention include: Saturday, July 14 * AAJ AAJ All About Jazz (website) AAJ American Association of Jurists AAJ American Alpine Journal AAJ Administrative Appeals Judge AAJ Attitude Adjust PAC Eagles Reception Reps. Mark Udall Mark Emery Udall (born July 18 1950), American politician, has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 1999, representing Colorado's 2nd congressional district. (D-Colo.) and Tom Allen For other persons of the same name, see Thomas Allen. Thomas H. (Tom) Allen (April 16 1945– ) is a member of the United States House of Representatives representing Maine's At-large congressional district (map). He is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2008. (D-Me.) will address this reception. Michael Ciresi and Mikal Watts Mikal Watts is a 39 year-old plaintiff's attorney from San Antonio, Texas and a prolific donor to the Texas and National Democratic Party. He has often been mentioned as a challenger to Senator John Cornyn of Texas in the 2008 U.S. Senate elections. , both AAJ members and current Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate, will also speak to attendees. * Opening Plenary Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers John Conyers, Jr. (born May 16, 1929) is a member of the United States House of Representatives representing Michigan's 14th congressional district, which includes all of Highland Park and Hamtramck, as well as parts of Detroit and Dearborn. (D-Mich.) have been influential voices for the jury system. This plenary session Plenary session is a term often used in s to define the part of the conference when all members of all parties are in attendance. These sessions may contain a broad range of content from Keynotes to Panel Discussions and are not necessarily related to a specific style of delivery. will address not only the court system but the court of public opinion--and AAJ's campaign to educate the public and policymakers about the urgent need to protect the right to trial by jury. * Opening Reception All convention attendees and their guests are welcome to join Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Cal.) and Rep. Chris Van Hollen Christopher "Chris" Van Hollen, Jr. (born January 10 1959) is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Maryland's At-large congressional district since 2003. (D-Md.), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (commonly referred to as the "D triple C," or the "D-Trip") is the Democratic Hill committee for the United States House of Representatives, working to elect Democrats to that body. , to celebrate the new leadership in Congress and the surge of legislative support for access to justice. Sunday, July 15 * Women Trial Lawyers Caucus Brunch This annual luncheon is a favorite with women trial lawyers, who take the opportunity to network about unique issues they face in their practices. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones  Stephanie Tubbs Jones (born September 10, 1949) is a Democratic politician who currently serves as a member of the United States House of Representatives, for the 11th District of Ohio. (D-Ohio), who was a trial lawyer before her election to Congress, has been invited to speak. Monday, July 16 * AAJ Leadership Breakfast Rep. Tim Johnson (R-Ill.) has been invited to speak at this breakfast, held in honor of members of the AAJ Endowment, Leaders Forum, and President's Club, as well as past AAJ presidents. The event is by invitation. * AAJ PAC Town Hall Meeting With speaker Howard Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, on the dais, the discussion should be lively. Joining Dean will be Stephanie Mencimer, author of Blocking the Courthouse Door: How the Republican Party and Its Corporate Allies Are Taking Away Your Right to Sue. All convention attendees and their guests are invited to attend. Tuesday, July 17 * Membership and Awards Luncheon Recognizing AAJ members is the focus at this lunch, where the Steven J. Sharp Public Service Award and other awards will be presented. The comedy troupe the Capitol Steps will be on hand to lampoon Washington insiders. Tickets are included in the convention registration package, and additional tickets are available for purchase. * The Section Connection All 18 practice sections hold business meetings at the annual convention, but this is the first networking event ever to bring members from every section together in a joint session with entertainment, food, and drink. Wednesday, July 18 * Closing Reception and Dinner Dance Tickets to the reception--featuring Michael Cavanaugh, star of Twyla Tharp's Broadway musical Movin' Out--are included in the convention registration package. Additional tickets are available for purchase. To register for the convention, go to www.justice.org/convention or call (800) 424-2725 or (202) 965-3500, ext. 613. On-site registration will also be available. |
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