Federal Circuit Employment Law Symposium
Register HereEvent Overview
The Federal Circuit Bar Association® is Pleased to Present the:
Federal Circuit Employment Law Symposium
October 7, 2026
8:55 AM – 12:00 PM
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Lincoln Hall
375 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Join the Federal Circuit Bar Association® for the Federal Circuit Law Symposium, a morning of timely insights, practical updates from the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board’s Regional Office in Chicago, and an opportunity to connect with members of the Federal Circuit community.
This special event, which coincides with the Federal Circuit’s Court Week in Chicago, IL, will bring together members of the legal community for an engaging program at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. The CLE program will feature an in-depth MSPB Case Law Update followed by A View from the Bench, offering attendees valuable perspectives on the latest developments and issues shaping federal personnel law. Whether you are an experienced MSPB or other government agency employee, an employment law or HR professional, or interested in pro bono opportunities in the field, this program has something for you!
About the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board: The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is a quasi-judicial agency in the federal government that protects the merit principles of the federal civil service. The MSPB adjudicates appeals involving federal employees and issues decisions on matters such as adverse personnel actions, whistleblower retaliation, and other federal employment disputes.
Agenda
The Federal Circuit Bar Association® Presents the:
Federal Circuit Employment Law Symposium
View and Download the Full Agenda Here
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Registration
8:55 AM – 9:00 AM: Opening Remarks from the Federal Circuit
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM: Case Law Update – Part 1 – Two experts in Federal sector employment law will discuss the most important Federal Circuit and Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) decisions issued in the past year in the critical areas of whistleblowing, jurisdiction, constructive removal, retirement, veterans’ rights, damages, penalties, and more. This presentation will also provide an overview of the types of actions over which the MSPB has jurisdiction, new rulemaking affecting jurisdiction, and pro bono opportunities for those attorneys who would like to get active litigation experience by practicing before the MSPB.
Panelists:
- Diane Smason, Regional Director/Chief Administrative Judge, U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, Central Regional Office
- Jeremiah Cassidy, Regional Director/Chief Administrative Judge, U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, Washington Regional Office
9:50 AM – 10:35 AM: Case Law Update – Part 2
Panelists:
- Diane Smason, Regional Director/Chief Administrative Judge, U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, Central Regional Office
- Jeremiah Cassidy, Regional Director/Chief Administrative Judge, U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, Washington Regional Office
10:35 AM – 10:55 AM: Networking Break
10:55 AM – 11:55 AM: A View from the Bench – Don’t miss this moderated discussion among a panel of experienced MSPB administrative judges, who will discuss recent trends and best practices for effective representation and case management when practicing before the Board. The panel will cover topics including jurisdictional issues, discovery and motion practice, and tips for conducting a successful hearing. The panel will also provide insights into dispute resolution alternatives and effective strategies when participating in settlement conferences or formal mediations before the MSPB.
Moderator:
- James Eisenmann, Partner, Alden Law Group, PLLC
Panelists:
- Jennifer Cassell, Administrative Judge, U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, Central Regional Office
- David Lidow, Administrative Judge, U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, Central Regional Office
- Elisabeth (Elisa) Nolte, Administrative Judge, U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, Central Regional Office
11:55 AM – 12:00 PM: Closing
Registration Pricing
Registration Pricing:
- $25 — Attorneys, Government Employees and HR Professionals
- Complimentary — Students