Presented by Council for Court Excellence

2026 Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue

About This Event

2026 Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue

Is the Rule of Law Under Siege? Challenges Facing the Federal Courts

You’re invited to join the Council for Court Excellence on Tuesday, October 27 for our Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue event, "Is the Rule of Law Under Siege? Challenges Facing the Federal Courts." Our distinguished guest speakers will reflect on the changing shape of their roles and the importance of maintaining a strong, independent federal judiciary to protect the rule of law, particularly in an era of extreme partisan division. Their interactive and candid discussion will tackle the central topic from multiple angles and perspectives, including:  

  • What are the most pressing current challenges facing the federal courts, particularly in D.C.?
  • In what ways, if any, is the sanctity of the rule of law actually changing? How can judges, lawyers, and journalists prevent its erosion, actual or perceived?
  • What are the basic mechanics of an emergency docket? How do emergency dockets impact the operations of and reporting on our federal courts?
  • What has changed for judges, court staff, and journalists amid the sheer number of lawsuits challenging administration actions and policies, the use of subpoenas and suits targeting journalists, and rising appeals?  

PANELISTS:

  • Chief Judge James E. “Jeb” Boasberg, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  • Judge Cornelia T.L. Pillard, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
  • Josh Gerstein, POLITICO’s Senior Legal Affairs Reporter

Join us on October 27th at 6pm for an enlightening conversation. A reception will follow at 7:15pm.

Please note that by attending this event, you are consenting to having your photo and/or video taken to be used by CCE for promotional purposes. If you have any dietary restrictions or accommodation needs, please contact Aayushma Bastola, aayushma.bastola@courtexcellence.org.  

For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Sarah Baczewski at sarah.baczewski@courtexcellence.org

About This Event

2026 Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue

Is the Rule of Law Under Siege? Challenges Facing the Federal Courts

You’re invited to join the Council for Court Excellence on Tuesday, October 27 for our Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue event, "Is the Rule of Law Under Siege? Challenges Facing the Federal Courts." Our distinguished guest speakers will reflect on the changing shape of their roles and the importance of maintaining a strong, independent federal judiciary to protect the rule of law, particularly in an era of extreme partisan division. Their interactive and candid discussion will tackle the central topic from multiple angles and perspectives, including:  

  • What are the most pressing current challenges facing the federal courts, particularly in D.C.?
  • In what ways, if any, is the sanctity of the rule of law actually changing? How can judges, lawyers, and journalists prevent its erosion, actual or perceived?
  • What are the basic mechanics of an emergency docket? How do emergency dockets impact the operations of and reporting on our federal courts?
  • What has changed for judges, court staff, and journalists amid the sheer number of lawsuits challenging administration actions and policies, the use of subpoenas and suits targeting journalists, and rising appeals?  

PANELISTS:

  • Chief Judge James E. “Jeb” Boasberg, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  • Judge Cornelia T.L. Pillard, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
  • Josh Gerstein, POLITICO’s Senior Legal Affairs Reporter

Join us on October 27th at 6pm for an enlightening conversation. A reception will follow at 7:15pm.

Please note that by attending this event, you are consenting to having your photo and/or video taken to be used by CCE for promotional purposes. If you have any dietary restrictions or accommodation needs, please contact Aayushma Bastola, aayushma.bastola@courtexcellence.org.  

For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Sarah Baczewski at sarah.baczewski@courtexcellence.org

Getting There

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
​1301 K Street NW, Suite 500 East
Washington, 20005
United States

Bench-Bar-Media Dialogues

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