THE 132nd CLLA NATIONAL CONVENTION
May 13-15, 2026
CHICAGO MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN MAGNIFICENT MILE
THE 132nd CLLA NATIONAL CONVENTION
May 13-15, 2026
CHICAGO MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN MAGNIFICENT MILE
My Learned Friends,
As I approach the halfway mark of my presidency, the leaves are turning in Toronto. I am also thinking about the League and the wonderful journey that it has been to serve as your president. It has been a particular privilege to be the first non-American to serve in this role and to bring perhaps a slightly different perspective to the League. The salutation above “Learned Friends” may not be familiar to you. In US Courts lawyers are usually addressed as “Counsel.” In Canada, the Court will refer to lawyers as Counsel but if the lawyers appearing are referring to one another they use the term “my friend” or, in the instance of a senior lawyer with a King’s Counsel, “my learned friend.” It is a term of mutual respect and collegiality which I believe are the hallmarks of the League. I am happy and proud to consider all of you my learned friends.
Any organization that has been around for 130 years has a lot of traditions and institutional momentum. However, I think that one of the things that has kept the League dynamic is its ability to build on those traditions and also to embrace change and innovation.
These are exciting times for the League. The Briefing Room has been a great step forward in communicating with and amongst members. It is another way that we are building community and increasing social capital. New members are joining us and getting involved.
Our National Convention in Chicago is a wonderful event. Those of you who have attended know that already. If you haven’t then now is the time. Chicago is a wonderful city. It would be difficult to find another city in North America with better transportation connections. The League does a great job at scouting out hotels with awesome facilities and competitive prices. Once you are here the mix of educational opportunities, social engagement and business networking are amazing! Over the last few conventions, we have included Cubs games, our karaoke nights, some hilarious trivia contests and a beer barrel bus. And the city itself from the architecture to the food to the urban sounds of the “L” train screeching around the tracks. So much fun!
The Women’s Networking Luncheon will be back this year and my wife, Lisa, is working closely with staff on another wonderful event. Be sure to encourage your spouse/guest to attend. I can assure you it will be great!
This convention will mark the end of my term as President and the handing of the office to my friend Ben Farrow. Ben will be a great leader, and I am confident that he will continue the gains that the League has made over the past number of years.
I look forward to catching up with all of my Learned Friends in Chicago. See you there!
Richard Payne
2025-2026 CLLA President
Click Here to Download Program
My Learned Friends,
As I approach the halfway mark of my presidency, the leaves are turning in Toronto. I am also thinking about the League and the wonderful journey that it has been to serve as your president. It has been a particular privilege to be the first non-American to serve in this role and to bring perhaps a slightly different perspective to the League. The salutation above “Learned Friends” may not be familiar to you. In US Courts lawyers are usually addressed as “Counsel.” In Canada, the Court will refer to lawyers as Counsel but if the lawyers appearing are referring to one another they use the term “my friend” or, in the instance of a senior lawyer with a King’s Counsel, “my learned friend.” It is a term of mutual respect and collegiality which I believe are the hallmarks of the League. I am happy and proud to consider all of you my learned friends.
Any organization that has been around for 130 years has a lot of traditions and institutional momentum. However, I think that one of the things that has kept the League dynamic is its ability to build on those traditions and also to embrace change and innovation.
These are exciting times for the League. The Briefing Room has been a great step forward in communicating with and amongst members. It is another way that we are building community and increasing social capital. New members are joining us and getting involved.
Our National Convention in Chicago is a wonderful event. Those of you who have attended know that already. If you haven’t then now is the time. Chicago is a wonderful city. It would be difficult to find another city in North America with better transportation connections. The League does a great job at scouting out hotels with awesome facilities and competitive prices. Once you are here the mix of educational opportunities, social engagement and business networking are amazing! Over the last few conventions, we have included Cubs games, our karaoke nights, some hilarious trivia contests and a beer barrel bus. And the city itself from the architecture to the food to the urban sounds of the “L” train screeching around the tracks. So much fun!
The Women’s Networking Luncheon will be back this year and my wife, Lisa, is working closely with staff on another wonderful event. Be sure to encourage your spouse/guest to attend. I can assure you it will be great!
This convention will mark the end of my term as President and the handing of the office to my friend Ben Farrow. Ben will be a great leader, and I am confident that he will continue the gains that the League has made over the past number of years.
I look forward to catching up with all of my Learned Friends in Chicago. See you there!
Richard Payne
2025-2026 CLLA President
Michelle Garcia Gilbert, Esq.
CLLA National Education Chair
A Note from the Education Committee Chair
Here’s your chance to fulfill your CLE and CEU certification requirements by attending the educational programs throughout the event.
“As your National Education Committee Chair, I am excited to share details about the upcoming educational opportunities at the CLLA National Convention. This year’s convention promises to be an enriching experience with a diverse lineup of sessions designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in our ever-evolving industry.
As your National Education Chair, I encourage all members to take full advantage of the presentations the committee and sections have organized. Whether you are looking to expand your technical expertise, learn about the latest best practices, or network with fellow professionals, there is something for everyone.
I urge you to participate actively, engage with our speakers, and connect with your peers. Together, we can foster an environment of learning and collaboration that will benefit not only our individual practices but also the collective growth of our association.
Let’s make the most of this opportunity to learn, share, and innovate. I look forward to seeing you all in Chicago!”
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Cocktails and Conversations
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
Membership Breakfast & Networking
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
General Membership Lunch Buffet
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Women’s Empowerment & Networking Luncheon
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
The Commercial Law Feud Game, Part 2!
Back by popular demand, this fast-paced, hilarious, and competitive game show, pitting teams of CLLA members against each other as they try to guess the answers to survey questions!
Hosted by Timothy Wan
10:00 – Midnight
Karaoke/Dance Party
Get your dancing shoes ready, voice warmed up…join the New Members’ Section Executive Council and fellow colleagues to dance and sing your hearts out all while networking!
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast & Networking
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Chicago Pizza Tour—See Chicago One Slice at a Time!
Hop aboard a luxury bus for a guided tour to iconic Chicago pizzerias. You will enjoy multiple styles of pizza while visiting three locations.
Tour cost: $175 and includes roundtrip transportation, 1 slice of pizza and 1 beverage (beer/wine/soda) at each stop, plus dessert at the last stop and driver gratuity. Pre-registration is required through the convention registration process.
Michelle Garcia Gilbert, Esq.
CLLA National Education Chair
A Note from the Education Committee Chair
Here’s your chance to fulfill your CLE and CEU certification requirements by attending the educational programs throughout the event.
“As your National Education Committee Chair, I am excited to share details about the upcoming educational opportunities at the CLLA National Convention. This year’s convention promises to be an enriching experience with a diverse lineup of sessions designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in our ever-evolving industry.
As your National Education Chair, I encourage all members to take full advantage of the presentations the committee and sections have organized. Whether you are looking to expand your technical expertise, learn about the latest best practices, or network with fellow professionals, there is something for everyone.
I urge you to participate actively, engage with our speakers, and connect with your peers. Together, we can foster an environment of learning and collaboration that will benefit not only our individual practices but also the collective growth of our association.
Let’s make the most of this opportunity to learn, share, and innovate. I look forward to seeing you all in Chicago!”
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Cocktails and Conversations
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
Membership Breakfast & Networking
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
General Membership Lunch Buffet
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Women’s Empowerment & Networking Luncheon
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
The Commercial Law Feud Game, Part 2!
Back by popular demand, this fast-paced, hilarious, and competitive game show, pitting teams of CLLA members against each other as they try to guess the answers to survey questions!
Hosted by Timothy Wan
10:00 – Midnight
Karaoke/Dance Party
Get your dancing shoes ready, voice warmed up…join the New Members’ Section Executive Council and fellow colleagues to dance and sing your hearts out all while networking!
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast & Networking
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Chicago Pizza Tour—See Chicago One Slice at a Time!
Hop aboard a luxury bus for a guided tour to iconic Chicago pizzerias. You will enjoy multiple styles of pizza while visiting three locations.
Tour cost: $175 and includes roundtrip transportation, 1 slice of pizza and 1 beverage (beer/wine/soda) at each stop, plus dessert at the last stop and driver gratuity. Pre-registration is required through the convention registration process.
