NAABA 2026Conference
Rooted in Heritage, Leading with Purpose
Join Arab American attorneys, judges, law students, and legal professionals from across the country for substantive programming, national networking, and the National Leadership Dinner.
Conference Details
About the Conference
NAABA’s inaugural national Conference will bring together Arab American attorneys, judges, law students, legal professionals, and allies for substantive programming, meaningful networking, and national connection.
Friday features the CLE Networking Conference from 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, an 11:30 AM networking lunch, and the National Leadership Dinner. CLE credits are pending. More than 20 states and 30+ speakers are expected.
Thursday, September 24
Welcome Reception
Kick Off the Inaugural NAABA Conference
Join conference attendees from across the country for an opening evening of networking and connection before Friday’s CLE Networking Conference and National Leadership Dinner.
Friday, September 25
CLE Networking Conference
Registration & Breakfast begin at 8:00 AM. Networking Lunch is at 11:30 AM. CLE credits are pending.
A full day of substantive CLE programming, networking, and conversations addressing issues impacting Arab American attorneys and the broader legal profession.
Friday CLE Conference Agenda
September 25 · ChicagoConference Registration & Breakfast
Sponsored by ZC Settlement Advisors · Jessica El Massry, CSSC
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Women Trailblazers in the Arab American Legal Community
Moderator: Sandra Frantzen, NAABA President, McAndrews Held & Malloy
Panelists: Brenda Abedallal, Dalal Hasan, Soujoud Hamade, Marvet Sweis Drnovsek, Chahira Sohl
Coffee & Networking Break
Sponsored by The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm
Arab American Judges: Views from the Bench
Moderator: Mona Naser, Carlson Dash
Panelists: Hon. Mohammad Ahmad, Hon. Mariam Bazzi, Hon. Hanni Fakhoury, Hon. Fadel Nalbisi
Networking Lunch
Sponsored by Premier Pain Solutions
Beyond the Courtroom: Activism and Impact in the Arab American Legal Community
Moderator: Ban Al-Wardi, Law Offices of Ban Al-Wardi
Panelists: Ali Alsarraf, Rami Jabara, Sammy Mansour, Ryan Suto, Houeida Saad
Voices of In-House Counsel: What Outside Counsel Need to Know
Moderator: Donna Haddad, Executive in Residence, Northwestern University
Panelists: Lulu Seikaly, Anwar Shatat, Noor Bahhur
Coffee & Networking Break
Sponsored by Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden Immigration Attorneys
Emerging Leaders: Recognizing and Encouraging New Generations of Arab American Attorneys
Moderator: Joseph-John Homsy, Arnett Law Group, Arab American Bar of Illinois
Panelists: Soumdous Bouchouar, Gabriel Khoury, Leah Rizkallah, Neda Shaheen, Oday Yousif
Rainmaking: Building Your Book
Moderator: Ramie Shalabi, Founding Partner, Dayson Shalabi Burkett Law Firm
Panelists: Rammy Barbari, Sandra Hanna, Sarah Razaq Sallis, Michael Zogby
Concluding Remarks
Agenda and speaker participation are subject to change. CLE accreditation is pending in select states.
Friday, September 25
National Leadership Dinner
Join us for an evening of connection, recognition, and national community following Friday’s CLE Networking Conference.
National Leadership Dinner Keynote Speaker
Fadwa Hammoud
Detroit Managing Member, Miller Johnson · Former Solicitor General of Michigan
Fadwa Hammoud is a nationally recognized attorney and former Chief Deputy Attorney General and Solicitor General of Michigan. She made history as the first Arab American Muslim Solicitor General in the United States and the first Arab American Muslim woman to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Recognition
Distinguished Service Award Recipients
Honoring organizations whose service has strengthened and advanced the Arab American community.
Arab American Family Services
NNAAC
Plan Your Stay
Hotel & Travel
voco Chicago Downtown is NAABA’s primary hotel and the National Leadership Dinner venue. The Courtyard by Marriott is an additional hotel option. Both group rates are approximately $249 per night.
voco Chicago Downtown — The Riverwalk
An IHG Hotel
350 W. Wolf Point Plaza, Building 1
Chicago, IL 60654
Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown / River North
30 East Hubbard Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Book early: Group rates and room availability are limited.
Support the Conference
Sponsorship Opportunities
Reach a national network of Arab American attorneys, judges, law students, and legal professionals from more than 20 states.
Legacy
$10,00010 tickets · premier recognition
Leadership
$7,5008 tickets · dinner and digital recognition
Justice
$5,0005 tickets · verbal and digital recognition
Community
$2,0002 tickets · program listing
Individual
$1,0001 ticket · program listing
| Benefit | Legacy | Leadership | Justice | Community | Individual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment | $10,000 | $7,500 | $5,000 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Conference + National Leadership Dinner tickets* | 10 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Conference program listing | Priority | ◆ | ◆ | ◆ | ◆ |
| Sponsor-board logo | Prominent | ◆ | ◆ | — | — |
| Verbal dinner recognition | ◆ | ◆ | ◆ | — | — |
| Name and logo displayed at dinner | Prominent | ◆ | — | — | — |
| Email, website and social-media recognition | ◆ | ◆ | ◆ | — | — |
| Distribute approved materials at Conference | ◆ | ◆ | ◆ | — | — |
* Tickets are available upon request. For questions or customized opportunities, contact Sponsorship Chair Ramie Shalabi at rs@dsblawfirm.com.
Underwriting Opportunities
Build the Future With Us
Why Support NAABA?
Help launch a national tradition and strengthen Arab American leadership in the legal profession.
Connection
Connect with attorneys, judges, law students, and legal leaders nationwide.
Leadership
Advance mentorship, professional development, and future legal leaders.
Visibility
Place your organization before a growing national professional network.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Conference Sponsors & Underwriters
Select a sponsor logo to visit its website.
McAndrews
Dayson Shalabi Burkett Law Firm
Justice Sponsor
Steptoe LLP
Event Sponsors & Underwriters
Meal, beverage, and event photography support for Conference attendees.
Premier Pain Solutions
Jessica El Massry, CSSC
Florida Probate & Family Law Firm
Shamieh Shamieh Ternieden
Aqel & Associates, PLLC
Community Sponsors
Mattia & Yousif Law
Foley Hoag LLP
Crowell & Moring LLP
MSD Injury Lawyers, LLC
The Hon. William Haddad (Ret.)
The Law Offices of Matthew M. Fakhoury
Donna Haddad &
George Conopeotis
Rami & Jenna Jabara
Individual Sponsors
Helpful Information
Frequently Asked Questions
When does early-bird pricing end?
Early-bird registration pricing has been extended through August 22, 2026. Space is limited, and attendees are encouraged to register promptly.
Where will the Welcome Reception take place?
The Welcome Reception will be held at McAndrews, 500 W. Madison Street in Chicago, beginning at 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 24.
Are hotel rooms guaranteed?
No. Both hotel room blocks are subject to availability. The voco is NAABA’s primary conference hotel, and attendees are encouraged to reserve promptly.
Where will the National Leadership Dinner take place?
The National Leadership Dinner will be held at voco Chicago Downtown — The Riverwalk on Friday, September 25 at 6:30 PM.
What is included in Friday’s Conference?
Friday’s CLE Networking Conference will be held at McDermott Will & Schulte, 444 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL, with CLE programming from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Registration and breakfast begin at 8:00 AM, and the networking lunch is at 11:30 AM. CLE credits are pending.
Can I attend only the National Leadership Dinner?
Available conference, dinner, member, non-member, and law-student registration options are listed on NAABA’s registration page.
Are refunds available?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for Conference registrations or tickets. We appreciate your understanding and encourage attendees to confirm their plans before registering.
Registration Is Now Open
Early-bird pricing has been extended through August 22, 2026. Register now to take advantage of the discounted rate.
Sponsorship Link