BRAWW Law attorney Robert Rigrish recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the 2025 Federalist Society National Lawyers Convention, a three-day program bringing together judges, scholars, policymakers, and practitioners for in-depth discussions on significant legal and constitutional issues shaping the national conversation.
The convention, held annually in Washington, D.C., offered an opportunity for legal professionals to engage directly with thought leaders from across the judicial and academic landscape. Each day included panels, keynote dialogues, and roundtable discussions on topics ranging from free speech to administrative law, civil rights enforcement, and the evolving structure of business courts.
While some media outlets characterized the event in political terms, Robert noted that the on-the-ground experience was more focused on legal analysis, judicial philosophy, and the practical implications of emerging legal questions.
Highlights from the Convention
- Free Speech & Antisemitism Panel: One of the most widely attended discussions featured U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who introduced a panel addressing free speech challenges and the rise of antisemitism from across the political spectrum. The panel included remarks from Eleventh Circuit Judge Lisa Branch, who spoke poignantly about recent judicial visits to Israel following the events of October 7.
- The Hon. Robert H. Bork Memorial Roundtable: A signature event of the convention, the Bork Memorial Roundtable, focused on evolving First Amendment issues and current litigation trends.
- Supreme Court Justices in Attendance: The Justice Scalia Memorial Dinner drew significant attention, with U.S. Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh participating in the evening’s program. Their remarks, widely covered in national media, addressed the Court’s term, judicial temperament, and the complexity of the Court’s current docket.
- Strong Representation from the Eleventh Circuit: Several judges from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, including Judges William Pryor, Britt Grant, Lisa Branch, and Kevin Newsom, played prominent roles throughout the event. Judge Newsom’s participation on a panel addressing artificial intelligence and the courts underscored how rapidly AI-related cases are emerging across federal dockets.
- A Timely Panel on Business Courts & State Competition: Another notable session explored the increasing number of corporations reevaluating their state of incorporation, a conversation intensified by recent headline-grabbing cases in Delaware. The panel examined Texas’s rapidly expanding system of Business Courts and the growing trend of companies reincorporating in other states, such as Nevada, Georgia, and Texas. News that Coinbase intends to shift its incorporation from Delaware to Texas added real-time relevance to the discussion. This trend continues to raise important questions about corporate governance standards, litigation climate, and the future of Delaware’s dominance in the corporate law landscape.
A Valuable Opportunity for Legal Insights
Robert returned to Atlanta with renewed perspective on the evolving intersection of constitutional principles, business regulation, and the federal judiciary. By engaging directly with national thought leaders, he gained valuable insight into issues that impact our clients, particularly those navigating regulatory change, governance considerations, or complex litigation environments.
BRAWW Law is proud to support our attorneys as they continue to engage with the broader legal community and bring back the knowledge needed to guide and advocate for our clients at the highest level.