_edited.png){kind=small}
Continuing Education Panels
The Annual Conference will showcase a series of distinguished panels featuring renowned experts from across legal, political, and leadership fields. Attendees will leave with valuable knowledge, actionable strategies, and accredited hours toward their continuing legal education.
IMMIGRATION POLICY:
A CHANGING LANDSCAPE
10:00 A.m. - 11:00 A.M.
MELISSA CHUA
LENNI BENSON
Director, ImmigraNt protection unit, NEW YORK LEGAL ASSISTANCE GROUP
Distinguished Chair in Immigration and Human Rights Law, NY LAW SCHOOL
AVIDEH MOUSSAVIAN
IMMIGRATION LAW AND POLICY FELLOW,
CORNELL LAW SCHOOL
Immigration policy affecting Iranian nationals has undergone rapid and significant change, creating new challenges for individuals, families, and their advocates. This panel examines how recent executive actions, travel restrictions, heightened screening, and changing adjudication policies are reshaping immigration processes for the Iranian community. Panelists will also discuss emerging legal issues and practical advocacy strategies for responding to increased government scrutiny.
ACCESS TO JUSTICE:
LAW, POLICY, and PRACTICE
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m
Judge Joanne QUIÑONES
BITTA MOSTOFI
Justice of the New York Supreme Court
SPECIAL ADVISOR,
NYC MAYOR's OFFICE
ELHAM YOUSSEFIAN
DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL REFUGEE ASSISTANCE PROJECT
PANEL SPONSOR: Mojdehi Galvin Rego LLP
Justice for all requires a legal system that is fair, accessible, and responsive to every community. This panel examines how courts, government, and public-interest advocates work together to promote fairness and accountability, safeguard civil rights, strengthen public institutions, and develop practical strategies for representing clients who face systemic and institutional barriers.
PROTECTING THE VOTE:
1:15 P.m. - 2:15 p.m
REDISTRICTING AND REPRESENTATION
Sean Morales-DOYLE
SENIOR DIRECTOR, Voting rights & elections, Brennan Center for Justice
SARA ROHANI
ASSISTANT COUNSEL
NAACP LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
ANNA BALDWIN
DIRECTOR, Voting rights LITIGATION, CAMPAIGN LEGAL CENTER
This panel explores the evolution of the Voting Rights Act and redistricting law, from its historical roots in the Reconstruction Era to recent Supreme Court challenges. Experts will analyze how landmark decisions, especially the 2026 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, have fundamentally shifted the legal requirements for proving voting discrimination in redistricting. The session concludes by addressing the practical impacts of this new legal frontier.
AI AND THE LAW
INNOVATION AND RESPONSIBILITY
2:25 P.m. - 3:25 p.m
DAVID KHALILY
SENIOR PRIVACY AND AI COUNSEL, HARVEY
ELHAM TABASSI
DIRECTOR, AI AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY INITITATIVE, THE BROOKINGS INSTITUTION
MEHDI ANSARI
Partner, SULLIVAN & CROMWELL LLP
AI presents fundamental challenges and opportunities for the legal profession. This panel will examine the practical implications of AI for accountability, professional responsibility, and cybersecurity, as well as the ways emerging technologies are reshaping legal practice. Panelists will also explore how these changes may affect lawyers differently across the public and private sectors, at different stages of their careers, and in settings ranging from large organizations to solo practices.