SESSION ONE: A New Power Balance? How Changed Federal Leadership Might Affect District Governance
Moderator: Mark Segraves, investigative reporter, WTOP Radio
Speakers: Charlotte Brookins-Hudson, visiting professor, University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and former general counsel for the Council of the District of Columbia; Mark Plotkin, political commentator and analyst, WTOP Radio; Walter A. Smith, Jr., executive director, D.C. Appleseed Center for Law & Justice; Thomas J. Spulak, partner, King & Spalding.
Because of its unique relationship with the federal government, the District of Columbia could be significantly affected by the shift in power in Congress and the White House. Congress has oversight of the District's laws and budget while the President appoints all of its judges. Will this leadership change alter the balance of power between the federal and District governments? Could the District gain more control over matters affecting its interests? A panel of distinguished speakers will explore how the new majority might affect the District's voting representation in Congress, court funding, budget autonomy, tax issues, and more.
SESSION TWO: Appointing the Third Branch: What's Ahead for the District's Federal Judiciary?
Moderator: Brooksley E. Born, retired partner, Arnold & Porter LLP and member, District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission
Speakers: James G. Flood, shareholder, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP; Karl A. Racine, managing partner, Venable LLP, and member, District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission; Pauline A. Schneider, partner, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP and past president, District of Columbia Bar.
The composition of the federal judiciary has been a hot topic in electoral contests for some time. With a new administration in the White House and changes in Congress, can change in the bench be far behind? A panel of experienced bench watchers will discuss what may lie ahead for the District in terms of the judicial selection process and what impact changes on the federal bench might have on the practice of law and the legal profession.
