(All events will take place at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill unless otherwise noted.)

Jump to Optional Tuesday Events, Wednesday Events, or Thursday Events.

TUESDAY, April 21

8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
SUPREME COURT BREAKFAST/SWEARING-IN CEREMONY
United States Supreme Court

Participants will be selected on a first come, first served basis from among ABA Day participants who registered before March 15, 2009 and who scheduled their Hill visits in advance. Lawyers interested in seeking admission to the U.S. Supreme Court must complete the necessary paperwork posted on the Court's website and forward all completed materials to Julie Strandlie, Esq. American Bar Association Governmental Affairs Office, 740 15th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005. Completed applications must be received at the ABA office on or before March 15, 2009.

4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION
Hall of Battles, Ballroom Level

Pick up meeting materials and “leave-behind” folders for Congressional visits

7:00 p.m. Reception/8:00 p.m. Dinner
WELCOME DINNER/CONGRESSIONAL AWARDS
Jones Day Law Firm
51 Louisiana Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001-2113

Join colleagues from around the country for a relaxing Reception and Welcome Dinner at Jones Day Law Firm, just around the corner from the Hyatt and with a spectacular view of the Capitol. The Dinner is at individual expense, underwritten by the ABA Governmental Affairs Office.

Schedule Change this Year: ABA President H. Thomas Wells, Jr. will present the Congressional Awards to Selected Members of Congress in appreciation for their specific efforts to improve the American justice system. The ABA president has previously presented these awards at the Wednesday evening reception.

WEDNESDAY, April 22

6:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
REGISTRATION
Hall of Battles, Ballroom Level

7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
OPENING SESSION
Yorktown/Valley Forge, Ballroom Level

(A hearty/healthy Buffet Breakfast will be served starting at 7:00 a.m.)

Please consider sitting with other ABA Day Participants from the same State, as designated by the placards on each table.

WELCOME TO WASHINGTON

Laurel G. Bellows, Chair, "ABA Day" Planning Committee; Bellows & Bellows PC, Chicago, Illinois

REMARKS BY THE ABA PRESIDENT

H. Thomas Wells, Jr., ABA President, Birmingham, Alabama

LEGISLATIVE TRAINING/ISSUES BRIEFING

This plenary session will address the legislative priorities that will be the primary focus of our Hill Visits:

• Legal Services Corporation Funding, including adequate annual and supplemental disaster relief funding
• TBD
• TBD

CALL TO ACTION

H. Thomas Wells, Jr., ABA President, Birmingham, Alabama

CLOSING REMARKS

Laurel G. Bellows, Chair, "ABA Day" Planning Committee; Bellows & Bellows PC, Chicago, Illinois

10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
FINAL HILL VISIT PREPARATIONS (Optional)
Yorktown/Valley Forge, Ballroom Level

Meet with colleagues from your State to discuss final preparations and strategies for your Hill visits. (No room change.)

10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
HILL VISITS
Capitol Hill

The ABA strongly encourages ABA Day participants to visit as many Members of Congress as time permits, including your own Senators and Representative, in particular, as well as others with whom you may have a close relationship. Be sure to schedule your last appointment for no later than 5:00 p.m. to ensure your arrival at the Reception between 5:45 p.m. Award presentations are expected to begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. See TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION below.

12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
"ABA HEADQUARTERS ON THE HILL"
Reserve Officers Association
Minuteman Ballroom B
One Constitution Ave., NE
Washington, DC 20002

Stop by the ABA's "Headquarters on the Hill" between or after meetings with your Members of Congress. Please take this opportunity to submit your Hill Visit Reports online, or drop off your written "Hill Visit Report Forms." Beverages and snacks will be served.

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
CAPITOL HILL RECEPTION
TBD

ABA President H. Thomas Wells, Jr. and others will present the 2009 Grassroots Advocacy Awards to the following organizations and individuals:

Honorees TBD

8:15 p.m.
DINE AROUND TOWN

Washington, D.C., offers an extensive array of fine dining. Take advantage of this opportunity to have dinner with bar colleagues from across the country. Visit www.opentable.com to plan your evening.

THURSDAY, April 23

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Please arrive at the Capitol Hill breakfast before 8:00 a.m. See TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION below.

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
BREAKFAST BRIEFING
TBD

Join ABA and Congressional Leaders for breakfast. Invited Members of Congress discuss the legislative agenda for the new 111th Congress and how the organized bar can make a difference. Please schedule your first Hill Visit accordingly to allow you to remain for his presentation.

Remarks:
H. Thomas Wells, Jr., ABA President, Birmingham, Alabama

Speakers:
TBD

Closing Remarks:
Laurel G. Bellows, Chair, "ABA Day" Planning Committee; Bellows & Bellows PC, Chicago, Illinois

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
HILL VISITS, continued
Capitol Hill

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
"ABA HEADQUARTERS ON THE HILL"
Reserve Officers Association
Minuteman Ballroom B
One Constitution Ave., NE
Washington, DC 20002

Stop by the ABA's "Headquarters on the Hill" between or after meetings with your Members of Congress. Please take this opportunity to submit your Hill Visit Reports online, or drop off your written "Hill Visit Report Forms." ABA GAO staff will be available to answer your questions and provide additional briefing materials. Box lunches and refreshments will be served.

TRANSPORTATION: Taxi/Metro . . .

From the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill to Hill Visits: Taxis are available at the New Jersey Avenue hotel entrance. The Senate office buildings are also within easy walking distance.

A Capitol Hill map is also included in the 2009 ABA Congressional Directory.

ABA DAY IN WASHINGTON 2009 Co-Sponsored by:

ABA Section Officers Conference
ABA Young Lawyers Division
National Association of Bar Executives
National Conference of Bar Presidents

Coordinated by the ABA Governmental Affairs Office