2026 ABA Midyear Meeting
Events
2026 ABA Midyear Meeting
The NCWBA is headed to San Antonio for the 2026 ABA Midyear Meeting, and we are bringing a full slate of programming designed to support leadership development, connection, and the well-being of women in the legal profession. Whether you are an NCWBA member or just looking for inspiration, we hope you will join us for the upcoming programming.
Thursday, February 5: Ladder Down Program
Our Midyear kicks off late Thursday afternoon with the Ladder Down Program, co-hosted by Texas Women Lawyers and the Bexar County Women’s Bar Association. This event, held at the St. Mary’s University School of Law, will focus on leadership, development, and mentorship for women lawyers.
Panelists
- Hon. Debra Lehrmann, Senior Justice, Texas Supreme Court
- Lisa Tatum, Owner of LM Tatum, PLLC & Past President of the State Bar of Texas
- Patricia Roberts, Dean, St. Mary’s University School of Law
- Elena Kraus, Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer of Whataburger
Moderator
Deborah Cordova, Founding Member of Walsh McGurk Cordova Nixon, and NCWBA Treasurer
You won’t want to miss this panel discussion honoring women in law who support the next generation. Join us at 4:00pm at the St. Mary’s University School of Law, Sarita Kenedy East Law Library, Law Commons. Reception to follow.
Friday, February 6: Leadership, Community, and Well-Being
Friday afternoon offers back-to-back opportunities to engage with other NCWBA member organizations and women bar leaders:
Bar Leadership Mentoring Circles
1:30 – 2:30 PM – Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk – Seguin A/B
In small, facilitated circles, participants will have the opportunity to share insights, discuss leadership challenges, and receive guidance from a network of experienced bar leaders. This program fosters meaningful connections, encourages peer learning, and supports the development of skills and strategies to advance your leadership within your local and national bar communities.
NCWBA Meet & Greet
2:30 – 3:30 PM – Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk – Republic A
All bar leaders attending ABA Midyear are welcome — whether or not your organization is a current NCWBA member. This informal gathering is a chance to connect with peers and explore how NCWBA can support your organization’s work. This year’s Meet & Greet also offers a unique opportunity to meet NCWBA’s ABA Delegate, Jeanne Marie Clavere, who will be available to discuss ABA initiatives and the continued importance of having the voice of women’s bar associations represented in the ABA House of Delegates.
Lessons in Resilience: A Marathon, Not a Sprint with Jennifer Rosatao Perea
3:30 – 4:30 PM – Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk – Bonham B
Presented with the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ), this session explores building resilience in the legal system. Resilience isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about staying the course. In Lessons in Resilience: A Marathon, Not a Sprint, Jennifer Rosato Perea reflects on the challenges, setbacks, and perseverance that shape lasting leadership, offering thoughtful takeaways on sustaining momentum and purpose over time.
Planning Your Trip to the 2026 ABA Midyear
The NCWBA recommends completing the FREE registration for the ABA Midyear Meeting and taking advantage of the discounted hotels through the ABA. Staying at one of these hotels offers convenient access to the meeting venues and enhances the overall experience of attending the Midyear Meeting. There is no separate registration required to attend the NCWBA events!
We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio as we gather to connect, collaborate, and continue advancing women’s leadership in the profession.