Phi Alpha Delta’s hallmark event, the Biennial Convention & Leadership Conference will be held August 5-9, 2026 in Portland, OR.
Convention presents invaluable fraternal networking, professional growth, and leadership development opportunities for both student and alumni members.
Attendees benefit from keynote presentations and speakers; workshops; leadership development and diversity training; CLE credit opportunities; and networking and social events.
The theme for the 2026 Convention is: “Purpose Ignited: Connecting to Our Why. Building Our Way.” Together, we’ll explore the sparks that fuel our passion and the bonds that keep our fraternity strong through every challenge
and change. This is your chance to deepen your understanding of chapter operations, expand your professional network, and sharpen the skills to market yourself to future employers.
Join hundreds of P.A.D. law students and alumni, vendors, speakers and presenters, and more as they network over the week’s events. Convention is a great opportunity to meet people from across the country that specialize in
an array of practice fields and careers.
WORKSHOPS
Participate in a variety of legal education and profession-based workshops lead by field leaders and P.A.D. members. Topics include leadership development, financing your legal education, CLE courses, attorney and non-traditional
career panels, professionalism, firm and solo practice, and more.
DIVERSITY EDUCATION
P.A.D.’s DEI education offers skills training, tools, and resources to help prepare you for the day-to-day challenges faced as members, attorneys, and legal professionals. In being prepared, P.A.D. members can better support
and provide for the diverse needs of their chapters, fellow members, schools, professions, and communities.
AWARDS
National awards are presented to outstanding members, chapters, and leaders in P.A.D., the legal profession, and community. Attendees have the chance to meet P.A.D. award winning leaders and hear from prominent P.A.D. members.
SILENT AUCTION
One of our most successful fundraising events for the P.A.D. International Foundation has been the Biennial Convention Silent Auction. During Convention, attendees and guests bid on donations of P.A.D. attire (purple and gold
of course!), weekend getaways, tickets to a sporting event, or other items such as cigars, cooking lessons, restaurant gift cards, and more.
FRIENDSHIP & FRATERNALISM
Participate in receptions each night including a variety of ice breaker and social activities. Meet P.A.D.s from across the country that welcome members like family.
Pricing for the 2026 Convention is outlined below. If you have any questions about how you should register, please contact Chapter Operations Coordinator Xena Strench at xena@pad.org or 410-622-4234.
Please note our Member Rate pricing schedule (this is only applicable to the member rate; non-members are not included in tiered pricing):
Law Student Member Attendees:
Early Bird Rate (through December 31, 2025): $425.00
Regular Rate (January 1-July 10, 2026): $475.00
Late Registration (July 11, 2026-Event Start): $525.00
Alumni Member Attendees:
Early Bird Rate (through December 31, 2025): $550.00
Regular Rate (January 1-July 10, 2026): $600.00
Late Registration (July 11, 2026-Event Start): $650.00
All Other Attendees (other membership categories, guests): $550.00
Chapter Stipends: Each law and alumni chapter in good standing is eligible for a $400.00 chapter stipend, which can be applied to registration fees or used as travel expense reimbursement. Contact Executive Director Andrew Sagan
at andrew@pad.org for more information on utilizing this stipend.
Payment Plans: We offer deferred payment options and interest-free and customizable payment plans for anyone wishing to attend Convention. Plans are flexible in terms of due dates and amounts.
To enroll in a payment plan you must first register for Convention, then complete the payment plan form. Contact Chapter Operations Coordinator Xena Strench at xena@pad.org with payment plan questions.
Attendance Grants: Phi Alpha Delta offers a number of grants for members to attend Convention. Applications must be submitted by midnight Pacific Time on April 15, 2026.
The 2026 Convention agenda will be updated leading up to the Convention. Please use the agenda outline below to plan your attendance.
Key Volunteers should plan to arrive Tuesday, August 4. All other attendees should plan to arrive Wednesday, August 5 or early morning Thursday, August 6.
Italicized events are private functions and only open to select member groups. All other events are open to all registered attendees and guests.
(International Executive Board, International Tribunal, International Advisory Board, Council of International Chiefs, and District Justices Only)
General Session #1
Room TBD
10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Opening Procession & Ritual
Introductory Speaker
Volunteer Acknowledgement
Lunch
Room TBD
12:00-1:30 PM
The Gavel and the Guild: A Practical Primer on Robert's Rules of Order
Room TBD
1:30-2:00 PM
This session is a "crash course" designed for Phi Alpha Delta chapter leaders and district officers who want to move beyond the intimidation of parliamentary procedure and master the essential mechanics of a productive
meeting. We strip away the archaic jargon to focus on the "Big Four": making motions, managing amendments, controlling the floor, and protecting the rights of the minority while facilitating the will of the majority.
Whether you are chairing your first executive board meeting or navigating a complex district floor vote at Convention, this workshop will give you the confidence to wield the gavel with authority, efficiency, and fairness.
Concurrent Workshops #1
Rooms TBD
2:15-3:15 PM
The Art of the Pitch: Perfecting Your Tabling and Recruitment StrategyRecruitment is the lifeblood of a sustainable Phi Alpha Delta chapter, and a successful "pitch" is more than just a conversation—it is a
strategic masterclass in professional communication and brand management. This workshop equips chapter leaders with the tools to transform traditional tabling into a high-impact recruitment engine by refining the "elevator
pitch" and creating a cohesive visual and verbal identity for the chapter.
The Legal Professional’s Roadmap to Financial Empowerment (AccessLex)This session provides a comprehensive look at the unique financial trajectory of a legal career, from managing six-figure student debt to
building long-term wealth as a practicing attorney. Participants will explore strategic loan repayment options, including Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), while learning how
to balance aggressive debt reduction with essential life goals like emergency savings and retirement. Whether you are currently navigating law school refunds or managing a growing practice, this workshop offers data-driven
strategies to ensure your financial health remains as robust as your legal career.
Sidebar & Socials: Managing Your Digital Footprint & Brand IdentityIn the digital age, a Phi Alpha Delta chapter’s online presence serves as its virtual front door, often providing the first impression for prospective
members, law school administrations, and alumni. This workshop focuses on the strategic management of social media platforms and digital communication to build a cohesive brand identity that reflects P.A.D.’s professional
standards. Participants will learn how to balance the "social" with the "sidebar," ensuring that chapter content is engaging and modern while maintaining the decorum required of future legal professionals. By mastering
content curation, brand consistency, and digital crisis management, student leaders will learn to use their chapter’s digital footprint as a powerful tool for recruitment, engagement, and long-term professional networking.
Concurrent Workshops #2
Rooms TBD
3:30-4:30 PM
The Multi-Generational Mastermind: Building a Career That Outlasts the TrendsIn an era of rapid technological shifts and changing firm models, your most valuable career asset is not your technical knowledge,
but your professional ecosystem. This interactive workshop brings together law students and seasoned attorneys to decode the art of "reciprocal mentorship." We will explore how law students can provide digital and cultural
insights to senior practitioners, while veteran lawyers share the "unwritten rules" of courtroom decorum and client retention. By focusing on the Phi Alpha Delta network as a lifelong mastermind group, attendees will
learn how to cultivate a career-long brand that remains resilient through every stage of the legal lifecycle—from the first internship to the final partnership.
From Law School to Law Firm: Bridging the Gap through Chapter ProgrammingMastering the mechanics of a Phi Alpha Delta law chapter is the ultimate rehearsal for managing a successful law firm. This session focuses
on optimizing chapter operations—including executive board structure, professional event planning, and alumni relations—to function as a high-level professional organization.
The Agile Architect: Scalable Systems for Growing FirmsSolo and mid-sized leaders often hit a "growth ceiling" where they cannot take on more clients without sacrificing quality. This workshop focuses on leadership
through process design. Learn how to build a firm infrastructure that thrives on delegation, from vetting legal tech to creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) that allow you to lead your firm rather than
just work in it.
Beyond the Rules: Navigating the Intersection of Ethics and Courtroom CivilityIn the modern legal landscape, the line between aggressive advocacy and professional misconduct is often thinner than it appears.
While the Model Rules of Professional Conduct provide a floor for behavior, true "courtroom civility" demands a much higher ceiling. This session moves past the black-letter law to explore the nuances of judicial expectations
and the ethical pitfalls that can derail a trial—and a career.
Join two judges for an unvarnished look from the bench at how civility (or the lack thereof) influences judicial rulings, jury perception, and the integrity of the legal profession. This workshop is designed for law
students and practitioners alike who seek to master the "unwritten rules" of the courtroom.
The Mock Chapter Project: What Would You Do?
The Collective Defense: Resolving Complex Chapter Dynamics
Room TBD
4:45-5:30 PM
Purple & Gold Party
Room TBD
6:30-9:00 PM
Board Games, Trivia Night, Fun Contests/Raffle with P.A.D. prizes, District Competitions, Announcement of Programming Awards.
Ritual in Memory of Our Deceased P.A.D. Brothers, Sisters, and Siblings
Lunch
Room TBD
11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Chapter Officer Awards
Nominations Committee Meeting
Room TBD
1:00-6:00 PM
General Session #3
Room TBD
1:00-2:00 PM
Major Award Presentation/Speaker
Rules Report
Audit and Finance Report
The P.A.D. Power-Hour: Generational Speed Networking
Room TBD
2:00-3:00 PM
This session transforms traditional networking into a series of rapid-fire "strategic briefings" between seasoned attorney members and aspiring law students. Utilizing a six-minute rotation format, the Power-Hour breaks
down generational barriers by facilitating intentional dialogue on everything from firm culture and technological innovation to the "unwritten rules" of the legal profession. By providing participants with curated prompts
and a fast-paced environment, this session eliminates the awkwardness of cold introductions, ensuring that every student walks away with a expanded professional circle and every attorney identifies the next generation
of legal talent within the fraternity.
CLE: The Algorithmic Advocate: Navigating the Ethical Frontier of AI in Legal Practice
Room TBD
3:00-4:00 PM
As Artificial Intelligence transitions from a futuristic concept to a fundamental tool in the modern law office, attorneys must reconcile rapid technological adoption with their non-delegable ethical duties. This session
provides a practical roadmap for maintaining professional responsibility in an automated age, specifically addressing the challenges of generative AI, predictive analytics, and automated discovery.
The District Command Center: Strategic Oversight & Rapid Response Leadership – For District Justices and Assistant District Justices
Room TBD
3:00-4:00 PM
District Justices must evolve from mere troubleshooters to strategic architects of district success. This interactive 60-minute session provides a deep dive into the "Command Center" approach to district management, focusing
on the dual priorities of chapter stabilization and proactive growth. Through a series of "real-world" simulation drills, DJs and ADJs will practice navigating common district crises—from executive board collapses to
declining recruitment—while sharing best practices for maintaining consistent communication across geographically dispersed chapters.
The Unofficial Boardroom: Building Your Lateral Network
Room TBD
3:00-4:00 PM
Some of the most powerful connections in Phi Alpha Delta aren't made in formal committee meetings, but in the "unofficial" spaces where real stories are shared. This session is designed for students who want to turn their
convention experience into a lifelong professional support system. We will skip the formalities and dive straight into the shared challenges of the law school grind, from managing the "imposter syndrome" of 1L year
to navigating a competitive job market. Through a series of rapid-fire group discussions, you will connect with peers from across the country to swap "survival" strategies, share resources, and build a resilient network
of colleagues who understand exactly what it takes to get to the JD.
The 2026 Convention will take place at the Hilton Portland Downtown. We have secured a room rate of $199/night for this event (rate is available August 4-9, 2026). Deadline to book your room is Friday, July 10, 2026.
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International formally acknowledges the land of Indigenous peoples on which the 2026 Phi Alpha Delta Biennial Convention is located. Read the full land acknowledgement statement.
Portland is home to a number of museums, arts venues, professional and local sports teams, fine dining, and countless activities for visitors of all ages. For more information about attractions and activities in Portland, visit
https://www.travelportland.com/.
Phi Alpha Delta is the world’s preeminent law fraternity because of our dedication to service: service to the student, the school, the profession, and the community.
It is through devotion to the ideals of compassion, courage, diversity, innovation, integrity, professionalism, and service that we better both our profession and our community. Through accepting our differences we become not just a law fraternity, but a family.
