2026 Biennial Convention
66th Biennial Convention & Leadership Conference
August 5-9, 2026
“Purpose Ignited: Connecting to Our Why. Building Our Way.”

About Convention

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.

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Emblems & Symbols

Logo

#PADCon2026

FJW Banquet

Awards

Attendee Pin

Great Seal

Pricing

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

LAW STUDENT MEMBER

$425

  • Registration includes:
  • Convention Sessions & Materials
  • Convention Evening Social Events
  • Awards Banquet
  • Breakfast & Lunch Thursday-Saturday
Register

ALUMNI MEMBER

$550

  • Registration includes:
  • Convention Sessions & Materials
  • Convention Evening Social Events
  • Awards Banquet
  • Breakfast & Lunch Thursday-Saturday
Register

ALL OTHER ATTENDEES

$550

  • Registration includes:
  • Breakfast & Lunch Thursday-Saturday
  • Convention Evening Social Events
  • Awards Banquet
Register

Funding Assistance

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.

Set Up a Payment Plan


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.

Learn More and Apply for a Grant

Tentative Agenda

Times listed are Eastern Time.

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 Pre-Convention Meeting: General Session and Executive Session
Skyline III
10:00 AM-3:30 PM
International Tribunal Meeting
Park
2:30-3:30 PM

International Tribunal Only

Attendee Check-In/Distribution of Voting Cards
Grand Ballroom Foyer
2:30-4:00 PM
Purple & Gold Party
Skyline II
7:30-9:00 PM

Host Committee Welcome

P.A.D. Health Initiative Morning Workout
Abigail's Hideaway
6:30-7:30 AM
Continental Breakfast
Pavilion Ballroom
8:00-9:00 AM
Attendee Check-In/Distribution of Voting Cards
Grand Ballroom Foyer
8:30-10:00 AM
District Meetings: Nomination Committee Selection
See your District Justice for room assignment.
9:00-9:30 AM
Robing of International Officers
Galleria III
9:45-10:30 AM

(International Executive Board, International Tribunal, International Advisory Board, Council of International Chiefs, and District Justices Only)

General Session #1
Grand Ballroom I & II
10:30 AM-12:00 PM

  • Opening Procession & Ritual
  • Introductory Speaker
  • Volunteer Acknowledgement

Networking Lunch
Pavilion Ballroom
12:00-1:15 PM

Executive Director Andrew Sagan - Purpose Ignited.

The Gavel and the Guild: A Practical Primer on Robert's Rules of Order
Grand Ballroom I & II
1:15-2:00 PM

Presented by Jhanalyn Blount, International Marshal (Robinson Chapter)
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 listed below
2:15-3:15 PM

The Art of the Pitch: Perfecting Your Tabling and Recruitment Strategy Presented by Oscar Dudus & Natalie Irula (Jackson Chapter), P.A.D. Deputy Director Katie Borland, CAE, and P.A.D. Chapter Operations Coordinator Xena Settle
Room: Directors Suite

Recruitment 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 Presented by Teria Thornton, J.D., AFC, CDP - AccessLex
Room: Studio Suite

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 Identity Presented by Casey Harrison, Polished Strategic Communications
Room: Forum Suite

In 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 listed below
3:30-4:30 PM

From Law School to Law Firm: Bridging the Gap through Chapter Programming Presented by District XXXII Justice Jamy Barreau (Bradwell Chapter) and P.A.D. Director of Training and Growth LaShatá Grayson, M.S. Ed
Room: Directors Suite

Mastering 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.

CLE: The Agile Architect: Scalable Systems for Growing Firms Presented by Hong Dao, Director of Practice Management Assistance Program - Oregon State Bar Professional Liability Fund
Room: Studio Suite

Solo 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 Professionalism and Courtroom Civility Presented by Hon. Scott Peters (Dunbar Chapter) and Hon. Kimberly Gallant (Russell Chapter)
Room: Forum Suite

In 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 Judge Scott Peters and Judge Kimberly Gallant 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

Grand Ballroom I & II
4:45-5:30 PM

Moderated by P.A.D. Director of Training & Growth LaShatá Grayson, M.S. Ed

Stanley H. Kohn Reception
Atrium Ballroom
6:30-8:00 PM

Members are encouraged to bring stickers, pins or other fun items to trade with fellow brothers, sisters and siblings.

Candidate Declaration Deadline
9:00 PM

If you intend to run for the International Executive Board or International Tribune, please submit your name to Executive Director Andrew Sagan.


Seersucker Friday and Silent Auction

P.A.D. Health Initiative Morning Workout
Abigail's Hideaway
6:30-7:30 AM
Continental Breakfast
Pavilion Ballroom
8:00-9:00 AM
Seersucker Photo
Grand Ballroom I & II
9:00-9:30 AM
Silent Auction
Galleria III
9:00-9:30 AM
General Session #2
Grand Ballroom I & II
10:00-11:30 AM

  • State of the Fraternity
  • Nominations Committee Charge
  • Electronic Voting Demo
  • DEIAC Report
  • LSAC Report
  • DJAC Report
  • History Committee Report
  • Ritual in Memory of Our Deceased P.A.D. Brothers, Sisters, and Siblings

Awards Luncheon
Pavilion Ballroom
11:30 AM-1:00 PM

Chapter Officer & Programming Awards

Nominations Committee Meeting
Galleria I
1:00-6:00 PM
General Session #3
Grand Ballroom I & II
1:00-2:00 PM

  • Major Award Presentation/Speaker
  • Rules Report
  • Audit and Finance Report

The P.A.D. Power-Hour: Generational Speed Networking
Forum Suite
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.

Concurrent Workshops #3
Rooms listed below
3:00-4:30 PM

CLE: The Algorithmic Advocate: Navigating the Ethical Frontier of AI in Legal Practice Presented by David J. Elkanich, Managing Partner and Olivia A. Courogen, Associate with Buchalter – Portland Office
Room: Studio Suite

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 Presented by P.A.D. Deputy Director Katie Borland, CAE
Room: Directors Suite

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 Presented by P.A.D. Director of Training & Growth LaShatá Grayson, M.S. Ed
Room: Forum Suite

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.

Optional: Community Service Event
4:00-6:00 PM
General Session #4
Grand Ballroom I & II
6:30-7:00 PM

Nominations Committee Report

Game On: P.A.D. Pizza & Trivia Night!
Skyline II
6:30-7:00 PM

No plans in Portland tonight? No problem. Grab a slice, team up with new friends, and put your trivia knowledge to the test! It’s going to be a fantastic night of casual networking, board games, and great conversation. (This is a dry event—fuel provided by pizza and competitive spirit!)

P.A.D. Health Initiative Morning Workout
Abigail's Hideaway
6:30-7:30 AM
Continental Breakfast
Pavilion Ballroom
8:00-9:00 AM
General Session #5
Grand Ballroom I & II
9:00-10:15 AM

  • Foundation Report
  • Strategic Plan Report
  • Major Award Presentation

Alumni Panel: The Multi-Generational Mastermind: Building a Career That Outlasts the Trends
In 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.

Group Photo
Grand Ballroom I & II
10:30-11:00 AM
Recognition Lunch
Pavilion Ballroom
11:30 AM-1:00 PM

In Honor of Members of the Distinguished Service Chapter, International Advisory Board, and Council of International Chiefs

General Session #6
Grand Ballroom I & II
1:00-4:30 PM

  • Resolutions Report
  • Keynote Speaker
  • Elections for International Executive Board and International Tribunal

Fraternal Hour
Pavilion Foyer
6:00-7:00 PM
The Fredrick J. Weitkamp P.A.D. International Awards Banquet
Pavilion Ballroom
7:00-9:00 PM

Swearing-In of 2026-2028 International Executive Board and International Tribunal

International Executive Board Post-Convention Meeting
Skyline III
9:30 AM-12:30 PM
Banner and Auction Item Pick-Up
Parlor C
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Main entrance of the Hilton Portland Downtown
The Hilton Portland Downtown

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.

Book a Room in the Room Block


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.

Learn More About the Hilton Portland Downtown


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/.


Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors

If you are interested in being a sponsor for the 2026 Convention, contact Executive Director Andrew Sagan at andrew@pad.org.

Our Mission
 

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.

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