Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Federal Bar Association

### Context Profile for the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Federal Bar Association

#### 1. Organization Mission & Cause
The Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA) is dedicated to serving the legal community and the public by promoting the rule of law, enhancing the professional development of its members, and fostering a spirit of cooperation among the bar and the judiciary. Their mission emphasizes the importance of judicial integrity, public service, and the advancement of the legal profession, particularly within the Western District of Pennsylvania.

#### 2. Type of Activities
- **Events**: The chapter hosts various events, including educational programs, networking opportunities, and ceremonies such as "The Passing of the Gavel," which honors judicial service and leadership transitions.
- **Fundraising Campaigns**: They engage in fundraising efforts to support their activities and community outreach.
- **Community Programs**: The FBA promotes initiatives that enhance legal education and public understanding of the law.

#### 3. Tone of Voice
The tone of voice used by the organization is **professional, formal, and inspiring**. Communications are characterized by a respectful acknowledgment of judicial service and a commitment to excellence in the legal field. The language is clear and authoritative, reflecting the seriousness of their mission while also being accessible to a broader audience.

#### 4. Emoji Usage
The organization does not appear to use emojis in their communications. Their content maintains a formal tone appropriate for a legal audience, focusing on professionalism and clarity.

#### 5. Key Facts
- **Founding Info**: The specific founding date of the chapter is not mentioned on the website.
- **Scale**: The chapter serves the Western District of Pennsylvania and is part of the national Federal Bar Association network.
- **Impact Metrics**: While specific metrics are not detailed, the chapter emphasizes its role in enhancing legal practice and community engagement.
- **Volunteer Info**: Information on volunteer opportunities is not explicitly provided, but members are encouraged to participate in events and initiatives.

#### 6. Writing Guidelines
- **Style**: Use a formal and professional tone, reflecting the legal context and audience.
- **Clarity**: Ensure that communications are clear and concise, avoiding jargon unless necessary for legal accuracy.
- **Respectful Language**: Acknowledge the contributions of judges and legal professionals with respect and honorifics.
- **Call to Action**: Encourage participation in events and initiatives without being overly casual or informal.

This context profile serves as a guide for creating tailored content that aligns with the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Federal Bar Association's mission, values, and communication style.

Members

Non-Members

The Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Federal Bar Association is proud to present a compelling continuing legal education program titled &ldquo;The Impact of Bankruptcy Filings on Civil Litigation.&rdquo; This engaging CLE, scheduled for September 26, 2025, will provide attorneys with valuable insights into how bankruptcy proceedings intersect with and affect civil litigation. We are honored to welcome two exceptional presenters, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Carlota Bohm and retired U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Judith K. Fitzgerald, both of whom bring decades of distinguished service and deep legal acumen to this important subject. This program is designed for litigators and practitioners at all levels who encounter bankruptcy-related issues in civil practice. Our presenters will explore foundational concepts, including the operation and scope of the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. &sect; 362 and the procedural and strategic considerations involved in seeking relief from that stay. The CLE will also address the role and function of the Section 341(a) meeting of creditors, providing guidance on what attorneys should expect and how such proceedings may impact parallel litigation. Attendees will further benefit from thoughtful discussion of the consequences of a debtor&rsquo;s failure to disclose civil claims during bankruptcy and the resulting legal doctrines that may preclude subsequent recovery, including judicial estoppel. The program will also examine jurisdictional questions that arise in bankruptcy-related litigation, such as the mechanisms for removal under 28 U.S.C. &sect; 1452, the statutory authority for referring matters to bankruptcy courts, and the procedures and standards for withdrawing that reference when appropriate. Throughout, the speakers will share key case law and procedural insights relevant to practice in the Western District of Pennsylvania and beyond. We invite you to join us for what promises to be a dynamic and enlightening CLE, offering not only practical takeaways but also the opportunity to hear directly from two of the field&rsquo;s most knowledgeable authorities. Whether you are a seasoned litigator, an in-house counsel managing complex claims, or a newer attorney developing a bankruptcy-informed practice, this program will enhance your understanding and improve your ability to navigate the overlapping contours of civil litigation and bankruptcy law. We look forward to your participation in this outstanding educational opportunity.

Dear <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="" style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; color: rgb(42, 42, 196); padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;">First name <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{lastname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="" style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; color: rgb(42, 42, 196); padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;">Last name,&nbsp; Thank you for registering to attend the upcoming continuing legal education program, The Impact of Bankruptcy Filings on Civil Litigation, hosted by the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. We are truly grateful for your participation and look forward to welcoming you on September 26, 2025. This CLE will provide a comprehensive and practical examination of how bankruptcy proceedings intersect with civil litigation, including topics such as the automatic stay, relief from stay, the Section 341(a) meeting of creditors, judicial estoppel, removal and referral procedures, and withdrawal of the reference. Whether you regularly litigate cases affected by bankruptcy or are looking to build your knowledge in this area, the program promises to offer valuable insights applicable to a wide range of practice areas. We are honored to feature two highly respected speakers, the Honorable Carlota Bohm, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge, and the Honorable Judith K. Fitzgerald (Ret.), who will share their experience, expertise, and practical guidance on navigating the often complex intersection of bankruptcy and civil litigation. Their presentations will be both informative and engaging, offering a unique opportunity to hear directly from the bench on these critical issues. We are excited to see you at the event and are confident you will find the program enriching and worthwhile. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you once again for your interest and support. Best,Jason Schiffman, VP and CLE Chair of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Federal Bar Association

The Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Federal Bar Association is proud to present a compelling continuing legal education program titled “The Impact of Bankruptcy Filings on Civil Litigation.” This engaging CLE, scheduled for September 26, 2025, will provide attorneys with valuable insights into how bankruptcy proceedings intersect with and affect civil litigation. We are honored to welcome two exceptional presenters, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Carlota Bohm and retired U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Judith K. Fitzgerald, both of whom bring decades of distinguished service and deep legal acumen to this important subject. This program is designed for litigators and practitioners at all levels who encounter bankruptcy-related issues in civil practice. Our presenters will explore foundational concepts, including the operation and scope of the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362 and the procedural and strategic considerations involved in seeking relief from that stay. The CLE will also address the role and function of the Section 341(a) meeting of creditors, providing guidance on what attorneys should expect and how such proceedings may impact parallel litigation. Attendees will further benefit from thoughtful discussion of the consequences of a debtor’s failure to disclose civil claims during bankruptcy and the resulting legal doctrines that may preclude subsequent recovery, including judicial estoppel. The program will also examine jurisdictional questions that arise in bankruptcy-related litigation, such as the mechanisms for removal under 28 U.S.C. § 1452, the statutory authority for referring matters to bankruptcy courts, and the procedures and standards for withdrawing that reference when appropriate. Throughout, the speakers will share key case law and procedural insights relevant to practice in the Western District of Pennsylvania and beyond. We invite you to join us for what promises to be a dynamic and enlightening CLE, offering not only practical takeaways but also the opportunity to hear directly from two of the field’s most knowledgeable authorities. Whether you are a seasoned litigator, an in-house counsel managing complex claims, or a newer attorney developing a bankruptcy-informed practice, this program will enhance your understanding and improve your ability to navigate the overlapping contours of civil litigation and bankruptcy law. We look forward to your participation in this outstanding educational opportunity.

Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Federal Bar Association

The Impact of Bankruptcy Filings on Civil Litigation

Joseph F. Weis

Members

$20

Non-Members

$50