2026 Summit

Join appellate judges, practitioners, and court professionals from across the country for the 2026 AJEI Summit, one of the nation’s leading educational events focused on appellate law and practice.

Typically attracting nearly 300 attendees, the Summit offers:

• More than 20 educational sessions led by distinguished judges, leading academics, and experienced appellate advocates.
• Timely discussions on emerging legal issues, evolving jurisprudence, and developments shaping appellate courts nationwide.
• Registration Options: Choose from the full Summit experience (Thursday–Sunday) or, for the first time, a Saturday/Sunday weekend registration option.
• Practical insights into judicial ethics, appellate advocacy, legal writing, constitutional law, and judicial decision-making.
• Valuable opportunities to exchange ideas and build connections with colleagues from across the country.
  

The Summit is presented by the National Judicial College & the American Bar Association Judicial Division with participation from the American Bar Association Judicial Division’s Appellate Judges Conference, the Council of Appellate Lawyers, and the Council of Appellate Staff Attorneys.

Programming begins at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, and concludes at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 15. Additional speakers and program details will be announced as they are finalized.

Discounted rates are available for ABA Members (see tickets marked ABA). Additional discount for Judicial Division members of the ABA (Select the JD options during registration).

SCHOLARSHIPS:
All scholarship funds have been allocated for the 2026 Summit.

Scholarships apply to tuition only and do not cover travel, lodging, or other expenses. Recipients are required to stay at the conference hotel. Although lodging costs are the responsibility of the attendee, the conference hotel offers a discounted group rate and helps support the continued availability of scholarship opportunities and event programming.

REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES:

Registration fees include admission to the Summit and access to online course materials for one year.

For attendees registered for the full Summit (Thursday–Sunday), the registration fee includes the Opening Night Reception, Saturday Dinner and Entertainment, and three continental breakfasts.

For attendees registered for the Saturday/Sunday option (25% reduced registration fee), the registration fee includes Saturday Dinner and Entertainment and two continental breakfasts.

Registration fees do not include additional meals, lodging, travel expenses, optional tours, or materials available for purchase from on-site vendors.

EARLY BIRD RATES:

Early Bird Non-ABA Member Rates (General Admission minus $100 early bird discount)

Early Bird ABA Judicial Division Member Rates (includes $50 discount for being a member of the ABA & $25 discount for being a member of the Judicial Division)

Early Bird ABA Member Rates (includes $50 registration discount for being a member of the ABA)

GENERAL ADMISSION (Beginning October 10, 2026)

Guest tickets available for opening reception and Saturday dinner & entertainment.
Thursday Night Opening Reception: $75
Saturday Dinner & Entertainment: $135

IMPORTANT DATES:
Early bird registration rates ($100 discount) are valid through October 16, 2026.

General Admission registration prices begin October 17, 2026

Registration closes on November 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. or as soon as the conference is full.

Last day for refund requests is October 17, 2026.

REFUND POLICY:
Fees will be refunded less credit card processing charges and fees (minimum of $75) provided that AJEI receives written notice of cancellation on or before Oct. 15, 2026. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after Oct. 15, 2026.

DRESS CODE:
Business casual during the day. For the Thursday reception and Saturday dinner, the dress code is business or cocktail attire.