The Eastern District of Texas federal court is known for hosting one of the most extravagant legal gatherings in the country. These annual events, which are held by many federal courts, provide a platform for judges, court staff, and lawyers to gather outside the strict courtroom environment and discuss their work, get to know each other, and complete some of their mandatory legal education hours.
Although the conference is known for its big names and flashy events, the district’s chief judge, Rodney Gilstrap, said that the goal is to combine fun with court business. “At the end of the day, one thing we try to do is to make this fun,” he said in a hallway interview. “These are all hardworking people that have a lot of stress in their lives, either as practicing trial lawyers or as judges, and it’s an opportunity to talk about some serious things but do it in a fun way and have fun.”
Organizers allowed a Bloomberg Law reporter to attend, under the conference’s rules that the source of a quote or information wasn’t identified without their permission.
The conference kicked off with activities like pickleball, golf, and shooting. Night One wrapped up at The Star, the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility, where attendees enjoyed a drumline, espresso martinis, and brisket sliders with the Cowboys’ star toasted into the top of the bun. Jerry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, was a surprise guest, speaking to a quickly assembled crowd and taking photos in the end zone. Two Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders posed for pictures by the 50-yard line, attracting a mostly male crowd.
The conference’s second day featured members of the legendary football family, the Mannings—specifically Peyton, Archie, and Cooper—who spoke in line with the conference’s football theme. Former trial consultant and daytime TV host Dr. Phil McGraw also took the stage.
Despite the conference’s flashy events, all of the Eastern District’s active judges sat on a panel the first day, and judges from other federal courts attended to talk about best practices and weigh in on hot-button issues like AI.
This year’s attendees paid $1,000 each for the three days of civil and IP programming, and $395 for the one day of events meant for the criminal defense bar and prosecutors. Some outside activities, like shooting at a nearby gun range, cost a couple hundred dollars more.
Many firms sponsored the conference, with twelve signing up to be “presenting underwriters” at the price tag of $25,000 each. One firm sponsored the wifi and, in return, got their name as the password.
One attendee said this event is good for the court’s collegiality—giving the judges and the bar an opportunity to socialize outside the high-pressure stresses of their job. With opportunities to bond over spa treatments or firing a Glock, there was something to fit every lawyer’s tastes.
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