IMLA

World Cup Working Group Call
2025-09-10 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-08 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-12 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-10 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
If you care to take part in this call, please email amorris@imla.org.

Small/Rural Communities Working Group Call
2025-09-15 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-17 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-19 14:00 - 15:00
If you care to take part in this call, please email cstorer@imla.org.

Municipal Gun Regulation Webinar – Free Live For IMLA Members
2025-09-16 13:00 - 14:00
Local Governments and Gun Violence Prevention 2025: Pathways for Municipal Regulation and Litigation
CLE available to Kitchen Sink Subscribers and in some cases to others but fees may apply.
This CLE presentation will explore the evolving landscape of gun violence prevention, focusing on the challenges and opportunities local governments face in enacting firearms ordinances and holding firearms industry members accountable when they jeopardize public safety. The session will focus largely on the Second Amendment and affirmative litigation strategies. It will review the Supreme Court’s text, history, and tradition test set out in NYSRPA v. Bruen and United States v. Rahimi and its impact on gun-safety laws, with a focus on defending local gun laws against Second Amendment challenges. It will also provide an overview of state firearm preemption statutes and their impact on local gun regulation. Finally, the session will discuss lawsuits against irresponsible members of the gun industry to remediate and reduce gun violence in local communities.
Speaker: Janet Carter, Bill Taylor, Dana Mulhauser & Priyanka Sen

Preemption/Artificial Intelligence Webinar
2025-09-23 13:00 - 14:00
Navigating the Regulation of Data Centers
Join us for a CLE webinar exploring the legal landscape of municipal regulation of data centers, with a focus on how local governments can navigate this rapidly expanding sector. Topics will include land use and zoning regulations, such as site selection, permitting, and managing community concerns, including power and water supply concerns. We’ll also address environmental compliance at both the state and federal levels, including obligations under the Clean Air Act and NEPA, environmental impact assessments, and strategies for incorporating sustainable practices. We will also provide an update on efforts at the federal level to limit state and local regulation of data centers and efforts implicating Artificial Intelligence. The program will touch on construction contracts and liability, particularly the legal considerations for municipalities that are not direct builders but have a regulatory or oversight role. Finally, the webinar will examine a range of additional legal issues, from negotiating utility agreements and leveraging tax incentives to resolving disputes and ensuring labor law compliance.
Speaker: Gerard Lederer, Tillman Lay & Ana Schwab

Code Enforcement Working Group Call
2025-09-29 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-27 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-24 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-29 15:00 - 16:00

Homelessness Working Group Call
2025-10-02 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-06 14:00 - 15:00

Last Chance Rates for the Annual Conference End
2025-10-10
2025 IMLA 90th Annual Conference
New Orleans, Louisiana: Wednesday, Friday, October 17 – Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Click here to learn more about the conference.

2025 IMLA 90th Annual Conference
2025-10-17 08:00 - 2025-10-21 12:00
2025 IMLA 90th Annual Conference
New Orleans, Louisiana: Friday, October 17 – Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Click here to learn more about conferences.

Contracts Webinar
2025-11-06 13:00 - 14:00
Municipal Airport Contracting
In 2025, the City of Atlanta celebrates its 100-year anniversary as owner and operator of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest and most efficient airport. The presentation will provide a brief overview of the City of Atlanta’s procurement laws (local public contracting). In more detail the presentation will discuss the incorporation of local procurement laws with federal contract requirements for municipalities that own commercial airports.
Speaker: Jessee R. Dagen-Tillman & Ryan Albury Hanna

Construction Law Webinar – Free Live For IMLA Members
2025-11-13 13:00 - 14:00
Construction Disputes in Motion: Speed, Agility and Adapting to Change
CLE available to Kitchen Sink Subscribers and in some cases to others but fees may apply.
This webinar highlights key trends shaping the construction dispute landscape, including rising dispute volumes, ongoing sector challenges, and the growing impact of supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and regulatory pressures. Industry participants were surveyed and anticipate more disputes in 2025 than in 2024, signaling a continued need for strategic risk management and early intervention. The webinar emphasizes the importance of agility and collaboration in a rapidly transforming industry – one where digital innovation, economic uncertainty, and evolving project delivery models intersect.
Speaker: Mark Guevara, David Lee & Charles Montgomery

Ethics Webinar
2025-11-19 13:00 - 14:00
Ethical & Effective Generative AI for Municipal Lawyers: Enhancing Public Service and Managing Risk
As generative artificial intelligence moves from a theoretical concept to a practical tool, it presents unique opportunities and challenges for public sector lawyers. This webcast is designed specifically for the municipal attorney, focusing on how you can leverage AI to provide better, faster, and more efficient legal services to your community while carefully managing the inherent risks. Join our speaker, Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, for a session that cuts through the hype to deliver actionable strategies for your practice.
Attending this program will equip you to dramatically increase your department’s efficiency by using AI to streamline the initial drafting of ordinances, review common contracts, and analyze complex public policies, freeing up your time for high-level strategic counsel. You’ll learn how to protect your work product and professional reputation by applying proven techniques to identify and correct AI-generated errors, from subtle inaccuracies to fabricated case citations. For city attorneys and department heads, the session will cover how to implement effective oversight protocols to manage your team’s use of AI, ensuring quality control and avoiding the ethical pitfalls that have led to sanctions in other jurisdictions. You’ll also learn how to safeguard sensitive municipal data and preserve attorney-client privilege by understanding how different AI tools handle your data and which questions to ask vendors. The program will help you develop a clear framework for creating an official AI use policy for your law department that ensures compliance, manages liability, and aligns with public records requirements. It will also address how to satisfy the duty of competence (ABA Model Rule 1.1) by understanding AI’s capabilities for streamlining ordinance drafting, contract review, and policy research. Strategies will be provided for mitigating the risks of AI “hallucinations” and fabricated citations to maintain the duty of diligence (ABA Model Rule 1.3) and avoid misleading a tribunal. Finally, the session will examine the non-delegable duty of human oversight and verification, analyzing recent attorney sanctions and connecting them to the responsibilities of supervisory lawyers (ABA Model Rules 5.1 and 5.3).
For those who wish to receive the presenter’s resources after the presentation, such as in-depth case studies with guidance on how to adopt Generative AI in municipal law and his book on Generative AI strategies, please visit: https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/event.
Speaker: Dr. Gleb Tsipursky & Sean Cooley

First Amendment Webinar
2025-12-02 13:00 - 14:30
Viewpoint Discrimination Doctrines and Opposing Playbooks: From Mosely to the Ten Commandments
Quickly spot unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination in disguise; accurately respond to crises on your watch when citizens force their inflammatory opinions; and beware of the unsettled status of town square cyber embodiments of civic life. Constitutional freedom of expression legal theory and application use Supreme Court precedent, doctrines, tests and citizen playbooks to deliver a memorable course. Attorney Martinez and Prof. Owsley examine two sides of the same expression coin as forced speech and viewpoint discrimination, including recognition of and limitations in physical and cyber public forums. Current activist Stevens details malicious compliance with Festivus Poles, book bans, and classroom “In God We Trust” and Ten Commandments signs. Historical civil rights activists, Barnett and Hon. Hall, impart their legal wisdom and recount their foundational Supreme Court companion cases of viewpoint discrimination in Police Dept. of City of Chicago v. Mosley, 408 U.S. 92 (1972) and Grayned v. City of Rockford, 408 U.S. 104 (1972)(also clarifying time, place and manner regulation). Questions are recommended to be submitted in advance for inclusion.
Speaker: Chaz Stevens, Teresa Martinez, Harvey Barnett, Hon. Sophia Hall & Brian L. Owsley

Police Liability & Section 1983 Webinar – Free Live For IMLA Members
2025-12-04 13:00 - 14:00
Artificial Intelligence (AI) In Law Enforcement: Balancing Innovation, Ethics, and Risk Management For Municipal Lawyers
CLE available to Kitchen Sink Subscribers and in some cases to others but fees may apply.
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers transformative possibilities for law enforcement, from streamlining administrative tasks to improving operational efficiency. When you mention AI in law enforcement, many will think of facial recognition, firearms detection systems, document and video redaction, and automated report writing. While all these are AI uses in law enforcement, do you know how your police officers are managing them? Are they attempting to use AI Chatbots as an “easy button”? Are they aware of AI’s susceptibility to bias and the potential for bias and errors, and how this can create increased risk in future litigation?
Legal advisors must ensure that their police leaders are using AI ethically by providing robust oversight and clear communication about their applications to their members. By prioritizing ethical considerations and keeping humans at the center of decision-making, law enforcement can navigate the complexities of AI while fostering public confidence and managing risk. Legal advisors will learn why a little preemptive interaction now may help prevent surprises in future litigation discovery.
Speaker: Chief (Ret.) Michael Ranalli

LGLC What to Expect from the Current Supreme Court Term: Cases Impacting Local Government - This is not an IMLA Webinar
2025-12-04 14:00 - 15:00
What to Expect from the Current Supreme Court Term: Cases Impacting Local Government

This is NOT an IMLA webinar and CLE will not be offered.
Kitchen Sink Subscribers will need to register for this program, it will not be automatically sent.
Hosted by the Local Government Legal Center (LGLC), join legal experts in a discussion of the new Supreme Court term and what decisions local governments should watch. The Supreme Court will rule on several major cases this term, including issues related to:

Whether providing a former homeowner with the difference of the sales price and the tax debt after a tax foreclosure on real property instead of the fair market value and the tax debt constitutes either a Taking under the Fifth Amendment or an Excessive Fine under the Eighth Amendment
The standard under the Fourth Amendment for warrantless entries into a home for non-criminal emergencies
A Second Amendment challenge to state laws that ban conceal carry permit holders from bringing firearms onto private property absent the property owners express consent
Presidential authority to fire independent heads of agencies

The webinar will also discuss several cases of importance to local governments from the Court’s emergency order docket as well as other cases on the Court’s docket that may impact local governments’ finances and authority. The LGLC is a coalition of national local government organizations formed in 2023 by the National Association of Counties (NACo), National League of Cities (NLC) and International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) to provide education to local governments regarding the Supreme Court and its impact on local governments and local officials and to advocate for local government positions at the Supreme Court in appropriate cases. Visit the Local Government Legal Center to learn more.
Speaker: Amanda Karras, Gregory G. Garre & Meaghan VerGow

Ethics Webinar
2025-12-09 13:00 - 14:00
Expectations for Attorney-Client Relationships: Establishing Clear, Strong & Effective Commitments
When representing local governments, the Client is the entity (as an organization). Elected officers, appointed officials, and staff members may be representatives of the Client. While the Attorney may work closely with those individuals, they typically are not the Clients. Nonetheless, for purposes of this document, representatives of the local government are referred to as “Clients.” Although each arrangement will vary, there are certain essential elements of successful Attorney-Client relationships that tend to provide a solid foundation. This presentation outlines recommended mutual expectations between Attorneys and the local government Clients they serve. Its purpose is to promote professionalism, accountability, and effective collaboration in the delivery of municipal legal services. The presentation references the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.13, 2.1, 4.1, and 8.4.
Speaker: Alan Bojorquez & Kuruvilla Oommen

Immigration Webinar
2025-12-11 13:00 - 14:00
Federal Immigration Policy Developments: Legal Implications for Local Governments
This webinar will provide an overview of recent federal immigration policy changes and their potential legal and operational impacts on local governments. Topics will include shifts in federal enforcement priorities, emerging legal challenges affecting municipal policy, and the City of Denver’s approach to policy in the shifting federal legal landscape. Attendees will gain insight into how evolving federal directives may influence local ordinances, law enforcement practices, and public service delivery.
Speaker: Atim Otii & Councilwoman Jamie Torres

Mental Health/Substance Abuse Webinar
2025-12-18 13:00 - 14:00
Staying Safe and Sound for the Holidays – Strategies for the Legal Professional
Holidays are often associated with joy and excitement, but they can be stressful, overwhelming, and challenging as well. For some, holidays bring up feelings of grief, isolation, disappointment, and sadness. The holiday season can quickly bring increased stress and anxiety to members of the legal profession whose lives are already filled to the brim with those emotions.
With the alarming prevalence of substance use and mental health disorders in the legal profession, it is imperative that we are all armed with the knowledge and insight of how to approach someone who may be struggling. Certain approaches yield greater results than others. The “Intervention” methods shown on television, while often compelling, don’t typically produce excellent results – especially with members of the legal profession.
As lawyers, we all know that language is often the key to success. Why should we expect it to differ in the life and death struggle to help someone who suffers from alcohol or substance misuse or a mental health disorder? With the alarming number of suicides in our profession, it tells us that people would rather die than ask for help – and this must stop.
Mr. Quinn will discuss:

Recognize that one in three legal professionals will struggle with substance use and/or a mental health disorder at some point in their legal careers.
Spot the signs of impairment and learn the “Motivational Interventions” approach that yields results and saves lives.
The confidential, free, safe, and supportive services for lawyers, judges, their family members and law students that are available through Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers.
The barriers that exist that prevent lawyers and judges from asking for help with an alcohol/substance misuse or mental health disorder.
Identify the parameters of Rule of Professional Conduct 8.3 (c) – and the safe harbor that it provides to protect attorneys working with an approved lawyers assistance program or who contact a LAP on behalf of an attorney or judge who is struggling.

Speaker: Brian S. Quinn

Employment Law Webinar
2026-01-06 13:00 - 14:00
The Sea-Change in Labor and Employment Law
In just the first year of President Trump’s second term, he has totally refashioned the labor and employment law landscape not only from that of his predecessor, but also from that of prior Republican administrations. This session will highlight the changes that have occurred as well as those that are on the horizon. Topics to be discussed include:

Who are the new heads of the EEOC and the Department of Labor, and what is their agenda
The EEOC’s initiatives to root out unlawful DEI programs and reverse discrimination and to further the religious rights of employees
Questions as to the extent of protections for transgender employees
DOL’s agenda to lessen Biden-era requirements
Continued impact of Supreme Court’s Muldrow decision and likely impact of Court’s decision on making it easier to pursue reverse discrimination claims
Countering the discriminatory impact of AI

Speaker: Jonathan Mook

Telecom Webinar
2026-01-13 13:00 - 14:00
Robocall Me Maybe? The Remix: How to Comply with Federal Law when your City Makes Automated Calls and Texts
As cities seek to streamline processes and efficiently utilize funds in continually decreasing budgets, automated phone calls and text messages (“robocalls” and “robotexts”) may appear to be a cost‐effective option to communicate with citizens. This presentation discusses the applicable federal laws and regulations that govern automated calls, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) Broadnet Order on Reconsideration in 2020, the FCC’s rule updates in 2023, and recent court cases. Additionally, this presentation describes practical considerations and best practices for cities to ensure compliance with federal law when contacting citizens by automated calls and texts, including those related to telephone town halls, municipal court cases, and water utility service.
Speaker: David Johnson

ADA Website Compliance Webinar – Free Live For IMLA Members
2026-01-15 13:00 - 14:00
New Federal Rule for Digital Accessibility
CLE available to Kitchen Sink Subscribers and in some cases to others but fees may apply.
Learn more about the fast-approaching, digital compliance requirement for all government entities and special districts. How will this impact your cities websites, online documents, and mobile applications? Unwrap the minimum accessibility standard, what it means to cities, common pitfalls, and helpful resources for accomplishing compliance.
Speaker: Zack Looney, Megan Griffith & Kara Coustry

Jail Administration Webinar
2026-01-22 13:00 - 14:30
Inmate Litigation – Techniques for Using the Prison Litigation Reform Act
In this presentation, we will cover the background of the PLRA, and explore multiple ways that the PLRA can be used to successfully defend inmate litigation. We will look at procedural hurdles, limitations on recovery, and the critical importance of having a well-crafted inmate grievance process.
Speaker: Elmer Dickens
