The National Judicial Summit: The Foundation and Future of the Judiciary 2026

Join judges from across the nation in a conference that combines judicial education with interactive learning opportunities in this first-of-its-kind national judicial conference. The National Judicial College is collaborating with the New Mexico Court Education Institute to offer this brand new conference in one of America's most unique cities. The plenary sessions will highlight the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the importance of protecting the ideals and rights captured so long ago; the Ethics of Spirituality and Leadership; the Constitutional Separation of Powers; and Pursuing Justice and Embracing Challenges. The keynote address will be given by former U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., co-author of Our Unfinished March, who will bring a deeply informed, justice-oriented perspective to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Holder explores how the right to vote—central to the democratic vision of the Declaration—has been expanded, threatened, and defended across U.S. history, and why protecting it is essential to honoring America’s founding ideals. One full day is dedicated to breakout tracks, including AI and the Future of the Judiciary, Practical Skills for Judges, Justice at the Intersections, and the Los Alamos National Labs Scientific track. One of the tracks, a seminar at St. John’s College, will have limited spaces available. Tuition includes conference sessions (8 plenary sessions and 16 break-out sessions) and meals (breakfast, lunch and snacks Monday & Tuesday; breakfast and beverages Wednesday). Participants may be able to obtain up to 14 hours of continuing legal/judicial education if attending the full Summit.