What are the dates and location of the Conference?
In 2016, the Judicial Conference of the Fourth Circuit will be held at The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, beginning on Sunday, May 22nd through Wednesday, May 25th at Noon.
 
Who may attend the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference?
I.O.P. 47.2 provides for bar membership in the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference.  Attendance at the conference is by invitation only. 
 
How many lawyers may be invited each year by circuit and district judges?
Each active or senior circuit judge or district judge may designate one guest for invitation to the conference. Each new circuit or district judge attending his or her first two conferences as a judge may designate three guests for invitation to the conference.
 
Are Permanent Member required to attend?
Attendance by members is encouraged, but is no longer mandatory.  I.O.P.-47.2 specifies that in order to retain permanent member status, a permanent member must timely pay all membership fees in the amount fixed for permanent membership. 
 
Are Nominees required to attend?
I.O.P.-47.2 specifies that in order to achieve membership in the conference, a nominee must attend two conferences. Please be aware that pre-registering to attend the conference is not sufficient to fulfill the attendance requirement. You must personally pick up your registration package at the Conference Services Desk in the Colonial Alcove on the main level of the hotel just outside Colonial Hall in order for your attendance to be recorded.
 
If I cannot attend, may I transfer my registration to another attorney?
No. Invitations are issued by the Judges of the Fourth Circuit and may not be transferred. Membership and attendance are by invitation only.
 
Will CLE credit hours be offered for this conference?
Not all states within the Fourth Circuit require MCLE, but those that do normally approve MCLE credits for the business portions of our conference. Credits approved by each state will be posted as soon as the program content has been reviewed and certified. Remember to sign the attendance list of each state for which you will seek MCLE credit. Detailed information as it becomes available and filing documents to certify your attendance are available on this Conference website.
 
How do I register for the conference and for conference events?
The Conference Registration / Event Reservation Form, and payment as required, submitted to the Secretary of the Conference registers you to attend the Conference sessions and events you select.  Registering for the conference DOES NOT register you at the hotel. A separate form and deposit must be forwarded to the hotel to request room reservations. This form is available on the Conference website. 
 
Conference registration and event reservations are accepted in two ways:
Online: You are encouraged to use this convenient method to register for the Conference and make event reservations. Use your Login ID and password to make your selections, and pay by credit card. You will receive an immediate order confirmation and payment receipt at the conclusion of your transaction. Please note that Citibank Government Travel Cards MAY NOT be used to register for the Judicial Conference or to make event reservations.

By Mail: Complete the enclosed Conference Registration / Event Reservation Form, and return it with your check payable to: Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference. This form is available on this Conference website. A receipt for your payment will be returned to you by email.
 
How do I make a change to online purchases?
If you must make a change to your event reservations, please contact our office promptly for assistance at 804-916-2184.

How do I cancel my registration for the Conference, if I find I cannot attend?
If you are a permanent member, the Conference Registration fee also serves as your membership dues, and is NOT refundable.  If you are not a permanent member, please contact our office immediately at 804-916-2184. 

We regret that we are unable to offer any refunds for conference events after May 15, 2016, when we must guarantee our event guest counts to the hotel.  Eligible refunds will be issued after the Judicial Conference.
 
How do I make my hotel reservation and when should I make it?
Reservations may be made online or by fax.  Housing reservations will be accepted until the room block has been filled. If your request cannot be accommodated immediately, you are strongly encouraged to be added to the waiting list so that you will be notified if space becomes available.  Information about alternate accommodations is available on the Hotel Accommodations page.
 
PLEASE MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATION PROMPTLY TO ENSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE YOUR PREFERRED ACCOMMODATIONS, AS WE EXPECT THAT OUR ROOM BLOCK WILL BE FILLED QUICKLY.
 
What about refunds for payments made?
If you are a permanent member, the Conference Registration fee also serves as your membership dues, and is NOT refundable.  If you are not a permanent member, please contact our office immediately at 804-916-2184.  We regret that we are unable to offer any refunds for conference events after May 15, 2016, except for conferees who become Greenbrier guests after purchasing outside guest dinner tickets during registration.  Eligible refunds will be issued after the Judicial Conference.
 
How do I make seating reservations for the Banquet? What do I do if I don’t know all the guests for my table?
Seating for the Banquet is limited; avoid disappointment by registering promptly.  Banquet seating will is available in Colonial Hall and in the Eisenhower Room.  You may complete the Banquet Seating Request online, or use the Conference Registration / Event Reservation Form which was mailed to you, and is available on this Conference website. Please fax your completed form to 804-916-2188.
 
If you are hosting a table, please encourage your guests to make their event reservations promptly as tables may not be reserved until all guests have submitted their payments. Tables seat a maximum of 10 people.  Please provide as many names as you can, and indicate any seats available at your table as "OPEN" so they may be filled by the Banquet Seating Coordinator.

How do I let you know that I have special dietary needs?
If you have a special dietary restriction that requires accommodation, please contact us at 804-916-2184 or email [email protected].

How do I make dining reservations at The Greenbrier?
Dinner reservations are strongly recommended and may be made in advance. Please call 855-729-3778 (option 1) for assistance.  For a list of dining options at The Greenbrier, please click HERE.  

What is the conference dress code?
The conference maintains a dress code of professional attire for all sessions.  Evening events are semi-formal, unless otherwise noted, with ties and jackets required for gentlemen in the Main Dining Room, and requested in all other dining venues.  The banquet on Tuesday evening is black tie (tuxedo for gentlemen, evening gown for ladies). 

What is the Judicial Conference policy on gambling?
It is the policy of the Fourth Circuit that gambling is strictly prohibited for all Conference participants and their guests during the Judicial Conference. The Casino Club will be closed during the official conference program hours, from 4:00 PM on Sunday, May 22 until 12:00 noon on Wednesday, May 25.  This policy has been established in accordance with the opinion of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts as well as the Committee on Codes of Conduct of the Judicial Conference of the United States. Your cooperation is expected and appreciated.

Accommodation under Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
If you require accommodation in order to fully participate in the conference, please contact us for assistance at 804-916-2184 or email [email protected].