Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) is proud to once again support, sponsor and lead thought provoking conversations during the 2025 International Municipal Lawyers Association’s (IMLA) Annual Conference taking place October 17 – 21st in New Orleans, LA. The firm will feature a strong lineup of speakers who will share their knowledge and insight on the evolving challenges in public law during the five day conference.

BBK Thought Leadership Highlights

Conference Kickoff: Partner & Director of Government Affairs Ana Schwab will launch the program with a presentation on maximizing federal funding opportunities.
Environmental & Regulatory Update: Partner Wendy Wang and Associate Anya Kwan will provide insight on the latest case law shaping the Clean Water Act and its implications for municipalities.
Advocacy & Policy at the Federal Level: Partner Gerard Lederer and Of Counsel Cheryl Leanza and Bennett Givens will address local government rights in Congress and at the FCC, while forecasting the risks and opportunities ahead over the next 18 months.
Closing Session: 2025 WONK Breakfast - Partners Mary Beth Coburn and Craig Hayes will close out the conference with “Procurement Under Pressure: Managing Tariffs, Risk Allocation, and Compliance in the Evolving Landscape of Public Infrastructure Contracting.”

Community & Connection

The BBK team is also excited to host the annual IMLA softball game on Monday, October 20—a favorite tradition for attendees to connect and unwind.

BBK Speakers

Ana Schwab
“Federal Funding: Navigating a Changing Landscape”
Sunday, Oct. 19
10:30 am-Noon

Wendy Wang and Anya Kwan
“Addressing Recent Case Law Impacts to the Clean Water Act”
Sunday, Oct. 19
3:45-3:45 pm

Gerard Lederer, Cheryl Leanza and Bennett Givens
“Critical Connections: The Fight for Local Government Rights in Congress and at the FCC"
Monday, Oct. 20
9-10:30 am

WONK Networking Breakfast

Mary Beth Coburn and Craig Hayes
“Procurement Under Pressure: Managing Tariffs, Risk Allocation, and Compliance in the Evolving Landscape of Public Infrastructure Contracting"
Monday, Oct. 20
8-9 am

To register for the conference or for additional information, click here.