It is an honor to serve as President of the Court of Federal Claims Bar Association for 2026. The high degree of subject matter expertise needed by all attorneys to effectively practice within the Court'’'s nationwide but relatively narrow jurisdictional limits offers a unique opportunity for cooperation between government attorneys and the private bar, which results in a special community. A judge on the Court once described the Court’s community as "the best kept secret in the law business."

For nearly 40 years, the Bar Association has been an integral part of the Court’s community by facilitating an on-going dialogue between the private bar and the Department of Justice in support of the Court’s efforts to administer justice in the most efficient, fair, and expeditious manner. As the practice of law has evolved over that time, so too has the Bar Association’s efforts to best support our members while staying true to its fundamental purpose of bringing together, and providing a voice to, all of the parties that serve the Court and the public in a meaningful and tangible way. The Bar Association works collaboratively and collegially within the Court’s community with the goal of providing an opportunity for the development of long-lasting and fulfilling professional relationships.

As we evolve, we are always looking for new ways to support our members in their practices through opportunities for networking and education. We are working on an update to our Deskbook for Practitioners, and will continue to provide - periodic newsletters, access to past and new educational programming, provide information through our LinkedIn page, and opportunities for social interactions such as happy hours. Members receive discounted rates at the Court's Law Day luncheon in May, and day-long Judicial Conference in September. We also continue to actively support the Court's Pro Bono Program.

We encourage all of you to engage with the Bar Association regularly as participation can help you thrive professionally and personally, to the ultimate benefit of the Court and all those who appear before it. If you have ideas for how the Bar Association can better serve its members or would like to be more involved, we would love to hear from you.

We look forward to seeing you soon,

Bob Wagman
President
Court of Federal Claims Bar Association