President's Message

Luke Levasseur

The U.S. Court of Federal Claims Bar Association is a voluntary, non-profit organization dedicated to serving the community of the United States Court of Federal Claims. Our primary focus is to educate our members and the public concerning the Court and its unique jurisdiction and practice, to promote excellence in advocacy before the Court, and to facilitate the expedient administration of justice in cases litigated before the Court.

The United States Court of Federal Claims, which exclusively hears claims against the United States Government, has existed in its current and preceding forms for more than 150 years. The Bar Association was founded in 1987 and is comprised principally of members of the private bar who litigate claims against the Federal Government and attorneys from the Department of Justice who defend the Federal Government in those cases. The Bar Association consciously strives to maintain institutional balance in serving these constituencies, the Judges and Court personnel, and the public at large.

Because the Bar Association is made up of different constituencies and serves members working in different areas of the Court’s jurisdiction, many practitioners find that the Bar Association distinguishes itself by the degree to which it promotes collegiality and civility among litigation adversaries. Indeed, the levels of respect and professionalism that permeate the Bar Association’s programs and activities make participation in the Association’s functions rewarding and enjoyable. Public and private practitioners work closely together in a singularly cooperative spirit to achieve common purposes.

To strengthen this cooperative spirit and to further professional development, we encourage all practitioners before the Court, whether frequent or occasional, to join the Bar Association and to participate in its activities. Our “signature” programs include the annual Law Day Celebration in May and support for the annual Judicial Conference in the fall. To fulfill its educational mission, the Bar Association makes available to its members both Inside 717, which provides timely summary of new decisions of the Court, and an informative quarterly Newsletter, which provides information regarding upcoming Bar Association and Court events; publishes the acclaimed Deskbook for Practitioners, a handy reference guide to practicing before the Court; organizes frequent “brown-bag” CLE-type professional development programs featuring Judges and distinguished practitioners; and sponsors an annual law student writing competition. The Bar Association promotes its educational mission, while also serving a charitable purpose, through scholarship programs that (1) recognize individuals who have demonstrated a substantial commitment to public service, and (2) provide funds to qualifying individuals to fully or partially offset the registration fees for the Court’s annual Judicial Conference and certain Bar Association programs.

Members of our Association enjoy many opportunities to interact with Court personnel and practitioners, to share and address issues of common concern, and to stay informed about and participate in matters affecting practice before the Court. We invite you to take an active role in the Bar Association. Please contact me at president@cfcbar.org with your ideas concerning how the Bar Association could serve you and the Court better.

Luke Levasseur, President
U.S. Court of Federal Claims Bar Association