Making the Right Moves 2026
THE NEXT BRIEF
Writing the Next Chapter of Your Legal Career
October 2, 2026 | Washington, D.C. + San Diego, California
For the first time ever, Making the Right Moves is coming to both coasts!
Join the Military Spouse JD Network for a full day of professional development, career strategy, networking, and connection designed specifically for military-connected legal professionals.
Whether you’re considering a career change, preparing for your next move, returning to practice, exploring a new legal career path, or simply wondering “What’s next?”, Making the Right Moves 2026 is designed to help you write your next chapter with intention.
This year’s theme, The Next Brief: Writing the Next Chapter of Your Legal Career, recognizes that military-connected legal careers rarely follow a straight line. PCS moves, changing jurisdictions, family priorities, career transitions, and unexpected opportunities can all shape the path. MRM 2026 is about taking stock of where you are, thinking strategically about where you want to go, and learning how to make the right moves to get there.
TWO COASTS. ONE CONFERENCE.
For the first time, Making the Right Moves will offer an official West Coast in-person location in addition to our traditional East Coast event.
Choose the location that works best for you and experience the same MRM spirit of professional development, connection, and community from wherever you are.
WASHINGTON, D.C. | EAST COAST
Hosted by Saul Ewing LLP
Join us in Washington, D.C., for the flagship in-person MRM experience. Attendees will spend the day connecting with fellow military-connected legal professionals and hearing from experienced attorneys and professionals about navigating the next chapter of their careers.
The D.C. audience will participate in live programming throughout the day, including an in-person Fireside Chat during lunch.
Washington, D.C. Event:
Saul Ewing LLP
Washington, D.C.
Time: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
[GET TICKETS – WASHINGTON, D.C.]
Need a hotel in Washington DC? MSJDN has secured a generous rate at the Quincy, nearby Saul Ewing’s DC office. Book your MSJDN Group rate at The Quincy, an Ascend Collection Hotel here
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA | WEST COAST
Hosted by Klinedinst PC
We’re bringing Making the Right Moves to the West Coast!
San Diego attendees will begin their day by joining the D.C. audience’s afternoon session virtually for live, interactive programming. Through Zoom, West Coast attendees will be able to participate in discussions, engage with speakers, and ask questions in real time.
Then, the focus will shift to in-person West Coast programming for the afternoon, giving San Diego attendees the opportunity to connect face-to-face with fellow military-connected legal professionals and participate in programming tailored to the West Coast experience.
The San Diego location will also feature its own in-person Fireside Chat during lunch.
San Diego Event:
Klinedinst PC
San Diego, California
Time: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
THE NEXT BRIEF
Every career has a next chapter.
For military-connected legal professionals, that next chapter may come sooner or look very different than expected. A new duty station can mean a new jurisdiction. A PCS can mean a new job search. Family priorities can change professional goals. An opportunity that wasn’t on the original career roadmap can open an entirely new door.
This year’s Making the Right Moves is about embracing those transitions while taking an intentional approach to what’s ahead. Sessions will include topics such as:
- Career Roadmapping: Building an intentional strategy for your next professional chapter
- Marketing Yourself: Developing your professional brand and communicating your value
- Resume & Interview Strategy: Positioning yourself for your next opportunity
- Federal Careers: Understanding opportunities and navigating the federal hiring process
- Legislative Updates: What’s happening in the policy landscape affecting military spouse careers
- Licensing & Jurisdiction: Navigating the complexities of practicing law as a military spouse
- AI & the Legal Profession: Understanding how emerging technology is changing legal work
- Alternative Career Paths: Exploring opportunities beyond traditional legal practice
- Networking & Connection: Building relationships with professionals who understand the military-connected experience
Additional programming and speakers will be announced as they are confirmed.
YOUR MRM EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
Your registration includes:
✓ Full-day professional development programming
✓ Complimentary professional headshot
✓ Complimentary federal resume review
✓ Complimentary breakfast
✓ Complimentary lunch
✓ In-person networking opportunities
✓ Interactive programming with MRM attendees across the country
✓ Post-event cocktail hour
✓ A community of military-connected legal professionals who understand your journey
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Making the Right Moves is designed for military-connected legal professionals at every stage of their careers.
Whether you’re a law student preparing to enter the profession, a new attorney or paralegal building your career, an experienced practitioner navigating a PCS, a military spouse returning to the workforce, or a seasoned legal professional considering what’s next, MRM offers practical resources and meaningful connections to help you move forward.
You don’t have to know exactly what your next chapter looks like. That’s what we’re here to help you figure out.
Can’t make it in person but want to live stream some or all of the available panels? RSVP to your chosen Coast Session, and we’ll send you the virtual link so you can be part of the conversation from home or wherever you are!