Stuart & Branigin associate Leilani Lillian is the author of the Judicial Profile featured in the Fall 2026 issue of The Federal Lawyer, the national magazine of the Federal Bar Association. Her article profiles the Honorable Thomas Kirsch II, Circuit Judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Judicial profiles give practitioners a rare look at the people behind the bench, and writing one well takes more than a list of credentials. Leilani’s piece draws on her conversations with Judge Kirsch to tell the story of his path from Northwest Indiana to the federal appellate bench, along with the family, sports, and hometown roots that shaped him along the way. The result is a warm, engaging portrait that reflects both her skill as a writer and her genuine interest in the federal courts where she practices.

At Stuart & Branigin, Leilani represents clients navigating overlapping state and federal frameworks, with an emphasis on RICO and False Claims Act disputes. Her practice centers on federal law, and her contribution to The Federal Lawyer reflects her interest in the issues shaping that field.

Congratulations to Leilani on this publication. The full article is available in the Fall 2026 issue of The Federal Lawyer, www.fedbar.org/magazine.