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FDCC MEETINGS / LOOKING AHEAD
Together We Rise from the Valley
Join Us for the 2026 Winter Meeting at the
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort
February 24-28, 2006, Scottsdale, ArizonA
Welcome Back to Scottsdale for our 90th Anniversary!
by Frank & Ana Ramos – Conference Chairs and Micalann & Brad Pepe – Program Chairs
For 90 years, the Federation of
Defense & Corporate Counsel has
led the civil defense bar. Founded
in 1936, the FDCC brought together
trial lawyers, corporate counsel,
and insurance industry leaders. Its
members built a culture rooted in
knowledge, justice, and fellowship.
They raised standards, trained
future leaders, and fostered trust
on the part of outside counsel
and their clients throughout the
profession. The Federation has
faced wars, economic recessions,
and significant change. It expanded
into new practice areas, welcomed
industry partners, and extended
its reach across continents. It
launched top-tier education,
advanced the use of technology,
and promoted collaboration.
Members shared strategies, referred
Francisco Ramos, Jr. Micalann Pepe
cases, and strengthened defense
efforts worldwide. Each generation
advanced the Federation with
service and vision. Today, the
FDCC honors its history and
shapes its future. It stands as a
force for fairness, leadership, and
progress. The FDCC has challenged
its members to do more for nine
decades—and it has exponentially
delivered more to the profession.
The message remains the same: to
go and be “over and above.”
For ninety years, the FDCC
has gathered in locations that
inspire progress and build
unity. Scottsdale stands out as
a testing ground. In 2007 at the
Fairmont Princess, we honored
“Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,”
reflecting on the FDCC’s past and
embracing its future. In 2012 at
the Arizona Biltmore, we trained
hard, sharpened our skills, and
strengthened our teams under the
motto “Get Your Game On.” In 2020
at Camelback, we celebrated the
“Wonder of It All,” unaware that a
global pandemic and shutdown
were imminent. Each Scottsdale
meeting has marked a turning
point, as the Federation has rallied,
adapted, and grown stronger. Now,
in 2026, we return to Scottsdale
for our 90th anniversary. We will
www.thefederation.org
February 2026 | federation flyer
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