Battle of the Economic Experts 2026

The US economy stands at a critical crossroads. Inflation has cooled, interest rates appear poised to shift, and markets continue to climb—raising a pressing question: is this sustainable growth or a market bubble in the making? As investors and business leaders look ahead, uncertainty remains the only constant.

At the same time, transformational forces are reshaping the landscape. Artificial intelligence is accelerating change across industries, redefining productivity, labor, and competitive advantage. Capital remains abundant but cautious, banks are selective, and dealmakers are watching closely for signs of both opportunity and distress.

Join us for a dynamic economic forum as our panel of leading experts debate what lies ahead—and what it means for markets, transactions, and strategy.

Key topics include:

  • Fed Independence and the “Sell America” Trade
  • Real Estate Market Outlook
  • Is the Stock Market Overvalued?
  • The Economic Impact of Artificial Intelligence
  • M&A and Distress Market Outlook

This timely discussion will cut through the noise and deliver practical insights for navigating the year ahead.

Join us for the annual "Battle of the Economic Experts" event, co-hosted by Ravinia Capital LLC. Panelists Jack A. Ablin (Cresset Capital), Jennifer Bransfield (Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives), and Tom Goldblatt (Ravinia Capital LLC) will provide their perspectives on pertinent issues related to the US and global economy. The discussion will be moderated by Jenner & Block Partner Michelle McAtee. 

Registration for this event has concluded.

Event Information

Jenner & Block
353 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60654

Networking Reception: 7:30–8:15 am CT
Panel Discussion: 8:15–10:00 am CT

Register Here

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Battle of the Economic Experts 2026

The US economy stands at a critical crossroads. Inflation has cooled, interest rates appear poised to shift, and markets continue to climb—raising a pressing question: is this sustainable growth or a market bubble in the making? As investors and business leaders look ahead, uncertainty remains the only constant.

At the same time, transformational forces are reshaping the landscape. Artificial intelligence is accelerating change across industries, redefining productivity, labor, and competitive advantage. Capital remains abundant but cautious, banks are selective, and dealmakers are watching closely for signs of both opportunity and distress.

Join us for a dynamic economic forum as our panel of leading experts debate what lies ahead—and what it means for markets, transactions, and strategy.

Key topics include:

  • Fed Independence and the “Sell America” Trade
  • Real Estate Market Outlook
  • Is the Stock Market Overvalued?
  • The Economic Impact of Artificial Intelligence
  • M&A and Distress Market Outlook

This timely discussion will cut through the noise and deliver practical insights for navigating the year ahead.

Join us for the annual "Battle of the Economic Experts" event, co-hosted by Ravinia Capital LLC. Panelists Jack A. Ablin (Cresset Capital), Jennifer Bransfield (Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives), and Tom Goldblatt (Ravinia Capital LLC) will provide their perspectives on pertinent issues related to the US and global economy. The discussion will be moderated by Jenner & Block Partner Michelle McAtee. 

Registration for this event has concluded.

Event Information

Jenner & Block
353 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60654

Networking Reception: 7:30–8:15 am CT
Panel Discussion: 8:15–10:00 am CT

Register Here

Related Capabilities

Related Locations

News and Insights

Amanda Shafer Berman to Speak on Energy and Administrative Law at WEN-DC Webinar

As the Supreme Court's new Term begins, Jenner & Block Partner Amanda Shafer Berman will join a Women's Energy Network of Washington, DC (WEN-DC) webinar on how the Court's decisions are shaping the energy sector.

October 14, 2026

Publications

Partner Amanda Shafer Berman Quoted in Bloomberg Law on Senate Permitting Overhaul Bill

Partner Amanda Shafer Berman was quoted in an October 5 Bloomberg Law article, "Permitting Deal Gives Projects Defense Against Litigation Delays," on the Senate's new permitting overhaul package and its expected impact on litigation over federal permitting reversals.

October 2026

Event

Partner John Storino to Speak at Sandpiper Partners' “AI and Outside Counsel Guidelines Roundtable”

On October 8, Partner John Storino will serve as a panelist at the “AI and Outside Counsel Guidelines Roundtable,” hosted by Sandpiper Partners in Chicago.

October 8, 2026

Event

Partner Meghan Greenfield to Speak on Supreme Court Climate Case at Edison Electric Institute's Fall Legal Conference

On Wednesday, October 7, Partner Meghan Greenfield will speak on a panel titled "Boulder County v. Suncor Energy: What the Supreme Court's Climate Case Means for the Energy Industry" at the Edison Electric Institute's Fall Legal Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

October 7, 2026

Publications

The Form Rules Everything: A Seventh Circuit Ruling on ERISA's Substantial Compliance Doctrine

Partner Joseph Torres and Special Counsel Jennifer Beach authored an article for Employee Relations Law Journal examining the Seventh Circuit's decision in Packaging Corp. of America Thrift Plan for Hourly Employees v. Langdon, a ruling that addresses both the standard of review in ERISA interpleader actions and the continued viability of the substantial compliance doctrine for changing plan beneficiaries.

October 5, 2026

Recognition

Jenner & Block Rises in American Lawyer Rankings for Summer Associate Experience

Jenner & Block ranked 14th nationally in The American Lawyer’s 2026 Summer Associate Satisfaction Survey, jumping 10 spots from last year. The annual survey measures summer associate satisfaction at US law firms based on ratings provided directly by summer associates across key firm qualities.

October 2, 2026