Connecticut Bar Foundation

We’re excited about the upcoming Legal Aid Symposium: “Justice for All: The Present & Future Impact of Legal Aid in Connecticut.” March 21, 8:30-3:30. ? Take a moment to learn more about it from our Executive Director, Angela Schlingheyde, J.D. Schlingheyde and our Deputy Director/Chief Operating Officer Ashleigh Backman. Did you attend the first symposium in 2014? What do you remember about it? #justiceforall #legalprofession #legalaidsymposium #civillegalaid

Access to Justice Symposium Returns March 21

???????????????????????? 30 ?????????? ???? ?????? ?????????? ??. ???????????? ?????????????? ???????????????? We are pleased to highlight the work of Attorney Francis J. Brady, former president of the Connecticut Bar Association, for our next spotlight. While serving as the president of the CBA, Attorney Brady worked closely with the Fellows to establish engaging programs about the rules of law. He was also instrumental in the founding of the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center and has continued serving as a pro bono attorney to veterans in-need. Attorney Brady studied at George Washington University and Harvard Law School before settling in Hartford to pursue his career in law.?As a corporate litigator, he worked on large cases, often lasting years, and engaged in deep intellectual combat, which he always enjoyed. “I liked the challenges that came with my profession. Law is about doing the best you can and hoping your side prevails.” On May 1, the Connecticut Bar Foundation will host our Annual Fellows Reception and celebrate 30 years of the James W. Cooper Fellows Program. We hope to see you there! Read the full spotlight here: https://lnkd.in/e2VkzDzC?

Please join us for the first event in a 3-part series exploring the impact of slavery in Connecticut through a legal lens: Past, Present and Future Impact of the History of Slavery in Connecticut Wednesday, March 12? 5:30-7:30 pm? Free, virtual event (2.0 CLE Credits, ethics)? Register: https://lnkd.in/ekNqumqq Speakers:? - Akeia de Barros Gomes, Director of the Center for Black History at the Newport Historical Society? - Manisha Sinha, Draper Chair in American History, University of Connecticut? - Warshauer Matthew, Professor of History, Central Connecticut State University? Moderator: ? - Alexis Smith, Executive Director, New Haven Legal Assistance Association, Inc. During the first part of this series, attendees will discuss the history of slavery and its legality in the northern/New England states in the antebellum period, the early abolition movement, the economic impact of slavery during this time, and Connecticut’s gradual emancipation law, which resulted in slavery continuing in Connecticut as late as 1848. Parts two and Three of the series will examine the ways that the present legal sphere was shaped by Connecticut’s history of slavery and explore current and future initiatives engaging with that history.? Presented by the Connecticut Bar Foundation and James W. Cooper Fellows, with the Connecticut Bar Association and its Diversity and Inclusion Committee This event is part of the Constance Baker Motley Speaker Series on Racial Inequality?

? ?????????? ?????? Metropolitan Commercial Bank for being an IOLTA Leadership Bank!?? Connecticut Bar Foundation Leadership Banks play a pivotal role in supporting civil legal aid in Connecticut by offering higher rates on IOLTA accounts, which in turn helps fund essential legal services for low-income individuals and families facing challenges like eviction, restraining orders, and access to healthcare and benefits.? ? By partnering with financial institutions like Metropolitan Commercial Bank, we can ensure that all Connecticut residents have access to quality legal services, regardless of resources or power. ? ? We encourage Connecticut attorneys to consider banking with Leadership Banks whose commitment to justice makes real and lasting impacts in our community. ???? View our Leadership Banks: https://lnkd.in/eFJCcnZF? ? #CivilLegalAid #AccessToJustice #LeadershipBank #SupportLegalAid #CTLegalAid #IOLTA #LawFirms?

10 days left to register for the 2025 Legal Aid Symposium: “Justice for All: The Present & Future Impact of Legal Aid in Connecticut” Date: Friday, March 21, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ? Location: UConn School of Law, William F. Starr Hall Reading Room ? Free admission. Breakfast and lunch included. Visit the webpage to register and to see a detailed list of panelists: https://lnkd.in/e2piX2cH This event is co-sponsored by the Connecticut Bar Foundation, the James W. Cooper’s Fellows Program, the Connecticut Bar Association, and University of Connecticut School of Law.?

On the last day of Black History Month, we’re highlighting an ongoing project from our James W. Cooper Fellows Program: "The History of Attorneys of Color in Connecticut."? ? Check out this video from our 2022 symposium, “A Celebration of Progress and Perseverance.” Keynote speaker Attorney Natalie Braswell, currently General Counsel at the State of Connecticut, and former State Comptroller, spoke about the accomplishments of the community and all of the attorneys of color who continue to excel and make the field more diverse and inclusive. She said “As many of you [at this event can say], I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams.” Stay tuned for a new History of Attorneys of Color event in April and visit our webpage to learn more about the project: https://lnkd.in/gunzvwXu https://lnkd.in/e6x-f2uk

Our third and final post honoring Constance Baker Motley for Black History Month covers her judicial career, where she distinguished herself with many firsts: the first Black woman to be elected to the NY State Senate and the first to serve as a federal judge. As she stated in her 1998 biography “Equal Justice Under Law,” “I rejected any notion that my race or sex would bar my success in life.” Motley was a trailblazer who advanced civil rights and social justice. We at the Connecticut Bar Foundation are proud to have a lecture series named in her honor and inspired to approach our work with the same courageous convictions. #BlackHistoryMonth #Justice #CivilLegalRights?

Congratulations to The Center for Children's Advocacy and Southern Connecticut State University's for their event, "Fighting for Connecticut's Kids." Emma Bayer, our grants manager said, "I was honored to attend CCA's Black History Month Breakfast on behalf of CBF; it was such a powerful reminder of the impact of this work and the excellent partners we have. People were literally moved to tears by each speaker sharing such honest stories and inspiring messages about supporting the young people in our state."

Heads up on an event taking place tomorrow. The Center for Children's Advocacy does incredible work for the community -- check out the details below.