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Diversity and Inclusion Policy

The Connecticut Bar Association is committed to diversity in its membership, officers, staff, House of Delegates, Board of Governors, executive committee, sections and committees, and their respective leaders. Diversity is an inclusive concept encompassing gender, gender identity, race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, and disability.

We are a richer and more effective association because of diversity, as it increases our association’s strengths, capabilities, and adaptability. Through increased diversity, our organization can more effectively address member and societal needs with the varied perspectives, experiences, knowledge, information, and understanding inherent in a diverse relationship.

Unanimously approved by the CBA House of Delegates on 03/23/15.


Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee

The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee is charged with implementing the Diversity and Inclusion Policy and will adopt, monitor, and promote a diversity and inclusion plan to achieve a genuine, sustainable diverse and inclusive environment within the CBA, throughout its membership and the Connecticut legal community at large.

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The Connecticut Legal Community’s Diversity & Inclusion Pledge & Plan

The Pledge and Plan brings together legal leaders in the state to enhance diversity and inclusion in the Connecticut legal community. Connecticut legal organizations can sign a pledge to create more diverse and inclusive environments and be apart of a collective plan to achieve this goal.

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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Summit

 The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Summit: The Collaborative Blueprint is an innovative and collaborative professional development experience designed to empower leaders in the legal profession to act toward making Connecticut a more diverse and inclusive bench and bar. Through collaborative workshops and panel discussions, you will gain knowledge and inspiration to help you lead your organization into a revolutionary transformation that will make a positive effect in the realm of diversity and inclusion in the state of Connecticut.

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CBA Pipeline Initiatives

CBA Pipeline Initiative programs encouraging talented and diverse students to consider a legal career.

LAW Camp

Pathways to Legal Careers

CBA Future of the Legal Profession Scholars Program

The CBA Future of the Legal Profession Scholarship Program (FLPSP) aims to address the lack of representation in the legal field and to increase the pipeline of diverse talent that enters the legal profession in Connecticut. As part of the program, participants will receive a scholarship to take the LSAT preparation course and participate in events and programs to prepare them for their law school journey and engage them with the Connecticut legal community.
 
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Events

News

  • law camp logo CBA Hosts 2024 LAW Camp In-Person for High School Students

    Monday, July 22, 2024

    During the week of July 8-12, the CBA hosted its first in-person LAW camp since 2019 in New Haven for a group of 36 Connecticut high school students. LAW Camp exposes high school students to the legal profession and teaches them critical and analytical thinking to help them succeed in their educational and professional careers.
  • 2023 DEI Summit Website Thumbnail CBA Hosts First In-Person Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit Since 2019

    Tuesday, October 31, 2023

    After three years of virtual events, the Connecticut Bar Association’s eighth Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Summit returned in person on October 20. Over 150 members of the Connecticut legal community gathered at the University of Connecticut School of Law for the Summit.
  • correct_diversity_summit_log CBA Hosts Seventh Annual Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Summit

    Tuesday, October 25, 2022

    On October 19, more than 150 people attended the CBA’s seventh annual Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Summit: The Collaborative Blueprint. The interactive and engaging virtual summit explored strategies for increasing retention in legal organizations and creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive legal community within Connecticut.

Member Spotlights

  • _Scott Garosshen - Pic only (new) LGBTQ+ Pride Month Member Spotlight | Scott T. Garosshen

    Wednesday, June 12, 2024

    Scott T. Garosshen maintains a state and national appellate practice at Robinson & Cole LLP in Hartford. Attorney Garosshen’s work has ranged from successfully persuading the Connecticut Supreme Court to enforce a contract regarding frozen embryos upon divorce, to securing appellate reversal in a choice-of-law battle over an arbitration agreement, to pro bono work on the Sheff v. O’Neill Connecticut school desegregation lawsuit.
  • Ashleigh Backman Headshot Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Member Spotlight | Ashleigh Backman

    Wednesday, May 29, 2024

    Ashleigh Backman is the deputy director and chief operating officer at the Connecticut Bar Foundation, where she supports the foundation’s mission to facilitate systemic change that advances civil justice for all, regardless of power or resources, to achieve a more just and equitable society.
  • Ginny Kim Headshot Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Member Spotlight | Ginny Kim

    Monday, May 20, 2024

    Ginny Kim is deputy general counsel and chief compliance officer in the State of Connecticut Office of the Treasurer. Attorney Kim joined the treasurer’s office in January 2022, after more than twenty-five years of private sector practice