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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 be a part of a collective plan to achieve the goals of equity and inclusion. The 2025 update to the Pledge and Plan will be released soon.





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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 LAW Camp

The CBA runs a summer program for high school students who have faced difficult situations to learn more about the field of law. 

LAW Camp

CBA Future of the Legal Profession Scholars Program

The CBA Future of the Legal Profession Scholarship Program (FLPSP) encourages students who have faced adversity or will be first generation lawyers to enter 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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Constance Baker Motley Speaker Series on Racial Inequality

The Constance Baker Motley Speaker Series on Racial Inequality was established by the Connecticut Bar Association and Connecticut Bar Foundation as an ongoing forum for the Connecticut legal community to discuss issues of racial inequality and systemic racism. This series is named in honor of civil rights trailblazer Judge Constance Baker Motley with the goal of supporting and fostering renewed commitment to advancing civil rights and social justice.

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Events

News

Member Spotlights

  • Enelsa Diaz Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Member Spotlight | Enelsa Diaz

    Thursday, September 29, 2022

    Enelsa Diaz is a managing attorney at Greater Hartford Legal Aid (GHLA), where she has worked for 15 years. She supervises GHLA’s family violence and sexual assault work, including the organization’s Restraining Order program, Family Law unit, and Immigration unit. She has also served as a co-chair of GHLA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee for the past five years.
  • Beck Fineman LGBTQ+ Pride Month Member Spotlight | Beck Fineman

    Wednesday, June 22, 2022

    Beck Fineman is an equity partner of Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP (RRD) and the first openly transgender equity partner of a private law firm in Connecticut. He litigates cases on behalf of the firm’s corporate, governmental, and individual clients, with a focus on appeals, labor and employment, railroad, and personal injury.
  • Cassandra L Dulepski LGBTQ+ Pride Month Member Spotlight | Cassandra L. Dulepski

    Friday, June 17, 2022

    Attorney Cassandra L. Dulepski is a senior associate at Polinksy Law Group in Hartford. Her practice focuses on the areas of personal injury and workers' compensation. She values pro bono work and offers assistance in cases involving landlord/tenant law, animal law, and small claims, in addition to her practice areas.