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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

Member Spotlights

  • Alexis H. Smith Headshot (crop) Black History Month Spotlight | Alexis H. Smith

    Tuesday, February 6, 2024

    Alexis H. Smith is the executive director of the New Haven Legal Assistance Association (NHLAA), a nonprofit law firm whose mission is to provide high quality legal assistance to individuals and families who cannot obtain a lawyer.
  • Grayson Colt Holmes LGBTQ+ Pride Month Member Spotlight | Grayson “Colt” Holmes

    Tuesday, June 27, 2023

    Grayson “Colt” Holmes is a partner at the firm Bartlett & Grippe in Cheshire. His practice focuses primarily on DUI, criminal defense, personal injury cases, and civil defense litigation.
  • Yamuna Menon LGBTQ+ Pride Month Member Spotlight | Yamuna Menon

    Thursday, June 15, 2023

    Yamuna Menon is General Counsel/Assistant State Comptroller at the Connecticut Office of the State Comptroller. She serves as chief legal advisor providing executive leadership and independent authoritative legal guidance and recommendations to the state comptroller and senior staff.