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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

  • Lucas Hernandez Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Member Spotlight | Lucas Hernandez

    Friday, September 20, 2024

    Lucas Hernandez is the founder of the Law Offices of Lucas Hernandez, a solo practice that focuses on Family Law, Real Estate and Probate.
  • _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.