DEI banner image

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.




Learn More

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.





Learn More

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.


Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Events

News

Member Spotlights

  • Carlton Chen thumbnail Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Member Spotlight | Carlton S. Chen

    Thursday, May 11, 2023

    Carlton Chen has been a business and employment law attorney at West Hartford-based Kurien Ouellette LLC for the past ten years. He also serves as of counsel at Jia Law Group PC, located in the New York Financial District.
  • napoli_michelle_800x800_72 Women's History Month Member Spotlight | Michelle Napoli

    Thursday, March 23, 2023

    Michelle Napoli is a partner in the Hartford and Bridgeport offices of Morrison Mahoney LLP, where she concentrates her practice in the areas of professional liability defense, premises liability, construction defect, dram shop and hospitality defense, transportation liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, product liability, alternative dispute resolution and tort defense.
  • Kathryn-Bissonnette Women's History Month Member Spotlight | Kathryn L. Bissonnette

    Wednesday, March 8, 2023

    Kathryn L. Bissonnette is a partner at Brown Paindiris & Scott LLP who has dedicated most of her career to family law. She is the head of the firm’s family law department.