From Safety Net to Systemic Change: Civil Legal Aid and Access to Justice Over Time (EAJ260408)

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

5:30 PM to 7:00 PM (Eastern Daylight Time)

Webinar

United States

Presented by The Connecticut Bar Association, Connecticut Bar Foundation, and the Connecticut Judicial BranchCBA-CBF-JUD-Logos_Zoom

About the Program

Civil legal aid began as a response to urgent need.  Over time, it has evolved into a cornerstone of our access to justice infrastructure.  This session will examine the political and social context in which civil legal aid was founded, examine its measurable impact on low-income communities, and consider how legal aid has shaped both legal and social service systems in Connecticut and across the country.  Panelists will reflect on the legal profession’s progress, identify persistent structural gaps, and discuss how the evolution of civil legal aid informs today’s conversations about equity, institutional design, and the legal profession’s responsibility in promoting and advancing justice.

You Will Learn

• About the political and social context in which civil legal aid was founded
• About its impact on low-income communities
• How legal aid has shaped legal and social service systems

Who Should Attend

Attorneys interested in civil access to justice.

Cost  

(Includes electronic materials)
Free

Speakers

April Frazier Camara
National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Washington, D.C.

Alexis headshot Alexis H. Smith
Executive Director, New Haven Legal Assistance Association, Inc.


Moderator

Hon. Marshall K. Berger (Ret.)
Pullman & Comley LLC, Hartford


CLE Credit

CT: 1.5 CLE Credits (general)

If the seminar is recorded, all member registrants will receive complimentary access to the recording approximately six weeks after the program. 

Please note that refunds will not be granted once course materials have been sent.

Cancellations made less than 2 business days prior to event are non-refundable.

Closed captioning will be available during the seminar presentation for virtual attendees.
 



Contact

Member Service Center
Email: msc@ctbar.org
Phone: (844)469-2221