Presented by CT Judicial Branch’s Access to Justice Commission, with support from the CT Bar Association
About the Program
The legal system was built around the assumption that both sides have the knowledge, resources, and representation to navigate complex rules and procedures. But, the reality is legal help is financially out of reach for many CT residents who, when their legal rights are at risk, sometimes have to try to navigate a system designed for lawyers on their own. The CT Judicial Branch’s Access to Justice Commission is hosting this half-day, free, conference to bring together people who want to use their legal or professional skills to help others and be a part of implementing change to reduce the barriers and obstacles that stand in the way of meaningful access to courts, the legal system, and justice.
At the conference, you will discover resources and tools that you can use to enhance your skills and better serve individuals facing legal matters. You can meet, connect, and share ideas with others in the CT legal community like you – lawyers, judges, and professionals who care about narrowing the access to justice gap. You will hear from inspiring and knowledgeable presenters including (1) Senator Chris Murphy, (2) Chief Justice Raheem Mullins, and (3) Author and Innovator Sateesh Nori. You’ll have an opportunity to learn about various opportunities to do meaningful pro bono or volunteer work.
If you have any questions, contact Jenn Shukla, Access to Justice Program Manager at the CT Judicial Branch at Jenn.Shukla@jud.ct.gov.
You Will Learn
• About barriers and obstacles that can prevent CT residents from having meaningful access to legal and court processes
• About resources and tools you can use when providing pro bono services or to supplement the services you provide
• About the newest initiatives of the CT Access to Justice Commission to narrow the access to justice gap
• About specific pro bono and volunteer opportunities so you can help narrow the access to justice gap
Who Should Attend
Anyone who wants to use their legal or professional skills to help others and be a part of implementing change to narrow the access to justice gap.
Agenda:
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.: Registration
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.: Opening Plenary
- Welcome Remarks | Chief Justice Raheem Mullins
- Access to Justice in CT: From Aspiration to Reality | Justice William Bright
- Morning Keynote Speaker: Better Communities through Better Access to Justice | U.S. Senator Chris Murphy
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Breakout Sessions (Attendees will attend three of these six breakout sessions)
- Finding the Way: Empowering Self-Represented Parties through Court Navigation | Hon. Karen DeMeola and the ATJ Commission’s Self-Represented/Access Subcommittee
- Pro Bono Representation: Making It Easy for Lawyers to Say Yes | Hon. Elizabeth Stewart and the ATJ Commission’s Pro Bono Subcommittee
- Innovation in Eviction Diversion: Finding Solutions that Work for All Parties | Hon. Cecil Thomas and the ATJ Commission’s Legal Aid Subcommittee
- Narrowing the ATJ Gap with AI, Technology, and Resources | Hon. Walter Spader and the ATJ Commission’s Law Libraries and Law Schools Subcommittee
- You’re Not in This Alone: Judicial Branch ATJ Resources that Can Help | Atty. Jenn Shukla
- CT and the NCAJ Justice Index – How Do We Measure Access | David Udell, Executive Director, National Center for Access to Justice
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Closing Plenary
- Afternoon Keynote Speaker: Leveraging ATJ Experience to Impact the ATJ Future | Sateesh Nori
- Closing Remarks: Bringing the Power of Law to All | Zach Zarnow
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.: Pro Bono Opportunities Expo
Connect with organizations that provide legal aid and pro bono services to find a volunteer opportunity that is the right fit for you. Find a pro bono opportunity that focuses on a topic important to you and works with your schedule and availability.
Cost
Free
Parking Information
Event parking is free and available in the Legislative Office Building (LOB) parking garage. The garage is located at 300 Capitol Ave., Hartford. The entrance to the garage is just after the main entrance to the LOB Building.