2026 Connecticut Access to Justice Conference: Return to Purpose. Ready for Impact. (ATJ261104)

November 4, 2026

8:00 AM to 1:45 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Legislative Office Building (LOB)

Hartford

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

• How to analyze systemic barriers and financial obstacles that prevent Connecticut residents from accessing courts equitably
• How to evaluate professional resources and technological tools designed to improve service for unrepresented litigants
• How to form collaborative strategies with Connecticut judges and practitioners to narrow the access to justice gap
• How to identify specific pro bono and volunteer opportunities to apply legal skills toward systemic change

Who Should Attend

All legal professionals in Connecticut who want to collaborate on reducing barriers to legal system access.
 

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. 
 

Speakers

CJ Mullins1 Chief Justice Raheem L. Mullins
Supreme Court of Connecticut, Hartford

JBright1 Justice William H. Bright, Jr.
Supreme Court of Connecticut, Chair, Connecticut Access to Justice Commission, Hartford

Chris Murphy
U.S. Senate, Hartford

Sateesh Nori
Author, Professor and Innovator, Brooklyn, NY

David Udell1 David Udell
Executive Director and Founder, National Center for Access to Justice, New York, NY

Zach Zarnow
Executive Director, Scale Justice (formerly Pro Bono Net), Middletown


CLE Credit

CT: 4.0 CLE Credits (General) /Judicial Branch External Training Credits Available

If you have any questions, contact Jenn Shukla, Access to Justice Program Manager at the CT Judicial Branch at Jenn.Shukla@jud.ct.gov.


Contact

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