The Young Lawyers Section (YLS) Executive Committee is currently seeking applications for the Committee for the 2026-2027 bar year. The YLS Executive Committee provides a fantastic opportunity to take a leadership role in the Bar, network with friends and colleagues, create avenues for potential new clients, and make a name for yourself at an early stage of your career. The term for the 2026-2027 YLS Executive Committee will run from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
Know a young lawyer who might be interested? Pass this info along to them.
How to Apply
Complete and return the enclosed application electronically to Heather Holt at hholt@ctbar.org by Friday, June 12, 2026. Don’t wait - space on the Committee is limited, and submitting your application is a prerequisite to appointment. This applies to both new and returning members. The application process helps the YLS Selection Committee build an Executive Committee that is diverse, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our entire membership.
Access the Application
What is the CBA/YLS Executive Committee?
The Executive Committee is your chance to take a leadership role in the YLS - and it’s a big deal! Pursuant to the CBA/YLS Bylaws, the YLS is governed by an Executive Committee comprised of four officers, a team of directors, and committee chairs dedicated to varied practice areas, all made up of young lawyers from across the CBA and state. Committee chairs actively engage in planning and implementing programming catered to each area of the law and are ex-officio members of the corresponding CBA sections. This is a prime opportunity to dive deeper into the area of law you practice and start building your reputation there. The committee chair positions that may comprise the 2026-2027 Executive Committee are found in the application that follows.
What Will You Actually Do?
The quality of each year’s educational, social, and networking programming is the direct product of the creativity and dedication of our Executive Committee members and we are proud of what we’ve built! Connecticut continues to have enthusiastic and outstanding members who devote their time and energy to produce first-class seminars, panel discussions, networking programs, and public service opportunities. We also develop programs designed to improve the practice of law in Connecticut with projects that provide public service and pro bono opportunities for our membership. We bring in top-notch speakers from around the country and regularly receive national recognition for the success we’ve achieved. To keep this tradition of excellence alive, we need YOU on our Executive Committee!
As for the time commitment, it’s very manageable: Executive Committee members attend monthly meetings from September through May. Some sessions are dinner meetings held at the CBA Law Center in Meriden, CT, while others are social and professional networking opportunities throughout the state. Your responsibilities will include planning and implementing CLE programs and social events for young lawyers, as well as participating in public service and pro bono opportunities. Think of these less as obligations and more as chances to tailor programs to your interests, build valuable connections, and give back in a way that’s personally meaningful to you.
Once appointed to the Executive Committee, members are required to attend the Executive Committee’s Annual Leadership Retreat - and trust me, you won’t want to miss it! This year’s Retreat will be held on August 7, 2026 and August 8, 2026 at Mohegan Sun. It’s a day-and-a-half of leadership training and strategic planning, and you’ll need to take a full day away from work on Friday, August 7th. All meals, hotel accommodations, and some scheduled resort activities will be provided by the YLS with a $100 registration fee. Please register by July 9, 2026 to guarantee your spot! (Financial hardship information is available upon request.)
Can I apply as a law student?
If you are a graduating 3L or 4L and intend to practice in Connecticut, we absolutely encourage you to apply! This is an amazing way to launch your legal career and hit the ground running. You’ll need an active CBA student membership to apply - reach out to YLS Chair-Elect Sara Bonaiuto or one of our members if you need help getting set up. If appointed, you’ll serve as an ex-officio member until you are sworn into the Bar.