CBA Hosts the Largest Gathering of Legal Professionals in Connecticut

More than 1,200 attorneys, judges, paralegals, and other legal professionals from throughout the state gathered on June 10 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford for the 2019 Connecticut Legal Conference. The day began with a networking breakfast—including alumni receptions for Quinnipiac University School of Law as well as UConn School of Law—and wellness offerings of mindfulness, yoga, and a river walk.

This year’s conference featured over 40 CLE seminars across 12 different tracks with topics ranging from diversity and inclusion, lawyer wellness, the Fourth Amendment, and federal and state wage and hour laws, with a track dedicated to advanced training in depositions and cross-examination with Robert Musante of Robert Musante's CLE Seminars and Webinars.

Among the 11 seminars that began the day, Chief Justice Richard A. Robinson, 2018-2019 Immediate Past President Karen DeMeola, and 2019-2020 Vice President Cecil J. Thomas spoke on how the success and failure of personal diversity and inclusion narratives are often linked to power, privilege, and personal comfort, by embracing and celebrating stories of diverse individuals who have overcome significant obstacles to achieve great outcomes, in their seminar, “The Power and Pitfalls of Personal Narratives in Advancing Diversity and Inclusion.” Additionally, Workers’ Compensation Section Chair Francis “Bud” Drapeau presented Diane Duhamel with the Pomeranz-O’Brien Award for her exemplary service to the workers’ compensation system and community during The Workplace Track seminar, “Current Issues in the Workers’ Compensation System.”

The CBA Annual Meeting Luncheon recognized judges taking trial referee status as well as held the installation of the 2019-2020 officers, including the 96th President of the CBA Ndidi N. Moses, President-elect Amy Lin Meyerson, Vice President Cecil J. Thomas, Secretary Dahlia Grace, Treasurer Vincent P. Pace, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer David A. McGrath (not in attendance), and Immediate Past President Jonathan M. Shapiro.

The Annual Meeting Luncheon began with the National Anthem, performed by American Idol contestant Shayy Winn. Attendees heard from Connecticut Attorney General William M. Tong, Chief Justice Richard A. Robinson, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut John H. Durham. Keynote Speaker Asha Rangappa, former FBI agent, CNN contributor, and senior lecturer at Yale University, spoke on “Disinformation, Democracy, and the Rule of Law.”

CBA President Ndidi N. Moses shared her focus of balance for the 2019-2020 bar year, stating, “This year’s theme, balance for a better legal profession, is a reminder to you that you are not in this alone. The CBA is here, and has always been here, to be that support system to help you balance your obligations so that you can be excellent, not perfect, lawyers.” The luncheon concluded with eighteen-year-old Shayy Winn sharing her inspirational story of recently losing her vision due to a brain tumor, and delivering another powerful performance, singing "Rise Up" by Andra Day.

Immediately following the final session of seminars, the President’s Reception was held for all attendees to mingle with colleagues and discuss the day’s events as well as the year to come, over cocktails and an assortment of appetizers. Attendees also enjoyed a performance from the Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus.

The CBA thanks all those that helped make the Connecticut Legal Conference a great success—the attendees, exhibitors, and the sponsors, particularly Platinum Sponsor Kronholm Insurance Services, and Gold Sponsors CATIC and Liberty Bank.

For photos of the day's event, visit our Facebook album!

Read Keynote Speaker Asha Rangappa's keynote address.