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| Gala attendees enjoyed dancing with live music provided by Eight to the Bar. |
Hundreds of attendees gathered on October 16 at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven to celebrate 150 years of the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) at its Anniversary Gala. This black-tie celebration marked a historic milestone for the CBA and brought together members from throughout the state to honor the CBA’s rich history and enduring commitment to supporting the legal profession since its founding in 1875. All proceeds from the event are being used to support the CBA’s access-to-justice programs, which provide vital assistance to many of Connecticut’s residents.
Guests enjoyed dinner, dancing to live music performed by Eight to the Bar, a photo booth, and a silent auction that featured an array of unique items and exciting experiences. The gala also featured the exhibition, 150 Years of the Connecticut Bar Association, which outlined major moments from the CBA’s history and included photos of all its past presidents. Another nod to the CBA’s history took the form of the event’s signature cocktail, The Seymour, a maple walnut Old Fashioned named in honor of the CBA's first president, Origen Seymour.
During dinner, CBA President Emily A. Gianquinto, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, and American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates Chair Jonathon Cole provided remarks to the gala’s attendees. Attorney Cole also presented President Gianquinto with a resolution signed by the ABA Board of Governors honoring the CBA for a century-and-a-half of service to the legal profession.
In her address to attendees, President Gianquinto noted the important role the association plays in supporting access-to-justice. “Tonight is not just about celebrating our association’s history—we’re also shaping and preparing for our future, which means that all proceeds from tonight are going towards our access-to-justice initiatives.” stated President Gianquinto. “We all know access-to-justice is an issue critical to not just our legal community but to our larger Connecticut community, and we intend to expand our impact in that area.” Following her remarks, President Gianquinto introduced the premiere of the video Passing of the Gavel: 150 Years of Excellence, which featured reflections from past CBA presidents on their experiences leading the association, the challenges they faced, and the accomplishments they achieved.
The Connecticut Bar Association thanks all those who helped make the gala a resounding success as well as those who have dedicated themselves to supporting the CBA over the years.
Please consider becoming a member of the CBA's
1875 Society, which helps to support the CBA's efforts to maintain its high standards for ethics, professionalism, and civility: advance the effective administration of justice; and build diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal community. With your support, we can ensure the success of these efforts for another 150 years!