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| Conference attendees could choose from a selection of 36 continuing legal education seminars held over the course of four sessions throughout the day. |
On June 2, over 850 legal professionals, including attorneys, judges, law students, and paralegals, gathered at the Connecticut Convention Center for the 2026 Connecticut Legal Conference (CLC), the largest annual gathering of legal professionals in the state. The conference featured a broad array of educational content, offering valuable insights for all kinds of attorneys across Connecticut, from solo practitioners to associates at large firms.
The conference featured an extensive schedule of 36 continuing legal education (CLE) seminars, a variety of networking opportunities, and the CBA Annual Meeting and Luncheon, where the 2026-2027 CBA Executive Committee was formally installed. Attendees had the opportunity to choose from a wide range of CLE programs that addressed current legal developments across a variety of practice areas. Four of the conference’s seminars were also livestreamed, allowing remote attendees to participate in the event.
The day began with an exhibitor showcase and networking breakfast, which also included exclusive alumni breakfasts for Quinnipiac, University of Connecticut, and Seton Hall University Schools of Law alumni. The exhibitor showcase featured 40 legal industry vendors offering demonstrations, materials, and information to attendees. Special prize drawings for gift cards and an iPad added to the experience, and attendees could also have complimentary professional headshot taken.
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| The conference's featured national speaker, Berkeley School of Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, presented the seminar “The Evolution of Separation of Powers in the United States.” |
The conference’s Featured National Speaker, Berkeley School of Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, presented the seminar “The Evolution of Separation of Powers in the United States,” which was moderated by retired Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Joette Katz and CBA President-Elect J. Paul Vance, Jr. In the seminar, Dean Chemerinsky explored the general understanding of the separation of powers as described in Articles I, II, and III of the Constitution of the United States and provided attendees with an overview of how the interpretation of the separation of powers has changed to date, addressing modern developments such as the expansion of the unitary executive theory.
Following Dean Chemerinsky’s seminar, a set of featured panelists that included Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Steven D. Ecker, Brennan Center Voting Rights and Elections Program Director Sean Morales-Doyle, and Yale Law School Professor Michael J. Wishnie and was moderated by retired Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Joette Katz presented the seminar “SCOTUS, Separation of Powers, Elections, and the Rule of Law.” The panelists discussed recent decisions by the United States Supreme Court and other developments related to the separation of powers, elections, and the rule of law.
The other conference seminars provided substantive coverage of a diverse range of current topics as well as annual reviews of case law and legislation in several practice areas. In “Building Your AI Toolkit: Navigating AI, Evaluating Options, and Choosing the Right Tools,” attendees received an overview of what AI is and explored common tools, use cases for AI, and the potential risks and benefits it presents. During “How to Start a Solo Law Practice,” an experienced panel of presenters provided attendees with personal lessons and real-world insights into the challenges and benefits of striking out on your own as a solo practitioner.
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| The 2026-2027 CBA Officers (From L to R): Immediate Past President Emily A. Gianquinto; Treasurer Kyle J. LaBuff; Secretary Cindy M. Cieslak; President J. Paul Vance, Jr.; Vice President Sharad A. Samy; and President-Elect Rowena A. Moffett (not pictured: Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Paige M. Vaillancourt) |
At midday the CBA Annual Meeting and Luncheon was held in the convention center’s ballroom. During the proceedings, current CBA President Emily A. Gianquinto installed the incoming 2026-2027 CBA officers: President J. Paul Vance, Jr.; President-Elect Rowena A. Moffet; Vice President Sharad A. Samy; Secretary Cindy M. Cieslak; Treasurer Kyle J. LaBuff; and Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Paige M. Vaillancourt. Attorney Gianquinto will also continue to serve on the CBA Executive Committee in the role of immediate past president. After being installed and having the ceremonial gavel passed to him, Attorney Vance presented his vision for the CBA during the 2026-2027 bar year: “The rule of law is not self-executing. Justice does not simply happen. What we have—our courts, our rights, our institutions, our system of ordered liberty—exists because generations of lawyers, judges, and public servants have built it. Carefully. Deliberately. And, at times, under tremendous pressure,” stated Vance. “That is why I have chosen as the theme for this bar year: Built on Justice. It reflects both who we are and what is expected of us.“ After concluding his remarks, Vance welcomed renowned New England comedian Juston McKinney to the stage for a special comedy set that provided a lighthearted break before attendees headed back to their afternoon CLE sessions.
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| Comedian Juston McKinney presented a special set during the CBA Annual Meeting and Luncheon. |
Following the CBA Annual Meeting and Luncheon, the conference continued with two afternoon CLE sessions. After the end of the day’s seminars, conference attendees gathered for the President’s Reception to enjoy refreshments, appetizers, and a live performance by the Infinity Saxophone Quartet before heading home.
Thank you to the attendees, presenters, sponsors, and exhibitors who helped make this the most highly attended Connecticut Legal Conference of the 2020s.
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