The Young Lawyers Section (YLS) Executive Committee is currently seeking applications for the Committee for the 2025-2026 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 2025-2026 YLS Executive Committee will run from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026
How to Apply
Complete and return the application below electronically to Carol DeJohn at cdejohn@ctbar.org by Friday, May 9, 2025. Submission of an application is a prerequisite to appointment to the Executive Committee and space on the Committee is limited. This is true for both new and current members alike. The application process is designed to aid the YLS Selection Committee in creating an Executive Committee that is diverse, inclusive, and responsive to the needs and demands of the 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. 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 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, providing an excellent opportunity for young lawyers to explore the area of law in which they practice and begin making a name for themselves there. The committee chair positions that may comprise the 2025-2026 Executive Committee are found in the application.
What are the duties of CBA/YLS Executive Committee Member?
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. Connecticut continues to have enthusiastic and outstanding members of both the Executive Committee and the Bar that devote their time and energy to produce first-class seminars, panel discussions, networking programs, and public service opportunities. The Committee also develops programs designed to improve the practice of law in Connecticut with projects that provide public service and pro bono opportunities for our membership. The committee is able to invite top notch speakers from around the country and regularly receives recognition on a national level for the success it has achieved
With respect to time commitment, Executive Committee members are expected to attend monthly meetings from September through May. Some of these sessions will be dinner meetings held at the CBA Law Center in Meriden, CT. Other sessions will involve social and professional networking opportunities throughout the state. Executive Committee members' responsibilities include planning and implementing CLE programs and social events for young lawyers, as well as participating in public service/pro bono opportunities. These responsibilities are better viewed as opportunities to tailor CLE programs to the needs of you and other similarly situated young lawyers, make valuable connections and provide pro bono/public service in a way that is personally rewarding to you.
Once appointed to the Executive Committee, members are required to attend the Executive Committee’s Annual Leadership Retreat, which is a leadership training and strategic planning meeting in August. This year’s Retreat will be held on August 8, 2025 and August 9, 2025 at the Foxwoods Resort Casino. The Retreat is a day and a half long event and will require members to take a full day away from work Friday, August 8th. All meals and hotel accommodations, as well as some scheduled resort activities, will be provided by the YLS with a $100 registration fee. Please register by July 11, 2025 to guarantee your seat at the event. (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, you are encouraged to apply! This is a great opportunity to launch your legal career. In order to apply, you will need to have an active CBA student membership. Please reach out to YLS Chair-Elect Paige M. Vaillancourt at paige@ctmalaw.com if you need assistance. If appointed to the Executive Committee, you will be an ex-officio member until you are sworn into the Bar.