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Diversity and Inclusion Policy

The Connecticut Bar Association is committed to diversity in its membership, officers, staff, House of Delegates, Board of Governors, executive committee, sections and committees, and their respective leaders. Diversity is an inclusive concept encompassing gender, gender identity, race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, and disability.

We are a richer and more effective association because of diversity, as it increases our association’s strengths, capabilities, and adaptability. Through increased diversity, our organization can more effectively address member and societal needs with the varied perspectives, experiences, knowledge, information, and understanding inherent in a diverse relationship.

Unanimously approved by the CBA House of Delegates on 03/23/15.


Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee

The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee is charged with implementing the Diversity and Inclusion Policy and will adopt, monitor, and promote a diversity and inclusion plan to achieve a genuine, sustainable diverse and inclusive environment within the CBA, throughout its membership and the Connecticut legal community at large.




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The Connecticut Legal Community’s Diversity & Inclusion Pledge & Plan

The Pledge and Plan brings together legal leaders in the state to enhance diversity and inclusion in the Connecticut legal community. Connecticut legal organizations can sign a pledge to be a part of a collective plan to achieve the goals of equity and inclusion. The 2025 update to the Pledge and Plan will be released soon.





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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Summit

The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Summit: The Collaborative Blueprint is an innovative and collaborative professional development experience designed to empower leaders in the legal profession to act toward making Connecticut a more diverse and inclusive bench and bar. Through collaborative workshops and panel discussions, you will gain knowledge and inspiration to help you lead your organization into a revolutionary transformation that will make a positive effect in the realm of diversity and inclusion in the state of Connecticut.


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CBA LAW Camp

The CBA runs a summer program for high school students who have faced difficult situations to learn more about the field of law. 

LAW Camp

CBA Future of the Legal Profession Scholars Program

The CBA Future of the Legal Profession Scholarship Program (FLPSP) encourages students who have faced adversity or will be first generation lawyers to enter the legal profession in Connecticut. As part of the program, participants will receive a scholarship to take the LSAT preparation course and participate in events and programs to prepare them for their law school journey and engage them with the Connecticut legal community.

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Constance Baker Motley Speaker Series on Racial Inequality

The Constance Baker Motley Speaker Series on Racial Inequality was established by the Connecticut Bar Association and Connecticut Bar Foundation as an ongoing forum for the Connecticut legal community to discuss issues of racial inequality and systemic racism. This series is named in honor of civil rights trailblazer Judge Constance Baker Motley with the goal of supporting and fostering renewed commitment to advancing civil rights and social justice.

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Events

News

  • 2024 DEI Summit Thumbnail CBA Hosts 2024 Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Summit

    Wednesday, November 6, 2024

    The Connecticut Bar Association hosted its 9th Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit on October 25 at CT State Community College’s Gateway campus in New Haven. About 150 members of the Connecticut legal community attended the Summit to hear from distinguished speakers, who provided assessments on the state of DEI in the legal community and strategies for improving DEI initiatives within legal organizations.
  • law camp logo CBA Hosts 2024 LAW Camp In-Person for High School Students

    Monday, July 22, 2024

    During the week of July 8-12, the CBA hosted its first in-person LAW camp since 2019 in New Haven for a group of 36 Connecticut high school students. LAW Camp exposes high school students to the legal profession and teaches them critical and analytical thinking to help them succeed in their educational and professional careers.
  • 2023 DEI Summit Website Thumbnail CBA Hosts First In-Person Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit Since 2019

    Tuesday, October 31, 2023

    After three years of virtual events, the Connecticut Bar Association’s eighth Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Summit returned in person on October 20. Over 150 members of the Connecticut legal community gathered at the University of Connecticut School of Law for the Summit.

Member Spotlights

  • Alison Toumekian 2025 CWTS Headshot Women’s History Month Spotlight |Alison J. Toumekian

    Tuesday, March 25, 2025

    Alison J. Toumekian is an associate at the Bridgeport office of Zeldes Needle & Cooper PC in the firm’s litigation practice group. While she focuses her practice in the areas of Probate and Family Law, she also oversees a variety of cases in all aspects of civil litigation.
  • Mallori Thompson Headshot Black History Month Spotlight | Mallori Deanna Thompson

    Tuesday, February 25, 2025

    Mallori Deanna Thompson is a business litigation attorney at Robinson & Cole LLP and is currently the president of the George W. Crawford Black Bar Association and the vice chair of the Connecticut Bar Association's Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee.
  • Atty. Brookshire Jr. (2024) Black History Month Spotlight | Jermaine A. Brookshire, Jr.

    Tuesday, February 25, 2025

    Jermaine A. Brookshire, Jr. is an attorney at the full-service law firm of Herrick Feinstein LLP in New York, NY. He is a member of the firm’s Corporate Department where he focuses his practice on corporate finance and strategic transactions, technology agreements, commercial agreements, mergers and acquisitions, debt and venture capital financing rounds, securities law compliance, corporate governance, and other general corporate matters.