Upcoming Events

The Economic Impact of Civil Legal Aid

Wednesday, May 27, 2026
5:30PM - 7:00PM

1.5 CT CLE Credits (General)
This virtual webinar, The Economic Impact of Civil Legal Aid, explores how access to legal representation in civil matters extends far beyond individual cases. Through a dynamic panel discussion, participants will examine how civil legal aid strengthens economic stability, supports families and communities, and generates measurable returns for states and local economies.

Panelists will explore the wide-ranging impact of civil legal aid across areas such as housing, domestic violence, healthcare access, public benefits, and veterans’ services. The discussion will highlight how legal assistance not only helps individuals resolve critical legal issues, but also reduces strain on public systems, improves economic participation, and promotes more efficient and equitable outcomes.

Drawing on data, policy analysis, and real-world examples, this webinar will demonstrate how civil legal aid functions as essential infrastructure, supporting stability, preventing costly crises, and contributing to long-term community well-being.

Past Events

From Safety Net to Systemic Change: Civil Legal Aid and Access to Justice Over Time

April 8, 2026  (1.5 CT CLE Credits (General).  Civil legal aid began as a response to urgent need.  Over time, it has evolved into a cornerstone of our access to justice infrastructure.  This session will examine the political and social context in which civil legal aid was founded, examine its measurable impact on low-income communities, and consider how legal aid has shaped both legal and social service systems in Connecticut and across the country.  Panelists will reflect on the legal profession’s progress, identify persistent structural gaps, and discuss how the evolution of civil legal aid informs today’s conversations about equity, institutional design, and the legal profession’s responsibility in promoting and advancing justice.

Impact of Federal Funding Cuts on ATJ and Economic Security

February 19, 2026 (1.5 CT CLE Credits (General). We’ve all read in the news about recent changes and cuts to federal funding. This segment of the CT Civil Access to Justice Series explores how those federal funding changes are impacting CT’s legal systems. What’s really happening with federal funding and grants? How much of what you’ve heard is based on fact versus media hype or rumors? How are those same changes affecting the lives of Connecticut residents? What do the federal funding changes and cuts mean for the organizations that provide legal assistance in Connecticut? Where do we go from here? Our panel of experts -- national, state, and local -- will shed light on these questions through moderated Q&A and discussion. Join us for an entertaining and informative deep dive into this current topic.

What Are We Working to Solve? Defining Connecticut's Civil Access to Justice Gap

December 2, 2025 (2.0 CT CLE Credits (General). The civil access to justice gap refers broadly to the unmet civil legal needs of Connecticut’s residents, including those who are particularly vulnerable because of income constraints and other challenges. This gap, sometimes referred to as a crisis, encompasses access to an attorney, legal information, and so much more.  This opening session will set the stage for our collective journey of exploration, education, and inspiration.  What is civil access to justice? How do we define and measure the civil access to justice gap in Connecticut? What are the most critical areas of unmet civil legal needs? How does Connecticut rank in its efforts to improve civil access to justice in comparison to other states? Where do we need to focus our attention? What is the personal impact of unmet civil legal needs on those who are most affected? Recent studies have shed light on many of these questions, and our panel of experts will explore the breadth and depth of Connecticut’s civil access to justice gap to set the stage for this new speaker series.

Speakers