The James W. Cooper Fellows serve the goal of the Connecticut Bar Foundation by sponsoring programs and projects that address matters concerning the legal profession, the administration of justice, and the role of law in society. The Fellows also serve this mission through projects that educate the public about the role of the rule of law. Events often count towards Connecticut Continuing Legal Education credits (CLE) and frequently developed in partnership with Connecticut Law Schools, Connecticut Bar Association, and affinity bars.
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This program explores issues related to legal aid in Connecticut, examining both its history and current issues impacting legal services, and offers a vision for the future.
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Chief Justice Speziale was a pioneer in bringing alternative dispute resolution to Connecticut. Under his tutelage, CT became a national model on how to expedite cases. This biannual series explores topics in ADR.
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Established in memory of U.S. District Court Judge Mark R. Kravitz, this ongoing symposia explores the administration of justice in celebration of his legacy.
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The Essay Contest encourages young people in Connecticut to think about and explore legal issues relevant to them by submitting an essay on a topic that Fellows develop. Winners receive prize money, which is presented at the Connecticut Supreme Court.
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This series was established for the CT legal community to explore issues of racial inequality and systemic racism. Named in honor of civil rights trailblazer Judge Constance Baker Motley, it supports and fosters renewed commitment to advancing civil rights and social justice.
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Roundtables are virtual or in-person events covering a broad range of subjects that offer topic-focused discussions with other Fellows. Attendance is limited in order to facilitate meaningful and open dialogue.
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This program creates a permanent video, audio, and photographic historical record of milestone achievements of women as they have become more visible and achieved prominence in the field of law.
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This program highlights, preserves, and celebrates the rich history of attorneys of color in Connecticut, and inspires future generations. Current projects include capturing the stories of attorneys of color on video and sharing a historical timeline.
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Presented jointly with CBA and Quinnipiac Law School, this series explores the interactions between trafficking victims and the legal system and delves into debates at the state and federal level about what reforms are needed to assist victims and prevent trafficking.
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In its 30 years of existence, the Fellows have developed many programs that examine a variety of legal topics. CBF keeps a public archive of the events and programs.
