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CT Bar Foundation

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CT Bar Foundation

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The Connecticut Bar Foundation works to promote understanding and improvement of the law, legal institutions, and the legal profession.

Since 1952, the Connecticut Bar Foundation has worked in partnership with judges, attorneys, and law schools to promote understanding and improvement of the law, legal institutions, and the legal profession. An integral part of the state’s legal community, the Foundation administers programs that benefit legal services agencies to provide access to justice for all people in Connecticut.

-Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) / Interest on Trust Accounts (IOTA) Grants: The Foundation awards grants to nonprofit corporations whose principal purpose is providing legal services to the poor in Connecticut.

-Judicial Branch Grants-in-Aid (JBGIA) and Court Fees Grants-in-Aid (CFGIA): The Foundation administers these programs for the benefit of low income people in Connecticut.

-The James W. Cooper Fellows Program: The Fellows support activities and programs that further the rule of law and assist in efforts to improve the administration of justice in Connecticut.

-Roraback Circle Fellows donations provide an extra level of support crucial for the Foundation to continue its programs at a high level. The Circle is named in honor of the late Catherine Roraback because her entire career exemplified what it means for an attorney to uphold the Rule of Law and the administration of justice.

-Judge Mark R. Kravitz Symposium Series on the Administration of Justice: The Connecticut Bar Foundation has established a new symposium series that recognizes the leadership of Judge Mark R. Kravitz in the field of the administration of justice. Funds are being raised to establish a Board-designated endowment to cover the cost of these symposia in the future. To donate to the fund click here. The Connecticut Bar Foundation is grateful to the many individuals and organizations whose generous support and contributions make the Foundation’s programs possible. The Foundation invites you to join our efforts to provide access to justice for all people in Connecticut by donating now. To learn more, visit www.ctbarfdn.org.

10/09/2026

This year's 2026 Joint IOLTA Conference and ABA Forum on "Building Access to Justice for All" was an exceptional opportunity to network with colleagues in the legal aid network and hear from experts about increasing access to the civil justice system.

Every year we're grateful to hear about new initiatives, resources, and best practices that are being utilized to better serve the legal needs of our communities.

Pictured here is CBF Executive Director Angela Schlingheyde, who presented at one of the Breakout Sessions of the National Meeting of State Access to Justice Commission Chairs (ATJ Chairs Meeting). Angela spoke about the need for innovative ways to measure and show the positive impact legal aid has on society.

Thank you to everyone who attended and thank you to the American Bar Association (ABA) and the National Association of IOLTA Programs (NAIP) (NAIP) for their work in organizing this important event.

10/08/2026

Congratulations to Greater Hartford Legal Aid, Inc. (GHLA) for the success of their annual "Celebrating Leaders for Justice Gala" event last night!

GHLA is one of our legal service grantees, with a mission to promote equal justice for the poor, advocate for social justice, and address the root causes of poverty.

We were honored to be in attendance and hear about the direct and life-changing impact their work provides to people who don't have the resources to get help with legal issues in housing, domestic violence, or other civil legal matters.

It was an uplifting evening, and we commend GHLA for their work in closing the access to justice gap. Congratulations to their staff, board members, and honorees, especially Edward Heath, the Vice President of CBF's Board who also serves on GHLA's Board and was recognized this year as GHLA's "Board Leader!"

10/06/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness not only about the harmful and isolating impacts violence in the home has on individuals and communities, but on the impactful programs that exist to help survivors move towards safety and security.

CBF is proud to administer the Temporary Restraining Order Program (TRO), which provides free legal counsel to low-income persons in need of temporary restraining orders.

The TRO Program is a crucial tool in safeguarding victims of domestic violence, harassment, and abuse, with data demonstrating that it significantly improves the safety, stability, and well-being of individuals seeking protection.

We’re grateful to the three legal service organizations that deliver services through the program: Connecticut Legal Services, Greater Hartford Legal Aid, and New Haven Legal Assistance Association as well as Connecticut’s General Assembly, which has continued to fund the important work that the program makes possible.

10/02/2026

Last week we spent time with the incredible staff and board members from the Children's Law Center (CLC), one of our 12 Legal Services Grantees.

CLC helps children and families navigate crises and transition by providing access to high-quality legal representation and offer innovative, non-adversarial solutions to resolve family conflicts.

These visits are so important to increasing our understanding and appreciation of the hard work CLC tackles every day and how valuable their services are to parents and children with few resources.

The data provided about their cases already speak volumes to their success (see second image for semi-annual numbers for 2026) – but we're grateful for the opportunity to experience firsthand the passion and dedication from this team!

Thank you for the discussion, CLC, and thank you for your partnership in increasing access to justice for a more equitable society!

Pictured: L-R: CBF Board Member Bill Logue; CBF Grants Manager Emma Bayer; CBF Grants Coordinator Carolyn Arnold; CLC Board President Cara Hardacker; CLC Executive Director Justine Rakich-Kelly; CLC Development Director Gina Marcantonio; CLC Finance Manager, Eileen Hurley.

09/29/2026

Last week we were privileged to spend time at the Center for Children's Advocacy for an in-depth conversation about their work fighting for the legal rights of Connecticut's most vulnerable children.

We value these visits, which help increase our understanding of the people and communities they serve as well as the tangible outcomes they deliver.

The data provided about their cases already speak volumes to their success (see second image for 2026 semi-annual numbers) – but we're grateful for the opportunity to experience firsthand the passion and dedication from their leadership team, staff, and board members.

Thank you for the discussion, CCA, and thank you for your partnership in increasing access to justice for a more equitable society!

Pictured: Our CBF Grants Manager Emma Bayer (second from left) with CCA team (L-R): Ginny Kim, (Board Co-Chair), Carol Beebe-Mestel, (Finance Director), Sarah Eagan, (Executive Director), and Stacey Violante Cote, (Deputy Director).

09/24/2026

We’re looking for the next great cohort of lawyers to induct into the 2027 class of James W. Cooper Fellows, and our current Fellows can help by nominating a friend or colleague!

Good candidates for the Fellows Program include lawyers who have:

- demonstrated extraordinary legal ability;
- demonstrated devotion to the welfare of their community, state, and nation; and
- demonstrated devotion to the advancement of the legal profession.

The 2027 Class will be a special year as CBF will celebrate its 75th Anniversary! We look forward to a year of exciting programs and events and are eager to welcome dedicated and distinguished lawyers to the Fellows!

Visit the website for more details on how Cooper Fellows can nominate new Fellows. Nominations accepted through Friday, October, 16: https://www.ctbarfdn.org/fellows/nominate-fellows.html

09/22/2026

Interested in learning more about access to justice in Connecticut? ⚖️

Want to better understand how people navigate civil legal issues and the different strategies being developed to create a more accessible and equitable justice system?

Then the next CT Civil Access to Justice Series is perfect for you!

Title: The Future of Access to Justice
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (virtual)

Speakers:
- Professor Rebecca Sandefur, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University
- Moderator: Hon. William H. Bright Jr., Supreme Court of Connecticut

This free event is worth 1.5 CLE Credits (General). Register via the link here: https://www.ctbar.org/events-education/events/event/2026/09/29/default-calendar/civil-atj-speaker-series-the-future-of-access-to-justice-eaj260929-2088744

The CT Civil Access to Justice Series won the 2026 NCBF Partnership Award. It is presented by Connecticut Bar Foundation, Connecticut Bar Association, and the Connecticut Judicial Branch.

09/16/2026

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich history and invaluable contributions from our Hispanic communities.

CBF James W. Cooper Fellows have helped to spotlight the Hispanic Legal Community through the work of members of the History of Attorneys of Color Committee. This year the committee debuted a new video highlighting the stories and insights to the legal profession from four distinguished attorneys of color, including Marilyn Diaz, CT Hispanic Bar Association Past President (video link here: https://youtu.be/-6SElNOcYz0?si=X91G5EWXdXBgyPaV ).

CBF also recognizes that, despite progress, significant barriers to justice remain for many within Hispanic communities. Individuals often face challenges when seeking legal assistance, and gaps in accessing justice can leave families vulnerable, particularly when facing issues such as eviction, immigration, healthcare access, and domestic violence.

Through our support of civil legal aid organizations, CBF works to bridge these gaps by funding services that provide culturally competent, accessible legal support for Hispanic individuals across Connecticut. Our Legal Aid grantees are on the front lines, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of justice, regardless of their background or income.

This month, we recommit ourselves to breaking down the systemic barriers that continue to impact Hispanic communities in the goal of ensuring equal access to justice for all.

09/11/2026

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the courage and resilience of all who were impacted by this tragic day. As we reflect on the enduring spirit of unity and service that arose from that time, we are reminded of the importance of community and the role each of us plays in supporting one another.

09/07/2026

On Labor Day we recognize the American Labor Movement as well as the economic achievements and contributions of all workers whose dedication and hard work contribute to our communities and nation.

Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing, and joyful Labor Day! 🎉

Address

100 Pearl Street, 11th Floor
Hartford, CT
06103

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

(860) 722-2494

Website

http://www.ctbarfdn.org/

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