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

The Connecticut Bar Association, in collaboration with the Connecticut Bar Foundation and the Connecticut Judicial Branch, is hosting a webinar titled "From Safety Net to Systemic Change: Civil Legal Aid and Access to Justice Over Time" on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time. This program will explore the evolution of civil legal aid from its inception as an emergency response to becoming a fundamental component of the access to justice framework.

The session will delve into the political and social contexts that led to the establishment of civil legal aid, assess its measurable impacts on low-income communities, and examine how it has influenced both legal and social service systems in Connecticut and across the nation. Panelists will reflect on the legal profession's progress, identify ongoing structural challenges, and discuss how the development of civil legal aid informs current conversations about equity, institutional design, and the legal profession's role in promoting justice.

The event will feature distinguished speakers, including April Frazier Camara from the National Legal Aid & Defender Association in Washington, D.C., and Alexis H. Smith, Executive Director of the New Haven Legal Assistance Association, Inc. The discussion will be moderated by Hon. Marshall K. Berger (Ret.) of Pullman & Comley LLC in Hartford.

This webinar is particularly relevant for attorneys interested in civil access to justice. Attendees will gain insights into the foundational aspects of civil legal aid, its impact on communities, and the ongoing efforts to address structural gaps in the legal system.