The J. Reuben Clark Law Society (JRCLS) hosted its 2026 Annual Conference on February 26–27, 2026, at the American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. This event brought together attorneys and law students of faith from around the world to reinforce their dedication to public service, professional excellence, and the promotion of fairness and virtue grounded in the rule of law.
The conference, themed "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: Foundations of Freedom," featured a series of sessions and discussions centered on the responsibilities of faith-based legal professionals in upholding the ideals enshrined in the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Keynote speakers included Justice Clarence Thomas, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court; Elder Alexander Dushku, General Counsel for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Ambassador Jamieson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative; Melody Barnes, Executive Director of the Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia; and Jeffrey Rosen, President of the National Constitution Center.
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in various networking events, including the Rex E. Lee Lunch, which honored distinguished legal professionals and law students. The conference also offered an optional moonlight tour of U.S. Capitol monuments, providing a unique perspective on the nation's capital. A fireside event held at the historic Washington National Cathedral featured a devotional address by Elder Alexander Dushku and recognized individuals who have significantly contributed to religious freedom.
This conference was particularly beneficial for attorneys and law students seeking to deepen their understanding of the intersection between faith and law. It provided a platform for meaningful discussions on civic duty, legal ethics, and the role of legal professionals in safeguarding fundamental freedoms. Participants left with renewed inspiration to serve as stewards and defenders of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
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Speakers(16)
Ambassador Jamieson Greer
United States Trade Representative
Ambassador Jamieson Greer serves as the United States Trade Representative, responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade policy.
Brandon Ascione
Law Student at Brigham Young University Law School
Brandon Ascione is a law student at Brigham Young University Law School and recipient of the Shawn Bentley Award.
Charlotte Steinfeld
Recipient at Rebecca Van Uitert Women In Law Service Award
Charlotte Steinfeld is the recipient of the Rebecca Van Uitert Women In Law Service Award, recognized for her contributions to the legal profession.
Donald B. Verrilli, Jr.
Former Solicitor General at United States
Donald B. Verrilli, Jr. served as the Solicitor General of the United States, representing the federal government before the Supreme Court.
Elder Alexander Dushku
General Counsel at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Elder Alexander Dushku is the General Counsel for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a General Authority Seventy, overseeing legal affairs and providing spiritual leadership.
Eliza Arts-Chapple
Law Student at Brigham Young University Law School
Eliza Arts-Chapple is a law student at Brigham Young University Law School, recognized for her participation in the 2026 JRCLS Annual Conference.
Gene Schaerr
Managing Partner at Schaerr | Jaffe LLP
Gene Schaerr is the Managing Partner at Schaerr | Jaffe LLP, specializing in appellate and constitutional litigation.
Jeffrey Rosen
President at National Constitution Center
Jeffrey Rosen is the President of the National Constitution Center, a nonpartisan institution dedicated to educating the public about the U.S. Constitution.
Joseph Andersen
Head of Global Technology Policy at Alibaba Group
Joseph Andersen is the Head of Global Technology Policy at Alibaba Group, overseeing policy development and regulatory affairs.
Joshua Bishop
Law Student at Stanford Law School
Joshua Bishop is a law student at Stanford Law School and recipient of the Shawn Bentley Award.
Judge Thomas B. Griffith
Retired Judge at United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
Judge Thomas B. Griffith is a retired judge from the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, known for his contributions to federal jurisprudence.
Judge Todd Jay Plewe
Chair at JRCLS Judges Section
Judge Todd Jay Plewe serves as the Chair of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society's Judges Section, providing leadership and support to judicial members.
Justice Clarence Thomas
Associate Justice at Supreme Court of the United States
Justice Clarence Thomas serves as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, known for his conservative jurisprudence and originalist views.
Melody Barnes
Executive Director at Karsh Institute of Democracy, University of Virginia
Melody Barnes is the Executive Director of the Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia, focusing on strengthening democratic institutions and practices.
Steven Berne
Former Associate Area Legal Counsel at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Steven Berne is a former Associate Area Legal Counsel for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, providing legal guidance for the Europe Central Area.
Zachary Smith
Annual Conference Chair at Musick Peeler
Zachary Smith is the Annual Conference Chair for the J. Reuben Clark Law Society and a partner at Musick Peeler, focusing on complex litigation.
Event Details
- Date
- February 26-27, 2026
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Washington, D.C., United States
- American University Washington College of Law
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Attorneys and law students of faith
- CLE Credits
- Seven (7) CLE credits approved by the Utah State Bar; approval pending from the Delaware State Bar; New York’s Approved Jurisdiction Policy applies; attendees from other jurisdictions should apply for CLE credit from their respective state bar associations.
- Attendees
- Over 400 registrants, including more than 60 law students