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(26)
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.
Angel Zimmerman
International Chair at J. Reuben Clark Law Society
Angel Zimmerman serves as the International Chair of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, overseeing the society's global operations and outreach.
Brandon Ascione
Law Student at BYU Law
Brandon Ascione is a law student at BYU Law and recipient of the Shawn Bentley Award at the 2026 JRCLS Annual Conference.
Charlotte Steinfeld
Award Recipient
Charlotte Steinfeld received the Rebecca Van Uitert Women In Law Service Award at the 2026 JRCLS Annual Conference.
David L. Bazelon
Posthumous Award Recipient
David L. Bazelon was posthumously recognized with the Thomas L. Kane Religious Freedom Award for his contributions to religious freedom.
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.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Second Counselor in the First Presidency at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Elder D. Todd Christofferson serves as the Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, providing leadership and guidance to the global church.
Eliza Arts-Chapple
Law Student at Brigham Young University
Eliza Arts-Chapple is a law student at Brigham Young University, actively involved in legal studies and student organizations.
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.
Josef Gutierrez
LL.M Student at J. Reuben Clark Law School
Josef Gutierrez is an LL.M student at the J. Reuben Clark Law School, focusing on advanced legal studies.
Joseph Andersen
Head of Global Technology Policy at Alibaba Group
Joseph Andersen is the Head of Global Technology Policy at Alibaba Group, overseeing the company's global technology policy initiatives.
Joshua Bishop
Law Student at Stanford Law
Joshua Bishop is a law student at Stanford Law and recipient of the Shawn Bentley Award at the 2026 JRCLS Annual Conference.
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 appellate 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.
Kirsten Davies
Student Chapter Chair at S.J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah
Kirsten Davies is the Student Chapter Chair at the S.J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah, leading student engagement and activities.
Melody C. 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.
Morris Kanfer
Posthumous Award Recipient
Morris Kanfer was posthumously recognized with the Thomas L. Kane Religious Freedom Award for his contributions to religious freedom.
President Camille N. Johnson
Relief Society General President at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
President Camille N. Johnson is the Relief Society General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leading the church's organization for women.
Samuel J. Morales
Associate Director at J. Reuben Clark Law Society
Samuel J. Morales is the Associate Director of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, supporting the society's mission and initiatives.
Stanley Rosensweig
Posthumous Award Recipient
Stanley Rosensweig was posthumously recognized with the Thomas L. Kane Religious Freedom Award for his contributions to religious freedom.
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 in the Europe Central Area.
Thomas Rockwood
Law Student at Brigham Young University
Thomas Rockwood is a first-year law student at Brigham Young University, pursuing a legal education with a focus on public service.
Zachary Smith
Annual Conference Chair at J. Reuben Clark Law Society
Zachary Smith served as the Chair for the 2026 Annual Conference of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, overseeing the event's organization and execution.
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