2027 Equal Justice Conference

The Equal Justice Conference is an annual event co-hosted by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA). It brings together a diverse group of legal professionals—including legal aid and pro bono advocates, judges, court staff, academics, and law students—to address systemic barriers faced by low-income individuals seeking justice. The 2027 conference is scheduled for May 13-15, with pre-conference sessions on May 12, in Columbus, Ohio.

The conference covers a wide range of topics pertinent to the civil legal aid community. Sessions focus on expanding pro bono services, fundraising and development strategies, substantive law updates, addressing inequities in the justice system, community lawyering, client-centered advocacy, research and data utilization, management practices, and the use of technology to bridge the justice gap. These discussions aim to share innovative strategies and foster collaborations to enhance access to justice.

Attendees can participate in various networking opportunities, including plenary sessions, workshops, and special programming designed to facilitate collaboration and the sharing of best practices. The conference also features notable speakers from the legal community who provide insights into current challenges and future directions in legal aid and pro bono services.

This conference is ideal for legal professionals dedicated to ensuring equal justice in the civil legal system for low-income individuals and communities. Participants will gain valuable knowledge, engage in meaningful discussions, and build partnerships that can drive change in their respective organizations and communities.