ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice

01/24/2025

The Justice Department has halted all new civil rights cases and investigations, indicating a potential reversal of Biden-era agreements with police departments related to discrimination and violence. This change, signaled in internal memos from Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle, reflects a shift in priorities with Trump appointees now leading the department. Mizelle's memos impose a “litigation freeze” on the Civil Rights Division and restrict lawyers from proceeding with various legal actions without senior approval.

The second memo particularly addresses consent decrees, which are agreements with local governments to correct biased police practices, suggesting that the new administration may reconsider these settlements. This freeze could affect recent agreements with cities like Louisville and Minneapolis.

Trump, who criticized Biden's approach to law enforcement, has quickly moved to dismantle initiatives supporting diversity and inclusion, meanwhile appointing Harmeet K. Dhillon, a conservative lawyer, to lead the Civil Rights Division, a politically significant role.

01/24/2025

Happening NOW! It's not too late to join the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice virtual Midyear Meeting. We would love to hear from you!

DM us for registration details

01/24/2025

- A Roundtable Regarding AI Legal Issues, Policy and Practical Strategies

Join us on January 27th at 11:00AM EST for an insightful webinar regarding key AI legal issues and developments with editors and authors of the recently released ABA book “Artificial Intelligence: Legal Issues, Policy, and Practical Strategies."

Join our panel Lucy Thompson Co-Chair of the ABA Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence, Cynthia Cwik, a Vice-Chair ABA Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence, Jim Sandman, a Vice-Chair ABA Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence Vice Chair and former President of the Legal Services Corporation, Karen Silverman, member ABA Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence and CEO/Founder of Cantellus Group and Christopher Suarez, Partner, Steptoe LLP as they discuss cybersecurity challenges with AI; governing AI in a changing world; AI and access to justice: AI and the intellectual property explosion; and legal issues at the convergence of AI and the internet of things.

Register Today! ➡️ https://ow.ly/sEoH50UMMVh

01/24/2025

Join us today for the ABA Section on Civil Rights and Social Justice Virtual Midyear Meeting at 11am ET!

- Join us on Friday, January 24, 2025 for the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice Virtual Midyear Meeting, beginning promptly at 11am ET. We hope to see you there!

Direct message us for registration details.

01/22/2025

- Impacts of Parenthood and Child Caregiving on Legal Careers

2025 ABA Midyear Meeting
Where: Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
When: Saturday, February 1, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. MT

Join the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession as they discuss the findings of the 2023 study Legal Careers of Parents and Child Caregivers while exploring the "caregiver penalty," "maternal wall bias," and "fatherhood stigmatization" as challenges for caregivers in the legal profession. In addition to sharing their personal experiences, panelists will provide practical recommendations and considerations to support caregivers and promote gender equity in the practice of law.

Panelists
- Paulette Brown, ABA Commission on Women in the Profession
- Michelle Browning Coughlin, Assistant Professor - Salmon P. Chase College of Law
- George Chen, Partner - Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
- Roberta Liebenberg, Principal - The Red Bee Group
- Heidi McNeil Staudenmaier, Senior Partner - Snell & Willmer LLP

Read the Report HERE ➡️ https://ow.ly/SRql50ULpcS

01/22/2025

Want to learn more about the asylum application process or what a Credible Fear Interview is? Head over to the ABA Commission on Immigration's Frequently Ask Questions page for answers and additional resources.

Click HERE to Learn More ➡️https://ow.ly/uG1u50ULo7V

01/22/2025

- Join us on Friday, January 24, 2025 for the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice Virtual Midyear Meeting, beginning promptly at 11am ET. We hope to see you there!

Direct message us for registration details.

01/21/2025

- Join us on March 7 and 14, 2025, for the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice Civil Rights Bootcamp.

This 2 day virtual summit will equip attendees with resources, guidance, and insights into the various facets of civil rights law, with a particular focus on practical application in diverse practice environments. Whether you're exploring civil rights law for the first time or looking to deepen your expertise, this Boot Camp is designed to help you understand how to advocate for justice, equality, and legal protections for all.

Through a series of interactive sessions, expert-led trainings, and real-world case studies, participants will gain valuable knowledge on:

🔷The foundations of civil rights law and the essential legal frameworks
🔷Practical advice on building a career or practice in civil rights law
🔷Strategies for advocating for underrepresented and marginalized communities
🔷Insights on navigating the intersection of civil rights law with other practice areas

This event is not just for practicing civil rights lawyers; it is also for those interested in the broad spectrum of work in civil rights advocacy. By the end of the Boot Camp, attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how they can become an effective advocate, regardless of their practice area or career stage.

Click HERE to Learn More ➡️ https://ow.ly/hN0950UKBSJ

01/21/2025

In early 2008, the American Bar Association (ABA) launched an innovative pro bono immigration pilot project in San Diego, California pursuant to a seed grant from the ABA Enterprise Fund.

The mission of the IJP is to promote due process and access to justice at all levels of the immigration and appellate court system, through the provision of high-quality pro bono legal services for those in immigration proceedings in San Diego. The IJP serves both detained and non-detained individuals, and recruits, trains and mentors volunteer attorneys and law students representing clients.

Immigration Justice Project depends on committed pro bono attorneys and volunteers. They are consistently looking for volunteers, interns, interpreters, and experienced immigration practitioners.

Click HERE to learn more ➡️ https://ow.ly/kr6M50UKtRS

01/20/2025

Happy Birthday to Martin Luther King Jr.! 🎉 He was such an inspiring figure during the Civil Rights era, and his legacy continues to touch our lives today.

01/19/2025

World Religion Day is a day to promote interfaith understanding and harmony among the diverse religious communities around the globe. Celebrated annually on the third Sunday of January, this day serves as a reminder of the importance of respect for different beliefs and practices. It encourages dialogue and cooperation among individuals of various faiths, fostering a spirit of peace and unity.

On this day, let us reflect on the values that unite us, such as compassion, love, and understanding. Join us in celebrating the diversity of our world and the beautiful tapestry of beliefs that enrich our lives. We invite everyone to participate in local events, discussions, and activities that honor this day and its significance.

Together, we can promote a world that values inclusivity and respect for all. Share your thoughts and experiences regarding World Religion Day and how it inspires you to engage with different cultures and faiths. What actions can we take to further understanding and respect? Let's create a dialogue that spans beyond this day!

01/17/2025

- Who exactly is Father Drinan?

Robert F. Drinan, S.J., a founding member of the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice, served as its Chair in 1990-91 and as its Delegate in 1993-96. Formerly the dean of Boston College Law School and a professor at Georgetown University Law Center, he was widely known and revered throughout the ABA for his longstanding service to the Bar in many capacities, including as Chair of the Standing Committee on Professionalism and Ethics.

Within the profession and beyond, he was also known as a dedicated and principled former member of Congress, a widely published legal scholar and author of several books, and a worldwide human rights advocate called into service in times of crisis by presidents and diplomats innumerable times over the past several decades.

Whether serving the Section, the Bar, or the nation, Robert Drinan has been at once teacher, scholar, and advocate of the Section mission to protect and advance human rights, civil liberties, and social justice.

01/16/2025

"Recent Decisions of Interest Concerning LGBTQ+ Rights in Russia, Poland and Latvia" by Eric J. Wursthorn, discusses three significant rulings (Savinovskikh and Others v. Russia, W.W. v. Poland, and Hanovs v. Latvia) recently issued by The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) concerning LGBTQ+ rights, highlighting ongoing challenges for the community in areas such as family law and hate crime prosecutions.

These decisions affirm the importance of considering individual circumstances and rights in the context of LGBTQ+ issues, even as they underscore the discrimination and legal challenges still faced by the community.

Read the article HERE ➡️https://ow.ly/iwZH50UI8x6

01/16/2025

Join us next Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 5:30 ET for the Father Drinan Award Reception.

This year, the American Bar Association Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice will posthumously honor beloved Section legend, Richard A. Soden, and celebrate his impactful life and legacy. He was deeply committed to the Section’s mission and its growing need for a sustained source of funding. As a Section leader, Richard was indefatigable in his fundraising efforts and inspirational in the service and guidance he so thoughtfully provided to the Section often referred to as “the conscience of the ABA.”

Click HERE to Register ➡️ https://ow.ly/UIAW50UI40w

01/16/2025

Join us next Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 3:00-4:00 PM ET for our Midyear Membership, Diversity, and Inclusion Council Committee Meeting to hear from our wonderful leader about our latest programs and initiatives.

Click HERE to Register ➡️ https://ow.ly/jz7x50UI0F6

01/15/2025

As wildfires continue to affect California, it is imperative that we extend our support to the impacted communities. If you are in a position to assist, we encourage you to contribute to the ABA's Disaster Legal Services initiative, which provides essential legal aid and supports recovery efforts for those affected. Every contribution, regardless of size, can make a significant impact. Let us unite to demonstrate our strength and solidarity in overcoming challenges.

To make a charitable contribution for disaster relief, please click here: https://ow.ly/NQWw50UHfoC

01/15/2025

🎉 Happy Birthday, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! 🎉 Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of a true champion for justice, equality, and peace. His words and actions continue to inspire us to dream big and work tirelessly for a better world. Let us honor his vision by spreading love and understanding in our communities. Here's to continuing his fight against injustice and uplifting each other every day! ✊🏽❤️

01/15/2025

Join the Task Force to Combat Islamophobia on January 17, 2025 at 12pm ET for the next installment in their webinar series, The Global Experience with Islamophobia - Perspectives of Combating Religious Bias from Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. This webinar will examine Islamophobic bias in several other English-speaking countries. The goal is to identify common trends and suggest effective remedies to combat bias.

Several renowned scholars, legal professionals, and bar leaders will address the pervasive issue of Islamophobia in legal and political systems across Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The discussion will identify systemic barriers stemming from Islamophobic bias faced by Muslim professionals, judges, and communities, while exploring actionable strategies to foster diversity, promote inclusion, and uphold human rights. The panel will also highlight the critical role of human rights legislation and community advocacy in combating Islamophobia and its broader implications for the rule of law. This vital conversation to gain comparative insights, share best practices, and contribute to building a more equitable legal profession and judiciary worldwide.

Among the takeaways are: strategies to combat Islamophobia within legal services; barriers faced by Muslim legal professionals and judges; role of human rights legislation and community advocacy; highlight practical solutions for promoting diversity and combating Islamophobia in legal systems; encourage collaboration between legal professionals, academics, and policymakers.

Moderator
- Glenn P. Hendrix - Senior Partner, Arnall Golden Gregory

Speakers
- Prof. Tariq Modood - Founding Director, Bristol University Research Centre for the Study of Ethnicity and Citizenship
- Dr. Natasha Bakht - Professor, University of Ottawa
- Hussein Panju - Chair, CMLA
- Dr. Ghena Krayem - Researcher, University of Sydney

Click HERE to Register ➡️ https://ow.ly/Wyl450UH43V