Thank you to everyone who joined us for NLADA's first hybrid conference. More than 900 people attended the week of educational presentations and engaging in-person discussions.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the Honorable Bernice B. Donald for kicking off the conference strong as our Opening Plenary speaker. Thank you also to Desmond Meade, for being the featured speaker for our Annual Awards Ceremony, and giving us some much needed perspective and encouragement. And a final special thank you to our Closing Plenary speaker, Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri, for closing out the conference by reminding us of the importance of staying grounded in our nation's history.
Congratulations to our Annual Conference Award winners - thank you all for your commitment to access to justice for all! And last, but not least, a hearty thank you to all of the attendees, presenters, exhibitors and sponsors!
Missed a session? Feel free to reach out to training@nlada.org for a link to access recordings.
|
|
More Exciting Leadership Changes at NLADA
We are excited to announce two new members of the NLADA leadership team. Radhika Singh has recently been promoted to the role of Vice-President of Civil Legal Services and Strategic Policy Initiatives after previously serving as Chief of Civil Legal Services at NLADA. NLADA also welcomes Alison Bloomquist, who joins NLADA as Vice-President of Strategic Alliances and Innovation.
Our new President & CEO, April Frazier Camara, is excited for the future: "As NLADA embarks on a new chapter, it will take our collective power to advance the goals of racial equity and equal access in America. My goal is for NLADA to become an anti-racist organization. This new leadership team will play a central role in achieving this goal and will model the way for other organizations."
|
|
Racial Equity Initiative:
Campaign Kickoff
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Nov 4 for the launch of NLADA’s Racial Equity Initiative Campaign. This is just the beginning of an unparalleled three year campaign to eradicate racial inequity on individual, organizational and systemic levels. It was a wonderful evening of exciting announcements and inspiring stories including those from the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance, Dr. Danette Howard (Lumina Foundation) and Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player for the New Orleans Saints). Special thanks to the initial Campaign Founding Benefactors: NLADA Insurance Program, Shipman & Goodwin LLP, and Mutual of America.
|
|
Double Your Gift TODAY!
NLADA's partner, Mutual of America, will very generously match contributions to a total of $25,000 through the end of the year. We ask you to leverage your contribution and maximize that matching opportunity now.
|
|
New Report: Aurora, Colorado Public Defender Office
NLADA conducted an evaluation of the Aurora, Colorado Public Defender Office that looked to the office’s adherence to national standards and guidelines. The investigation found that Aurora has a model municipal court public defense system, worthy of review by other municipalities seeking to strengthen right to counsel services. The report offers findings and recommendations for further improvement. You can read the report here.
|
|
Infrastructure Enacted, but Appropriations Stalled
Last month, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a package amounting to around $1.2 trillion in spending that is primarily focused on physical infrastructure. The infrastructure package makes a number of investments in areas affecting low-income people, including most notably expanding broadband internet in underserved areas and improving physical climate resilience for areas at risk of natural disasters, with roads and bridges the largest single focus area.
After passing the infrastructure package, House Democrats turned their attention to Build Back Better. Based on public statements from some Senate Democrats in recent weeks, the bill is likely to be narrowed at least to some extent in that chamber. While the reconciliation process makes Republican support unnecessary, negotiations will nonetheless be challenging and this could take several weeks. Senate leadership is currently targeting a vote before the recess over Christmas. NLADA is continuing to analyze this legislation and will keep you updated on developments.
|
|
Upcoming Lifelong Learning Opportunities
|
|
Miss this year's Annual Meeting of the Members? Catch up Online
We hope you had a chance to join the annual Meeting of the Members on November 8. Board Chair Rhodia Thomas and NLADA’s new President and CEO April Frazier-Camara shared plans for the new Racial Equity Initiative that will provide resources, anti-racist trainings, leadership development, and much more for NLADA members and our community.
If you're feeling generous, gift an NLADA membership to a law school student, graduate or legal professional in your life. Our membership is a gift that carries throughout their career and keeps them connected to the legal community during this global pandemic.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
