2024 Pathways to Justice Request for Session Proposals |
Request for Session Proposals
Pathways to Justice is a statewide conference of professionals from every aspect of the California legal services sector. Nonprofit lawyers, advocates, administrators, court staff and bench officers, pro bono and private attorneys, community stakeholders, and others find great value in our wide range of training sessions and networking opportunities. The conference is hosted by the State Bar of California, the Judicial Council of California, and the Legal Aid Association of California.
The Pathways to Justice Session Development Committee now seeks proposals for conference sessions that offer innovative approaches to increasing access to justice or practical takeaways for those who provide legal services to low-income Californians. The committee will consider all proposals; however, the following topic areas have been identified as of particular interest to the community:
- Leveraging partnerships between the courts, legal aid providers, law schools, private bars, and other social service agencies and community organizations;
- Incorporating technology and AI into legal services delivery models;
- Developing and delivering effective pro bono and law school clinic programs;
- Improving diversity, equity, and inclusion for legal aid employees and clients;
- Serving diverse client groups; and
- Evaluating and measuring the impact of legal aid.
Session Format
In proposing a conference session, please consider the format. The session should incorporate adult learning principles and, if possible, include components that incorporate individual or small-group participation, such as role playing, breakout groups, brainstorm sessions, or audience contribution. The format should, to the extent possible, foster interaction between panel members and the audience, with presenters leaving time for discussion, questions, and development of new ideas.
In proposing a conference session, please consider the format. The session should incorporate adult learning principles and, if possible, include components that incorporate individual or small-group participation, such as role playing, breakout groups, brainstorm sessions, or audience contribution. The format should, to the extent possible, foster interaction between panel members and the audience, with presenters leaving time for discussion, questions, and development of new ideas.
Session Requirements
All sessions should:
All sessions should:
- Set and follow a well-organized agenda;
- Offer opportunities for questions and comments;
- Ensure that all materials are available for upload in advance, by the date specified by conference coordinators; and
- Provide visual aids (if used) that support the presentation rather than distract from it or simply repeat the speaker’s words.
All sessions will be either 60 or 90 minutes in length. No session should include more than three panelists or presenters, and the panelists should represent a diversity of backgrounds.
Please note similar proposals may be consolidated. Confirmed sessions will need to appoint a session leader to liaise with staff and ensure all materials are submitted on time, including panelists’ biographies, an outline of the presentation, and any audio/visual requests. If the proposed session qualifies for MCLE credit, written materials are mandatory. For non-MCLE sessions, written materials are strongly encouraged.
Conference Registration and Travel Expenses
The conference will take place at the Milton Marks Conference Center in San Francisco on October 28 (pre-conference), 29, and 30. Confirmed panelists will receive a 50 percent discount on the conference registration fee but must cover their own travel and lodging costs. Partial travel scholarships may be available for attorneys funded by Shriver grants and for court staff. Please email pathwaystojustice@calbar.ca.gov to see if you qualify.
The conference will take place at the Milton Marks Conference Center in San Francisco on October 28 (pre-conference), 29, and 30. Confirmed panelists will receive a 50 percent discount on the conference registration fee but must cover their own travel and lodging costs. Partial travel scholarships may be available for attorneys funded by Shriver grants and for court staff. Please email pathwaystojustice@calbar.ca.gov to see if you qualify.
Deadline and Technical Assistance
Proposals are due no later than Friday, May 3, 2024 (new extended deadline). Please email pathwaystojustice@calbar.ca.gov with any questions or trouble submitting.
Proposals are due no later than Friday, May 3, 2024 (new extended deadline). Please email pathwaystojustice@calbar.ca.gov with any questions or trouble submitting.