I am truly honored to serve as the 2022-2023 Chair of the Section of the American Bar Association that has been historically considered the “Conscience of the ABA.” Since its founding in 1966, the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice (formerly Individual Rights and Responsibilities) has been chaired by leaders from all walks of life. Fifty-five leaders in our profession have chaired this Section before me, and each of them have made significant contributes to our Section, the ABA, and the legal profession. This year, I am committed to doing my part to ensure that CRSJ continues to be a Section of substance, relevance, and be that all important conscience.
This year CRSJ will highlight as its theme Economic Justice. Throughout the bar year, we will address poverty, the wealth gap, federal tax policy and other economic barriers that face so many in our society. I invite you to join us in Washington, DC for our Economic Justice Summit on March 30-31, 2023, where we will gather to discuss these important issues and develop policy solutions.
I also invite you to tune in each week for the ABA Civil Rights & Social Justice Chair Chat! Each week, the Chair Chat will be a platform for CRSJ to discuss important civil rights and social justice issues that challenge our society and examine needed policy solutions. Our guests will include legal scholars, advocates, thought leaders and activist who are committed to fighting for social justice, protecting our democracy, and upholding the rule of law. Through this platform, CRSJ will continue to elevate its voice on these important issues. Please tune in to our Section’s YouTube channel and share these chats will your friends and colleagues.
With the assault on voting rights, the attack on women’s healthcare choices, and the undermining of the rule of law, lawyers and those committed to civil rights and social justice are critical to protect our democracy. Your involvement in the work of our Section this bar year is needed now more than ever before. Please join us!
Juan R. Thomas
Chair, Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice