The American Bar Association Civil Rights and Social Justice Section will host a free two-day virtual boot camp titled “The Civil Rights Lawyer Boot Camp,” March 7 and March 14 from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. EST. The webinar is designed to help people understand how to advocate for justice, equality and legal rights and protections.
March 03, 2025 Civil Rights and Social Justice
ABA to host free two-day virtual civil rights boot camp
The boot camp is for anyone interested in civil rights issues, including law students, recent law graduates, public service lawyers, other working or retired attorneys and lawyers from any background.
“Civil rights law impacts every aspect of legal practice. Now, more than ever, it is critical that the ABA CRSJ helps the legal profession to advance and protect civil rights and civil liberties,” said CRSJ Chair Lacy Durham. “We are doing our part to ensure there are advocates who understand the issues and options for protecting our communities and rights. The Civil Rights Boot Camp will expose attendees to the various dimensions of being a civil rights attorney, explore how these elements can be integrated into their practice and highlight important considerations for practicing in this area.”
The event will feature discussions, interactive sessions and training led by civil rights experts. Sessions include:
- “The Many Faces of the Civil Rights & Social Justice Lawyer”
- “Taking on Civil Rights Cases as an Attorney Volunteer: Demystifying the Journey”
- “The Basics of Policy Development & Advocacy”
- “The Power of Class Action Lawsuits: A Primer”
- “Retaliation: The Civil Rights Issue of Our Time”
- “Building Successful Partnerships to Advance Your Cause”
- “Effectively Using Publicity to Help Your Case”
- “A Call to Action: Where We Go from Here”
“The Civil Rights Boot Camp will equip attendees with the essential skills and knowledge to practice civil rights law effectively,” said Mario Sullivan, chair-elect of the section.
Sullivan added, “They will gain a deep understanding of the wide array of issue areas within civil rights law. The boot camp will also provide practical tools and insights, enabling lawyers to confidently navigate the complexities of civil rights cases and pursue impactful careers dedicated to upholding justice and equality.”
The Civil Rights Boot Camp is a two-year initiative that will include more programs.