Co-chairs: Hon. Karen Litkovitz and Michael Hawkins

We invite you to apply for the Lawyers Connecting Beyond the Law (LCBL) program. LCBL is an enriching culturally responsive program that involves bringing together lawyers and law students of many diverse backgrounds every other month for five (5) large group sessions and small learning groups. Participants agree to engage in both large and small group sessions and casual get-togethers to share new and diverse experiences throughout the year.

Target Audience

This program is open to diverse members of the Cincinnati Bar Association and local law students who have and aspire to have the ability to understand, communicate with and effectively interact with people across cultures.

2024 Topic: Creating Inclusive Communities Through Belonging

This year, LCBL continues the work of building a more inclusive and cross-culturally informed and responsive legal community by exploring the concept of "belonging." We will examine what it means to belong, including the psychological and physiological aspects of belonging, and explore belonging in the context of diverse religious communities and through facilitated discussions on mental health awareness and destigmatizing mental illness. Participants will have opportunities to take part in onsite visits, large, facilitated working groups, small discussion groups, and share stories and life experiences that helped shape their current perspectives in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Program Goals

· Make our local bar and community more welcoming and inclusive though the development of personal relationships

· Create new and expanded opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue

· Break down barriers and foster inclusiveness by building cultural competencies

Program Duration

LCBL will take place January 2024 – September 2024. Participants will be asked to take part in a series of large group learning sessions during the months of January, March, May, July, and September. There will also be opportunities for small group discussions. Periods between large group sessions are reserved for casual get-togethers and opportunities to share experiences.

Program Cost

The Cincinnati Bar Association is pleased to offer this interactive program to its members and local law students free of charge.

Over 300 lawyers have participated in this culturally diverse program since 2018. Join us for this transformative opportunity. Space is limited.

Apply today. 

Upcoming Dates
*Times typically 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. 

01.22.2024 | Application Deadline

01.29.2024 | Session I: Welcome Reception and Kick-Off, UC Law School

03.2024 | Session II: Psychological and Physiological Aspects of Belonging, date and location TBD

05.20.2024 | Session III: Belonging & Connection across Beliefs & Traditions @ the Ohio Buddhist Vihara Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple

07.29.2024 | Session IV: Belonging, Connection, & Mental Health @ Tender Mercies

Sep. (TBD) | Session V: LCBL Closing Reception and Wrap-Up

Questions? Please contact Leslie Hamilton-Bruewer, Community Education Coordinator, at 513.699.1392.