Pre-Conference Featured Events

pre-conference

christian legal aid summit

The Christian Legal Aid Summit is the premier gathering for Christian attorneys, law students, legal aid clinic leaders, and ministry partners who are passionate about using their legal skills to serve those in need. Through practical training, interactive workshops, and expert-led discussions, attendees will gain valuable tools and proven strategies to strengthen existing Christian Legal Aid clinics, launch new clinics, and more effectively serve vulnerable and marginalized communities. Eligible educational sessions qualify for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit, allowing attorneys to fulfill professional requirements while investing in their ministry and professional growth. Beyond the educational programming, the Summit offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with experienced practitioners, build relationships with Christian Legal Aid leaders from across the country, and be encouraged by a shared commitment to pursuing justice with compassion and the hope of the gospel. Whether you are new to Christian Legal Aid or a seasoned ministry leader, you will leave equipped, inspired, and connected to a nationwide network of legal professionals advancing access to justice in Christ’s name.

Pre-conference

Church & Ministry General Counsel Forum

The Church & Ministry General Counsel Forum is an opportunity for general counsel of Christ-centered churches and ministries to interact and learn from each other. During this extended session, attendees are active participants, both sharing legal challenges and hearing how peers have addressed similar issues. The General Counsel Forum is open to general counsel of churches and ministries, as well as attorneys practicing in law firms who serve as general counsel for a church or ministry.

 

The Church & Ministry General Counsel Forum provides rich learning and networking opportunities for attorneys who serve as legal counsel to Christ-centered churches and other ministries. This one-day event will include both CLE credit and robust roundtable discussion sessions. Lunch and other refreshments will be provided. Featured speakers and topics include the following: (1) Ryan Oberly explaining recent federal tax developments affecting the EO sector; (2) Nyung Hurst of Bethany Christian Services addressing religious freedom protections, particularly in light of Bethany’s ongoing case against the State of Michigan; (3) a panel discussion led by Lane Paulsen on the rise of “Trey’s Laws” and other restrictions on nondisclosure agreements in ministry contexts; (4) Brian Flagler leading a roundtable session on nonprofit-related IP developments; and (5) a panel discussion and roundtable session led by Gary Friesen on serving as in-house counsel. The General Counsel Forum seeks to foster fruitful dialogue and to encourage attorneys who serve ministries, as fellow Christians striving to use their gifts and capabilities for the Kingdom.

Thursday featured events

Sponsored by the Taft Law Firm

Religious freedom Dessert

Join religious freedom leaders from around the country for a brief time of collaboration and discussion.

Friday featured events

law students

NATIONAL LAW STUDENT CONVENTION

Part of the Law Student Registration.

The National Law Student Convention (NLSC) provides law students from around the country the opportunity to meet others seeking to discern their callings and become faithful Christ followers in the profession. Students will have the opportunity to engage in educational seminars and constructive conversations, enjoy social gatherings with other students, and connect with attorneys from a wide range of practice areas.

Luncheon

Christian Legal Scholars' symposium

The Christian Legal Scholars’ Symposium is an annual event designed to give law professors, students, attorneys, and judges an opportunity to gather over lunch with leading Christian scholars for a time of discussion and debate.

Speakers: Professor Mark Kubisch & Professor Alexander Hoffarth

The “Practice Ready” Trojan Horse: Curing Soulless Advocacy

As law practice requires greater technical expertise, legal education often responds by seeking to produce “practice ready,” “plug and play” fungible technicians. Everyone is happy. But should they be? What sort of advocates and counselors are truly needed for this technical and AI boosted environment? Does practicing law consist simply of executing “means/end,” “get-it-done” techniques? Can a good attorney be satisfied by being competent yet soulless? Can such an attorney adequately and fully represent his client as he ought? 

by invitation only

Chapter leaders' lunch

This event is hosted by Attorney Ministries to thank CLS’ amazing attorney chapter leaders for their hard work throughout the year. 

for cls Law School Fellows

CLS Law School fellows reunion

This is a time of fellowship and continuing education for those who have participated in the CLS Law School Fellows program.

Satuday featured events

Breakfast

Baptist Breakfast

Join fellow Baptists for a breakfast discussion and connecting. 

Scholarships Available

Available for new attorneys, law students, and Christian Legal Aid participants.