The Connecticut Bar Association, along with the Connecticut Bar Foundation, the CBF James W. Cooper Fellows, and Quinnipiac University School of Law, co-hosted a video premiere highlighting four trailblazing attorneys of color in Connecticut on April 2 at Quinnipiac’s law school campus.
The event aimed to document and share the personal stories of Marilyn Diaz, Past CBA President Amy Lin Meyerson, Judge M. Nawaz Wahla, and John Rose, Jr., as part of a broader initiative to educate and inspire future generations about diversity within the legal profession.
Attendees began the evening with a reception before viewing a video featuring interviews with each highlighted attorney. The film explored Attorney Rose’s experiences as an African American attorney in Connecticut; Judge Wahla’s background in the Pakistani military; Attorney Meyerson’s efforts forming an Asian affinity student group during law school; and Attorney Diaz’s work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
After the screening, participants answered audience questions about their challenges and progress expanding diversity in law. When asked how she supports younger attorneys of color, Meyerson said: “I have continued to show up at the associations of the American Bar, the Connecticut Bar, the Connecticut Asian Pacific American Bar Association, and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association so I can engage with younger attorneys and hopefully assist them when I see opportunities that I come across and recommend these folks for those opportunities.”
The History of Attorneys of Color project is one effort by organizations such as the Connecticut Bar Association to foster community well-being through free legal advice and pro bono representation. The association also operates programs like its Law Center for member support initiatives according to its official website. As a nonprofit entity serving more than 7,000 members statewide according to its official website, it partners with groups like the Connecticut Bar Institute for educational activities.
Guided by its president alongside a Board of Governors and House of Delegates according to its official website, CBA has promoted justice since 1875 from its headquarters in Meriden according to its official website.
By preserving these narratives through projects like this video premiere, organizers say they hope future generations will continue efforts toward equity within legal professions.
