A few upcoming programs and events in Connecticut have crossed my desk lately that are worth sharing.   The first two programs are FREE, but the sponsors have asked for RSVPs to be made beforehand.

Twenty years ago, Professor Charles Lawrence wrote one of the most influential pieces in critical race theory, entitled The Id, The Ego, and Equal Protection: Reckoning with Unconscious Racism. Professor Lawrence noted that the purposeful intent requirements found in antidiscrimination laws failed to provide adequate protection because many forms of racial bias are unconscious. He argued that laws should be reformed to encompass more subtle forms of discrimination. …

This fall, The Connecticut Law Review will host a Symposium focusing on the twentieth anniversary of Professor Lawrence’s piece. The Symposium will draw together a multidisciplinary group of academics, practitioners, and community activists to discuss the evolution of Professor Lawrence’s piece. It will also look at the psychological studies that Professor Lawrence’s work encouraged and will examine the influence of his theory on “unconscious racism” twenty years later. Panelists will discuss the application of his theory to a variety of practice areas such as criminal justice, employment discrimination, and juvenile law. Featured speakers will include: Prof. Charles Lawrence, Prof. Mari Matsuda, Prof. Gowri Ramachandran, Hon. Janet Bond Arterton, Prof. Catherine Smith, Prof. Amy Wax, Prof. Samuel Bagenstos, Prof. Devon Carbado, Prof. Valerie Purdie-Vaughns, Prof. James Forman Jr., Prof. Elizabeth Emens, Prof. John Tehranian, and Ms. Eva Jefferson-Paterson.

The program is being held at UConn Law School, in Hartford, Connecticut. You can RSVP by calling 860-570-5331 or e-mailing connlrev@law.uconn.edu.

  • On November 13th, 2007, ConnACCA and GC New England magazine are sponsoring a free seminar entitled, "To Catch a Thief".  The program is designed to discuss issues related to protecting a company’s people, products and services. Among the topics to be covered:
    • Preparing enforceable confidentiality agreements and restrictive covenants
    • Creating policies for information ownership, protection and retention
    • Minimization of risk when recruiting individuals or groups of employees.
    • The need to quickly investigate and respond to thefts of trade secrets or other types of unfair competition.
    • Pursuing and defending litigation involving restrictive covenants, trade secrets, employee raiding & more.

I will be speaking at that program, along with some of my other colleagues.  A complete flyer can be downloaded here.  In House Counsel can RSVP for free online at: www.gcnewengland.com .  You can also RSVP by emailing lawtribune@alm.com, sending a Fax Registration to (860) 527-7815 or calling (860) 527-7900.  The program starts at 3 p.m. at The Hartford Club. 

  • The Connecticut Bar Association is holding a similar seminar on November 8th, 2007 entitled, "Hey! You Stole My Business! Litigating Against a Former Employee or Partner".  Details can be found at the bar association’s website, www.ctbar.org.    This Continuing Legal Education class is $75 for CBA members, and $125 for non-members.