Virtual Equal Justice Conference includes Second Gentleman, programs on diverse topics

The American Bar Association Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service and the National Legal Aid & Defender Association will convene their annual Equal Justice Conference online May 3-7 with an emphasis on strengthening civil justice partnerships and guest appearances by Douglas Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, and entrepreneur Mark Cuban.

The Equal Justice Conference is an annual gathering of legal services and pro bono advocates to share and learn about developments and innovations in providing legal services to low-income persons. It will be totally virtual for the second consecutive year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emhoff, a lawyer whose background is entertainment law, has listed his focus as Second Gentleman as the causes of justice, equality and human rights. He will speak briefly at noon on Monday, May 3, as part of the program’s opening session.

Other prominent speakers include:

• Mark Cuban, who is a media personality, owner of the NBA Dallas Mavericks and philanthropist. He will speak briefly after Emhoff’s remarks on Monday.

• Damon Hewitt, acting president and executive director/executive vice president of the Lawyers Committee on Civil Rights Under Law. A longtime civil rights lawyer, social justice strategist, philanthropist and coalition-builder, Hewitt will deliver keynote remarks at 12:30 p.m. Monday.

• Vu Le (“voo lay”) a former executive director of nonprofit RVC in Seattle, which promotes social justice by developing leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color and fostering collaboration between diverse communities. He will speak at noon Friday, May 7.

Altogether, the five-day conference will include about 60 sessions with topics including racial justice, resource development and innovative delivery models.

To register for the conference, visit www.americanbar.org/groups/probono_public_service/ejc.