J. Paul Vance, Jr. Installed as President of the Connecticut Bar Association
On June 2, more than 850 legal professionals gathered for the 2026 Connecticut Legal Conference (CLC), where one of the most significant moments of the day was the installation of J. Paul Vance, Jr. as President of the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) for the 2026–2027 bar year.
The event, held at the Connecticut Convention Center, marked an important transition in leadership as outgoing President Emily A. Gianquinto formally installed the incoming officers during the Annual Meeting and Luncheon. Following the traditional passing of the gavel, President Vance delivered remarks that laid out a clear and powerful vision for the year ahead.
“Built on Justice” — A Vision for the Bar Year
In his address, President Vance underscored the profound responsibility carried by lawyers, judges, and public servants in upholding the rule of law. His message highlighted the deliberate effort required to preserve the legal system and ensure equal justice for all.
“The rule of law is not self-executing. Justice does not simply happen,” he stated. “What we have—our courts, our rights, our institutions, our system of ordered liberty—exists because generations of lawyers, judges, and public servants have built it. Carefully. Deliberately. And, at times, under tremendous pressure.”
He announced the theme for the upcoming bar year: Built on Justice. According to President Vance, the theme “reflects both who we are and what is expected of us.” It serves as a call for the legal community to remain dedicated to strengthening the system of justice through integrity, professionalism, and service.
Looking Forward
President Vance’s remarks set a strong tone for the year, calling on attorneys across the state to approach their work with purpose and commitment. His emphasis on justice, professionalism, and the collective responsibility of the legal community resonated throughout the conference and provided a meaningful foundation for the initiatives to come.
The Connecticut Bar Association now enters the 2026–2027 bar year with a renewed focus—one grounded in the idea that the legal profession does not merely participate in the justice system but actively builds, protects, and strengthens it.