2026 Equal Justice Conference

FREE-SD works to turn the promise of California’s Racial Justice Act into practice by building power, transparency, and accountability in the legal system. Through court watching, public records requests, data analysis, community organizing, education, and media advocacy, FREE-SD strengthens RJA cases and advances racial justice. This presentation highlights partnerships with the San Diego Public Defender’s Office, UC San Diego, and Pillars of the Community, showing how collaboration equips families and attorneys to challenge systemic racism and fight to free loved ones.

Domestic violence survivors often face complex, system-level barriers to obtaining and enforcing orders of protection and related civil legal remedies. To address these challenges, three South Carolina groups joined forces to create a cycle of research, convening, and service delivery to expand access to legal protections for survivors. This session will share lessons learned and practical guidance for making academic research accessible and actionable, convening stakeholders to build consensus and commitments around evidence, and translating those commitments into real service improvements.

This lively, rapid-fire session will showcase 50 practical technology tips designed to help legal aid and pro bono staff work smarter every day. Panelists will highlight free and low-cost tools, AI-powered resources, collaboration platforms, accessibility solutions, and strategies for managing information securely. Attendees will leave with an array of easy-to-use apps, add-ons, and shortcuts they can immediately put into practice to save time, improve efficiency, and better serve clients.

Fair courts and an independent judiciary are foundational to our democracy. Young LGBTQ+ people in foster care are required to engage with numerous systems to meet basic needs. Also, research shows that LGBTQ+ people face disproportionate rates of incarceration and interactions with law enforcement. This workshop is for advocates to learn skills and tools to affirm and enforce the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV in the legal system through the provision of legal services.