CCJ/COSCA Conference 2025
by Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) and Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA)
The CCJ/COSCA Conference 2025 is a collaborative event organized by the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) and the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA). Scheduled from July 26 to July 30, 2025, this annual gathering will take place at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine, offering a platform for judicial leaders to discuss and address pressing issues in the legal system.
The conference's educational program centers on the theme "Transforming Justice: Practice Ready Lawyers, Admission to the Bar, and Access to Justice." Key sessions include the Committee on Legal Education and Admissions Reform (CLEAR) series, which will explore topics such as defining standards for minimum competence to practice law, evaluating bar admissions processes, and promoting public interest law careers. Additionally, there will be discussions on improving access to justice through innovative legal service delivery models.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of social activities designed to foster networking and relaxation. Highlights include a welcome reception at Cellardoor Winery, a windjammer cruise aboard the Schooner Appledore II, and a farewell lobster bake dinner featuring live entertainment. These events provide opportunities for participants to connect with peers in informal settings while enjoying the scenic beauty of Maine's Midcoast region.
This conference is ideal for chief justices, state court administrators, and other judicial leaders seeking to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of the legal profession. By attending, participants will gain valuable insights into current challenges and innovative solutions, enhancing their ability to lead and implement change within their respective jurisdictions.
Categories
Speakers(14)
Bennett Baur
Chief Public Defender at New Mexico Law Office of the Public Defender
Bennett Baur serves as the Chief Public Defender at the New Mexico Law Office of the Public Defender, advocating for indigent defense.
C. Shannon Bacon
Justice at New Mexico Supreme Court
Justice C. Shannon Bacon serves on the New Mexico Supreme Court and is the Vice Chair of the Committee on Legal Education and Admissions Reform (CLEAR).
Courtney Brooks
Director at Daniel Webster Scholar Honors Program, University of New Hampshire
Courtney Brooks directs the Daniel Webster Scholar Honors Program at the University of New Hampshire, focusing on innovative legal education.
David K. Byers
Administrative Director of the Courts at Arizona Supreme Court
David K. Byers is the Administrative Director of the Courts for the Arizona Supreme Court, overseeing court administration and access to justice programs.
Deborah Jones Merritt
Distinguished University Professor and Professor of Law Emerita at The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law
Deborah Jones Merritt is a Distinguished University Professor and Professor of Law Emerita at The Ohio State University, focusing on legal education and competency.
Gordon J. MacDonald
Chief Justice at New Hampshire Supreme Court
Chief Justice Gordon J. MacDonald leads the New Hampshire Supreme Court and chairs the Committee on Legal Education and Admissions Reform (CLEAR).
Joan W. Howarth
Emerita Professor of Law at University of Nevada Las Vegas, William S. Boyd School of Law
Joan W. Howarth is an Emerita Professor of Law at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, specializing in legal education and bar admissions.
Justin P. Forkner
Chief Administrative Officer at Indiana Supreme Court
Justin P. Forkner serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Indiana Supreme Court, managing court operations and initiatives.
Leigh Saufley
President and Dean at University of Maine School of Law
Leigh Saufley serves as the President and Dean of the University of Maine School of Law, leading the institution's academic programs.
Meagan Flynn
Chief Justice at Oregon Supreme Court
Chief Justice Meagan Flynn leads the Oregon Supreme Court and moderated the 'Bar Admissions' panel at the conference.
Steve Grumm
Senior Consultant at thredpartners
Steve Grumm is a Senior Consultant at thredpartners, specializing in access to justice initiatives.
Steven R. Jensen
Chief Justice at South Dakota Supreme Court
Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen presides over the South Dakota Supreme Court and moderated the 'Promoting the Public Interest' panel at the conference.
Valerie Stanfill
Chief Justice at Maine Supreme Judicial Court
Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill presides over the Maine Supreme Judicial Court and moderated the 'Examining Practice Readiness' panel at the conference.
Zachariah DeMeola
Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Law School Admissions Council
Zachariah DeMeola is the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Law School Admissions Council, working on legal education reform.
Event Details
- Date
- July 1-3, 2025
- 3 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Portland, United States
- Samoset Resort
- Audience
- Chief justices, state court administrators, judicial leaders