LGBTQ+ Section

Mission Statement

The Section shall address issues that are of importance to attorneys with an interest in legal issues relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (“LGBTQ+”) people.  The Section shall promote the objectives of the Delaware State Bar Association (the “Association”) within the context of professional development, community building, and the study of legal issues as it relates to the Section’s purpose and membership.  To that end, it shall be the purpose the LGBTQ+ Section to improve the public service rendered by its members in legal matters concerning the LGBTQ+ community, to promote the professional development and interests of its members, to provide education to all members of the Association and the Section about legal issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, and to provide a common meeting ground for all attorneys who are interested in the purpose of the LGBTQ+ Section.

Officers

Events

Upcoming Events

Past Events

4th Annual LGBTQ+ Section Summer Reception 

Come celebrate the third anniversary of the LGBT Section and honor the work and accomplishments of our special guest, Lisa B. Goodman, Esq.

Young Lawyers Section/LGBTQ+ Section Joint Happy Hour
Thursday, October 13, 2016
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Trolley Tap House
1616 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington

LGBTQ+ Section Summer Reception
Come celebrate the second anniversary of the LGBTQ+ Section and honor the work and accomplishments of our distinguished honoree (to be announced).

Thursday, July 14, 2016
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP
Rodney Square
1000 North King Street, Wilmington

If you or your firm would like to be a sponsor of our 2016 Summer Reception, please email Ryan Maerz at maerz@rlf.com.

Supreme Court Preview:  Obergefell v. Hodges
Please join the DSBA LGBTQ+ Section and Equality Delaware for a panel discussion on what could be the Supreme Court case that brings marriage equality nationwide.  Our distinguished panelists will analyze the case, potential outcomes, and its potential impact in Delaware and across the country.

Thursday, April 23, 2015
Panel 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Reception 8:00 – 9:00 PM
World Café Live at the Queen
500 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

Featuring:
Matt Denn, Attorney General of Delaware
Professor John G. Culhane, Widener University School of Law
Angela Giampolo, Giampolo Law Group
Mark Purpura, President, Equality Delaware Foundation
Anthony Flynn, Jr., Moderator, Chairman, DSBA LGBT Section
1.0 Hours DE/PA CLE

Assisted Reproductive Technology and the Law

Sponsored by the LGBTQ+ Section of the Delaware State Bar Association
Wednesday, April 15, 2015 • 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
1.5 hours CLE credit for Delaware and Pennsylvania attorneys
Live in New Castle County at Delaware State Bar Association, 405 N. King St., Wilmington, DE
Live webcast in Sussex County at Tunnell & Raysor, 30 E. Pine St., Georgetown, DE

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and Best Practices

The legal definition of ART will be described along with the best practices in forming a surrogacy/donor agreement. The Delaware Uniform Parentage Act and the Delaware Gestational Carrier Agreement Act will be covered, as well as how these acts are applied in using ART to form families.

Developments in Assisted Reproductive Technology

A discussion of donor and gestational surrogacy services, common pitfalls, and “words to the wise” when using ART to build families.

LGBTQ+ Section Happy Hour

March 19, 2015
5:30-7:30pm
Deep Blue Bar and Grill
111 W. 11th St.
Wilmington, DE 19801
Sponsored by Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice LLP

LGBTQ+ Winter Reception

Please join us for a happy hour welcoming new admittees to the Delaware bar.
January 8, 2014
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Timothy’s on the Riverfront
930 Justison St.
Wilmington, DE 19801

The Path to the Judiciary CLE

Come learn about the process by which Delaware state and federal judges are selected.  We will have representatives from the Judicial Nominating Commission and Governor Jack Markell and Senator Tom Carper’s offices to describe what they look for in making judicial selections.  The CLE will also feature recently appointed members of the Supreme Court, Superior Court, Court of Chancery, Court of Common Pleas, Family Court and the Justice of the Peace Court to offer insights and guidance on the application process, how to substantively prepare for a judgeship, and the day-to-day reality of being a judge.

Friday, October 24, 2014
2:30 – 5:00 p.m.
New Castle County Courthouse
Jury Services Assembly Room
500 North King Street, Suite 1800
Wilmington, DE 19801

Happy Hour to Follow at World Café Live at The Queen

LGBTQ+ Section Summer Reception

Honoring Superior Court Judge Jan Jurden
With Special Guest Governor Jack Markell
Come celebrate the creation of the new LGBT Section and honor the work and accomplishments of Superior Court Judge Jan Jurden.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP
Rodney Square
1000 North King Street, Wilmington

Host Sponsor:  Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP

Platinum Sponsors:  Morris Nichols Arsht & Tunnell, LLP; Richards Layton & Finger, PA; Doroshow Pasquale Krawitz & Bhaya; Morris James LLP; Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Silver Sponsors:  Gerry Gray, P.A.; Christine K. Demsey, Esq.; Boudart & Mensinger, LLP

Membership:

The LGBTQ+ Section is an inclusive group of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied attorneys and welcomes new members, regardless of whether they identify as LGBTQ+ or not.  If you would like to join the LGBTQ+ Section, please contact LaTonya Tucker at (302) 658-5279 x 103.