The goal of the conference is to provide a forum for University faculty and staff, civil and criminal public interest lawyers, judges, community leaders and government officials to meet and collaborate on improving access to justice in our region.

Feb. 14, 3-5 p.m. -- "Effective Legal and Medical Strategies"
The conference kicks off with a lecture by Cati Vawda, the director of the Children's Rights Center in Durban, South Africa, and a member of the National Executive Committee of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC). TAC recently sued the South African government, seeking treatment for HIV-positive pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission.

Additional speakers include Gregory A. Storch, M.D., professor of medicine, molecular microbiology and pediatrics at the School of Medicine and the founder and medical director of the St. Louis Project ARK (AIDS Resources for Kids), and Mary Quigley, director of the AIDS program of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.

Feb. 15, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. -- "The Struggle for Social Justice"
Richard Baron, chief executive officer of McCormack Baron & Associates Inc., begins the day with a lecture at 9 a.m. After the lecture, conference participants can take part in working lunches broken out by subject matter. The conference will close with a presentation by U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan, D-Mo., at 3:30 p.m.

A reception will follow the final speaker.