The Belo Horizonte Chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society hosted the 2026 Brazil Area Conference from August 13 to 15, 2026. The event brought together members of the local chapter and participants from various parts of the country, as well as lawyers, legal scholars, law students, and members of the community, to discuss key topics at the intersection of legal practice, ethics, religious freedom, and social responsibility.
Lectures, Ethics, and Religious Freedom
The program featured lectures focused on promoting and defending Religious Freedom in a pluralistic society, professional ethics, and the positive impact of defending the right to religious belief. The discussions highlighted how technical and legal knowledge, when combined with strong moral values, becomes a powerful instrument for building up and supporting society.
Among the distinguished speakers were attorney Odacyr Prigol, Area Chair of the Brazil Area of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society; Dr. Dean Brockbank, a representative of the Legal Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; attorney Dr. Pablo Henrique Machado Coleta (Pai Pablo de Ogum), Vice President of the Religious Law and Religious Freedom Committee of the OAB Betim; and criminal defense attorney Dr. Isabela Dário, President of the Religious Law and Religious Freedom Committee of the Minas Gerais Section of the OAB.
With timely, relevant, and deeply thought-provoking content, the presentations inspired participants to actively defend religious freedom for all people, regardless of their convictions or spiritual beliefs.
Community Service and Social Impact
Service to others is a hallmark of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society. In keeping with this purpose, participants volunteered in the Jardim Vitória neighborhood of Belo Horizonte through the Creche Instituto Educacional Recomeçar, generously led by Ana Pascoal.
During the service activity, participants had the opportunity to tour the institution’s facilities, provide free legal guidance to local residents, and donate 60 food baskets to support the families of the students. This experience exemplified the purpose of the event: going beyond academic learning and inspiring the practice of law with compassion and human excellence.
Participant Experience, Connection, and Cultural Tourism
Beyond the technical content and social initiatives, the conference’s great distinction was its atmosphere of friendship and rich exchange of experiences. The social and networking moments were truly memorable, allowing participants to connect in a genuine way. The opportunity to interact with colleagues who share similar ethical and spiritual perspectives, while exchanging career experiences and discussing the everyday challenges of legal practice, renewed everyone’s sense of belonging and purpose.
The program also included memorable opportunities for cultural immersion:
- Tour of Ouro Preto: Located approximately 60 miles from the capital, the historic city – formerly known as Vila Rica – was one of the most important centers in Brazil during the eighteenth century. It was the site of the Inconfidência Mineira in 1789 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
- Tour of Belo Horizonte: Participants explored the capital of Minas Gerais, founded in 1897 to replace Ouro Preto as the seat of the state government. The itinerary included visits to Pope's Square (with the Serra do Curral mountain range providing a picturesque backdrop), the Central Market, the recently dedicated Belo Horizonte Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Magalhães Pinto Stadium (Mineirão), and the renowned architectural complex surrounding Pampulha Lake.
Legacy
The overall feeling at the conclusion of the conference was one of renewed energy for professional practice and strengthened collaborative connections throughout the region. The Brazil Area Conference reaffirmed the mission of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society to promote professional excellence and service to others, leaving a positive and inspiring impression on everyone in attendance.
