A Historic Milestone in Paris: JRCLS Celebrates Its 250th Chapter

The 250th chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society (JRCLS) was officially inaugurated with the creation of the France Paris Chapter on Thursday, September 10, 2026, further expanding the reach of the JRCLS in Europe. The atmosphere of the event was marked by enthusiasm and optimism as nearly 20 participants celebrated the establishment of this milestone chapter and looked forward to strengthening the JRCLS community in France. 

The event featured a devotional address by Elder Michael Cziesla, a lawyer by profession, former chair of the Germany Frankfurt Chapter, and a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints currently serving as a member of the Europe Central Area Presidency. Drawing on his experience in the legal profession, Elder Cziesla shared reflections on faith, integrity, and service, and spoke from passages in The Book of Mormon that have guided him throughout his legal career.

The inauguration was organized by Daniel Fingerle, Area Chair for the Europe Central Area, together with attorneys and legal professionals who traveled from across France, including Montpellier, Toulon, and Aix-en-Provence, as well as several law students. During the meeting, Marie-Line Nadir was announced as Chair of the Paris Chapter.

New JRCLS members and others in attendance also expressed excitement about the opportunities the Paris Chapter will create for legal professionals, academics, and students seeking to promote excellence, faith, and service in the legal profession. Plans are already underway for the chapter to host an International Religious Freedom Day event in October, 2026, demonstrating that even the newest of chapters have  important roles to play in fulfilling the JRCLS mission through professional excellence, defending religious freedom, performing service, and upholding the rule of law.