Uno: An Unforgettable Experience at the 2025 JRCLS Annual Conference

​From March 6–8, 2025, I had the privilege of attending the Annual Conference of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, held at the Mexico City Temple Complex. With over 300 participants from various parts of the world, the event brought together attorneys and law students united by faith, professional ethics, and a shared desire to make a meaningful difference in their communities. As one of only three Brazilians in attendance, I can say with enthusiasm: it was a remarkable and deeply enriching experience.

Even before the official opening, I had the opportunity to join an excursion to Chapultepec Castle, one of Mexico City's most iconic landmarks. Walking through its historic halls alongside legal professionals from different countries was more than just a sightseeing tour—it was a moment of connection, both with local history and with new friends who share values similar to mine. The conversations that began there carried on throughout the rest of the event.

The official opening took place on Thursday evening, with a warm welcome and an inspiring message from Elder Hugo Montoya, General Authority Seventy and Mexico Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He spoke about spiritual and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of lawyers committed to living and sharing their religious values. The conference theme, “Uno”, was a call to unity, collaboration, and mutual service in our legal and faith-based communities—a message that resonated through every session, panel, and informal interaction over the following days.

During the opening session, the Thomas L. Kane Religious Freedom Award was also presented to His Excellency Rául Gómez González, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Toluca, Mexico. His presence and remarks reflected a spirit of interfaith respect and reinforced the Society’s commitment to promoting freedom of belief for all.

The schedule was intense and thoughtfully organized. Plenary sessions addressed topics such as religious freedom, refugee assistance, professional excellence, and pro bono service. The breakout sessions offered valuable discussions on global legal education, attorney mobility, and conscientious objection in the 21st century. Between sessions, the lunches were true feasts—both in terms of cuisine and the rich networking opportunities they offered.

One of the most memorable moments was a traditional Mexican music performance by a mariachi band that delighted and energized everyone present, bringing culture, joy, and an even greater sense of unity to the conference. While many of the presentations were delivered in Spanish, live translation ensured that everyone could fully understand and participate. This attention to inclusion was a practical expression of the conference’s central theme.

Not all the attorneys and students present were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I had the privilege of taking some of them to the Visitors’ Center, located near the venue where our meetings were taking place, during one of the conference breaks. They were grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the Church.

Another emotional highlight took place on Saturday morning with the presentation of the Rebecca Van Uitert Women In Law Award to Brazilian attorney Dr. Tania Cristina Parker, Vice President of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society in Brazil. Seeing a fellow Brazilian recognized internationally for her leadership and professional contributions was deeply inspiring and a source of national pride. The following panel on violence against women reaffirmed the Society's commitment to addressing relevant and urgent global issues with courage and compassion.

The conference concluded with a plenary session that invited us to reflect on our role as attorneys within communities of faith. And to crown this unforgettable gathering, it was announced by Dr. Odacyr Prigol, Area Chair of the Law Society in Brazil, that Brazil will host the annual conference in 2027. The news was met with enthusiasm by all and with even greater joy by the Brazilians in attendance. It will be an honor to reciprocate with the same hospitality, spirituality, and excellence that we experienced in Mexico. 

I returned home with a grateful heart, new professional contacts, and sincere friendships. The J. Reuben Clark Law Society Conference was not just a legal event—it was a powerful reminder that even in a diverse and at times divided world, unity is possible when we place our talents in service of the greater good.