YLD Newsletter Summer 2022

YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION NEWSLETTER

SUMMER 2022

The Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the Colorado Lawyers Committee (CLC) has a long-standing reputation of bringing young lawyers and law students together to learn, inspire, and grow their community impact. The CLC YLD is open (without charge) to any lawyer or law student who is under 40 years of age or has been in practice fewer than 8 years.

The past year has offered plenty of challenge and disruption, but the YLD is committed to fostering a space where young lawyers can come together in their efforts to be positive change agents for CLC’s mission of aiding the underserved and under represented in our communities. As we continue to navigate these unusual times, the YLD has been busy and we have plenty of updates to share!

2022-2023 YLD CHAIR AND CHAIR ELECT

September will bring new leadership to the YLD. Thank you to Cait McHugh (Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP) for your wonderful leadership as YLD Chair.

YLD CHAIR

Cait McHugh

Cait is a 2012 graduate of the University of Colorado Law School graduate. She practices Civil and Commercial Litigation at Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP. Cait is a member of the Special Projects Team on the YLD and participates with the Nonprofit Legal Audit Clinic, Election Call Center, YLD CLE Series and YLD Lunches with Legends.

YLD CHAIR ELECT

Mack Wilding

Mack is a 2016 graduate of the University of Colorado Law School. He practices Civil and Commercial Litigation at Fortis Law Partners LLC. Mack is a member of the Hate Crimes Education Team and participates with the Hate Crimes National Team, Hate Crimes Education Task Force and Special Education Subcommittee.

YLD LUNCHES WITH LEGENDS SERIES

During 2022, The Young Lawyers Division continued to offer a series of one-hour lunch talks with local legal legends to help inspire young lawyers on their path to greatness. Over the past several months, we have been fortunate to speak with Judge Gary Jackson, Denver City Attorney Kristin Bronson, trial attorney Hal Haddon, Magistrate Judge Kristen Mix, and U.S. Congresswoman Diana DeGette. Thank you to these legends for sharing their wisdom and insights.

U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette

Denver City Attorney Kristin Bronson

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kris Mix

Attorney Hal Haddon

Judge Gary Jackson

YLD GRANT PROGRAM

DID YOU KNOW: The YLD Grant Program funds YLD members to assist in their efforts to further the CLC mission of making a difference for children and the underserved through education, advocacy, and systemic change. Members can apply for grants to help defray costs in pro bono representation, fund materials or space for clinics or other direct services or provide scholarships for trainings that assist lawyers in providing pro bono services. Apply for a Grant here.

YLD RACIAL JUSTICE SUMMIT

Please plan to join the YLD and members of the CLC Racial Justice Task Force as they host the second annual YLD Racial Justice Summit at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law on September 29th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The event will bring together law students and YLD members of the various bar associations to discuss racial justice and voting rights. The in-person event will include several renowned speakers, an informative brainstorming session, and a closing reception. Click here to sign up.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

AFGHAN ASYLUM WORKSHOPS

Since early 2022, the Colorado Lawyers Committee has co-sponsored a series of workshops to help resettled Afghans complete their asylum applications. Attorney and non-attorney volunteers are needed every other Saturday in September and October. No prior experience is needed. For more information and to sign up click here.

DENVER LEGAL NIGHT

Denver Legal Night honors the many unmet legal needs of our community. Meeting in person at Centro San Juan Diego, volunteer lawyers consult with clients to help determine significant legal issues, refer individuals to legal services, and answer other questions about the legal process. Clinics are held the first and third Wednesday of each month from 5:00 to 8:00pm.

For more information: contact Alicia Drury or click here.

NONPARTISAN ELECTION CALL CENTER

Volunteers (law students and lawyers) are needed on Election Day and the day before to answer calls from voters at the Nonpartisan Election Call Center. Trainings will be available in October. For information click here.

COLORADO SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL PROGRAM

In 2021, the Colorado Lawyers Committee partnered with the the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and several other organizations to create a program to provide one hour of free legal service to small businesses. Small businesses provide half of Colorado’s jobs and are critical to Colorado's economy. If you are interested in volunteering with the new program or know someone who needs small business legal assistance, please click here.

HATE CRIMES EDUCATION

Are you interested in teaching students and community members about Colorado's Hate Crimes statute? Law students and lawyers are needed to participate in this program which features an interactive fictional trial. Check out the CLC website by clicking here.

OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The CLC has more than 25 projects in five different areas: Poverty & Public Benefits, Civil Rights & Criminal Law, Children’s Rights & Education, Community Development and Immigration. For more information, check out CLC's website by clicking here.

SAVE THE DATE

Afghan Asylum Workshops (sign up here)

September 10th

September 24th

October 8th

October 22

YLD Racial Justice Summit at University of Denver Sturm College of Law

September 29th, 4-7 PM (sign up here)

Denver Legal Night (sign up here)

September 7th from 5-8pm

September 21st from 5-8pm

October 5th from 5-8pm

October 19th from 5-8pm

Election Call Center and Trainings (sign up coming soon)

// CONNECT WITH US //

﻿Mack Wilding

The CLC has more than 25 projects in five different areas: Poverty & Public Benefits, Civil Rights & Criminal Law, Children’s Rights & Education, Community Development and Immigration. For more information, check out CLC's website by clicking here.

Mack Wilding