YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION NEWSLETTER
SUMMER 2020
|
|
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.
These last few months have offered plenty of challenge and disruption, but the YLD is committed to continue fostering a space where young lawyers can come together in their efforts to be positive change agents for CLC’s mission of aiding the poor and underserved. The hardships our communities face sadly cannot be met with quick fixes or easy solutions, and young lawyers are intrigual in combating these challenges. The Colorado Lawyers Committee is dedicated to working through theses important issues and doing all we can to promote racial justice. Our statement regarding this commitment is available here. As we continue to navigate these unusual times, the YLD has been busy and we have plenty of updates to share! Join us!
|
|
2020-2021 YLD CHAIR AND CHAIR ELECT
September will bring new leadership to the YLD. Thank you to Abby Hinchcliff (Bartlit Beck LLP) for your wonderful leadership this past year as YLD Chair.
|
|
YLD CHAIR
Ryan Thurber
Ryan is a 2013 graduate of the University of Colorado Law School. He practices Health Care Law at Polsinelli PC. Ryan 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
Liz Froehlke
Liz is a 2013 graduate of the University of Colorado Law School. She practices Employment Law at Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti, LLP. Liz 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.
|
|
WELCOME NEW YLD BOARD MEMBERS
Two new members were elected to the Young Lawyers Division Board in June:
Alex Mancero and Anjie Zhi. Welcome Alex and Anjie!
|
|
Alex Mancero is an Associate at Sherman & Howard L.L.C. in the firm's Corporate & Transactional and Real Estate groups. He is the new co-chair of the YLD Fundraising & Events team.
|
|
Anjie Zhi is a rising 3L at the University of Colorado Law School and joins the YLD Board as the new CU Law School Representative. Anjie works with the YLD PR & Membership team.
|
|
The YLD has been offering a series of NITA-like trial skills CLEs which provide young attorneys a chance to practice trial skills in front of experienced judges and trial attorneys. Young lawyers gain 4-hours of CLE credit while networking and gaining valuable career skills. The Series so far has included Opening Statements, Direct Examination, and Cross Eamination. Due to the pandemic, the YLD decided to postpone any further CLE’s until we are able to meet again in person. When it is safe to be in the same room, the Series will pick back up with Evidence, Closing Statements and Voir Dire. Stay tuned. |
|
YLD LUNCHES WITH LEGENDS SERIES |
|
The Young Lawyers Division is offering a series of one-hour lunch talks with local legal legends to help inspire young lawyers on their path to greatness. The inaugural Lunches with Legends was held on July 1, 2020 and featured Justice Melissa Hart. On August 5th, we welcomed Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. We thank Justice Hart and Attorney General Weiser for sharing your time and wisdom with us. We are excited for the next session on September 2nd with Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold.
|
|
|
|
Colorado Attorney General
Phil Weiser
|
|
Colorado Secretary of State
Jena Griswold
|
|
YLD BARRISTERS BEHIND THE BAR |
|
As we are unable to gather for our usual mixers and celebrations, the CLC Young Lawyers Division recently held an exciting new virtual event: Barristers Behind the Bar! This free mixology happy hour presentation is an opportunity for young (and not-so-young!) lawyers to enjoy a virtual mixer with one of Denver’s top mixologists. The first event was held on Thursday, July 30th from 5:30pm-6:30pm; attendees learned how to make their own drink under the instruction of Seven Grand’s favorite bartender, Dylan Holcomb, who has been slinging drinks around the country for over 20 years. Registration included a free virtual raffle ticket to win a $50 gift card to Seven Grand Denver. The event was so successful, we are considering hosting more. Stay tuned!
|
|
The CLC YLD Grant Program helps fund YLD members efforts to further the CLC mission of making a difference for children and the underserved through education, advocacy, and systemic change. Recent grants supported law students by subsidizing the cost of the YLD CLE Series, providing funding for pro bono representation for human trafficking victims, and providing funding for pro bono representation for manifestation hearings for juveniles. Apply for a YLD Grant here.
|
|
OTHER COLORADO LAWYERS COMMITTEE NEWS |
|
RACIAL JUSTICE TASK FORCE
The Colorado Lawyers Committee has a long history of working to eliminate systemic injustices. Our Hate Crimes Education program for more than 25 years has educated communities and students about overcoming racial and ethnic animosity. Many other projects have challenged economic inequities; our new Small Business Program offers legal assistance to small businesses struggling with the impact of COVID-19, particularly minority-owned businesses that have long suffered from economic discrimination. But these times require more. The Colorado Lawyers Committee recently formed a Racial Justice Task Force to reexamine our motivations and processes to ensure that all our actions, internally and externally, support the goal of a responsible, strong, and racially equitable community.
2020 ANNUAL LUNCH RESCHEDULED
In an effort to keep our community safe, the Colorado Lawyers Committee has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Awards Luncheon (originally scheduled for May 12th and subsequently rescheduled for September 24th). We look forward to honoring our 2020 nominees and award recipients at the 2021 Awards Luncheon on May 19, 2021. Details to follow!
|
|
COLORADO COVID SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL PROGRAM
In partnership with the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Wilmer Hale, and Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP, the Colorado Lawyers Committee launched its small business relief initiative, Colorado COVID Legal Relief (CCLR), in June 2020. Small businesses provide half of Colorado’s jobs and they have been especially hard-hit by the COVID-19 economic crisis, with minority and women-owned small businesses being hit the hardest. The program matches volunteer lawyers with small businesses that need limited legal advice regarding COVID-19 related issues. Since the program began, more than 90 businesses applied for assistance and over 150 volunteer lawyers offered to provide limited legal representation to help small businesses get back on their feet. The Program also offers webinars on topics relevant to small business needs. Visit coloradocovidrelief.org to learn more or to sign up!
DENVER LEGAL NIGHT
Denver Legal Night is now virtual! To honor the many needs of our community while maintaining safety in the current times, Denver Legal Night is now offered remotely. The virtual clinics continue to be a success and have served almost 350 people since switching formats in April 2020. Instead of meeting in person at Centro San Juan Diego, volunteer lawyers consult over the phone to help determine significant legal issues, refer individuals to legal services, and answer other questions about the legal process. Interpreters are available to conference in, if needed. If you know of interpreters or Spanish-speaking lawyers willing to help, please contact Kathleen McCrohan.
Every first & third Wednesday of the month
45 min phone consultations with up to 4 clients per clinic
5:00pm - 8:00pm
NONPARTISAN ELECTION CALL CENTER
The CLC will once again be partnering with several other organizations to sponsor a Nonpartisan Call Center to answer procedural questions from voters during early voting and on Election Day, November 3, 2020. Check our website in early September for information on training and volunteer shifts.
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 our website.
|
|
Upcoming Legal Nights
September 2, 2020
September 16, 2020
YLD Lunches with Legends featuring Secretary of State Jena Griswold
September 2, 2020
2021 Casino Night
February 2021 – exact date TBD
2021 Annual Awards Lunch
May 19, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
