ABOUT US

The Colorado Hispanic Bar Association was incorporated on February 23, 1977, as the Chicano Bar Association. Original incorporators Robert Maes, Ruth Casarez, Linda Leon, Rod Deaguerro, Richard I. Gonzales, Dan Carillo and Art Lesher, envisioned the organization as the legal adviser to the Hispanic community and a catalyst in expanding the number of Hispanics in the legal profession.

Over the last 40 years, the CHBA has initiated projects designed to carry out the stated purposes of its founders. For example, CHBA members have worked diligently to expand the number of Hispanic lawyers in the state. Today, there are more than 500 Hispanic attorneys in Colorado specializing in all facets of the law. The CHBA also has developed a successful mentor/mentee program to assist and ensure the success of Hispanic law students. Additionally, the CHBA is committed to expanding legal opportunities for Hispanic attorneys within Colorado. It has worked to ensure the appointment of Latinos to the bench, district attorney offices, governmental entities, and private law firms. 

To serve its membership, the CHBA sponsors continuing legal education seminars and has established a number of committees and activities to address professional development issues. The CHBA is involved with other state and national bar associations, such as the Colorado Bar Association and other specialty bar associations. It is an affiliate of the Hispanic National Bar Association, having hosted the 1990, 2001, and 2013 national conventions in Denver. CHBA members have earned significant leadership positions within the national bar.

Statewide, CHBA efforts have led to favorable outcomes in a variety of significant issues, including the 1991 "poaching" incident in the San Luis Valley, opposing the 2002 "English Only" amendment, intervening in the 2011 Colorado Congressional district reapportionment process, and securing, for the first time in Pueblo's history, two majority Hispanic city council districts. 

Above all, the CHBA is comprised of dedicated lawyers committed to improving the life of Hispanics in Colorado.