Colorado Hispanic Bar Association

CHBA's Back to School BBQ
2024-09-28 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Denver)
Please join us on September 28, 2024, at the home of The Honorable Adam Espinosa, 2nd Judicial District. We look forward to seeing members of the community there.

The address will be available upon RSVP.

Movie Night with CHBA
2024-10-03 18:00 - 21:00
Sie FilmCenter (2510 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206)

Join us at Sie FilmCenter to watch A Million Miles Away. This inspiring film tells the true story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, tracing his incredible journey from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the International Space Station, over 200 miles above Earth. See how José’s drive and family support help him achieve his seemingly impossible dream. Each attendee will receive one ticket for popcorn and drink! 🍿

Parking Information:

When entering the parking garage, please take a ticket from the gate. Tickets can be validated by any staff member inside the Sie FilmCenter. Upon exiting, first scan the original ticket, then scan the back where the validation barcode sticker has been placed by staff.

Adelante: A Reflection and Celebration with the Colorado Courts
2024-10-10 16:00 - 19:00
Ralph Carr Judicial Center, 2 East 14th Avenue, Denver, CO 80203

Please join us at the Colorado Supreme Court courtroom for a brief presentation and panel discussion moderated by Chief Justice Monica Márquez, Colorado Supreme Court, with opening remarks from Chief Judge Gilbert Román, Colorado Court of Appeals. Our conversation will center around the challenges confronting Hispanic and Latinx litigants in Colorado’s courts.

Our presenter is Nishana John, Director of Human Resources & Administration at Mi Casa Resource Center. Our inspirational panelist include, Justice Carlos Samour, Colorado Supreme Court; Hon. Mariana Vielma, Adams County Court; Amber Gonzales, President of CBHA; and Mercedes Pineda, Incoming President of CHBA.

Following the panel, we’ll have music by Mariachi Los Viajeros de Denver, a taco bar, and an opportunity to connect with others!

Approved for 2 general CLE credits.

Please continue RSVPing. We will have an overflow room in case the Colorado Supreme Court courtroom reaches maximum capacity.

For the folks watching online: https://live.coloradojudicial.gov/. Simply click the link at the indicated time, toggle to the supreme court from the dropdown menu, and watch. Thank you!

2024 DULAA Latinx Symposium
2024-10-15 17:30 - 20:30
The 2024 Election: How Much Power does the Executive Branch Really Have in Enacting Immigration Policies?

Register by scanning the QR code or click here!

CHBA/Mi Casa Pro Bono Clinic: Volunteer
2024-11-12 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-12-10 18:00 - 20:00
Take action with the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association and make a meaningful impact on our community! Together with Mi Casa Resource Center, CHBA hosts monthly pro bono business legal clinics. Attorneys meet with community members for one-on-one for 30-minute consultations with business-law related topics.

Ares of need include: litigation, contracts, intellectual property, business formation, and more.

The primary goal of each consultation is to help the client understand their legal needs and direct them to additional resources, if necessary. CHBA coordinators are on hand with additional resources for attorney volunteers.

Questions: Contact Angela Vichick (AVichick@lewisroca.com), Salomon Chavez (schavez22@law.du.edu), and Leonela Urrutia (lurrutia22@law.du.edu)

Volunteer Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4FABAC29A2F5C07-47522572-micasa#/

CHBA's 2024 Holiday Party
2024-12-06 18:00 - 21:00
Join us for the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association’s annual holiday party! The event will be held at Cableland, Official Residence of the Mayor of Denver, 4150 Shangri-La Drive, Denver, CO 80246.

Unity 2025
2025-01-22 17:30 - 19:30
Rathod Mohamedbhai

2701 Lawrence St #100, Denver, CO 80205

Join us for UNITY 2025, a pivotal town hall dedicated to tackling today’s most pressing challenges. Co-hosted by various bar associations, this event will delve into the shifting legal landscape and foster collaboration on strategies to safeguard fundamental rights. Centered on unity and shared purpose, attendees will exchange ideas and craft practical solutions. This free event is open to all—your voice matters. Please register to help us plan effectively.

The intent of the event is to provide space for conversation and strategizing on how we, as a legal community, will protect and defend against any threats or actions as proposed in Project 2025. Many other bar associations will be sponsoring and participating in this event.

Navigating the Judicial Application Process Series – Diverse Paths to the Bench - February 2025
2025-02-06 17:30 - 19:00
Womble Bond Dickinson Logo (PRNewsfoto/Womble Bond Dickinson)

Where: Womble Bond Dickinson, 1601 19th Street, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80202

5:30 pm to 6 pm: happy hour and food

6 pm to 7 pm: Panel – Chief Justice Monica Marquez, Chief COA Judge Gilbert Roman, Retired District Court Judge Cynthia Mares, and Judge Mariana Vielma.

Moderator – Judge Juan G. Villaseñor

Panelists will remain for any additional Q&A.

There is a remote option for this CLE. Physical location and other details will be sent out via email to registrants.

This CLE will discuss diverse paths to the bench and why you should not rule it out. Attendees will hear from various judicial officers and their very different paths to the bench candidates.

Free to CHBA members; diversity bar members, enter your discount code at checkout for a reduced price of $10.

Legal Night with Mi Casa Resource Center
2025-02-11 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-11 18:00 - 20:00
Take action with the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association and make a meaningful impact on our community! Together with Mi Casa Resource Center, CHBA hosts monthly pro bono business legal clinics. Attorneys meet with community members for one-on-one for 30-minute consultations with business-law related topics. Ares of need include: litigation, contracts, intellectual property, business formation, and more. The primary goal of each consultation is to help the client understand their legal needs and direct them to additional resources, if necessary. CHBA coordinators are on hand with additional resources for attorney volunteers.

Contact Angela (angela.vichick@wbd-us.com), Salomon (salomon.chavez@du.edu), or Leonela (leonela.urrutia@du.edu) with questions.

Click here to sign up!

Mentoring Circle Meeting
2025-02-12 17:30 - 19:00
Where: 1601 19th St Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80202

Save the date! Thank you to Womble Bond Dickinson for supporting and hosting this event!

Meet the Board
2025-03-06 17:30 - 20:00
Join us for a Meet the Board event at 100% de Agave! This is a great opportunity to connect with CHBA board members, network with fellow professionals, and enjoy a fun evening. Light appetizers will be served and the first 50 guests to arrive will receive two free drink tickets, so be sure to get there early!

Location: 100% de Agave – 975 Lincoln St, Denver, CO 80203

Mentoring Circle Meeting
2025-03-19 17:30 - 19:00
Where: 1601 19th St Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80202

Womble Bond Dickinson Logo (PRNewsfoto/Womble Bond Dickinson)

Save the date! Thank you to Womble Bond Dickinson for supporting and hosting this event!

Navigating the Judicial Application Process Series – The Application and Preparation - April 2025
2025-04-03 17:30 - 19:00
This is the second part of a 5-part series on Journeys to the Bench. Throughout the series, we will cover all aspects of the application, interview, and appointment process. At this second session, participants will hear from current and former judges along with former nominating commissioners on tips and strategies for completing the judicial application. The panelist will discuss what worked well for them, what pitfalls to avoid, and what you can do to make your application stand out from the crowd. The panelists hope to assist, encourage, and inspire those seeking to serve as judicial officers on their journey to the bench, and to develop a broad base of interested judicial applicants with various perspectives.

Location: This presentation will be live and held at the law firm of Womble, Bond Dickinson (formerly the law firm of Lewis Roca) at 1601 19th Street, Denver, CO 80202. A virtual option is available; the link will be sent on the day of the event.

Attendees who register for the second series will receive a recording of the first session.

The program is scheduled from 5:30pm – 7:10pm with an opportunity for questions. After, there will be a short reception with the speakers and participants.

List of speakers:

Moderator: Hon. Vincente Vigil, 19th Judicial District Court Judge

Speakers: Hon. Kimberly Schutt, 19th Judicial District Court Judge

Hon. Renee Doak, Weld County Court Judge

Megan Saleebey, Chief Deputy District Attorney for the 17th Judicial District and former 19th Judicial District Court Judge

Kathryn Heffron, Esq., former 19th Judicial District Nominating Committee Member

Speaker bios:

Judge Kimberly Schutt’s appointment as District Court Judge in the Nineteenth Judicial District became effective Jan. 1, 2020. Prior to her appointment, Judge Schutt was a Senior Attorney at Wick & Trautwein, LLC, a position she held since 1997. Her practice consisted primarily of estate planning, general civil litigation, business and nonprofit law, and probate matters. Previously, she was a law clerk for the Honorable William Dressel on the Larimer County District Court (1995-1997). Schutt earned her B.A. from the University of Illinois in 1992, and her J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1995.

Judge Renee S. Doak’s appointment to the Weld County Court in the 19th Judicial District became effective January 10, 2023. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Doak was a Deputy District Attorney for the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, a position she held since 2004. Her practice consists of criminal prosecution. Previously, she was a Deputy District Attorney (1999-2004) and Special Deputy District Attorney (1998-1999) for the 20th Judicial District; President/Attorney at Doak & Associates, P.C. (1994-1995); Assistant to the Regional Director for SMH Bar Review (1993-1994); and Law Clerk for Judge Dickran Tevrizian of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (1992-1993). Ms. Doak earned her B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1989 and her J.D. from Temple University School of Law in 1992.

Kathryn Heffron served as a commissioner on the 19th Judicial District’s nominating committee from 2019 to 2024. Ms. Heffron currently works as an Attorney for Grant and Associates in Greeley, Colorado. Ms. Heffron previously worked for the Office of the Public Defender. Prior to law school, Kathryn worked with various international NGOs. Kathryn served for three years as a United State Peace Corps Volunteer in The Gambia. She worked in project management for ChildFund in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, following the 2004 tsunami. She also worked as a Program Development Coordinator for International Medical Corps in Mansehra, Pakistan following the 2005 earthquake.

Megan Saleebey is a Chief Deputy District Attorney in the 17th Judicial District, where she is helping to spearhead the launch of the 17th Judicial District Family Justice Center and handling high risk domestic violence and sexual assault cases. From May of 2018 to April of 2024, Ms. Saleebey was on the 19th Judicial District bench first as a District Court Magistrate assigned to the juvenile delinquency and truancy dockets and then as a District Court Judge, handling a wide variety of domestic relations and dependency and neglect and criminal matters. Before taking the bench, Ms. Saleebey was a Deputy DA in Denver for over nine years, where she handled multiple dockets and helped start the Bias Motivated Crimes Team. From approximately 2004-2009, Meghan was the State of Colorado Victim Rights Act Specialist at the Division of Criminal Justice, Office for Victims Programs. While at the Division of Criminal Justice and during a brief tenure at the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA), Ms. Saleebey helped start what is now the Rocky Mountain Victims’ Law Clinic. In addition to her J.D., which she obtained from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law in 2007, Ms. Saleebey has a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Ms. Saleebey gained experience working in mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice and affordable housing. While on the bench, Ms. Saleebey was appointed as the judicial representative to the Colorado Human Trafficking Council. In addition, she was a member and Co-Chair of the statewide Judicial Well-Being Committee.

Judge Vincente Vigil began his appointment as a district court judge in the 19th Judicial District on Aug. 1, 2019, and currently presides over a felony criminal docket in Division 17. Mr. Vigil has been an attorney with the Law Office of Robert Ray since 2014. Prior to 2014, he was a partner at Man & Vigil and a former Deputy State Public Defender in the Greeley Office. Mr. Vigil earned his undergraduate degree from Colorado State University in 2005 and his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School in 2008.5:30 pm to 6 pm: Happy hour and food

This event is free to CHBA members when you log into your profile; members of other affinity/diversity bars can use this discount code for $10 registration at checkout: DIVERSITY2025.

CHBA Diversity on the Bench Recruiting Event
2025-04-07 17:30 - 19:30
Where: Rule 105 Brewing, at 4731 W 10th St, Greeley, CO 80634.

The CHBA Judicial Taskforce will be holding a recruiting diverse attorneys to the bench happy hour in Greeley, CO on Monday, April 7, 2025.

1 CLE credit approved.

Legal Night with Mi Casa Resource Center
2025-04-08 18:00 - 20:00
Take action with the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association and make a meaningful impact on our community! Together with Mi Casa Resource Center, CHBA hosts monthly pro bono business legal clinics. Attorneys meet with community members for 30-minute consultations on business-law related topics. Areas of need include: litigation, contracts, intellectual property, business formation, and more. The primary goal of each consultation is to help the client understand their legal needs and direct them to additional resources, if necessary. CHBA coordinators are on hand with additional resources for attorney volunteers.

Contact Angela (angela.vichick@wbd-us.com), Salomon (salomon.chavez@du.edu), or Leonela (leonela.urrutia@du.edu) with questions.

Click here to sign up!

Mentoring Circle Meeting
2025-04-09 17:30 - 19:00
Save the date!

Location: Womble Bond Dickinson, 1601 19th St, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80202

COBALT and LSYWC Fundraiser
2025-04-24 17:00 - 19:00
COBALT Class of ’24 is hosting a salsa lesson at La Rumba nightclub, the proceeds from which will go towards Law School Yes We Can and funding scholarships for prospective law students who will be taking the bar exam in 2026.

A taco and nacho bar from McDevitt Taco Supply, along with a cash bar, will be available. Guests can also participate in a silent auction featuring event tickets, prize packages, and more.

Location: La Rumba, 99 W 9th Ave., Denver, CO 80204

Please donate $50 to LSYWC’s account per ticket and save your receipt to present at the door for entry.

Donations can be made here!

CU Law School and BUENO
2025-04-25 17:00 - 20:00
The University of Colorado Law School and the BUENO Center will host an event honoring the legacy of Lic. Reyes P. Martínez, featuring Ken Padilla and a program of Relatos de Nuestros Mayores—stories shared by elders that uplift community memory and cultural heritage.

This event is free and open to the public, with Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits available for legal professionals.

Please feel free to share this invitation with family and others who may be interested in attending or contributing to the Los Seis Undergraduate Scholarship Endowment.

Registration Page Hyperlink:

Click here to register for the Homenaje al Lic. Reyes P. Martínez: Relatos de Nuestros Mayores event.

Registration Page URL:

https://web.cvent.com/event/ead9077a-d534-476b-9628-005fd487a2b9/regProcessStep1

Law Day: Commemorating the Constitution at our County Courthouses
2025-05-01 12:00 - 15:00
On May 1st—Law Day—lawyers across Colorado are coming together for a powerful, united act: reading the United States Constitution (and historical statements about it) aloud on the steps of local courthouses. At a time when the rule of law faces daily challenges, this event aims to demonstrate collective support for the Constitution and the Rule of Law.

Location: In Denver, participants will gather in front of the City and County Building, 1437 Bannock Street, on the east side steps, at noon.

Attorneys, judges, and community members are invited to join in support of the core American principles of the Rule of Law, judicial independence, the protection of attorneys and law firms from unlawful attacks, due process of law, and freedom of speech and association.

What You Can Do:

Organize a short gathering outside your county courthouse at noon on May 1 st, or simply gather a few colleagues and go to the courthouse steps. (Check with the Chief Judge, Presiding Judge or Court Administrator for the District or County Court in your County.)

Read the Constitution aloud (individually, as a group, or round-robin style).

Invite colleagues, friends, and members of the public to join.

Share photos and reflections on social media using #LawDayCO.

Forward this email to your professional and personal networks—especially to lawyers and legal professionals in counties other than your own across Colorado.

To obtain a free copy of the Constitution, go to https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/programs/constitution_day/constitution-text/

If you plan to participate or would like help organizing in your county, please email Colorado Law Day at COLawday@gmail.com. They will do their best to provide updates via email and on their website www.COLawday.com.

Cinco de Mayo - CHBA/YLD
2025-05-08 05:30 - 19:30
Join the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association and the Young Lawyers Division for a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration! We’ll be gathering on Thursday, May 8th from 5:30–7:30 PM at Raíces Brewing Company (2060 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO) for an evening of networking, community, and fun. Come enjoy drinks with great company!

Inaugural Colorado Legal Community Resource Fair
2025-05-13 15:00 - 17:00
The Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program (CAMP) invites you to join the inaugural Colorado Legal Community Resource Fair and connect with attorneys, law students, and legal professionals looking for resources, networking, and membership opportunities! This is your chance to showcase your organization, recruit new members, and engage with the broader legal community.

Why Participate?

Recruit New Members – Introduce your organization to legal professionals eager to get involved. Expand Your Reach – Raise awareness about your programs, benefits, and initiatives. Engage with the Legal Community – Build connections with attorneys, students, and LLPs. Support Professional Growth – Provide valuable resources and opportunities to Colorado’s legal professionals.Please complete the form if you would like a booth at the event.

Booth spaces are limited—sign up now to secure your place at this exciting event.

Register Here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SB7VMGT

Legal Night with Mi Casa Resource Center
2025-05-13 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-06-10 18:00 - 20:00
Take action with the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association and make a meaningful impact on our community! Together with Mi Casa Resource Center, CHBA hosts monthly pro bono business legal clinics. Attorneys meet with community members for one-on-one for 30-minute consultations with business-law related topics. Areas of need include: litigation, contracts, intellectual property, business formation, and more. The primary goal of each consultation is to help the client understand their legal needs and direct them to additional resources, if necessary. CHBA coordinators are on hand with additional resources for attorney volunteers.

Contact Angela (angela.vichick@wbd-us.com), Salomon (salomon.chavez@du.edu), or Leonela (leonela.urrutia@du.edu) with questions.

Click here to sign up!

Mentoring Circle Meeting
2025-05-14 17:30 - 19:00
Where: 1601 19th St, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80202

In person begins at 5:30 with food and drinks. The discussion in person and virtually starts at 6 p.m. Tonight’s topic is “Managing Up: The challenges of managing up our chains of management/supervision.

Virtual by Teams:

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 277 150 569 069 6

Passcode: [REDACTED]

CHBA/YLD - How To Get The Most Out of Summer?
2025-05-16 16:00 - 18:00
Law students, please join CHBA YLD for a discussion with CHBA members about getting the most out of your summer internships. There are usually a lot of questions surrounding what to do, what to focus on, and what not to worry about in your summer internship. YLD and CHBA want to provide an informal space to talk about all of it.

If you have any questions, please contact JoVanni Allen at jovanni@rklawpc.com.

Practical Skills and Strategies for Aspiring Judges Symposium
2025-05-23 08:30 - 14:00
Register here!

Navigating the Judicial Application Process Series - Successfully Navigating the Nomination Commission Interview - June 2025
2025-06-05 17:30 - 19:00
5:30 pm to 6 pm: Happy hour and food

6 pm to 7 pm: Panel discussion

Panelists will remain for any additional Q&A.

CLE credit will be available.

Location: Womble Bond Dickinson, 1601 19th St, Suite 1000. A virtual option is available; the link will be sent on the day of the event. The virtual meeting will not start until 6 p.m. once the panel discussion begins.

Speakers: Kristin Bronson (Denver County Court), Justice Carlos Samour (Ex-Officio), and Kathryn Heffron (19th Judicial District)

Attendees will hear from judges who have gone through the nomination commission interview process and local commissioners who conduct interviews. The panel will discuss strategies for successfully navigating the interview process.

Free for CHBA members; diversity bar members, enter your discount code during checkout for a reduced rate of $10.

Family Preparedness Workshop
2025-06-09 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for a free workshop on creating a family preparedness plan. The workshop will help you complete a simple family preparedness packet to ensure your children are cared for if you are ever unexpectedly separated or unable to care for them.
