Colorado LGBTQ+ Bar Association (CLBA)

Two weeks ago, we gathered for another great mentorship reception! Thank you to all who joined and to Fennemore for graciously hosting the event. It was a wonderful evening for connection and support between attorneys, legal professionals, and law students. The mentorship program is a key part of CLBA’s contribution to the LGBTQ+ legal community, and we are very grateful to all who participate. If you are interested in joining the program, please reach out to our Mentorship Committee Chair, Kelsey Martin.

??Please join us at Lady Justice Brewing Company on Thursday, March 20th for our annual Membership Drive! ?? Guests are welcome ??

Please join us on April 3rd for an employment and?civil rights?presentation directed to?LGBTQ+ workers by?HKM Employment Attorneys & Newman | McNulty Law.

Please join us for the 2024-2025 Mentorship Program Spring Reception! Where: Fennemore, 3615 Delgany St, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80216 When: 5:30 PM, Thursday, February 27th Please register at the link below! ?? If you are not a already member of CLBA's mentorship program, please consider joining! Members are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. ??

We are beaming with pride for our 2025 President, Alex Thomas. We are so excited to lead and learn with you all this year!

Last week's Colorado LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s Holiday Party was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come this year and to recognize the work still ahead in advocating for equality and justice. Thank you to everyone who made this gathering possible – including the organizers and all those who attended. Here’s to a new year of continued growth, support, and progress. Happy holidays to all!!

This week's spotlight is on Hayden! Hayden DePorter (they/them) is an associate at HKM Employment Attorneys LLP fighting the fight for employee rights. Hayden is currently an at-large board member after spending nearly three years as the judicial liaison. Hayden went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for undergrad, and couldn’t wait to escape the grey skies and freezing cold of the Midwest, so they headed west to sunny Colorado to attend the University of Denver for law school. Hayden is happily living life with their spouse (and best friend) El, their amazing daughter Charlie, and their two rescue dogs Finn and Henry. Hayden’s motto for being a lawyer is “take your work seriously, but not yourself.” And in the wise words of Ted Lasso, “be curious, not judgmental.”?

??? Last week, we had the incredible opportunity to come together at the Colorado LGBTQ+ Gay-la! It was a night filled with inspiration, unity, and celebration. We honored the remarkable Chief Justice Márquez and Attorney General Phil Weiser for their unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Their leadership continues to pave the way for a more inclusive future in our legal system. Additionally, we proudly awarded scholarships to promising law students, empowering the next generation of advocates and leaders. It's heartening to see so many bright minds dedicated to making a difference in our communities. ???

Garrett THANK YOU for always being willing to make time for CLBA...and doubly thank you for making us look fabulous!

?? Celebrating National Coming Out Day at the University of Colorado Law School! ?? Last week, we had the honor of hosting a powerful panel featuring incredible voices in the LGBTQ+ legal community—John McHugh, Kelsey Martin, Pelecanos (Πελεκ?νο?), Erica Kasemodel, and Thomas Dec. Each panelist shared their unique experiences and challenges as out LGBTQ+ attorneys, shedding light on the importance of authenticity in our professional lives. Their stories were not just inspiring but also a reminder of the strides we've made and the work still ahead in advocating for equality and inclusion within the legal field. Thank you to our panelists for their insight, and to everyone who attended for your engagement and support. Let's continue to uplift and empower each other!