Colorado Lawyers Committee Projects

The work of the Colorado Lawyers Committee is accomplished by lawyers and others who are concerned about providing and increasing opportunities for children, the poor, and other disadvantaged communities through advocacy, negotiation, and litigation.

The Colorado Lawyers Committee currently has more than 15 Task Forces working on projects in the areas of civil rights, education, immigration, community development, criminal law, and poverty and public benefits.

A number of these task forces need additional volunteers. Substantive expertise is not required. Lawyers and non-lawyers interested in volunteering should contact the individual task force chairs or the Executive Director of the Colorado Lawyers Committee.

You can also view our 2009 Annual Report, and our 2009 Accomplishments.

Below are descriptions of our Current Volunteer Opportunities. These are task forces that are actively recruiting new volunteers. Additional volunteer opportunities may also be available with our Other Current Projects.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Election Task Force
The Election Task Force was formed in 2004 to monitor the election process and ensure protection of minority voting rights. The Task Force works closely with the Secretary of State's office, the Republican and Democratic parties, the specialty bar associations and other key political constituencies. Anyone interested in election access issues is invited to participate. During 2009, 35 volunteers donated an estimated 200 hours on this Task Force. The Task Force is co-chaired by Richard Westfall (Hale Friesen, LLP) and Martha Tierney (Kelly Garnsey Hubbell + Lass LLC). Top.

Greeley Legal Night Clinics
This Task Force was formed in 2009 to collaborate with local service provider organizations in Weld County to examine allegations of mortgage and consumer fraud. In 2010, the task force created a Greeley Legal Night Clinic, modeled after the successful Denver program. Volunteers are needed to provide basic legal information and referrals to individuals and families living in Weld County. Issues addressed at Greeley Legal Night include consumer problems, immigration, employment, housing and family law. Greeley Legal Nights are held every other month at Our Lady of Peace Church in Greeley, from 5:45 - 8:30 P.M. For additional information on how to volunteer, click here. Mark Baiiley and Michelle Berge (Reilly Pozner LLP)co-chair this task force. Top.

Hate Violence Task Force
(Teaching Tolerance Program)
Since 1993, Colorado Lawyers Committee volunteers have presented trials based on a fictional case arising from a violation of Colorado's hate/bias crimes statute (formerly the ethnic intimidation statute). At the conclusion of the trial, small discussion groups of students become "juries" to discuss the issues presented and, with the assistance of an adult facilitator, reach a verdict. The students become very engaged in the discussions of tolerance and the value of speaking out against intolerance and injustice. The program needs volunteers to serve as prosecutors, defense attorneys and facilitators. This is a great chance for lawyers to practice their advocacy skills in front of a live audience and for non-litigators and non-lawyers to be involved in a fun activity that makes a difference. In 2009, 40 volunteers donated almost 400 hours and made presentations to more than 370 students. To see the script for the program, click here. This Task Force is chaired by Tarek Saad (Jin, Schauer & Saad LLC). Top

Legal Night Clinics
This Task Force co-sponsors (with the Denver Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and the Denver Access to Justice Committee), two monthly legal clinics to provide legal information and referrals for individuals and families who can't afford legal services. Legal Nights are held on the first Wednesday (at Centro San Juan Diego) and the third Tuesday (at Mi Casa Resource Center for Women) of every month from 5:00 to 7:30 P.M. Lawyers and Spanish-speaking interpreter volunteers are needed (no substantive expertise is required). During 2009, more than 163 volunteers donated over 700 hours to serve almost 1,400 clients. For additional information on how to volunteer, click here. Tim Macdonald (Arnold & Porter LLP) chairs this Task Force. Top.

Nonprofit Working Group
This Task Force was originally formed in 2002 to provide pro bono representation to community and other business organizations. In 2009 the Task Force partnered with the Colorado Nonprofit Association and other organizations to provide direct representation, seminars, clinics, and educational sessions for the nonprofit community in Colorado. During 2009 Task Force members donated an estimated 200 hours and provided transactional-type legal assistance to 21 nonprofits which serve children, the indigent and other underserved populations. Real estate and transactional lawyers as well as other non-litigators are needed. Peter Schwartz (Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP) chairs this Task Force.Top

Project Homeless Connect
Since December 2005, the Colorado Lawyers Committee has coordinated the legal component for Project Homeless Connect, a one-day event sponsored by the City of Denver that connects homeless individuals to services including: public benefits, medical care, housing and employment opportunities and legal assistance. Volunteer attorneys, paralegals and law students provide legal information and referrals to homeless participants. Many volunteers also assist with the "Homeless Court" which is held as part of the event and allows individuals to resolve outstanding warrants for violations of Denver’s City Ordinance. The Colorado Lawyers Committee co-sponsors this effort with the Colorado Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel. Attorneys, paralegals and law students are invited to participate. In 2009, 91 volunteers donated over 300 hours and served over 300 homeless individuals and families. The event is usually held twice each year. The second event for 2010 has been scheduled for Friday, October 29, 2010. The co-chairs of this Task Force are Peter Schwartz (Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP), Tim Macdonald (Arnold & Porter LLP) and Marcela Mendoza (Qwest Law Department). Top

 

OTHER LAWYERS COMMITTEE PROJECTS


Children's Task Force
This Task Force was created to focus the efforts of Colorado Lawyers Committee volunteers on issues relating to children, one of two populations that are the primary focus of Lawyers Committee efforts. The Task Force examines issues relating to treatment of Colorado's children to determine if there are legal problems that would benefit from the involvement of the Colorado Lawyers Committee. There are 25 volunteers who have participated in this Task Force in the past. Only the co-chairs were active during 2009. This Task Force is co-chaired by David Stark (Faegre & Benson LLP) and Jennifer Hunt (Hill & Robbins, P.C.).

Colorado Innocence Project
This Task Force (formed in 2000) was inspired by similar projects around the country designed to provide legal representation for prisoners whose innocence can be established by scientific or other evidence. The Project is a collaborative effort between the Colorado Lawyers Committee and the University of Colorado School of Law. In 2009, 22 volunteers donated more than 315 hours. The Task Force received approximately 200 applications and a few are being investigated to determine whether pro bono representation is appropriate. Additional information is available at the Colorado Innocence Project website. Jim Scarboro (Arnold & Porter LLP) and Pat Furman (University of Colorado School of Law) co-chair this Task Force.

Computer Benefits Management System (CBMS)
Since August 2004, the CBMS Task Force has been involved in litigation with the State regarding the new public benefits computer system that has resulted in serious and life-threatening problems for individuals whose applications for benefits are not being properly or timely processed. In December 2004, the Court ordered the State to meaningfully reduce the backlog of benefits applications, substantially correct the notice problems, establish an 800 number for people in emergency situations, and handle these emergency matters within 5 business days. The Task Force continues to monitor the State’s progress and compliance with the court’s order. Mike Cook (Sherman & Howard L.L.C.) and Ed Kahn (Colorado Center on Law and Policy) continue to lead this Task Force with assistance from lawyers in a number of other law firms and organizations.

Consumer Fraud Against Spanish-Speakers in Weld County
This Task Force was formed in 2009, as a joint effort with the CBA’s Spanish-Language Lawyering Committee, to address what appear to be systematic problems of consumer fraud against the large Spanish-speaking community in Greeley and in Weld County generally.  The Task Force began its work with a systematic outreach effort to legal services providers in the Weld County area, including Colorado Legal Services, as well as social service providers with a focus on Spanish-speakers, such as Catholic Charities. This effort included meetings and conversations with over a dozen organizations, and demonstrated the serious lack of resources in Weld County for low-income legal assistance, and particularly, the lack of resources in the Spanish-speaking community.   Task Force members have been shocked by the lack of legal resources available to low-income residents of Weld County.  The Task Force conducted two direct legal outreach efforts with the Spanish-speaking community, including a booth at a two-day church bazaar and a “legal fair” for Spanish-speakers.  These direct outreach efforts have helped focus the Task Force’s planning by helping to identify the major areas of legal need in this community. The Task Force is now pursuing a “two-pronged” strategy: The Task Force is aggressively reaching out to explore the possibility of expanding the reach of Denver Metro Area legal service providers to the Weld County area and deepening the legal resources available there; and the Task Force is continuing its outreach efforts, coordinating with Weld County providers, to identify consumer fraud cases suitable for litigation. During 2009, 10 volunteers donated an estimated 1,000 hours and served at lest several hundred people. John Walsh (Hill & Robbins, P.C.) and Liz Giordano (CBA Spanish Language Lawyering Committee) co-chair this Task Force.Top

Education Task Force
The Colorado Lawyers Committee has a long history of working to improve educational opportunities for children in Colorado. Task Force volunteers closely monitor developments in Colorado's state budget crisis to assure adequate funding for Colorado's schools. The Task Force is also examining educational issues to determine if legal solutions might improve education for Colorado's children. Anyone interested in K-12 education is invited to participate. Craig Stewart (Holland & Hart LLP) and Kenzo Kawanabe (Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP) co-chair this Task Force.

In 2009, members of the Task Force focused on the two issues: (1) DPS. A coalition of lawyers and community leaders was formed to assure transparency in the closure and restructuring of Denver Public School facilities. During 2009, 20 volunteers donated approximately 1,200 on this subcommittee. Anyone interested in participating should contact the subcommittee co-chairs, John Walsh (Hill & Robbins, P.C.) and Cole Wist (Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.) (2) School Finance. A second group of lawyers volunteered their time to assist with a significant school finance case, Lobato v. State. Approximately 15 volunteers donated more than 200 hours during 2009. Interested volunteers should contact Kathy Gebhardt ( Kathleen J. Gebhardt, L.L.C.).

Food Stamps Task Force
This Task Force examines the delay in processing food stamps applications in certain Colorado counties. According to federal regulations, a general application for food stamps must be processed within 30 days of receipt of the application. In certain areas of the state, individuals and families experience lengthy delays that far exceed the 30 day requirement. Due to these long delays, many people living in Colorado are struggling to feed themselves. Litigators and those interested in food stamps benefits are invited to participate. The Task Force expects to file a lawsuit in the near future. During 2009, eight volunteers donated approximately 90 hours. Eric Elliff (Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP) chairs this Task Force.

Health Care Task Force
This Task Force monitors the legislative and executive efforts to implement health care reform and explores avenues for input. There are more than 15 volunteers who have participated in this Task Fore in the past. During 2009, only the Chair was active. Anyone interested in health care issues is invited to participate. This Task Force is chaired by Rich Hennessey (Pendleton Friedberg Wilson & Hennessey P.C.).

Homeless ID Task Force
This Task Force was formed in 2006 to address systemic barriers facing homeless individuals in obtaining Colorado identification cards, without which they are unable to secure housing, employment and other services. In December 2006, Task Force volunteers obtained a court order granting their Motion for Preliminary Injunction and requiring the Colorado Department of Revenue to adopt regulations regarding the issuance of ID cards and to establish procedures to provide due process to individuals who are denied IDs. In 2008, in an effort to gather experience about the regulations and to determine if systemic issues remain, the Task Force agreed to identify 25 lawyers who could represent individuals and assist them in obtaining ID's. During 2009, 32 volunteers donated an estimated 1,600 hours and obtained ID cards for at least 10 homeless individuals. The Task Force is now exploring strategies the resolve ongoing systemic barriers. To participate, please contact Lindsay Unruh (Reilly Pozner LLP).Top

Immigration Task Force
The Colorado Lawyers Committee actively supports the efforts of the Immigrant Resource Center in the San Luis Valley. The Center provides information and assistance for the sizeable number of immigrants in the area. The Center serves a geographically remote area that is home to more than 40,000 permanent residents and 10,000 migrant and seasonal workers. The population is almost 50% Hispanic, and there are more than 500 Canjaoba'l Indians in the San Luis Valley. It is one of Colorado's poorest regions, with much of the population living below the poverty level. This Task Force oversees the services provided by Immigrant Resource Center, trains the Center staff (of non-attorneys) and provides referrals to pro bono attorneys. In 2009, seven volunteers donated approximately 50 hours. Emily Curray (Stern & Curray LLC) chairs this Task Force.

Mental Health Task Force
This Task Force examines significant issues that relate to the delivery of mental health services for children and the underprivileged in Colorado and explores ways to increase access to such services. Recent projects have included advocacy efforts to assure that individuals with mental illness leaving the criminal justice system are able to access benefits and medical care. During 2009, 20 lawyers and community advocates donated more than 500 hours. Anyone interested in mental health issues is invited to participate in this Task Force. Iris Eytan (Reilly Pozner LLP) and Jessica Yates (Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.) chair this Task Force.

Public Benefits Investigators Task Force
This Task Force was created to examine the actions of county employees charged with investigating cases related to the overpayment of public benefits. In certain areas of the state, it was reported that some investigators employ heavy-handed tactics (intimidation, bullying, impersonating officers and threatening arrest) when conducting investigations. After members of the Task Force attended several administrative hearings and submitted discovery requests on behalf of Colorado Legal Services clients, the complaints about investigators virtually stopped.  The Task Force then decided to monitor future complaints (rather than file a lawsuit) and to explore the establishment of statewide standards for investigators. Anyone interested in public benefits or administrative law is invited to participate. Laura Hazen (Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe, PC) chairs this Task Force. Top

Sixth Amendment Task Force
This Task Force was formed at the end of 2009 to address the constitutionality of a Colorado statute that requires individuals charged with a misdemeanor to meet with the prosecutor before counsel can be appointed for them. In early 2010, the Task Force sent a demand letter to the Governor and is exploring litigation. The Task Force has 13 lawyers from 8 different law firms and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Scott Llewellyn (Morrison & Foerster LLP) and Laurence (Trip) DeMuth, III (Faegre & Benson LLP) co-chair this Task Force.

Taylor Ranch Litigation
The dispute about access to a 77,500 acre mountainous parcel originated with promises made in the mid 1800's that Mexican settlers on the Sangre de Cristo Land Grant would have access to the mountainous regions near their homes for uses necessary for their survival. In 1960, Jack Taylor purchased and began to fence off land which had been used for grazing, timber, and wood gathering for more than 100 years, causing enormous disruption to the economic and social fabric of the local communities.

The Colorado Lawyers Committee became involved in 1996 and has seen the case through federal court review, two trials, and both appeals. In an historic opinion, the Colorado Supreme Court, in 2003, upheld the rights of plaintiff property owners (whose heirs and predecessors settled the land grant when it was still part of Mexico) in and around San Luis, Colorado to exercise traditional use rights to graze livestock and collect wood and timber on the property known as "La Sierra" or the Taylor Ranch. The Colorado Supreme Court remanded the case to the Costilla County District Court to identify the current landowners who are entitled to access the property based on the test established by the Supreme Court.  The District Court determined that certain property owners were not entitled to these rights because their predecessors in title were allegedly served in one of two 1960 quiet title actions.  In 2004, the Court began an identification process to identify the current owners of land entitled to access La Sierra.  To date, the district court has examined title to over 6,300 parcels of land and found that all but approximately 300 parcels are entitled to access La Sierra.  In 2009, more than 300 individuals provided notice that they intended to use La Sierra for either grazing or to gather timber or firewood. 

A number of attorneys have been actively involved in this litigation. During 2009, more than 30 lawyers, paralegals and secretaries worked on this case. It is estimated that they donated over 1,800 hours. For more information, contact Tom Stoever (Arnold & Porter LLP) or Jerome DeHerrera (Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP). Top

Young Advocates Network
The Colorado Lawyers Committee began a new project in 2006 designed to encourage participation by less experienced lawyers in Lawyers Committee activities. The Young Advocates Network includes one associate or junior partner in each of the law firms that support the Lawyers Committee. These Young Advocates will encourage and invite other younger lawyers in their firms to become active in Lawyers Committee activities. Jennifer Hunt (Hill & Robbins, P.C.) chairs the Young Advocates Network Steering Committee.

 

 

We regret that we do not have the resources to provide assistance in individual cases. We suggest you contact Colorado Legal Services at 303-837-1321 or at Colorado Legal Services

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