The Docket Winter 2022

P R O U D LY P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E D E N V E R B A R A S S O C I A T I O N

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WINTER 2022

ARTS & LITERATURE CONTEST 2021

Saturday, May 14 An Evening Affair Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum 7711 E Academy Blvd., Denver

W I N T E R 202 2

F E AT U R E S

D E PA R T M E N T S

4. COLAP Wellbeing Corner Deciding What's Important

BY SARAH MYERS, ESQ., LMFT, LAC

6. DBA MVL

MVL’s Legal Clinic at the Denver Indian Center, Inc.

BY IVONNE ESPARZA

8. Briefly

2. President's Letter

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A Creative Profession

BY TYRONE GLOVER

9. The Docket Arts & Literature Contest 20. Come On Get Happy: Fly-Fish Your Troubles Away

18. Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Growth Mindset

BY SARA SCOTT

26. Law Student Chronicles STEM Ph.D. To Law Degree: A Different Perspective

BY CHRIS GARCIA, PH.D.

28. 2021 Pro Bono Stars 29. Attorney Curmudgeon Audios, Docket

BY LASZLO SCOFFLAW

30. Picture This 34. 10 Questions with Heather Landauer

BY LEIGH HORTON

22. End of an Era

BY DOUG MCQUISTON

24. Succession to Service

BY TONI-ANNE NUÑEZ

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER | BY TYRONE GLOVER

A Creative Profession

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his issue of The Docket celebrates the many creative talents in our legal profession by recognizing the winners of our Art and Literature contest. We may not immediately think “creativity” when we picture the legal profession, but early on in my legal career, I learned that our profession is full of creative people. The first time this really struck me was at the CU Law School talent show, which I attended as an admitted student in 2006. We spent an entire day learning about the unique opportunities and academic rigors at CU Law School. The day’s program wrapped up like most admitted students’ days, but then things took an unexpected turn. After a brief social hour, we all piled into the Fleming law building for a multi-hour talent show. Law students played instruments, sang tunes, and

Glover.

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even performed dance numbers. They were a rather impressive bunch. Three years later, I would call myself a CU Law alum, and one of a handful of graduates who attended four talent shows, the first as a prospective student.

As a lawyer, I have observed how creativity influences the practice of law.

Lawyers are problem solvers, and problem solving requires more than simply knowing the law and facts in a particular matter, it requires applying the law to the facts. Often the application or bridge to a solution is creative thinking. Whether it is the art storytelling to unearth a persuasive case narrative, inventive contract drafting to produce an agreement that reflects a true meeting of the minds or discovering innovative theories within a given legal framework — creativity finds its way into our practice.

A Denver Bar Association publication. Views expressed in articles are those of the author and not the views of the author’s employers, the Docket Committee or the Denver Bar Association, unless expressly stated.

OUR MISSION

To educate and entertain the Denver legal community without being sued!

EDITOR

Loren Faye, lfaye@cobar.org GRAPHIC DESIGN

Kate Schuster, kschuster@cobar.org DOCKET COMMITTEE

Kali Backer, Brendan Baker, Nicole Black, Ainsley Bochniak, Marion Brewer, Becky Bye, Martin Champagne, Klaralee Charlton, Jessica Cordero, Craig Eley, Joshua Fitch, Laurinda Frederick, James Garts, Otto Hilbert, Ryan Jardine, Maha Kamal, Ezra Kramer, Karl Kumli,Dalia Labrador, Richard Lionberger, Colleen McCoy, Douglas McQuiston, Corinne Miller, Jennifer O’Connell, Gurney Pearsall, Ryann Peyton, Liz Pope, Gregory Rawlings, Jonathan Shamis, Dana Showalter, Marshall Snider, Julie Stermasi, Elizabeth Tharakan, Dianne Van Voorhees, William Wenzel, Rachel Young 2021-22 CHAIR: Jessica Cordero

Lawyers are problem solvers, and problem solving requires more than simply knowing the law and facts in a particular matter, it requires applying the law to the facts. Often the application or bridge to a solution is creative thinking.

2021-22 DBA OFFICERS: A. Tyrone Glover, President;

Kevin E. McReynolds, Immediate Past President; Ruchi Kapoor, President Elect; Nicoal Sperrazza, First Vice President; Annie Martinez, Second Vice President; Klaralee Charlton, Treasurer 2021-22 BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Katy Dunn, Jake

Eisenstein, James Fogg, Christine Hernandez, Christine Kroupa, Joseph Mark, Noah Patterson, Wendy Weigler, Lara Zarzecki, Elisabeth Hutchinson, Young Lawyers Division, Justin Cohen, Diversity Bars Representative

303-860-1115 • dbadocket.org

Copyright 2022. The Docket (ISSN 1084-7820) is published four times a year by the Denver Bar Association, 1290 Broadway, Suite 1700, Denver, CO 80203. All rights reserved.

The price of an annual subscription to members of the DBA ($15) is included in their dues as part of their membership. Periodicals postage paid at Denver, CO and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER send address corrections to the Docket, Denver Bar Association, 1290 Broadway, Suite 1700, Denver, CO 80203.

So how do some of us in the profession keep our creative minds refreshed and inspired? For many, it is important to regularly utilize and tap into their creative energy through pursuits or hobbies in art, music, film, theater, dance etc. It can, however, prove extremely difficult to balance the practice of law and other life obligations, with these activities that feed our creative spirit. I have certainly struggled to make room for my creative interests. As a martial artist, who places an emphasis on the art, it is difficult to replicate the three-hour training sessions I had grown accustomed to as a professional fighter. And professional DJ’ing into the early morning hours gets increasingly more difficult with the weekend demands of parenting coming to bear shortly after my head hits the pillow.

So, how do we prioritize and make time? I will share a couple things that have worked for me. First, I don’t wait until I have wide windows of time to engage in creative pursuits. Finding micro pockets of time, 5-10-15 minutes to do

something creative can help to shift you into your creative space and give you a nice recharge. Much like finding 10 mins to step away from your desk and stretch or meditate, taking a few minutes to sketch, jam, or write (non-legal). If done consistently, this can have wonderful benefits.

My other tip is to take your lawyer hat off completely when you’re engaged in your creative hobby. The hyper-attention to detail and critical thought required for lawyering is often not the best companion to have at the table when engaging in free-flow creative pursuits. I always try to remember that my creative ideas don’t have to necessarily be good, I just need to have ideas to work from. Interestingly, when I return to my legal work I am often refreshed and ready for some creative problem solving. Congratulations to all our DBA Art and Literature awardees .

A. Tyrone Glover A. Tyrone Glover, DBA President

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COLAP WELLBEING CORNER | BY SARAH MYERS, ESQ., LMFT, LAC

Deciding What’s Important

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ife isn’t what it was, and we all know it’s not what it’s going to be yet. We are all living through widespread cultural and systemic changes, both on macro and micro scales. All change impacts our nervous system’s ability to feel safe, which is why so many people are reporting feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed and exhausted.

A New Year coming on the heels of years of loss, fear and stress is hard to plan for.

There is a saying about children: give them roots to grow and wings to fly. All human beings, regardless of our age, need to feel grounded and supported enough to follow our dreams, our happiness and what Joseph Campbell referred to as “your bliss.”

This doesn’t mean every day is blissful, but we should be able to find moments of enjoyment in what we do to balance moments of frustration.

Part of well-being and developing strong behavioral health is being able to recognize, honor and mourn who and what we have lost while also finding the strength to feel appreciation and express gratitude. Acknowledging pain and loss while appreciating what we have is a tricky balance, particularly while living through a lingering pandemic. The important thing is to make time for both, and to understand that feeling positive emotions does not mean we are dishonoring or forgetting those we have lost. We can find things to laugh about even when we are grieving.

And we can experience bittersweet sorrow even in moments of joy. Our experiences and emotions are complex and layered, and we can make the most of this New Year in simple ways that recognize and honor this principle.

Have you lost some of the passion you used to have for practicing law? Have you replaced relaxation time with social media and endless texts? Have you become estranged from family and friends? Have you been spending less time on hobbies and activities you used to enjoy? Have you become addicted to the cycle of stress?

Have you become more reactive and less responsive to situations and people around you?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, or if you have another list of grievances and stressors in your personal or professional life, you are not alone.

Many members of the legal community report feeling off-center, off-kilter and not themselves in general. When we feel this way, it’s helpful to take a simple inventory. What brings you happiness?

What brings you contentment, peace and joy? Are you doing any of those things? A New Year’s resolution this year might not be to start a new habit, but rather to take things one day at a time, and explore free and simple ways to shift perspective a bit.

Here are some ideas to get you started: o Make a list, and/or tell someone close to you, what you are grateful for. Research confirms that verbalizing or writing what we are appreciative of improves both our mental and physical health. It can be a long list, or you can simply name a few things each morning or night. o Voice appreciation and actively look for kindness. It’s easy to get “stuck” in our own minds, and to focus on upsetting or negative things. Dedicating some time each day to focus on others helps us keep our own life situations in better perspective. o Be more present. Lawyers spent a great deal of time “in their heads.” Are you mostly thinking about work or your to-do list when you are supposed to be listening to family or friends talk about their days? One lawyer confessed recently, “My kids know I only hear about 50% of what they say to me.” If you can relate to this, be more mindful of staying present; when you find yourself disassociating or mentally leaving a conversation, adopt the mantra, “Be Here Now.” Do the same when you are driving, out enjoying nature, or even grocery shopping. Start being in the moment rather than perseverating about the past or worrying about the future. o Anticipate interruption and rescheduling, and generally lower your expectations. When we have rigid expectations of how things “should” be, we are almost always let down. Don’t sabotage this

New Year by setting unrealistic goals for yourself or anyone else. Be flexible with plans; from travel glitches to supply chain issues, it’s likely that we’ll need to “go with the flow” even more this year than past years. o Don’t underestimate the time it will take to complete tasks. Rather than running around like a “chicken with its head cut off” because you double-booked your time, create a timeline for everything you need to accomplish. Add at least 30 to 60 minutes to each item. o Remind yourself to SLOW DOWN. When you find your mind or body racing around, or you feel yourself becoming agitated, angry or overwhelmed, remember to breathe. Stress creates chemicals in the body that cloud rational thought and decision-making. Many of us experience the current staffing and labor shortages daily, whether as a consumer or an employee. Be patient with yourself and others; we can only accomplish so much in a day! o Keep up your self-care! When we are busy and stressed out, we often start neglecting the very tools that help us get through stressful times unscathed: getting enough sleep, eating regularly, drinking enough water, and exercising. Some days will be better than others in our self-care, and it’s important not to feel guilty if we’re not able to keep up a routine or diet. It’s also crucial to take time away from work, even if you can’t get away for a traditional vacation, to avoid burnout. Plan some days off or a long weekend when you are creating your calendar this year.

If you or a colleague could use support, contact your free and confidential Colorado Lawyer Assistance Program (COLAP) at (303) 986-3345 or email us at info@ coloradolap.org for a consultation.

SARAH MYERS, executive director of the Colorado Lawyer Assistance Program, is the coordinating editor of this wellness series. Contact COLAP for free and confidential assistance at 303-9863345 and info@coloradolap.org.

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METRO VOLUNTEER LAWYERS

| BY IVONNE ESPARZA

DBA MVL’s Legal Clinic at the Denver Indian Center, Inc. Assisting Native American and Indigenous People with Their Legal Issues Since 2012

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ative American and Indigenous people have built and diversified our communities with vibrant cultures for many generations. Even though we celebrate Native American Heritage Month in November, Denver Bar Association Metro Volunteer Lawyers (MVL) encourages volunteer attorneys to honor and strengthen Native American cultures and communities by providing vital pro bono support services in the Denver metro area throughout the year. As the

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coordinator for MVL’s Legal Clinic at the Denver Indian Center, Inc. (DICI), I invite you to join a team of dedicated volunteer attorneys who help community members with their legal questions. I hope the following information will encourage you to volunteer for MVL’s walk-in legal clinic at the DICI or assist in our full referral program.

DICI and MVL Since spring 2012, MVL’s Legal Clinic

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at the DICI has been an integral part of the DBA’s mission by bridging the gap in access to justice for Native Americans and Alaska Natives in the Denver metro area.

Together we strive to provide exceptional legal services. The DICI offers MVL space for the legal clinic and markets and promotes the clinic to community members and partner organizations. MVL staff and volunteer attorneys work with paralegals and law students to assist community members with legal questions.

Types of Issues Issues that often come up at the clinics include divorce, custody, probate, wills, powers of attorney, guardianships, conservatorships, landlord-tenant and social security matters. MVL attorneys who regularly volunteer their time at the legal clinic will reiterate that any nerves about participating in a walk-in-style clinic are temporary. Still, volunteers who do not know the answer to a legal question can ask MVL staff members, who are always present at the clinics and who support volunteers. If a volunteer attorney is comfortable, the volunteer can give brief legal advice or provide information about other relevant resources in the community. A volunteer’s willingness to provide legal advice and information through in-person clinics or remote settings to someone in need of legal recourse is vital and helps build trust with community members.

MVL’s First Wednesday Clinic and Ric Morgan’s Second Friday Virtual Pro Se Clinic Ric Morgan’s Virtual Pro Se Clinic supports and collaborates with MVL’s first Wednesday walk-in clinic at the DICI. The second Friday Virtual Pro Se Clinic provides much-needed pro bono support to DICI community members on a case-by-case basis. If required, a DICI community member in need may come to DICI staff directly for help with scheduling an appointment or be referred by the first Wednesday MVL Clinic.

DICI community members often need extensive follow-up or unbundled support, which Morgan provides by appointment only at his clinic on the second Friday of each month. Morgan has provided extended pro bono support to DICI community members for various legal issues, such as the probate distribution of tribal allotment lands, assistance in coordinating Indian Child Welfare Act involvement in family law cases, trial preparation and coaching for community members in family law cases, assisting with tribal membership

“Issues that often come up at the clinics include divorce, custody, probate, wills, powers of attorney, guardianships, conservatorships, landlord-tenant and social security matters."

applications, and formal representation for community members in social security and Social Security Disability Insurance cases. Despite the pandemic, Morgan has been conducting the second Friday support clinic without interruption. For more information on the Virtual Pro Se Clinic, please visit Checkerboard.co.

What if I Don’t Know Federal Indian or Tribal Law? Volunteers do not need experience in federal Indian law or tribal law. Still, it’s always good practice to research a topic of interest beforehand. MVL occasionally offers free CLEs in which volunteers can learn more about American Indian law.

In addition, MVL provides access to a free training video on American Indian law on our Tips and Training page.

Get Involved MVL has several volunteer opportunities for attorneys, mediators, paralegals, and law students: referrals to individual attorneys for direct representation, the Family Law Court Program, the Post-Decree Consultation Clinic, the Power of Attorney Workshop, the Family Law Unbundled

Workshop, and the Mediation Program.

The Legal Clinic at the DICI meets every month on the first Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to observe or shadow a more experienced attorney or provide a 30-minute telephone or Zoom consultation for community members who request a virtual appointment. Law students can participate by supporting volunteer attorneys, shadowing consultations, and assisting with research. Paralegals and other legal staff can support volunteer attorneys with research or communication with a community member at the DICI. You can sign up through MVL’s website at www.denbar.org/mvl or contact Ivonne Esparza directly at iesparza@ denbar.org. A link for our sign-up form is here. In honor of Native American and Indigenous people, please get involved today and join MVL every first Wednesday of the month!

IVONNE ESPARZA has been interning and volunteering with Metro Volunteer Lawyers since 2018, and now manages MVL’s Direct Referral Program and Legal Clinic at the Denver Indian Center, Inc.

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BRIEFLY

The Last Laugh

A woman sued a hotel for losing her luggage. Unfortunately, she lost the case.

If you aren't too sure about succulents, don't worry— they really grew on you!

Where's a good start? Jade plant, aloe vera, crassula, and echeveria are some easy starter-plants.

Succulent Root Word The term succulent is derived from the Latin word sucus, which means juice or sap.

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Let It Snow!

Colorado sees about 67.30 inches of snow every year.

Snowfall varies greatly across the state. Denver receives about 57 inches of snow annually while the mountains receive anywhere between 150 to more than 400 inches.

ARTS & LITERATURE CONTEST PHOTOGRAPHY ....................................................... PAGE 10 DIGITAL DRAWING ................................................... PAGE 11 PAINTING ..................................................................... PAGE 12 POETRY ........................................................................ PAGE 13 SCULPTURE ............................................................... PAGE 14 DRAWING .................................................................... PAGE 15 FICTION ....................................................................... PAGE 16 VIDEO ........................................................................... PAGE 16

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ART&LITERATUREPHOTOGRAPHY TITLE: WINDMILL ARTIST: RICHARD LIONBERGER DESCRIPTION: The image of the windmill was taken at Pawnee National Grasslands, located Northeast of Greeley. By converting the image to black and white and adding grain in post processing, my intent was to create a nostalgic image.

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ART&LITERATUREDIGITALDRAWING

TITLE: DENVER SKYLINE #8 ARTIST: ADAM FOSTER DESCRIPTION: I took this view of the Denver skyline from the light rail station at 41st & Fox with my iPhone and then digitally altered the image using the (free) Autodesk Sketchbook program on my iPad. I enjoy this technique because it encourages me to think about familiar scenes in new and interesting ways, both in terms of framing and lighting for the initial photo and then manipulating it to create an image that is both familiar and dreamlike. This is a fun technique that folks without a lot of formal training can employ using technology that is readily available, portable and fairly inexpensive. Making my own art has helped me to be more open to the beauty and wonder that surrounds us every day, and I am grateful to the Docket Arts Committee for encouraging contestants to share our work with our peers.

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ART&LITERATUREPAINTING

TITLE: UNFINISHED BUSINESS ARTIST: MAHA KAMAL DESCRIPTION: The Mughals were a Persian-Turkish dynasty that colonized present-day South Asia beginning in 1526.

(Taj Mahal, anyone?). Having some of their bloodline from my father's side, I adore Mughal art and their style of miniature paintings, especially their study of wildlife and fauna. This zebra was a case study of a Mughal artwork that turned into a Wes Anderson-esque living room piece during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020. I get a kick out of the fact that he's looking at himself in angst over unfinished stripes. When a friend pointed that out to me, I decided he was done!

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ART&LITERATUREPOETRY TITLE: PATHS AUTHOR: EDGAR O. BARRAZA DESCRIPTION: "Paths" is a quasi-concrete poem that takes on the literal shape of its title and main subject. Evidently, its shape is an irregular winding path with sharp turns that evoke the many uneven or blind curves one can find on any given road. Overall, the poem displays a temporal arrangement, with its subject(s) starting off alone, reaching a time to live and dream, and a time of closure, a time to die. The poem is written as a quatrain with irregular alternate rhyme every other stanza and uses figures of speech such as repetition, alliteration, tautology and climax/anticlimax.

One idea that "Paths" tries to convey is the willful, relentless march of life through many uneven, uncertain, and sometimes unforgiving trajectories. In contraposition, "Paths" then centers on the reality that despite the troubles encountered, the resilient spirit always shines through, enabling its subject(s) to continue, live, dream, and, why not, even thrive. The poem closes with an evocative image of falling leaves and rain and a suggestion that, perhaps, their random paths might not be unlike our own; for their journeys, just as ours, might bring them to uncertain places. Yet, their landing places may be of little to no importance for it is the path itself and not an ultimate, unknown destination that one has to contend with and live through.

WORK: On winding paths We march alone, Threading forth, No trail undone.

Through winding paths, Searching, becoming Budding caterpillars’ Chrysalis longings.

On winding paths, Wind-tossed lives, Blooming, falling, At untimely times.

Many winding paths,

With missed encounters, As whimsy rains, Here or there, no matter.

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ART&LITERATURESCULPTURE

TITLE: RINGO ARTIST: MELISSA A. YOUNGPETER DESCRIPTION: I wanted to make a fun sculpture as a follow up to the pink glitter and gold leaf unicorn sculpture I made a few years ago. Ringo the octopus is a work-in-progress made of paper mache, glitter, and silver leaf. The finished product will be completed pending my upcoming trial schedule and other work and personal life commitments. Ringo’s permanent home will probably be in my office at Bremer Whyte Brown & O’Meara, LLP in Downtown Denver. I’m looking forward to finishing Ringo and starting my next creation!

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ART&LITERATUREDRAWING

TITLE: CAST STUDY ARTIST: MARIAJOSE DELGADO DESCRIPTION: This drawing is a cast study using charcoal and chalk on toned paper. The cast is from a 1430s bust of Niccolo da Uzzano, a distinguished Florentine politician who led the political party opposing the Medici family and died in 1431. Many art historians believe that the original bust was sculpted by Donatello, though there is some debate about that.

It may also have been the first bust since the classical period to incorporate a death mask, which is an impression of the deceased’s features into a mold which is later reworked to capture the true essence of the person. Donatello or not, death mask or not, the original artist managed give life to the bust with a sweet and gentle facial expression. Drawings of plaster casts are a great way to study light value from life, because the plaster is entirely white and without color which might distract from light values. Plus, plaster casts hold their expression much longer than live models. I tried very hard to render the soft expression of the cast in this drawing. Charcoal and chalk reproduce light like a dream.

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ART&LITERATUREFICTION

ART&LITERATURE VIDEO

TITLE: THE REVOLUTION OF AN ORPHAN IN KANDAHAR AUTHOR: MAHA KAMAL DESCRIPTION: This piece came from a micro fiction contest submission.

My assignment that round was to write a ghost story involving braiding hair and the word "reach." That's how Soraya and Bibi were born. I was exploring the technique of using lists to create a (very short) story, allowing the reader to fill in the blanks with their imagination. Microfiction is a fun challenge because it invites the writer to develop a world and plot just enough for the reader to take over. (Neil Gaiman is a master at this genre.)

My story is also inspired by Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel Persepolis.

Anyone who knows me knows I love South Asian and Middle Eastern literature with strong female protagonists!

TITLE: HIT THE ROAD, JACK ARTIST: PHIL JAMES DESCRIPTION: This song came about because of three things.

First, I sing, mostly in the Law Club, which is a Denver theatrical institution, that has been associated with the Denver and Colorado Bars for more than 80 years. Second, I just happened to notice that "Hit the Road Jack" and "Sweet Dreams" are in the same key and have the same tempo and time. Third, because there’s an app for that.

The Acapella app by PicPlayPost, available both for Apple and Android, is fairly easy to use and works on your phone, which has a great video camera and is something you have anyway. Acapella works for voice and speech, and doesn’t have to be just with one featured person.

Thank you for the award. It’s meaningful that some of the talented Denver attorneys like what I do.

WORK: Into her curly black hair, Soraya’s mother braided: money (to escape), a pencil (to learn), a button (to stay warm), lipstick (for charm); and a lapis ring (for love).

She tied them up with a tattered strip of her kurta. The men with swords arrested Bibi; her little girl escaping with a full head of hair. Soraya learned the ways of the world, staying warm on unforgiving desert nights. With charm, she took power. With love, she reunited the people. Reaching for the strip, Soraya finally unraveled her curls and Bibi’s ghost appeared.

“Now, you are the mother.” Bibi smiled.

Metro Volunteer Lawyers, a program of the Denver Bar Association, would like to thank Burg Simpson for joining the Arapahoe County Bar Association in generously contributing funding for services provided by MVL to the residents of Arapahoe County.

As a result, the Arapahoe County Bar Association and Metro Volunteer Lawyers are excited to announce their continued collaboration for the 2021-2022 year!

Thank you!

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Thank you to DBA YLD’s Topgolf Tournament Sponsors

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EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY | BY SARA SCOTT

Growth Mindset I

’ve been thinking a lot about what needs to happen from an operational perspective for a legal organization to implement or augment its Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) efforts. That is, of course, my job. It came to me that one can go through the steps, but if there is no transition in thinking — and actual transformation in leadership — EDI efforts will likely fail. This is not about checking off boxes or implementing mandatory training; instead, it is about shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.

I am sure many of you are familiar with these terms and have read Carol Dweck’s book “Mindset,” but it becomes really interesting when you think of mindsets related to EDI efforts and the legal field.

Dweck writes, “In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are fixed traits.

They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success—without effort.” (Dweck, 2015). She describes a growth mindset as one in which “people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed

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through dedication and hard work — brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” (Dweck, 2015).

Those with a fixed mindset can work hard and put in the long hours, but they never believe their talents will exceed what they naturally are, and they continuously try to prove themselves as worthy.

Meanwhile, those with a growth mindset believe that they can change their abilities through learning and hard work and are less focused on proving themselves and are more focused on the growth piece.

How many of those in senior leadership apply a fixed mindset as relates to less experienced attorneys? How many of those leaders put those attorneys in a box soon after they start working at a law firm or organization using a fixed mindset model? Attorneys, I venture, often categorize new attorneys as either high-potential attorneys or low-potential attorneys. What might it look like if leaders applied a growth mindset to newer attorneys? Sure, leaders might still put new attorneys in a box on day one based

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on assumptions about the attorneys’ abilities, but the leaders would not leave those attorneys in those boxes. Employing a growth mindset approach would involve brainstorming ways to ensure that attorneys get the support necessary to develop and reach their potential. An example would be to hire a legal writing tutor to work with attorneys when writing is an issue, instead of simply categorizing them as low potential. That is inclusivity.

Now let’s apply the fixed and growth mindset models to the EDI efforts in your organization. When I consult and train and provide examples of bringing a more robust EDI plan into an organization, I hear way too often that my suggestions are aspirational in nature and probably will not work. Talk about a fixed mindset.

Adopting a growth mindset would mean willingness to consider my advice and at least give it a try.

As Dan Millman has said, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” That growth mindset allows room for the change that needs to happen with EDI.

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www.cle.cobar.org • (303) 860-0608 The nonprofit educational arm of the Colorado Bar Association and the Denver Bar Association W INTER 2022

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Come On Get Happy

Fly-Fish Your Troubles Away

By Leigh Horton

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“People fish because they are searching for something. Often it is not for a fish.”

— Fennel Hudson

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was not a bear in my natural habitat as I sat on Mount Princeton hoping that Smokey would gobble my lunch of tepid beans and trout caught that morning. Despite my long-held delusion that I follow in the line of incredible women like Gertrude Bell, who roughed it in the Middle East and influenced people on how to build a post-war continent, in truth, I’m a slightly out-of-shape appellate law clerk who can, on a good day, influence a legal opinion’s direction.

My Mount Princeton adventure made me realize how a legal career is like hiking.

It’s easy to get lost if you’re not paying attention, and there’s always someone (like a mountain lion or opposing counsel) waiting for a vulnerability to appear. The start is exciting and full of the promise of amazing corner-office or mountaintop views; the middle is painful, full of existential questions and where most people turn back; and the end . . . ? Well, I’ve been told it’s fulfilling and bittersweet.

I’m still trudging through the middle.

So for those stuck in the middle of their legal career hike, I recommend hiking to a local fishery. From the time I learned to fly-fish at age five, I’ve found peace and meditation floating down our local rivers, especially the Colorado River. On one segment, I see the beaver family that I’ve floated past since I was a kid; on another, I see the pair of golden eagle parents, carefully watching their chicks fall out of the nest to learn to fly; and I’ve met the most wonderful people who want nothing more than a day on the water without leaky waders. But most importantly, I’ve gotten perspective on my goals and spent countless hours of quality time with my mom.

Jim Fogg, an attorney at Ogborn Mihm, has a similar story. “My dad tells me that he had me in waders (retrofitted hip boots that went to my chest) in the stream at age three. I’ve seen pictures, but I don’t remember those days. I do remember that, for a time, fishing with dad meant messing around with the fly rod a bit, but mostly playing with mud and bugs while he fished and I netted. I do remember catching my first fish, on a fly rod, on my own, on the San Juan River when I was six.”

Fogg continues to fish, saying fly-fishing is “the only thing I do during which I think about nothing else, unless I choose to.

Everything else — the stresses life brings — melt away and I become singularly focused. If I’m not locked in on bugs, I’m taking in all of my surroundings to problem solve. If I’ve got the bugs, I’m reading water and shooting for a perfect drift. If I’ve got a pig on the line, I’m figuring out how to chase it down the river without falling in and where to land it. If nothing’s working, I can lay down on the bank in one of the most beautiful places on Earth and think about anything, nothing, or take a nap.”

Through his adventures with his dad, who’s also a lawyer, Fogg “learned as much about the practice of law” as fishing. “I also saw how the commonality of interest in fly-fishing, and everything that goes along with it, can form a strong bond between people,” Fogg explained.

To that end, with sponsorship from the Young Lawyer Divisions of the Colorado and Denver Bar Associations, Fogg organized Bar Flies, which seeks to offer “lawyer-anglers of all ages and experience levels the opportunity to organically grow networking and mentoring relationships.”

This focus on building relationships and de-stressing is timely given our supreme court’s recent publication from its task force on attorney well-being. It found that between 21% and 36% of Colorado attorneys are problem drinkers, and 19% to 28% struggle with significant levels of depression, anxiety and stress. This leads to lack of productivity, absenteeism and law firm attrition — 44% of associates leave firms within three years and 75% leave within five years.

Fogg believes that burned-out attorneys can benefit from fly-fishing, given the similarities between fishing and the practice of law. “Preparation and study play a critical role in both and, in my opinion, one can always push himself or herself to become a better lawyer and a better fly angler. Fly-fishing demands the ability to deduce, pay attention to and adapt to changing conditions.” It “requires precision, and punishes sloppiness, just like the practice of law. I believe that being able to recognize the importance of those disciplines and applying them in a variety of settings reinforces their application in all walks of life.”

Keep an eye open for Bar Flies events in emails from the Colorado Bar Association and Denver Bar Association Young Lawyer Divisions in 2022. After receiving rave reviews from participants in the August 2021 event, Bar Flies will meet several times next year, starting in the first quarter.

And until then, tight lines!

Leigh Horton is an appellate law clerk for Judge Christina Gomez. As a former engineer and current outdoor enthusiast, Leigh hopes to go into environmental litigation—or become a fly-fishing guide.

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End of an Era

By Doug McQuiston

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he year was 1984, a dusty, long-ago past. I was a few years out of law school. The partners at my firm told me I needed to get “more active” in the bar association. Having two young children still in diapers at home and little time available after long hours at work, I began searching for a committee I could fit into my “free” time. I enjoyed reading The Docket, so I showed up to a meeting. That was all it took.

I knew instantly that I wanted to be a part of this merry group, to bask in the company of its talented, creative, broad-minded and hilariously funny members. And so began a beautiful relationship that has lasted 37 years, spanned my whole career, outlasted countless editors and seen members come and go by the dozens. It was by far the most fun I ever could have had on a “bar” committee.

The many incredibly funny and talented members who graced this masthead (and the amazing editors who tried to herd us cats over the years), taught me a great deal about writing, editing, using humor as a

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persuasive tool and life in general. The experience remains a highlight of my legal career, even though we never made a dime from it.

So here we are, at the twilight of that era.

I am shocked and saddened to see that I have apparently outlasted the publication itself. But I am also grateful beyond measure that The Docket would gift me with the good fortune to write for the last edition before we turn out the lights (at least in the magazine’s current form). Maybe it was inevitable that a “print” magazine intended for lawyers in the Denver area would someday reach the end of its useful life. I hope it can be resurrected, in a form that fits better with this new world.

But what a hell of a ride it has been.

My first “beat” for The Docket was one no one else wanted: short bits for the “sports desk,” covering the bar association’s many intramural sports teams, from basketball to softball and flag football. From there, I moved on to short essays on topics ranging from Valentine’s Day to travel, restaurant reviews, the humor we encounter in the

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law from time to time and politics, both local and national.

It was the politics beat where I think I found my “voice,” such as it was. I was The Docket’s designated “conservative” (though I always considered myself just a misunderstood classical liberal). That our editors (and the chief executive of the bar association at the time, Chuck Turner) were willing to publish my stuff was a display of poor judgment for which I have always been grateful, and of which I took full advantage.

Most of my columns tried for a light-hearted approach. I learned that humor could break down barriers and open minds to the broader concepts I wrote about. My work on this beat spanned three decades. The political upheaval during that time offered an endless supply of article ideas, and I took a swing at more than my share here.

Political humor “worked” then, regardless of the affiliations of our readers. Younger readers may find it hard to believe that even just a short time ago,

But I am also grateful beyond measure that The Docket would gift me with the good fortune to write for the last edition before we turn out the lights (at least in the magazine’s current form).

Americans did not identify themselves by whom they voted for in the last election.

People laughed at political jokes and saw the humor. They didn’t take politics so darned seriously.

We didn’t all think alike. I would venture that the many Docket members and editors I was fortunate enough to count among my friends had political views widely divergent from mine. And here’s something crazy, young readers: it didn’t matter. Friendships transcended politics.

But somewhere along the way (maybe around the second decade of our strange new millennium), it became harder and harder to “do” the political articles without angry backlash or misunderstanding. It became harder to find the humor.

So, I searched for other things to write about. The topic was secondary, really.

Writing for The Docket was what I wanted to do. It always brought the same joy it did when I saw my first little essay “in print,” no matter the topic. Even this sad, little

hasta luego brings the joy of those years back to mind.

As it happened, I returned to the politics beat (sort of ) for what turned out to be my penultimate piece for this magazine, published in the Summer 2021 edition.

It was called “E Pluribus Unum.” Take a look. You can find it here: https://issuu. com/dbadocket/docs/docket_summer2021_low_res.

Is it unrealistic to hope for a return to that halcyon era where we can all laugh at our politicians, regardless of party?

Nope. I see a bright future full of that sort of thing. The alternative is unthinkable.

Yet as the sun sets on this version of The Docket and we await the next (note the tone of optimism), I will remember this most: the friends I made here; the gags we pulled in our April Fools’ issues (especially those that resulted in amused, but chagrined, calls from the Chief Justice, or angry letters from readers who didn’t get the humor); the “bar review”

articles, where we met at a local dive, had cocktails and then wrote about it. I will remember the kindness of our many editors. They always managed to make what I wrote better, without ever making me feel inadequate.

And I will leave you all with this: Thanks for reading The Docket over the years. You are who we labored to entertain. We hope you’ll keep reading whatever it is we write, wherever and whenever we manage to get it published.

In the meantime? Go seek out those with whom you might disagree politically or ideologically. Find the interesting people on that side of the fence. Get to know them, “virtually” and in real life. Have the deep discussions with them. Develop the courage to listen—try to hear and understand why they think as they do.

Search for common ground, while not retreating from your own ideals. Pitch for your “side” vigorously but cultivate a talent for disagreeing without being disagreeable. Be willing to challenge your own deeply held beliefs. Most of all, consider the possibility you might be wrong about something (not me, of course. I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken).

That’s -30-.

DOUGLAS I. MCQUISTON is a mediator panelist with Accord ADR Group. He is a Denver attorney and mediator with over 36 years of experience in litigation, alternative dispute resolution, law and technology, and law office management.

Professionalism Matters

Enjoy some good, bad and ugly attorney behavior and earn 1 ethics credit in the process!

The Professionalism Coordinating Council offers entertaining and engaging vignettes that illustrate negative and positive attorney behavior. You can preview the vignettes at cobar.org/professionalismvideos.

The Council’s speaker panel is also available to discuss professionalism matters with attorneys at local and specialty bar associations, sections, committees, law firms and other attorney gatherings.

Contact Emma Baxter at ebaxter@cobar.org or 303-860-1115 to schedule a program.

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Succession to Service

By Toni-Anne Nuñez

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am a firm believer in the approach of asking why? Of seeking for reasons behind the importance of our decisions and the purpose of our actions. The Succession to Service platform matches Colorado lawyers and law students with nonprofit organizations, legal services programs, and the courts to provide essential legal assistance to underserved populations.

My hope is to not only discuss the why but to also to describe the how to serve this increasing need.

The statistics are, frankly, depressing and overwhelming. The recently released IAALS Justice Needs and Satisfaction Report indicated that 66% of the American

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population experienced at least one legal issue in the past four years, with less than half of those legal issues being resolved.

Low-income families are particularly vulnerable with access to justice struggles negatively impacting people with serious social, emotional, legal and economic consequences. According to the Colorado Judicial Branch’s Cases and Parties without Representation in Civil Cases FY2018, 75% of family law litigants appear in court without attorneys. We, as legal professionals and attorneys understand the complexity of the legal system, and can also appreciate how overwhelming it can be at times, even for those of us fortunate to call ourselves lawyers. If the

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system can be daunting to those in the legal profession, imagine how debilitating it is for pro se parties.

The American Academy of Arts and Science Civil Justice for All 2020 publication concluded that at-risk populations cannot receive justice if they cannot access legal support, guidance and advice. Navigating a legal system without an attorney or legal expertise has significant consequences and can have catastrophic outcomes.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the divide, and exposed the weaknesses we all know were already present in our communities. None of the challenges are new, but the pandemic exposed the harsh reality.

In 2017, Colorado’s Access to Justice Commission held a Justice for All Summit.

Along with many other topics,there was recognition that a centralized portal was needed to provide a centralized online access point for pro se parties to receive help navigating their legal issues, and provide innovative and meaningful opportunities to improve access to justice. Founded in 2020 through a collaboration effort of the Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program (CAMP), the Colorado and Denver Bar Associations (CBA, DBA), Metro Volunteer Lawyers (MVL) and the Colorado Access to Justice Commission, the Succession to Service (STS) platform was launched.

This program seeks to catalyze Colorado attorneys, law students, paralegals and others in the legal community to provide service to nonprofit organizations, courts and other legal service entities.

STS builds on the notion of collaboration, relationships and partnerships.

This platform allows those looking for pro bono opportunities a safe, free, accessible and supportive way of becoming involved with the legal community to provide meaningful impactful services.

Colorado non-profits and legal providers can sign on to the website and post short or long-term opportunities. The portal aggregates opportunities in areas across metro Denver and throughout greater Colorado. The tasks vary by area of law, complexity, direct legal services, administrative tasks, research projects, mentoring and clinics. Volunteers can sign up to help for an hour, or several hours, and many opportunities occur remotely; although if volunteers prefer in-person events, those are also available. Thanks to more than 40 Colorado lawyers,22 legal service providers in the Denver metro area joined STS in its pilot year. In 2021, STS acknowledged the need to reach further into the legal community and partnered with Paladin, a justice tech company. The platform was relaunched, and today is Colorado’s only statewide online portal designed to help lawyers find volunteer opportunities to assist Coloradoans with their legal needs

For legal service providers, STS provides a platform to manage and track pro bono interest and engagement in real time. In addition to providing legal service organizations with a simple and free tool to post pro bono opportunities, the portal has features that may be valuable to help legal service organizations manage their programs more broadly, and connect lawyers to real opportunities and real people in need.

For attorneys, retired attorneys and judges, legal assistants, paralegals and all other in the legal community, STS provides opportunity. Opportunity to give of your time and expertise. Opportunity to connect with others. Opportunity to make a difference in your local community, or maybe have meaningful impact in a rural community where there may be legal deserts – places where there are few, if any, attorneys serving a vast community population.

The why is clear. The statistics are daunting. The need is real. We, as legal professionals are the stewards of our justice system. We live in a time and place where there is an unprecedented need to provide legal services to unrepresented parties who simply cannot afford a lawyer.

Across the profession, courts, bar associations, access to justice commissions and committees and legal service providers are seeking ways to engage lawyers in pro bono services. We all recognize the need to address the changing legal profession and strive to create meaningful and innovative opportunities to make our world a better place. Some attorneys may volunteer to gain new skills, or to network, or to improve the reputation of the profession. Some may volunteer to advance their leadership opportunities, advance their career or enhance their reputation with the legal community, judges and courts. Everyone’s why is different, but if the result is to help a person or family in need, then there is no wrong motivation.

STS provides the how The portal is designed to make it easy for lawyers to search, learn about, and volunteer for

matters suitable to their interest and skills and to seamlessly connect with the referring agency to get started. To join as a volunteer or legal service provider, visit www.successiontoservice.org.

We are a program that brings great lawyers and good causes together. We believe that the health of our community can be measured by the relationships formed between volunteer lawyers and the nonprofits they serve. Our goal is to build a program that overcomes barriers that may keep volunteer lawyers and nonprofits from finding each other, working together, and developing strong relationships.

I would be remiss if I failed to extend my appreciation to Ryann Peyton who not only provided crucial information for this article but served as a co-founder of the platform. Her dedication and commitment to the program has been central to its success. I am fortunate to work with Ryann and Elise Overall (Emo) as we promote and build this opportunity.

I am thankful to CAMP, the CBA, DBA, MVL and Access to Justice Commission for the investment in our future. I have answered the why and the how” now you need to answer the when; we hope it is now.

TONI-ANNE NUNEZ is the Director of Pro Bono Programming for the Colorado and Denver Bar Associations and Metro Volunteer Lawyers and a co-founder of the Succession to Service platform.

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LAW STUDENT CHRONICLES | BY CHRIS GARCIA, PH.D.

STEM Ph.D. To Law Degree A Different Perspective

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aw school appears to be a prestigious mystery, reserved for the select few who seem to have always been preparing themselves for this intellectual summit.

The traditional student is a high-achieving political science major wielding impeccable grades and the gift of persuasion.

While there are many such students, students with a diversity of learned and lived experience is a departure from this perceived reality. The last few decades have seen students with increasingly diverse perspectives entering the study of law, benefiting the profession by pro-

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ducing individuals with well-rounded points of view. I am a departure from the traditional student, with a path that can be described as creative, arriving at the doors of the University of Colorado Law School.

Within three days of graduating high school, I was on my way to northern California to confront a wildfire scorching the Klamath National Forest as a wildland firefighter on a U.S. Forest Service hotshot crew. I spent two years working with a crew of 23 people cutting line around the nation’s largest wildfires. It’s a job

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that requires constant vigilance, working what seem to be endless days in the most extreme temperatures and terrain.

The physical labor is tedious and highly focused, but the lens through which a plan develops to battle the fire must be wide. The common axiom, “you can’t see the forest for the trees” encapsulates this, perhaps with a somewhat ironic certainty. So, while firefighting is different from a legal career, there are similarities between legal intricacies and a section of fireline – critical in their own part, but of penultimate importance to that for which they are deployed.

After working for a few years, I decided that attending college was the best option moving forward. I committed to university life, choosing to major in chemistry. Long, hard days were now spent wrestling with multi-variate calculus theorems and organic chemistry mechanisms. Developing an understanding of chemistry was engaging but being accepted into professors’ research labs is where the learning came alive. Conducting chemical reactions supplanted reading about them and I developed a desire to apply knowledge and ingrained concepts. I began to understand the ability to absorb information is important but developing the capability to apply what has been learned is paramount, a sentiment freighted with new veracity as I make my first attempts at interpreting and applying legal theory.

Nine days after graduating with my bachelor’s degree in chemistry I left my home state of California behind, arriving on the East Coast to begin my doctoral program at Virginia Tech specializing in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. When the first week of the semester finally arrived, it was an experience I was in many ways unprepared for. It was a week filled with preliminary entrance exams. Although each admitted student came with the required transcripts, our knowledge in those documented areas was still subject to investigation. These tests would determine the magnitude of

required courses. Scoring below the demarcation of acceptance meant additional classes, classes in which it was no longer the professor’s responsibility to ensure students were maintaining the pace.

We were now attempting to achieve the highest degree possible and become their colleagues, a feat which seemed daunting in the kindest characterization. However, classes were a footnote, conducting and publishing original research was the true academic marathon.

Sixty to seventy-hour work weeks were spent stooping over a fume hood monitoring reactions and sitting behind a computer analyzing data. A common saying arose, this time posed as a question from my boss Dr. Santos, “Where’s my compound?” A simple, four-syllable phrase which, depending on the current state of success, was able to impart both elation and fear. My work focused on the development of new therapeutics for metabolic diseases. This meant it was funded and highly scrutinized by pharmaceutical investors with constant impending deadlines. To advance through such a program and successfully defend a dissertation requires the ability to reason through known literature and use critical analysis to apply it to the current situation in a prompt manner. Key is the ability to hypothesize a myriad of problems and suggest potential solutions before there is any inclination that they may ever materialize. Dr. Santos’s saying was then replaced with, “please give me the facts of…,” bringing with it similar conflicting emotions. It was not acceptable that you simply read the assigned cases, it required identifying the correct issue and how the holding may affect future outcomes.

Multiple professors made clear that the true goal of our classes is to impart the skill of applying what has occurred to what is never expected to occur.

I entered my Ph.D. program with lofty ideals, hoping to take part in the next medicinal chemistry breakthrough. Following its completion, I was going to move into the pharmaceutical landscape, developing

new therapeutics. However, during the program, and due to my funding sources, I was introduced to a world which integrated science with business. I discovered the necessary bedmate of any scientific breakthrough which promulgated an economic enterprise: law. Following this epiphany and further championed by Dr. Santos, I began to spend my limited free time studying for the LSAT. While applying for my doctoral dissertation, I was in many ways preemptively signing commitments to the law school I now

I believe that a varied background is equally as important to the study and practice of law as a traditional one. attend, navigating another new beginning.

Taken as separate endeavors, my path may seem an unfocused undertaking of a career student, but each graduation stage has marked the addition of applicable knowledge.

I believe that a varied background is equally as important to the study and practice of law as a traditional one. One is not superior to the other, they simply impart a different lens in which to view legal problems. For it is the variability of people’s learned and lived experiences that provides the linchpin connecting the

legal needs of a community. The political science major may be more steeped in the legislative process, however the parent of two starting a new career will be able to effortlessly multitask, having excellent time management skills. A traditional student may be unfazed by the jargon that freely flows in class discussions, but the ex-grade schoolteacher is accustomed to clearly comporting themself in front of large groups. The reality is you won’t find two identical students and no one is better prepared than anyone else in every way.

The forest may not be ablaze around me, but bearing the weight of a client’s expectations as I construct legal fireline around their life’s work will require similar determination and dedication. My workdays no longer necessitate a lab coat or specialized glassware, but nonetheless require the application of my cumulative knowledge in new and imaginative ways.

So, when considering what background may be applicable to the study of law, I believe Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes said it best, “The life of law has not been logic, it is experience.”

CHRISTOPHER GARCIA completed his Ph.D. in organic chemistry at Virginia Tech specializing in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery developing novel therapeutics for metabolic diseases. He is now pursuing his J.D. at the University of Colorado Law School hoping to utilize his scientific background in a career in intellectual property law.

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Congratulations to the 2021 Pro Bono Stars!

In October, the DBA Access to Justice Committee recognized five “Pro Bono Stars” in commemoration of pro bono month.

Please join us in celebrating their outstanding pro bono efforts.

Justin Bertron is an estate planning attorney for Peak Trusts & Estates, LLC, in Denver. He represents pro bono clients in estate planning and probate cases and has participated in clinics at the Denver Indian Center. Explained Justin, “I get so much personally out of volunteering with organizations like Metro Volunteer Lawyers (MVL) because it feels great when you know you have helped someone who really needs it. I also enjoy all the great friends I have made in the legal community volunteering alongside them.”

Ta m m y Ku e n n e n teaches the Civil Litigation Clinic at DU Law School, where students represent low-income people in civil legal matters. Tammy’s pro bono work, which she characterizes as “food for her soul,” includes membership in a grassroots community group called the Direct Action Team, whose mission is to fight wage theft. Tammy has also volunteered since 2015 as a guardian ad litem

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with the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center and works with adult survivors of gender-based violence through Project Safeguard.

Wesley Parks is an attorney at Cohen & Cohen, P.C., where he represents consumer bankruptcy and family law clients, and is the owner of Parks Mediation. From 2015 through 2020, he provided pro bono mediation services through Jefferson County Mediation Services. He is a volunteer and lead mediator for Court Mediation Services in Denver County, and he provides pro bono mediation, legal representation, and mentoring services through MVL. Wesley is chair of the CBA ADR Section and was pivotal in launching the Resolution Corps, a section program that promotes access to justice through virtual mediation services.

Katharine (Katy) Lum is an attorney with Lass Cooper & Ramp, LLC, practicing family law at both the trial and appellate levels. Katy is a member of the Family Law Section’s

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Executive Council, where she serves on the Amicus Committee and co-chairs the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Committee. Katy volunteers with MVL’s post-decree and unbundled clinics, providing consultations to parties seeking assistance with various aspects of their domestic relations matters. She also takes full representation MVL family law cases.

Deborah Yim is the founding attorney of Primera Law Group, where she represents Colorado workers and small businesses in employment and civil rights cases. Last year, as part of the Federal Pro Se Panel and Legal Entrepreneurs for Justice, she spent hundreds of hours as pro bono counsel to Colorado workers in four federal district court cases challenging workplace discrimination and abuses. She also served as community outreach co-chair of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Colorado and spearheaded the APABA Cares program. Deborah is legal services co-chair of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association and pro bono counsel to the Denver Asian Real Estate Association.

ATTORNEY CURMUDGEON | BY LASZLO SCOFFLAW

Audios, Docket and being chauffeured by their parents all over town to their soccer games and play dates (you want to know why we have a climate crisis? It’s all the pollution caused by driving around kids who have two perfectly good legs).

I have fought the good fight against these entitled burdens on society, and I won’t be giving up just because the DBA has eliminated my forum. Did getting his Twitter account amputated stop Donald J. Trump (a great American)? Of course not, and neither will this Docketectomy.

I won’t let you down. I have your back.

I won’t be silenced. Look for an announcement very soon about my podcast, available for a paltry $4.50 per month. I may be gone, but won’t be forgotten. This isn’t adios for me: it’s just a pause and reevaluation.

T

he powers that be at your Denver Bar Association have decided that it is time to “pause and reevaluate” the very existence of The Docket. That is bureaucrateze for: No More Docket. It is no different than the time my former employer decided to “pause and reevaluate” my contributions to that enterprise.

I haven’t been back since.

I know that this is shocking news because you all are wondering how this decision affects me, Laszlo Scofflaw.

Well, don’t worry about old Laszlo; my observations about life and my brilliant advice to lawyers are in such demand that I have no doubt this column will soon be picked up by a more reputable publication than The Docket. I am already in negotiations with The National Enquirer and The Onion. And no doubt the opinion pages of The Washington Post, The New York Times and numerous high school newspapers around the country will soon follow.

But being the caring person that I am, my concern is for you, my many and

loyal fans. Readers of The Docket have benefitted from my observations and advice for several years. You are now apt to go into a severe depression upon learning that my column, the only thing worth reading in The Docket lo these many years, will no longer be available. I feel your pain. Just look back at the many topics I have written about for no reason but my unselfish desire to improve my life by improving yours. Among other things, I have instructed you on the joys of elections, how Covid affected me, why you all are dopes on social media, why you have stupid names, and how to stop whining about work. The list is extensive.

My absence will leave you all as lesser individuals.

But I won’t apologize for abandoning you. You know who to blame. It’s the millenials and Gen Whatevers who have taken over the world (forget that the President of the United States is a million years old, he is merely a puppet of the people under 40). You know who they are: the people who grew up with participation trophies

Laszlo Scofflaw

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PICTURE THIS

DBA Honors Attorneys Licensed Since 1970 and 1971 The Denver Bar Association hosted its Seniors Banquet on October 29. The event celebrated members who’ve practiced law for 50 years, as well as those who reached that milestone in 2020. CBA Executive Director Amy Larson, DBA President Tyrone Glover, and DBA Seniors Committee Chair Judge Leonard Plank presented the awards.

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3 1 Honoree Judge Alfred Harrell and DBA President Tyrone Glover.

2 Amy Larson and Tyrone Glover with honoree Chuck Turner, who served as CBA/DBA executive director for 34 years.

3 The honorees in attendance gather for a group photo.

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DBA MVL Giving Tree As part of what has now become an annual tradition, the CBA, DBA, CBA-CLE, and MVL staff have shopped and wrapped gifts for four families in need of an extra boost this year. The families have responded with joy, gratitude, and pure excitement, but we are the true recipients - the true gift is ours – the gift of giving

Law Suit Days Benefits Three Local Nonprofits The DBA Young Lawyers Division hosted its annual Law Suit Days clothing drive in November, collecting donations of gently used professional men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. The donations were then distributed to Arrupe Jesuit High School, Marsha’s Closet of the Transgender Center of the Rockies, and Bayaud Enterprises. The YLD thanks everyone who donated clothing, time, or money to this worthy cause.

1 1 One of the four nominated families.

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Topgolf Tournament Benefits DBA MVL The The DBA Young Lawyers Division thanks the generous sponsors and individuals who participated in the organization’s first-ever Topgolf Charity Tournament. The event benefited Metro Volunteer Lawyers, which coordinates the provision of pro bono legal services in civil matters by volunteer lawyers within the Denver area. The funds and awareness raised will make a huge difference in the lives of the many families MVL serves who otherwise could not afford legal services.

2 1 DBA YLD Council Chair Liz Hutchinson.

2 Rainy day suits.

Charles Gass, Greg Janssen, Matt Deegan, Milton Geist, Joey Mark, and Ryan Stevens celebrate their first-place win.

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10 QUESTIONS

10 Questions with Heather Landauer 4. Where are your favorite places to travel?

Anywhere in Europe. My favorite city in Europe has been Rome – everything about it is magical.

5. Are you currently binge watching any shows?

Succession on HBO – it’s addicting, and the theme song is one of the best.

6. What’s your favorite restaurant?

Piccolo in Denver – best homemade spaghetti out there.

7. What has been your favorite DBA event or program and why?

Volunteering with Metro Volunteer Lawyers through their monthly clinics – I enjoy giving back to the community and being able to help those in need with their family law matters.

8. What is your favorite book?

My favorite book is The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende.

Heather Landauer Heather is a senior associate attorney at Gebhardt Emerson Moodie Bonanno, LLC in Denver. Heather represents clients in divorce and custody proceedings; she is also a certified Parenting Coordinator/Decision Maker.

1. Where did you go to law school and where are you currently working?

I went to law school at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, graduating in 2013. I am currently a Senior Associate Attorney at Gebhardt Emerson Moodie Bonanno, LLC in Denver.

2. Why did you become a lawyer?

I became a lawyer because I had an interest in family law and helping families through the difficult process of family law matters. As a child of divorce, I understand how difficult this process is for parties and children.

3. What are your hobbies outside of the law?

I love traveling, trying out new Denver restaurants, cheering on the CU Buffs, and spending time with friends and family.

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W INTER 2022

9. What is one item from your bucket list?

I would like to visit all of the world’s major wine regions. I’ve been to a few, but still have a few to go!

10. If you weren’t a lawyer, you’d be…?

Running an animal rescue. I’m very passionate about animal rescue and adoption.

TRUSTED

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