Colorado LGBTQ+ Bar Association

🌈✨ 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 (Πελεκάνος), 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!

🌈 Two weeks ago, we gathered for a fantastic mentorship reception that brought together mentors and mentees from our vibrant community. It was inspiring to witness the connections being made, knowledge being shared, and support being fostered. Mentorship plays a crucial role in our professional journeys, and it was heartening to see so many passionate individuals dedicated to uplifting one another. A big thank you to all the mentors for sharing your wisdom and to the mentees for your eagerness to learn and grow. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive legal community! 🌈 Thank you to Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and Sherman & Howard L.L.C. for their sponsorship!!

This week’s CLBA spotlight is on Brian Ruocco (he/him) of Faegre Drinker, who specializes in commercial litigation and defending technology and medical device companies. Here is a bit about Brian: This year, he really wants to step up his dinner party skills by learning how to make homemade pasta. The proudest moment of his legal career was winning his first asylum case. His client, a transgender woman who fled from horrific violence in her home country, is the strongest and bravest person he knows. A typical Sunday for him includes a strong americano, a hike with his dog, and Thai takeout. 

Registration for our Annual Scholarship Gay-la closes in SIX DAYS. Come celebrate with us and help us raise funds for scholarships and 2025 programming! https://lnkd.in/geWaygac

This week's CLBA spotlight is on Dave Kersting, MBA-HCM/HRM (he/him/his). With over a decade of experience, Dave Kersting has transformed the way business services are delivered. As the founder and CEO of Capovario, Dave's mission is simple but powerful: turn the mundane into the extraordinary. From bookkeeping to employee benefits, his team ensures business owners can focus on what they love while Capovario handles the rest. Dave is also a pioneer in the concept of co-firming, a collaboration model that brings together the strengths of multiple firms to provide unparalleled client solutions. Proudly serving as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for CLBA for over 5 years, Dave's dedication to excellence and innovation knows no bounds.

This week’s CLBA spotlight is on Erin Vanek (she/her/hers), an attorney at Spark Justice Law LLC, who specializes in plaintiff-side civil rights and employment law.  Erin is CLBA’s Annual Dinner Chair. Here is a bit about Erin: Her favorite line from a movie is: “There is good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for.” (Samwise Gamgee, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers) The weirdest job that she ever had was working Beach Patrol (security) and Maintenance at a beach in Ohio (yes, they exist). If the Colorado LGBTQ+ Bar Association held a talent show, she would wow everyone by shaking up a delicious craft cocktail! Prior to law school, Erin bartended professionally at several cocktail bars in Washington, DC, including a rum distillery. Her favorite word in the English language is “insouciant.”

This week's CLBA spotlight is on Alex Thomas (he/him). Alex is an associate at Sherman & Howard, L.L.C., focusing on corporate and transactional work, primarily mergers and acquisitions with some light securities. He is originally from Golden, CO and was excited to move back to Colorado for law school. Prior to law school, he received his undergrad at Wyoming in music education and student taught in Casper, then moved up to Rochester, NY to get his masters in Vocal Performance and Literature at Eastman School of Music. When he is not working, he tries to spend most of his time at the symphony or the opera and spend time with his pupper, Seymour. 

🌈 Join the Colorado LGBTQ+ Bar Association's Mentorship Program! 🌈 Are you an LGBTQ+ attorney or legal professional looking to make a positive impact in our community? Or perhaps you’re an LGBTQ+ law student eager to connect with experienced mentors who understand the unique challenges you may face? This is your chance to get involved! 🔹 What’s the Program About? Through year-long, dynamic mentor-mentee pairings, participants gain invaluable insights and support tailored to their individual needs and career goals. 🔹 Why Get Involved? Foster meaningful connections, help others navigate unique challenges, expand your network, and help grow our community! Your involvement can make a real difference. Whether you’re looking to give back or seeking mentorship, this program offers a valuable opportunity to support and be supported by our vibrant LGBTQ+ legal community. Interested in participating? Please register with the below link to participate as a mentor or mentee. Registration closes on September 13, and matches will be sent out on September 21.