Attorney General Weiser, Legal Aid and Pro Bono Attorneys Recognized for Service and Advocacy
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Maria Duvuvuei
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DENVER – Attorney General Phil Weiser, retired Colorado Legal Services (CLS) leader Jon Asher, five Colorado attorneys, legal aid staff and a law firm were recognized yesterday at the Champions of Justice awards reception co-hosted by CLS, the Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado and the Legal Services Corporation (LSC).
The reception followed a forum that commemorated CLS’ 100th anniversary and featured panel discussions on rural access to justice and the state’s long history of providing legal services to low-income Coloradans.
Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica Marquez gave the keynote address, emphasizing the role of bipartisan collaboration between the courts, legislators and the legal profession in furthering access to justice, and calling upon attorneys to play an active part.
“True access to justice requires lawyers to answer the call to represent the most vulnerable in our society,” said Marquez. “Without lawyers and now [Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals] bringing cases and representing litigants in court, law is just an empty promise, and that's because justice is not self-executing – it requires our collective involvement and our collective investment as a society both at a local level and a national level.”
Representative Diana DeGette (CO-1) delivered a proclamation on CLS’ 100 years of service.
“Colorado Legal Services has been a lifeline for low-income individuals and seniors in every county across our state, providing free, high-quality civil legal assistance to those who need it most,” said Rep. DeGette. “As a former trial attorney, I understand how critical legal representation can be when everything is at stake – whether it's helping someone keep their home, secure child support, access healthcare or find safety from abuse.”
LSC honored four people with the Champions of Justice Award, which highlights those who have made significant contributions to increasing access to justice in their community. The Champions of Justice Award recipients, who were nominated by CLS, are:
- Attorney General Phil Weiser
Since taking office in 2019, Weiser has championed initiatives that expand access to justice across the state. Last year, his leadership helped Colorado pass House Bill 24-1286, creating the Colorado Equal Justice Fund Authority. His support of CLS reflects his commitment to ensuring that every Coloradan has meaningful access to the civil justice system.
Weiser’s advocacy also extends nationally. He played a key role in bringing together a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from 40 states and U.S. territories to express their support for continued federal funding of civil legal services. The letter to Congress, sent through the National Association of Attorneys General, underscored LSC’s vital role in ensuring that the justice system works for all Americans, not just those who can afford an attorney.
- Jon Asher
For more than 50 years, Jon Asher has been a cornerstone of Colorado’s legal aid community and a tireless advocate for equal justice nationwide. Since beginning his career with Colorado Rural Legal Services in 1971, Asher has dedicated his life to ensuring that all Coloradans have access to high-quality legal help. He served as executive director of CLS from its creation in 1999, following the consolidation of three regional legal aid programs. Until his retirement in 2023, Asher guided CLS through a period of growth and transformation, and under his leadership, the organization became one of the nation’s most respected legal services programs.
Since retiring, Asher has been a mentor to CLS Executive Director Matt Baca and dedicated his time and expertise to advising legal aid organizations in neighboring states like Nevada and New Mexico. He is well known for his advocacy for fairness in the justice system, and for mentoring generations of public interest attorneys and shaping statewide and national conversations on access to justice.
- Marilyn Billings
Marilyn Billings began her career at what is now CLS in 1963, making her the longest-serving employee in the organization’s history with more than 60 years of service. Billings started in a one-room Legal Aid Society office housed in the historic El Paso County Courthouse. She worked on the federal funding application that expanded the program. She watched it grow into Pikes Peak Legal Services, saw its first neighborhood offices open, supported its consolidation and ultimately witnessed the 1999 merger that established the statewide CLS. Through all these changes, Billings has remained a steady presence and a valuable source of support for hundreds of legal aid staff and volunteers.
- Tina Smith
Tina Smith was first appointed to the Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Denver Board in the late 1990s by the All Families Deserve a Chance Coalition – a group committed to helping families achieve economic self-sufficiency. Known then as a preschool teacher and advocate for children, she quickly became a dedicated advocate for people in need of legal help. In 1999, Smith played a key role in helping merge three federally funded legal aid programs into what is now CLS – always keeping client needs at the center.
As Chair of CLS’ Board, Smith provides strategic leadership and steadfast support for CLS’ mission to ensure access to justice for Coloradans. She’s served on multiple committees including Labor-Management Negotiating, Audit and Finance, and Policies and Regulations. Her stewardship, advocacy and lifelong commitment to justice have strengthened CLS and the communities it serves.
LSC also presented Pro Bono Service Awards to four attorneys and a law firm for their significant contributions to promoting access to justice through volunteer services. They were nominated for the award by CLS. The recipients are:
- William "Buck" Mann
Buck Mann has volunteered with CLS for over 10 years. After retiring from his career as a trial attorney, he reached out to CLS with a desire to give back through pro bono work. Though he had limited experience in family law, he joined the organization’s Family and Children Unit and quickly became an integral part of the team. Mann continues to make an impact over a decade later, providing skilled representation and support to clients in need.
- Wesley "Wes" Hassler
For more than 17 years, Wes Hassler has provided pro bono legal services in Southern Colorado. Since beginning his volunteer work with CLS in 2009, he has closed an extraordinary 786 cases. Hassler also played a key role in establishing the Family Law Court Program’s specialized docket in Pueblo, expanding access to counsel for families who previously went without legal help. He also supports the Neighborhood Legal Clinic and rural outreach efforts.
- Stephen "Steve" Koerner
Steve Koerner began volunteering with CLS during his career as a transactional attorney. He then chose to dedicate his retirement to public service, volunteering in CLS’ Colorado Springs office an average of two full days per week over the past 15 years. He has assisted nearly 700 clients in matters involving public benefits, housing and consumer law. He also contributes to community outreach, leading trainings for self-represented litigants in rural communities.
- David Sipiora
David Sipiora has volunteered in CLS’ Boulder office for less than two years, but in that time has become an indispensable resource. Sipiora has assisted clients with estate planning, elder law and family law cases to do with adoption and kinship care. Beyond his direct representation, Sipiora has strengthened CLS’ broader mission by mentoring fellow volunteers and helping expand estate planning services for underserved and aging Coloradans.
- Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck - Denver
The Denver office of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck has been dedicated to volunteer service with CLS for a decade. In 2015, the firm partnered with CLS to launch the Call4All Clinic – a monthly, phone-based legal advice program created to serve rural, senior and low-income residents in southeast Colorado. The program has since grown to reach 39 rural counties, providing essential legal guidance in communities where few attorneys are available. Each month, a dedicated team of Brownstein attorneys volunteer their time to advise clients on family law, housing, consumer rights and small claims matters. Over the past nine years, more than 92 firm attorneys have contributed nearly 840 hours of pro bono service, helping more than 700 Coloradans navigate civil legal challenges.
Photos of the awardees at the event are available upon request. A video of the forum that preceded the awards is available for viewing online.
Those interested in supporting the Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado can do so by visiting their website.