National and Local Leaders to Honor Colorado Legal Services’ 100th Year at Denver Forum
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Maria Duvuvuei
Communications Strategist
(202) 295-1542
DENVER – A forum on increasing access to justice across the state will commemorate Colorado Legal Services’ 100th anniversary in Denver next week. The Champions of Justice forum on Monday, October 20, which will have a special focus on improving access to legal services in rural areas, is co-hosted by Colorado Legal Services (CLS), the Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado and the Legal Services Corporation (LSC).
CLS’ origins began in 1925, when the Legal Aid Society of Denver was formed. In 1999, the state’s three legal services providers consolidated into CLS, becoming one statewide organization. At the forum, ABC Denver 7’s Jaclyn Allen will moderate a conversation between CLS Executive Director Matt Baca and Jon Asher, who previously led the organization for 23 years.
“For 100 years, we have served low-income veterans, families, domestic violence survivors, seniors, and many more of our neighbors facing often complex court proceedings. Our work prevents seniors from losing their homes, helps keep families safe, and helps people survive and thrive across the state, among many other important areas of work," said Baca. "And we at CLS will continue to advocate with excellence, celebrate the courage of our clients in the face of challenging circumstances, empower Coloradans, and collaborate with each other and the many pro bono attorneys and volunteers who help us serve our communities."
CLS is part of a national network of 130 legal aid organizations funded by LSC. As the largest funder of civil legal aid in the country, LSC supports grantees in all 50 states, D.C. and the U.S. territories. More than 11% of Coloradans are eligible for free legal services through CLS. Last year, CLS closed 8,452 cases.
“When Americans face legal problems that impact their families’ safety, housing, or financial security, but they cannot afford an attorney, their local legal aid office is a vital resource,” said LSC President Ron Flagg. “LSC is proud to recognize CLS’ long history of providing life-changing services to Coloradans and all of the hardworking staff who contribute to this incredible impact.”
Flagg will moderate a panel on closing the justice gap for rural Americans, featuring a Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (LLP) practicing at CLS, Aracely Gutierrez; Managing Attorney at CLS, Chad Keizer; and Executive Director of the Colorado Access to Justice Commission, Elisa Overall.
Following the forum, there will be an awards reception where honorees will include Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, Jon Asher, Tina Smith, Marilyn Billings, William Mann, Wesley Hassler, Stephen Koerner, David Sipiora and the Denver office of the firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica Marquez will give the reception’s keynote address.
“The Legal Aid Foundation is excited to celebrate Colorado Legal Services' 100th anniversary and congratulates all those being honored,” said Jordan Bates-Rogers, executive director of the Legal Aid Foundation. “Our mission is a simple one— to ensure that Colorado Legal Services has the money and resources it needs to protect Coloradans facing eviction, abuse, or another crisis. We hope that everyone will join us and donate to build on the work of the last 100 years.”
The events will take place at the Grand Hyatt Denver, 1750 Welton St., with the forum from 3 – 5:00 p.m. MST and the reception from 5–7:30 p.m. MST. The afternoon forum will also be livestreamed on LSC’s YouTube page.
Additional information about CLS’s 100th anniversary is available here. This event is open to the press. Inquiries should be sent to duvuvueim@lsc.gov.