List of Sections

Introduction

The Colorado Bar Association sections and forum committees have been established to cover diverse specialties of the law. Each section and forum committee is designed to offer a member closer association with other professionals engaged in a similar legal specialty. Active participation in one or more sections and forum committees enables a member to gain the maximum benefit from their CBA membership. This involvement creates a special opportunity for the members to study issues, express ideas, apply talents and share experiences with others who have similar interests. Sections and forum committees also offer valuable and informative seminars and institutes at discount prices to members which deal primarily with continuing legal education. The discount for a single program often exceeds a member's total annual cost of joining the section or forum committee. The involvement with peers and the reward of associating in a common endeavor serve to enrich an individual's personal development and strengthen the role of today's legal profession. We encourage you to become a member of any of our Sections and Forum committees.

Agricultural and Rural Law Section
Concentrates on a wide range of activities having common purpose of enabling lawyers to serve more effectively the agricultural interests in Colorado, including farmers and ranchers, and their lenders, suppliers, and service businesses. The section plans to stimulate education programs, including CLE and articles and publications to develop and enhance referral arrangements among general practitioners and specialists, to study and report on proposed legislation, to consult with and assist existing organizations providing legal and other services to farmers and ranchers, to hold an annual conference with lawyers and the agricultural industry, and to seek new ways to carry out its general purposes. Defining its mission in terms of those to be served, rather than as a traditional area of substative law, the section works with those sections and other elements of the Association concerned with real estate, taxation, probate, bankruptcy, and other relevant fields of law. The section's leadership and governance is provided by a seventeen member council, including officers, and by functional committees responsible for the various aspects of the sections activities.

Business Law Section
Provides information and assistance to practitioners in corporate, partnership, commercial and banking law and offers them a means of influencing legislation and working for improvements in the law and the judicial system. Among other things, the section sponsors an ongoing program of monitoring and updating corporate, partnership, securities and other business-oriented laws. Section task forces have been instrumental in revisions to the Colorado Corporation Code, the Colorado Securities Act and the Uniform Commercial Code. The section works with the Colorado Secretary of State and other administrative agencies to secure appropriate services to the bar. It arranges the publication of monthly articles in The Colarado Lawyer, the distribution of bankruptcy decisions, and the preparation of other material helpful to practicing lawyers. Coordinating with Continuing Legal Education of Colorado, Inc., the section designs and presents general and specialized topical luncheons and other educational programs for business lawyers. The activities of the section are carried on through a thirteen member elected council and eight specialized subsections and committees dealing with: (l) securities law; (2) financial institutions; (3) business entities; (4) commercial matters; (5) trade regulations and antitrust issues; (6) bankruptcy; and (7) corporate counsel (8) nonprofit organizations, (9) franchise law. Call the bar office for more information about the activities of the subsections.

Criminal Law Section
Addresses problems and interests of lawyers handling criminal cases, and includes prosecutors, defense lawyers and judges among its members. It is concerned with the administration and reform of the Colorado criminal justice system. The section analyzes criminal justice bills pending in the Colorado legislature and makes recommendations on those bills to the CBA Board of Governors, where appropriate. It is also concerned with court rules and procedures. It has sponsored law student research projects in areas of current interest to criminal law practitioners and occasionally proposes new legislation. It has sponsored a regular column on current criminal law issues in The Colorado Lawyer and a criminal law seminar each spring in conjunction with Continuing Legal Education in Colorado, Inc. ]'hr, policy of the section is set by a sixteen member council and a throe member executive committee of officers.

Environmental Law Section
Deals with legal and sometimes technical aspects of federal and state policies and laws involving environmental impact statements, air pollution, water pollution, endangered species problems and problems with hazardous waste and toxic substances. The section monitors proposed legislation and keeps its members informed of current court decisions and statutes and of developing trends in environmental law and policy. Members of the section serve as tile editorial board for natural resources law articles in The Colorado Lawyer The section holds monthly topical luncheons. The activities of the section are carried on through a twelve member council and a three member executive committee of officers.

Family Law Section
Serves as a forum for family lab practitioners, provides them with information on new developments in the field and gives them an opportunity for input in legislative and appellate decisions. The section conducts at least six general section luncheons per year usually offering one hour of CLE credit, publishes a monthly column in The Colorado Lawyer and a newsletter for members. It sponsors two or more CLE seminars per year sometimes in cooperation with other sections. These seminars range from basic., kills to advanced skills topics. The section works with the Colorado Legislature, the CBA and the Supreme Court to promote meaningful legislation and rules for the effective and fair administration of family law matters in the Courts of the State of Colorado. The policy of the section is set by the executive council. Members of the council are elected by the section membership. Past chairs of the section are automatically members of the executive council provided they continue to participate in council matters. Non-attorneys and mental health professionals involved in the matrimonial area are welcome to join.

Health Law Section
Serves as a forum for attorneys practicing in the area of health law and for other healthcare professionals to expand their knowledge and understanding of the laws and procedures governing or related to health care. The section provides topical luncheons, a substantive program at the annual CBA convention and co-sponsors seminars with other healthcare organizations and with other CBA sections or committees. The section is composed of attorneys interested in a variety of areas in the field of heal :h law and strives to obtain, through its programs and publications, better communication regarding health law matters among its members and other health care professionals. The section operates under the leadership of an eleven member council which is composed of elected officers and three other members of the section.

Judiciary Section
Considers matters dealing with the judiciary, including proposed legislation, court rules, judicial policy and the relations between judges and lawyers. Both lawyers and judges are members of the section. The section has considered federal and state judicial polls, judicial salaries and various proposed constitutional amendments designed to change Colorado's judicial merit selection system. It has concerned itself with establishing bench-bar committees in the judicial districts studying the role of confidentiality in the judicial discipline process; public attacks on judges; and has held meetings with legislators to discuss criticisms of judges and the need for improvement in judicial compensation and working conditions. The section arranges and sponsors public sessions during the annual CBA convention to focus on issues affecting the judiciary. The section is governed by a fourteen member council, made up of both lawyers and judges.

Litigation Section
Focuses on the interests and problems of trial lawyers and has active programs to promote advocacy training, law reform and professional development. Through publications and seminars, the section provides current information on matters of interest to litigation practitioners. The section conducts an annual fall seminar: a summer symposium on litigation topics and specialized programs at the annual convention of the CBA.. The section periodically publishes a newsletter and maintains subcommittees concerning appellate practices and securities litigation. The section's governing board serves as a resource to assist CBA and Colorado legislature in analyzing pending legislation and the courts in analyzing proposed rule changes. The section's programs are designed for all litigators, regardless of experience and firm size and regardless of plaintiff or defense orientation. A nine member governing board directs the activities of the section.

Mineral Law Section
Covers oil and gas, mining and public land law providing its members with substantive legal information and giving them an opportunity to evaluate and influence legislative developments. The section holds CLE-accredited monthly luncheons in Denver, publishes a quarterly newsletter summarizing the luncheon talk for members throughout the state and presents a program at the CBA's annual convention. In addition, the section sponsors an annual Mineral Law writing Competition for interested students at the University of Colorado and University of Denver, inviting the winner to speak to the section and publishing an abbreviated version of the winning essay in The Colorado Lawyer. Officers and a council are elected by the section.

Patent, Trademark and Copyright Section
Focuses on educational programs and tile exchange of information about new or proposed developments in the intellectual property field. This field embraces not only patent, copyright and trademark matters, but also antitrust, trade secrets and unfair competition issues. The section holds luncheon meetings on topics in the field. Its members study legislative and administrative proposals affecting the field and work for the improvements in both law and regulations. The section is governed by a three member council of officers.

Real Estate Law Section
Monitors and reports on judicial, legislative and other developments that affect the practice of real estate law. The goal of the section is to promote, clarify and educate members concerning issues arising in Colorado real estate law. The section keeps its members informed through quarterly real estate newsletters, special columns in The Colorado Lawyer, and numerous legal education programs, including approximately six workshops per year, quarterly topical luncheons, other programs, an annual symposium that provides a unique opportunity to learn and :o renew acquaintances with fellow real estate lawyers. Real Estate Section members receive substantial discounts on most section-sponsored CLE offerings. All Colorado lawyers with an interest in real estate can benefit from joining this section. 7he section operates under the leadership of officers and an executive council elected annually.

Solo/Small Firm Section
Addresses in a practical fashion the unique needs of solo practitioners and attorneys in two or three person firms. The section's emphasis is on practical programs dealing with the nuts and bolts of owning one's own law practice, rather than on business meetings and formal structure. Solo/small firms make up about 85% of all attorneys. By networking, using technology, and sharing expertise, we have a special ability to act as a state-wide law firm with multiple branches without sacrificing the independence that drew us to solo/small firm practice. The Section presents regional CLE’s, networking sessions and a newsletter. Annual elections of officers and a ten person state-wide council offer the opportunity for leadership roles.

Taxation Law Section
Informs its members about trends and developments in federal and state tax laws, regulations, court decisions and administrative policies through a variety of programs and publications. Through a standing committee, the section comments on tax laws and regulations and works for improvements in both. The section sponsors CLE seminars frequently at a reduced rate for section members and monthly taxation topical luncheons. The section publishes a quarterly newsletter and provides "Tax Tips" column in The Colorado Lawyer. The section operates under the leadership of a nine member council.

Trust Estates Section
Addresses the interests and problems of both specialists and general practitioners in the area of wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and estates. Members can always find a place on one of thc section's many active committees, including a speakers bureau, publication of a quarterly newsletter for members, preparation of forms for the Orange Book (wills and trusts), Estate and Trust Forum column in The Colorado Lawyer, technology (including maintenance of the section's Web page), judicial liason, and community outreach. Standing committees on statutory revisions and probate rules and forms work to improve the laws, forms and rules that are applicable in the field Members of the section work closely with the CBA's Elder Law Forum Committee in areas of mutual concern and also hold topical luncheons with the Tax, Real Estate, Business, and or other sections. The section has prepared and made available, to its members a series of pamphlets explaining fiduciary, arrangements and responsibilities. The section operates under the leadership of a nine member council. Council and committee meetings are open to all section members.

Water Law Section
Deals with complex matters in water rights and litigation and provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and information about trends, court decisions and statutory changes and interpretations. The section sponsors an annual program at the CBA convention for continuing legal education credit. It also sponsors additional programs, with and without CLE credit focusing on the complicated fact situations in water law This section operates under the leadership of a three member council.

Workers' Compensation Section
Concentrates on issues and problems concerned with the Workers' Compensation Act. The section began as a committee in 1983 for the purpose of advancing substance and procedural law and practice in this area and changed to section status in 1985. It consists of attorneys representing both claimants and respondents in cases for the Colorado Division of Workers Compensation and the Division of Administrative Hearings. The section is divided into several committees: Legislation, Division of Labor/Workers Compensation/Administrative Hearings Liaison, Rules and Regulations, and Continuing Legal Education. In co-sponsoring with Continuing Legal Education in Colorado, Inc., the section conducts an annual seminar. A council consisting of chairman, vice-chairman, secretary-treasurer and other elected members governs the section.

Administrative Law Forum Committee
Studies the laws and procedures governing state and federal administrative agencies in the State of Colorado. The committee directs its attention in particular to issues of state administrative law and procedure and to the improvement of procedure and to the improvements of practice before state administrative agencies. In addition, the committee engages in educational activities including topical lunches on subjects of interest to administrative law practitioners, CLE programs, an educational program at the annual convention, and a quarterly column in The Colorado Lawyer. The committee also reviews pending legislation which affects the jurisdiction and procedures of state agencies. The committee may make recommendations to the Legislative Policy Committee of the CBA or contact interested agencies or individuals to make them aware of pending legislation on the administrative process.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Forum Committee
Provides a forum for educating the legal community, the judiciary and the general public on issues relating to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The committee provides topical luncheons and a substantive program at the annual CBA convention. The activities of the committee are completed through the work of Subcommittees, which include Education, Industry Focus, Colorado Pledge, Legislation and Membership Subcommittees the goal of the committee is to provide support to the legal community in its use of ADR and to implement ADR programs which assist and educate targeted industries, businesses and the general public.

Communications Law Forum Committee
Provides a forum for discussion of the issues arising from the growing variety of technologies used for the dissemination of communications and information, both within the state of Colorado and nationally. The committee attempts to create a better understanding of the law and regulations affecting the communications industry among its members who represent communications companies. The committee also fosters and recommends legislation in the furtherance of the communication industry.

Construction Law forum Committee
Serves as a forum for the law of the construction industry, including from the perspective of owners, developers, architects, engineers, prime contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. The Committee presents bi-monthly luncheon programs, newsletters and networking opportunities.

Disability Law Forum Committee
Concentrates on the laws and procedures governing or related to disabilities. The Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Governors concerning legislation or procedural improvements in the disability law field. The committee also publishes a semi-annual column in The Colorado Lawyer, sponsors a session on a current legal topic of interest at the annual CBA convention, and co-sponsors occasional training events in the area of disability law.

Elder Law Forum Committee
The field of elder law has emerged as a specialization separate from, but related to, traditional areas of probate and trust practice. Members meet regularly each month, frequently hosting a speaker in a substantive area of this evolving field, providing CLE credits to its members. Topics include guardianship, conservatorship, Medicaid estate planning, health care, powers of attorney, and further advance medical directives, nursing home patient's rights, and elder abuse and exploitation. Many members of the committee are also active in the Trust & Estate Section in areas of mutual interest. The committee is responsible for The CBA Elder Law Handbook, and furnishes its members with other outlets for articles and new information. The committee reviews pending legislation and keeps its members appraised of changes in the laws. The goal is to provide practitioners with knowledge about elder clients and their legal concerns, and to educate the broader community.

Gaming, Entertainment and Sports Forum Committee
Will provide a forum for discussion of the man,, issues relating to three developing areas of practice in Colorado: Gaming, Entertainment and Sports. The committee seeks to improve member's knowledge and skills involving representation of entertainers, athletes, artists, writers and related organizations. Additionally. the committee will explore regulatory issues, litigation and business implications of limited gaming in Colorado.

Government Counsel Forum Committee
Provides an umbrella organization available for all lawyers who represent various types of local, state and federal government, including counties, cities, towns, special districts. school districts, and state and federal agencies. The committee emphasizes programs that aim to improve the professional knowledge and skills of lawyers advising such clients, including monthly luncheons and an annual continuing legal education program. The committee also sponsors the Government Counsel Newsletter, and a column published monthly in The Colorado Lawyer. The committee analyzes pending legislation in the Colorado legislature and makes recommendations on those bills to the CBA Board of Governors. The committee has also provided input on bills drafted by ~BA sections and drafts its own legislative proposals for consideration by the CBA for sponsorship. The committee is unique in that it provides a forum for lawyers representing local, state or federal governments to share information and expertise that is common to their practices, whether they serve as in-hose counsel or in private practice. Some attorneys who represent private clients who work regularly with local, state or federal governments have also found the committee to be of interest.

International Law Forum Committee
The committee presents monthly luncheon programs on a broad variety of topics relating to international law and practice. Recent programs have addressed negotiating and documenting international letters of credit, U.S. jurisdiction in war crimes trials, the applicability ~f treaties to private business transactions, compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and intellectual property issues in international settings. The committee also serves as an unofficial link with the ABA International Law Section. Attorneys who currently have international practices or are interested in the area are invited to join the committee and attend the programs to increase their understanding of this field.

Juvenile Law Forum Committee
Provides an organization available for all lawyers whose practice brings them in contact with matters affecting young people. Though a major focus concerns practice under the Children's Code, the committee is also concerned with relevant aspects of education law, domestic relations, agency/ administrative law, and disability law. The committee emphasizes programs to improve the professional knowledge and skill of lawyers working in the juvenile law field, including legal education seminars and informal topical round-table discussions. The committee also serves as a resource to the Bench and Bar for analysis and commentary relative to specific issues that are identified as having broad or systematic ramifications. The committee analyzes pending legislation in the Colorado legislature, and makes legislative recommendations to the CBA Board of Governors. The committee is working on the publication of a juvenile law practice manual and the development of a lay associate-member program to enhance professional contacts.

Labor Law Forum Committee
Seeks to foster a congenial community among its members and promotes the exchange of ideas on the developing law in the field through a series of topical luncheons, attempting to present both employer and employee perspectives, a substantive program at the annual CBA convention and the occasional co-sponsorship of seminars with other organizations in the field. The committee is composed of attorneys interested in the various areas included in the field of labor and employment.

Technology Law and Policy Forum Committee
Focuses on the cutting-edge technology issues and explores their effect on the law from a practical and a substantive perspective. As such, the committee presents speakers and forums to discuss issues relating to high technology, computer law, privacy rights, communications and biotechnology. The Committee has several subcommittees which address the following areas: Legislative, Publications, Speakers, Convention Programming and Internet issues. The Committee's Publications subcommittee is responsible for the monthly update column published in The Colorado Lawyer. The Legislative subcommittee receives potential legislation on technology-related issues and serves to notify the committee of these issues and respond when appropriate. The Speakers subcommittee is responsible for providing speakers on technology issues for a luncheon speakers series which occurs about six times a year. The Convention Programming subcommittee works all year to put together an informative program for the annual Colorado Bar Convention, typically working with other sections and subcommittees to provide an integrated approach to technology issues. The Internet Issues subcommittee is currently concentrating its efforts on providing an on-line forum for our members and addressing secrecy, privacy and confidentiality issues relative to the expanding on-line legal practice. This committee would be of interest to anyone interested in the rapidly changing technology market and it’s effect on substantive legal issues and the practice of law.