Section 5: Department of Membership Services
DENVER BAR ASSOCIATION DEPARTMENT OF MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
The life and vitality of the organized bar is its membership. The Department of Membership Services was established in 1987 in response to a growing concern over the time and financial demands being placed on attorneys, and the potential impact these demands could have on the bar association in terms of a decline in membership. The department currently has four full-time staff persons (the office is shared with the Colorado Bar Association).The Department of Membership Services is responsible for:
- The recruitment and retention of members in the Denver Bar Association.
- The development and maintenance of benefits and services for the membership.
- Administration of the DBA’s committees.
To fulfill the function of recruitment and retention of members in the DBA, the department along with the DBA Membership Services Committee, has identified several groups of attorneys and non-attorneys to target for membership. These include law students, newly admitted attorneys, public counsel, corporate counsel, non-members and non-renewing members. The retention of current members is also of primary concern. Several programs have been developed to work with these groups. In conjunction with the recruitment and retention function, the department is also responsible for maintaining all membership records and statistics.
The department is also responsible for developing and maintaining benefit programs and services for the membership. These currently include discount programs on travel arrangements, office supplies, YMCA membership, and computer services.
The department also serves as a liaison between the Membership Services Committee and the Young Lawyers Division.
Annual departmental projects include: a Denver District & County Court Orientation Program; participation in area law school programming; assistance with the publication of the Legal Directory and the coordination of the dues billing process.
DENVER DISTRICT AND COUNTY COURT ORIENTATION PROGRAM
The DBA Young Lawyers Division organizes a half-day orientation program of the Denver District and County Courts for new admittees to the bar. New admittees are invited to attend this introduction to the "ins & outs" of law practice in the Denver Court system. They also have the opportunity to meet with judges and other important court personnel. This event is traditionally held in November, just after the fall Swearing-In Ceremony.
COLORADO LEGAL DIRECTORY
The Colorado Legal Directory is Colorado's only comprehensive statewide legal resource directory. This directory, which is revised annually, includes an alphabetical listing of Colorado attorneys, law firms and corporate legal departments, as well as complete federal, state and local court information. The directory also contains a list of attorneys organized by specialty practice area. Every DBA member receives a complimentary copy of this directory as a member benefit each year. All DBA members as of July 1 each year are recognized by a special notation in that year's directory .
RECRUITMENT AT LOCAL LAW SCHOOLS
The DBA encourages law students to join the CBA and the DBA if they plan to live and/or practice in the Denver area. To encourage active involvement in a local bar, the DBA, along with several other bar associations, waives membership dues for law students as long as they join the CBA. The DBA Membership Department works closely with the University of Denver College of Law and the University of Colorado School of Law to stimulate bar involvement.
DUES COLLECTION
The DBA Membership Department is responsible for collection and record keeping of annual dues for DBA members.
INACTIVE MEMBER STATUS
HISTORY OF PROPOSAL
There are many attorneys registered as "inactive" with the Colorado Supreme Court. Believing that some of these persons would be interested in joining the DBA, even though they are not practicing law, the Membership Services Committee in 1989 proposed creating an Inactive membership status. The Board of Trustees approved this membership category on a trial basis. In 1991, inactive membership was created on a permanent basis.
INACTIVE MEMBERSHIP DEFINED
To be eligible for inactive membership, the attorney must be registered as inactive with the Colorado Supreme Court. Inactive members receive all benefits of active membership, except the right to vote or to hold office.
DENVER BAR ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP DUES
| 2006-2007 |
| Senior (licensed 8+ years in any jurisdiction) |
$130.00 |
| Intermediate (4-7 years) |
$115.00 |
| Junior (1-3 years) |
$75.00 |
| Government Employee-Senior (8+ years) |
$100.00 |
| Government Employee-Intermediate (4-7 years) |
$70.00 |
| Government Employee-Junior (1-3 years) |
$40.00 |
| Retired (over 65 and not practicing law full time) |
$55.00 |
| Inactive (on inactive status with the Colorado Supreme Court) |
$55.00 |
DENVER BAR ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION COMMITTEE. This committee shall promote other methods besides going to court to resolve civil disputes. This committee shall also be responsible for conducting the annual Settlement Week Program.
AWARDS COMMITTEE. This committee shall determine the recipient, from among the members of the association, of an annual award of merit, to be given by the association on the basis of outstanding service to the association or to the legal profession or rendered in the interest of the improvement of the administration of justice. The committee shall also determine the recipients of the other awards given by the association.
BARRISTERS BENEFIT BALL COMMITTEE. This committee shall be responsible for the program of the annual Barristers Benefit Ball and all related functions.
COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK. This committee advances policies and programs which are of concern to the Denver metro community. The committee networks with various government offices, nonprofit agencies or other bar associations to develop projects, programs or materials addressing the serious issues facing our community, such as homelessness, youth-at-risk, economic development and literacy. Through the work of this committee, the interest of the association in community affairs is promoted, lawyers may enhance their civic obligations and new programs for the community are pioneered.
DIVERSITY IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION COMMITTEE. This joint committee of the CBA/DBA shall identify, isolate, recommend, promote and implement actions to remedy problems preventing the goal of full diversity in the legal profession.
DOCKET AND PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE. This committee shall work with the director of communications to produce a regular newsletter for members of the association. It shall work on other publications for the association with the direction and approval of the president or board.
INTRAPROFESSIONAL COMMITTEE. This committee educates lawyers on structuring their practice to avoid disputes that may arise between lawyers. This committee also assists lawyers experiencing personal or law practice-related problems.
INTERPROFESSIONAL COMMITTEE. This committee shall be responsible for promoting better understanding among the professions in the Denver metropolitan area and, subject to the approval of the board, may prepare, recommend and implement statements of principles governing interprofessional relations.
JOINT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. This committee shall make studies and recommendations on all problems involving the joint operation of offices of the two associations, including staff salaries and fringe benefits, division of costs, office policies and procedures and related matters, as well as any special problems referred to it by the president, governing board, or executive committee of either association. The committee shall consist of thirteen (13) members; the presidents, presidents-elect, immediate past presidents, and treasurers of the respective associations, the Denver Bar Association First Vice President, two members at large from the Colorado Bar Association and one member at large from the Denver Bar Association appointed by the respective presidents, and the chairperson, who shall be selected by the president of the Colorado Bar Association in odd numbered years, and by the president of the Denver Bar Association during even numbered years.
JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE. This committee shall establish liaison between the association and the courts to assist and recommend to them the adoption or change of rules and procedures. It may establish subcommittees for liaison with the district court, juvenile court, probate court, superior court, criminal, civil and traffic divisions of the county courts and the small claims court. It may recommend and assist in implementing programs related to judicial training and education. It shall be available to assist the jury commissioner in matters relating to jury handling, training and scheduling. It shall conduct any judicial surveys authorized by the board. It shall perform other functions necessary or delegated to it to promote prompt and efficient administration of justice.
LAW PRACTICE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. This joint committee of the CBA/DBA shall study and evaluate the economic and administrative aspects of law office maintenance and management and may, with the approval of the board, disseminate information on such subjects to the members of the legal profession.
LEGAL FEE ARBITRATION COMMITTEE. This committee shall investigate complaints and disputes concerning legal fees forwarded to the committee by the association, including any such matters referred to the association by the Legal Fee Arbitration Committee of the Colorado Bar Association. Complaints may be referred to the committee if each party to the dispute agrees that the determination and final decision of the committee shall be binding and conclusive on the parties to the dispute. Upon investigation by a panel or the committee as a whole, the committee shall review the matter and make its determination. The committee may decline to accept or may surrender jurisdiction at any time. Subject to approval by the Board of Trustees, the committee may adopt bylaws, rules or procedures (or any combination) which the committee determines appropriate.
LEGAL SERVICES COMMITTEE. This committee shall be responsible for determining the needs of the Denver community, particularly poor and middle income groups, for legal education and representation. The committee shall cooperate with the operations of the Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Denver, in furnishing volunteer lawyer assistance, consultation and recommendations for improvement in procedures and systems for the delivery of legal services. This committee shall also coordinate its efforts with other community organizations in creating and implementing programs for the education and participation of the Denver community in law-related areas of concern.
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES COMMITTEE. This committee shall work with the director of membership services to examine and improve current membership programs and develop new membership programs.
PROFESSIONALISM COMMITTEE. This committee works towards improving relations among the courts, lawyers and their clients by examining how the profession, the courts and the law schools can encourage professionalism.
PUBLIC LEGAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE. This committee shall provide the community with information, education and assistance in the understanding and use of the legal process and enhance public trust in the legal profession. It shall coordinate and enhance law-related education and associated activities in all Denver schools. The committee shall give direction to and opportunity for members of the legal profession to participate in these efforts and to coordinate such efforts with other community organizations.
ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT. This committee shall coordinate the Denver Bar Association and all sponsored association sports leagues including football, basketball and softball.
SUMMER INTERN COMMITTEE. This committee coordinates DBA participation in the Denver Metro Chamber Foundation’s Youth At Work Program. It shall coordinate with and serve on the DMCF YAW Steering Committee, recruit law firms, interview and select students, develop and facilitate training, administer, manage and evaluate the program. In the event the DMCF YAW program terminates, the Board of Trustees will reconsider the need for the committee.
TOPICAL LUNCHEONS COMMITTEE. This committee shall arrange and sponsor luncheons or workshop sessions to discuss particular fields of law and office procedures.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Many opportunities await the volunteer-spirited attorney. Volunteers are needed monthly to provide information at free clinics in Divorce Child Support Enforcement, Parenting Time, Small Claims, Collections and Bankruptcy. Call-a-Lawyer programs at Channel 9 need lawyers weekly to answer viewer/listener questions. Attorneys are always needed to answer requests for Mock Trial support, career days, court tours, classroom presentations and public speaking. Your unique and finely honed skills are always needed and gratefully appreciated by Public Legal Education. Volunteer early and volunteer often!
