The Access to Justice Committee endeavors to provide free and low cost legal services and legal education to poor and low income persons in metropolitan Denver. The committee administers, evaluates, and markets programs and recruits volunteer lawyers for: several pro se clinics on various legal topics such as family law, small claims and collections, immigration, bankruptcy court proceedings; the annual People's Fair and Veterans' Day Stand Down events; various "call–a–lawyer" programs offered by TV or radio stations, and other such programs or events as needed. The committee publishes a Legal Service Directory for the public and regularly evaluates legal needs of poor and low income persons in the community, and the best ways to meet those needs. The committee works in cooperation with DBA staff, Metro Volunteer Lawyers and its governing board, the Young Lawyers Division, various specialty bars, and Colorado Legal Services. The committee also serves as the Colorado Access to Justice Commission local committee for the 2nd Judicial District, through which it will continue to develop legal aid projects and share information with other 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.
BALANCED LEGAL CAREERS COMMITTEE. This committee studies issues that affect those who choose to practice law on a part–time basis, including opportunities, compensation and education of employers.
BARRISTERS BENEFIT BALL COMMITTEE. This committee shall be responsible for the program of the annual Barristers Benefit Ball and all related functions.
BENCH–BAR 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, 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, education and education of the public about the judicial system. 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.
BUDGET COMMITTEE. The members of the Budget Committee shall be the treasurer, who shall serve as chairperson, the president–elect, the first vice president, three elected members of the Board of Trustees, one from each group of trustees elected in any one year, the chair–elect of the Young Lawyers Division, and two members at–large appointed by the president. The president shall be an ex–officio member of the committee. This committee shall study the income and expenses of the association and prepare and submit to the Board of Trustees a proposed budget for the next fiscal year of the association. It shall select an independent auditor to examine the books and may make recommendations to improve the efficiency of the association office.
COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK COMMITTEE. This committee networks with various government offices, non–profit agencies and other bar associations to develop projects, programs and materials to address the serious issues facing our community, such as homelessness, youth–at–risk, economic development and literacy. This committee strives to pioneer programs and opportunities to encourage Denver Bar Association members to fulfill their civic obligations by being involved in the community.
COURT MEDIATION SERVICES COMMITTEE. This committee shall be responsible for operating a mediation program in the courts. By providing excellent mediation services to litigants and their attorneys, the committee also educates the public, the legal profession and the judiciary about the value of mediation and how it effectively, efficiently and fairly resolves conflict.
PRESIDENT’S DIVERSITY COUNCIL. This joint committee of the CBA/DBA. Shall coordinate with the Diversity Bar Associations in the state and work on issues of Diversity.
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.
SPORTS COMMITTEE. This committee plans and coordinates the annual Henry Hall Memorial Golf Tournament, as well as other sports activities within the DBA.
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.
LAWYERS & SCHOOLS COMMITTEE. This committee shall develop, coordinate, administer, and manage projects and programs to educate the public regarding democracy, legal principles, practices and institutions. It shall coordinate and add value to democracy education and associated activities in Denver schools to enhance public knowledge of and trust in the legal profession. 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 bar associations and community organizations.
LEGAL FEE ARBITRATION COMMITTEE. This joint committee of the DBA and Colorado Bar Association shall arbitrate disputes between attorneys and clients concerning legal fees and costs. Subject to the approval of the CBA Board of Governors and DBA Board of Trustees, the Committee shall prescribe rules and procedures for submission of complaints concerning fee disputes for arbitration by the Committee.
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.
MENTORING COMMITTEE. This committee shall be responsible for operating the mentoring program. The mentoring program pairs a mentor with a new (5 years or less) lawyer (the mentee) to meet on a regular basis and discuss: the decision–making process about managing a practice, important factors to consider when accepting a client, client communications, handling difficult clients or opposing counsel, and work–life balance issues. Another project of the committee will be to match a mentor with a mentee in handling a pro bono case through Metro Volunteer Lawyers. The committee shall be responsible for mentor/mentee training and hosting at least two receptions per year.
PROFESSIONALISM COORDINATING COUNCIL. This committee coordinates the association’s efforts to improve professional conduct on the part of lawyers and judges in light of the lawyers’ Oath of Admission to practice law in Colorado and the reasonable expectations of the bench, bar, and the public.
SENIOR LAWYERS COMMITTEE. This committee of lawyers 65 and over shall examine and work on issues of the elderly, engage in various pro bono projects for the DBA, plan social and sports events for this group and enhance camaraderie among older lawyers in Denver.