President's Page by Emily Ellison

Happy Spring! The return of Spring brings new growth, more sunlight, and warmer days. The return of Spring also brings feelings of resilience, possibility, and hope. Seeing blooms reemerge and leaves start to bud on the trees reminds us of the resilience of nature and of our own resilience. Collectively, we have all faced difficulties and challenges over the past four years, including uncertainty, stress, and disconnection from the pandemic, social injustice, financial struggles, and wars around the world, to name a few. Just as nature returns with growth and beauty after the harsh winter, we can cultivate resilience, growth, and hope.

At the BCBA, we continue to look for new ways to grow and help you grow and thrive in the legal profession. We’ve found members prefer events where they can feel like their authentic selves to help build connections with other members. Throughout this Spring and Summer, the BCBA is planning events and programs that provide numerous opportunities for learning, meaningful connections with other members and the 20th Judicial District bench, and ways to give back to the community.

In March, 50 BCBA members secured spots at the BCBA’s Casa Bonita event, where there’s supposedly 400,000 to 600,000 people on the waiting list to visit the newly renovated space and updated menu. I’m happy to report that the food is much-improved from when I visited in 2014 and the experience continues to be entertaining with cliff divers, a magic show, Black Bart’s Cave, an arcade, wishing well, and sopapillas. It was a unique and fun way to connect with a number of other BCBA members and their guests.

Also in March, a number of 20th Judicial District judges generously donated their time to participate in the BCBA’s Speed Dating with the Judges event. It was informative to learn new procedures in the 20th Judicial District and hear the different judges’ perspectives on a variety of questions from members, like what the judicial officers enjoy in their roles and what gives them hope working in the judicial system.

On April 6, join us for a chance to give back to the community at the annual Justice For All Ball hosted by the Boulder County Bar Foundation. The Justice For All Ball is a fundraiser for Colorado Legal Services so that they can continue to provide legal services for low-income individuals and their families in the Boulder County community. The event will be held at The Studio in Boulder, where there will be live jazz music, food, conversation, and a chance to bid on many unique auction items and gifts. Don’t miss out on this fun event that supports a great cause!

The return of Spring also means the BCBA softball season is re-starting. The season starts on May 8th and continues to Mid-August. If you’ve read any of my previous President’s Pages, the chances are high you have seen me mention that the softball team is one of the best ways to connect with fellow members. If you’re interested in playing, now is the time to register. Contact Kyle to sign up. If watching sports is more your speed, in July, the BCBA is planning to host an event at a Colorado Rockies baseball game, so stay tuned for the date and time.

New growth also continues on the BCBA Board, as we are looking to fill three volunteer Board positions. Each position is for a three-year term. Serving as a BCBA Board member is an excellent way to get more involved with the BCBA and contribute ideas to help the Boulder County legal community thrive. Applications must be submitted by April 26 and interviews will be held on May 2nd. If you are interested in applying, click here.

The BCBA continues to hold free virtual CLEs during the lunch hour each month and Bagels with the Bar every Wednesday morning. Check the calandar here for upcoming CLEs and events.