About CBA YLD

Definition of a "Young Lawyer" by CBA YLD standards are lawyers younger than 37 or who have been in practice less than five years.

Want to learn more about the CBA YLD? Come to an Executive Council meeting! We meet the third Wednesday of the month, 6 p.m., at the CBA, 1290 Broadway, Ste. 1700, Denver, CO 80203. Contact Heather Folker if you have new ideas or questions about upcoming events. Let us know what we can do to serve you better. We hope that you will join us!

 

2021–22 CBA YLD Council Members

Mallory Hasbrook (Chair) | Denver

Mallory is an associate in the Denver office of Welborn Sullivan Meck & Tooley, P.C. where her practice focuses on probate, estate planning, and oil and gas title matters. In addition to serving on the Executive Council of the CBA Young Lawyers Division, Mallory is the Young Lawyers Division liaison for the Elder Law section of the CBA and the Secretary of the Denver Association of Oil and Gas Title Lawyers. Mallory is a native Oklahoman and proud alumna of The University of Oklahoma who doesn't miss a chance to cheer on the Sooners, and in her free time she enjoys running, hiking, and exploring Colorado with her husband and their dog. She looks forward to giving back to the Colorado legal community as a member of the Executive Council and to connecting with other young lawyers around the state.

Email: malloryhasbrook@gmail.com

 

 

James Fogg (Chair Elect) | Denver

Jim is an associate with Ogborn Mihm, LLP.  He practices primarily in the areas of business litigation, personal injury, and legal malpractice. Previously, Jim worked for a renowned Denver litigation firm and clerked for the Hon. James S. Casebolt on the Colorado Court of Appeals. Jim graduated from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2014. During law school, he was a member of the National Trial Team, served as an Articles Editor for the Water Law Review, and advocated on behalf of clients in DU’s Environmental Law Clinic. He received his undergraduate degrees from the University of Colorado at Boulder. In his spare time, you will find Jim spending time with his wife, Becca, fly-fishing a mountain stream with his dog, Gus, or searching for his golf ball.

Email: james.fogg@omtrial.com

 

Spencer Rubin (Immediate Past Chair) | Denver

Spencer currently practices commercial transactions in software, IT, telecommunications and Internet at Sherman & Howard, LLC. He graduated college summa cum laude from Tufts University where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and obtained his JD from the University of Colorado School of Law. He enjoys being outdoorsy, playing pub trivia, and exploring Denver neighborhoods in his free time.

Email: spencermrubin@gmail.com

 

 

Raquel Hernandez ( Treasurer​) | Colorado Springs 

Raquel V. Hernandez is an compassionate advocate who enjoys helping families navigate our complex judicial system. Raquel brings insight from behind the bench with her combined experience of a year and three months of being a law clerk. In the 19th Judicial District, Weld County, Raquel clerked for two judges and a magistrate, all of whom had domestic relations dockets. In her capacity as a law clerk, Raquel provided research memorandums and composed the first drafts of the Court’s orders, amongst other responsibilities. In the 4th Judicial District, El Paso County, as a law student, Raquel participated in the Court’s summer law clerk program; where she clerked for a judge with a mixed docket of criminal and domestic. In addition to her law clerk experience, Raquel has further insight in the Dependency and Neglect field, from when she interned, as a law student, for the Florida Department of Children and Family, Children’s Legal Services.

Raquel attended undergraduate school at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, earning a BA in History. For law school, Raquel attended Florida Coastal School of Law, receiving a certificate in Family Law studies and a Pro Bono certificate.

In her free time, Raquel enjoys hiking and camping in the mountains, and spending time with her friends, family, and dog. Raquel is also one of the At-Large Trustees of the El Paso County Bar Association. Additionally, Raquel gives back to the local community through her pro bono work via the Justice Center of the El Paso County Bar Association and clinics held at the courthouse.

Email: raquel@drexler.law

 

Kaela Zihlman (Secretary) | Denver

Kaela is a senior associate attorney at Griffiths Law PC, where she practices domestic relations litigation and drafts prenuptial agreements. A Colorado native, Kaela is a graduate of the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and was editor in chief of DU's Criminal Law Review. During and following law school, Kaela clerked for the Honorable Robert L. McGahey, Jr. in Denver District Court. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling the world with her trusty backpack and exploring the Denver brunch scene.

Email: kzihlman@griffithslawpc.com

 

Thomas Dyer (Communications Officer)| Denver

Thomas is an antitrust attorney with Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith in Denver. A native Coloradan, Thomas completed his undergraduate degree in Economics at Colorado State University after competing in collegiate hockey, football, and track. Thomas went on to earn his law degree at the University of Denver, where he served as Senior Editor for the Race to the Bottom. Thomas’s parents, Greg and Tracey, still live in Northern Colorado while his younger brother, Ben, is completing a degree of his own at CSU. Outside of the office, Thomas enjoys golfing, cooking, photography, and planning his next trip abroad. Thomas also spends his time volunteering with the Rocky Mountain Micro Finance Institute and Friends of Nathan Yip. Thomas further enjoys putting together teams to explore the potential for enhanced and new horizons for our community.

Email: thomas.dyer@lewisbrisbois.com

 

Kevin Cheney| Denver

Kevin is the co-founder and managing partner of Cheney Galluzzi & Howard, LLC, which specializes in personal injury and criminal defense litigation. Kevin is a graduate of the University of Colorado Law School, where he was a member of the National Mock Trial and National Moot Court teams. While working in the Criminal Defense Clinic, Kevin successfully argued that a Boulder ordinance was unconstitutional, prompting the Boulder City Council to amend the law after it was struck down. Kevin is co-chair of the New Lawyers Division of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association and a member of its Lobby Council. He is active in the community, regularly teaching classes to local high school students through Learn Your Rights in Colorado. He enjoys playing poker, going to Red Rocks, and being active in politics.

Email: kevin@cghlawfirm.com

 

Danaé Woody | Denver

Danaé D. Woody is the founder of Woody Law Firm, a boutique family law firm in Denver. Danaé relocated to Denver from Minneapolis, MN and received her law degree from the University of Denver. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the CBA Young Lawyers' Division, Treasurer of CBA CLE Board of Directors, and a DBA Representative to the CBA Board of Governors. Danaé has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star every year since 2016 and has contributed articles to The Colorado Lawyer and The Docket. Danaé also Chairs the Solo Small Firm Institute and is a regular presenter of Continuing Legal Education seminars for lawyers and law students on topics ranging from ethics and civil procedure to the business of law. In her spare time, Danaé enjoys traveling with her family.

Email: danae@woodylawllc.com

 

Maral Arjomandi | Denver

Maral is an associate at Dworkin, Chambers, Arjomandi Denver specializing in workers’ compensation defense. Maral received her JD from Case Western University School of Law, where she was an executive editor of the school’s Journal of Law and Medicine and a senator of the Student Bar Association. She returned to Colorado after her studies and is excited to help foster the legal community here. She enjoys hiking, camping, attending concerts, and traveling.

Email: marjomandi@dnvrlaw.com

 

Nick Lutz | Denver

Nick is an attorney at Rathod Mohamedbhai LLC. His practice focuses on civil rights, employment discrimination, and criminal defense. In addition to serving on the Young Lawyer’s Division Executive Board, Nick also serves on the board of the University of Denver’s Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD), and maintains active membership in the Denver Bar Association, Plaintiff’s Employment Lawyer’s Association, and the Civil Rights Section of American Association for Justice. Nick is a recent graduate of the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. During law school Nick represented prisoners in federal civil rights actions as part of the University of Denver’s Civil Rights Clinic. He also acted as the Online Editor of the University of Denver’s Criminal Law Review. Nick served as a legal extern with the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado and as Certified Legal Extern with the Colorado State Public Defender’s Trial Division.

Email: nl@rmlawyers.com

 

Dan St. John | Fort Collins

Dan is an associate attorney at Gast Johnson & Muffly, PC in Fort Collins, Colorado.  He practices real estate and business law, with an focus on litigation.  Prior to joining the Executive Council, Dan was the president of the Larimer County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division.  He is also a member of The Law Club, an organization dedicated to song, satire, and legal ethics.  As a practitioner in greater Colorado, Dan's focus on the Executive Council will be on connecting the CBA YLD to lawyers outside the Denver metro area.  Dan eagerly awaits the first flakes of snow to hearken in ski season each year.  But since he can't ski year-round, he enjoys disc golfing and telling people that he fly fishes.  If you have an idea for how the CBA can better serve young lawyers outside of the Denver metro area, please let him know!

Email: danstjohn2@gmail.com

 

Tanya Sevy | Denver

Tanya joined Hall & Evans as an associate in 2016. Since earning her JD, Tanya has clerked for the Honorable Ross B.H. Buchanan at the Denver District Court and was a Legal Resident Attorney at Sherman & Howard, LLC. While in law school at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, Tanya was a Research Assistant and Teachers Assistant for Professor Alan Chen. Tanya also served as Survey Editor for the Denver Journal of International Law and Policy.

Email: sevyt@hallevans.com

 

Shane O’Connor | Denver

Shane is an associate at the Denver office of Snell & Wilmer, LLP. He currently maintains a broad practice in commercial litigation. Shane graduated from the University of Colorado Law School in 2019. During law school, he was a member of the National Moot Court Team and participated in the Civil Practice Clinic, where he served clients in divorce, immigration, and social security disability proceedings. Shane is a typical Denver transplant, spending most of his spare time either hiking in the mountains or out on the golf course.

Email: soconnor@swlaw.com

 

Stephanie Dankel | Denver

Stephanie E. Dankel is an associate attorney at Cage Bucar Lewis, LLC. She went to college at Clemson University, and later attended University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Prior to becoming an attorney Stephanie was a Foster Care Social Worker, where she developed a passion for serving children and families.

Stephanie and her husband, Ben, enjoy vegetable gardening in their backyard, skiing, biking, and traveling. They are the proud new owners of five baby chicks, who will soon be laying farm fresh eggs. This year Stephanie and Ben are starting the process to become foster parents. Stephanie volunteers at Denver Rescue Mission, and Denver Presbyterian, and she is excited to be a part of the CBA YLD Executive Counsel.

Email: Stephanie@cagebucarlewis.com

 

Eliza Steinberg | Lone Tree

Eliza Steinberg is an associate attorney at Griffiths Law PC, where she practices family law. Eliza received her JD from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She was recognized as an “Up and Coming Lawyer” by Law Week Colorado in 2019 and named to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in 2020. Eliza is a professional mentor at the Sturm College of Law and volunteers her time with several non-profit organizations including the Colorado Judicial Institute and ALIGHT. In her free time, she enjoys dining out, travelling and spending time with her husband in the Colorado outdoors. Eliza has summited 25 of Colorado’s 14ers with more summits to come.

Email: esteinberg@griffithslawpc.com

 

Jared Ertle | Denver

Jared Ertle is an associate in the Corporate Finance Division of Stinson LLP, where he advises clients on a broad range of M&A, private equity, and capital formation matters. Prior to joining Stinson, Jared served as vice president and assistant general counsel for an NYSE-listed bank holding company, where he provided legal guidance on matters ranging from corporate governance and securities, to banking regulations and lending. Jared proudly serves as counsel on a pro bono basis to the Miracle League of Metro Denver, a nonprofit organization that provides children and adults who are living with various mental or physical challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league. In his spare time, Jared enjoys a good beer on a sun-drenched patio or getting in a round of golf.

Email: jared.ertle@stinson.com

 

Karen Hen | Denver

Karen Hen is an associate attorney at Parker Lipman LLP. She works on a variety of civil cases including personal injury, sexual assault, premises liability, wrongful death and medical malpractice. Prior to joining Parker Lipman LLP, Karen clerked at the Second Judicial District Court for the Honorable Edward Bronfin. During her time at the court she had the opportunity to clerk in the civil, criminal, and domestic rotations.

Born and raised in California, at the age of seventeen Karen moved to Israel to enlist in the Israel Defense Force. There she served for two years reaching the rank of sergeant in the Field Artillery Division. She was the youngest ranked and only female to receive the 61StAnnual Israel Independence Day Grant for her service. Upon discharge from the military, Karen returned to California where she attended the University of California, Berkeley and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Immediately thereafter, she continued to law school at University of California, Hastings College of the Law. After law school, Karen seized the wonderful opportunity to clerk in the great state of Colorado. Upon her arrival, she quickly felt at home. During her free time Karen enjoys traveling, scuba diving, skiing, and playing with her dog, Chick Hen.

Email: karen@parkerlipman.com

 

Robyn Clarke | Denver

Robyn Clarke is an attorney Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. Robyn graduated from Stanford Law School with pro bono distinction, and then went on to clerk for the Honorable Jon D. Levy in the Federal District Court of Maine. During law school, Robyn was a member editor of the Stanford Law Review and a senior editor of the Stanford Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Journal. Robyn is a fourth generation Coloradoan, and she and her husband love spending their free time working out and exploring the mountains with their two very un-athletic dogs.

Email: rclarke@leventhal-law.com

A.J. Martinez | Denver

A.J. is an Associate at Holland & Hart LLP, in their Denver office. A young “Dirt Lawyer,” A.J. assists clients through all aspects of commercial real estate transactions, ranging from the acquisition of land for development, navigating land use issues, securing funding in loan and finance transactions, drafting and negotiating leases from both the tenant and landlord perspective, and disposition of real estate assets. A.J. received a B.A. in Political Science and English with a certificate in Journalism from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and a J.D. from the University of Notre Dame. In his free time, A.J. enjoys partaking in outdoor activities including skiing/snowboarding, hiking, river floating, golfing, running, and a good patio beer. Due to growing up in Colorado, A.J. is an avid Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, and Avalanche fan. Email: ajmartinez@hollandhart.com

 

Anthony Zarsky | Denver

Anthony Zarsky is an attorney with Woody Law Firm, LLC. His practice focuses exclusively on family law and protection orders. Anthony is a member of the Colorado LGBT Bar Association, the Denver Bar Association, and the CBA Family Law Section. Anthony serves as a board member for the Rose Andom Center, Young Professionals Council and was selected to serve on the Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors representing the Denver Bar Association starting July 2021. In addition to his bar association activities, Anthony is an active volunteer with Metro Volunteer Lawyers and works with Project Safeguard assisting victims of domestic violence. Prior to joining Woody Law Firm, LLC, Anthony worked for prominent family law firms in the Denver Metro Area. Anthony began his legal career as a judicial intern for the honorable Judge Jill Brady in the 4th Judicial District of Colorado, whose courtroom was dedicated to a domestic and civil docket. Anthony also interned with the honorable Judge Jessica Curtis in the 4th Judicial District in a courtroom dedicated to a juvenile docket. Additionally, Anthony interned with the honorable Magistrate Daphne Burlingame in the 4th Judicial District in a drug court docket focused on rehabilitating individuals suffering from drug addictions. Email: azarsky@burnhamlaw.com

Georgina Melbye | Aspen

Georgina Melbye is partner at Kalamaya | Goscha which specializes in Family Law, Criminal Defense, and Personal Injury. She works primarily from the Aspen Office and loves all that mountain life has to offer. She is thrilled to join the Young Lawyers Division board and looks forward to connecting and working with young lawyers across Colorado. Email: georgina@kalamaya.law

Sean Rooney | Grand Junction

Sean Rooney is an associate attorney at Whitham Law Group in Grand Junction, Colorado. Sean assists clients with family law issues. Originally from Michigan, Sean earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Adrian College in 2014. In May of 2020, Sean graduated from the University of Wyoming College of Law. Outside of work, Sean enjoys exploring Colorado with his wife, Sarah, spending time with family, and watching sports. Email: sean@whithamlawgroup.com