Our Voices

Guest:

Jason St. Julien

Continuing the story:

Denver Post: Jason St. Julien: The unrelenting, frustratingly delicate balancing act of being black

The Landmark Forum

Why Broncos Asst. Strength Coach Anthony Lomando is representing asst. US attorney Jason St. Julien in 2020

Colorado Bar Association Leadership Training [COBALT]

Judge Melina Hernández

Judge Melina Hernández was a magistrate, a family court facilitator, and is now a judge on the Arapahoe County Court. Judge Hernández has served in many roles in the community, and in this energetic interview Judge Hernández, shares her path to the bench and her perspectives on everything from how the light rail can be a forum for forging friendships, to the power of mentorship, the importance of ensuring that our courts meet those they serve exactly as they are, and the importance of language. Her refreshing and open discussion of self-awareness, combined with her insight and appreciation of the differences in all of us, highlights her view of justice, empathy, kindness, respect, and continued improvements to our court system.

Hosts:

· ¡Si Se Puede! Webinar Series (CO-CABE)

Guest:

Judge Melina Hernández

Continuing the Story:

· Arguello Dream Catchers. Law School…Yes We Can!

· Colorado Bar Association Leadership Training (COBALT)

· Colorado Women’s Bar Association (CWBA)

Danny Foster & David Foster

Brothers Danny and David Foster are fierce leaders in the Denver legal community who have built their practice on the philosophy of genuine camaraderie and respect. The sons of a former Colorado state senator and the senior rabbi of the largest and oldest synagogue in the Rocky Mountain region, the Fosters credit the values their parents instilled in them for their shared sense of community, diversity justice and compassion. Listen to the witty repartee of these brothers as they recount growing up and hear their refreshing advice for others thinking of growing their own legal practice.

Guests:

Hosts:

Continuing the story:

Foster Graham Milstein & Calisher, LLP

Temple Emanuel

Judge Ted Tow

Colorado Court of Appeals Judge Ted C. Tow, III has led a life of advocacy, guided by a keen intellect coupled with a disarming humanity. In this far-reaching interview with Linda Moss and Mallory Revel, Judge Tow talks about his experiences, how his judicial philosophy is tempered by an appreciation for diversity, and how seemingly little things like the use of pronouns can be an act of allyship.

Guest:

Judge Ted Tow

Hosts:

Allyship - The Key to Unlocking the Power of Diversity

Continuing the Story:

What Are Your Pronouns?

Pronoun Guide

Judge Gary Jackson

Judge Gary Jackson is a pillar of the Colorado legal community and the state at large. Judge Jackson recently retired from the Denver County Court but has been shaping the Colorado legal landscape for 50 years as a former Deputy District Attorney in Denver, former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the 10th Circuit, and through his own law firm. Judge Jackson was an original founder of the Sam Cary Bar Association in 1971 for the support of and exchange of ideas by African American lawyers in the State of Colorado. Judge Jackson continues to be a force that is changing the face of the Colorado judiciary as founder and co-chair of the Diversity on the Bench Coalition. Listen to this Colorado icon speak about his life, his influences, historic Lincoln Hills, and his perspectives on maintaining grace and civility while taking principled stands throughout his career.

Guest:

Judge Gary Jackson

Hosts:

NPR: During Segregation, a Mountain Oasis Gave Black Families a Summer Escape

Continuing the Story:

Historic Lincoln Hills

Sam Cary Bar Association

Winks Lodge

CU Law | Amicus: The Only Black Person in the Room

Zita Weinshienk

Ruchi Kapoor

As former appellate director and legislative liaison for the Office of Respondent Parents’ Counsel, Ruchi Kapoor helped establish and oversee Colorado’s first appellate program for respondent parents in child welfare cases. A Colorado native, Ruchi has been an extremely active member of the legal community, holding leadership positions in both the Denver and Colorado Bar Associations as well as the South Asian Bar Association of Colorado and the Colorado Women’s Bar Association. Ruchi Kapoor sat down to talk about her path to the legal profession, law school, her experiences with child welfare cases, as well as the launch of her new firm Kapoor Law and Policy.

Guest:

Ruchi Kapoor

Hosts:

South Asian Bar Association

Continuing the Story:

COBALT

Colorado Women's Bar Association

Denver Bar Association

Office of Respondent Parent Counsel

Kapoor Law + Policy

Samantha Jones-Rogers

Samantha Jones-Rogers is a staff attorney with the Colorado Association of School Boards. Sam grew up in a military family and experienced the phenomenon of being a “Third Culture Kid.” In her podcast, Sam discusses the rich experience of growing up abroad, learning about what it is to be American from afar, and the unique experience of moving back to the United States and seeing issues of race firsthand. Listen as Mallory and Linda discuss with Sam the nuances of the Third Culture Kid and the importance of school law as a tool for advocacy.

Hosts:

· Colorado Association of School Boards:

Guest:

Sam Jones-Rogers

Continuing the Story:

· Third Culture Kids

· Fisher v. University of Texas:

Jonathan Booker

Director of Criminal Law at Denver firm Hernandez & Associates and 2021 President of the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, Jonathan Booker is giving back to his Colorado with a commitment to defending others in his profession and serving the LatinX community through his leadership. Jonathan talks to us about his experiences, his vision for CHBA, his passion for the outdoors, and much more.

Hosts:

· Colorado Hispanic Bar Association

Guest:

Jonathan Booker

Continuing the Story:

· Cobalt

· Hernandez Firm

Rachel Catt

Rachel Catt has built a thriving legal practice as a family law attorney, representing clients in a variety of matters, including high-conflict divorce, child custody, and LGBTQ family law disputes. She is well known for her reputation as a counselor, advocate and thought leader on family law and in particular LGBTQ family law issues. Active in many legal organizations, listen to her very personal journey to the legal profession, her practice, insight and advocacy work, and what she would advise younger lawyers.

Hosts:

Mallory Revel and Linda Moss

Guest:

Rachel Catt

Continuing the Story:

Colorado LGBT Bar Association

Colorado Women's Bar Association

CBA Family Law Section

Law Office of Rachel Catt, LLC

Hannah Proff

Hannah Proff is a criminal defense attorney with over ten years of practical and policy experience. She has received numerous awards and other recognition over her career for her excellence in criminal defense and juvenile rights advocacy in particular, including LYRIC—Learn Your Rights in the Community—the groundbreaking nonprofit she co-founded to educate young people about their rights in interactions with law enforcement. Spend five minutes with her, though, and you will realize that Hannah Proff is so much more than that. A neurodiverse learner who proudly embraces her own dyslexia, Hannah’s passion for criminal defense sprang from an early school trip to an under-construction prison in her native Seward, Alaska. On this episode of Our Voices, our own Mallory Revel and Bonnie Schriner sit down with Hannah Proff to hear the story of her path so far in her own words.

Hosts:

Nicoal Sperrazza
Courtney Holm

Bonnie Schriner

Guest:

Hannah Proff

Continuing the Story:

David Beller

David Beller is not only a sharp-dressed man, but also a top Colorado criminal defense lawyer and skilled advocate whose attention to detail is unparalleled. Growing up, David developed his all-important compassion and drive through his obvious path to law school: veterinary science. Listen as he shares his unique path to leadership and the moving experiences that shaped his character, dedication to trust, integrity and vulnerability in his relationships with clients and opposing counsel.

Hosts: Mallory Revel Linda Moss
Guest: David Beller

Judge Theresa Spahn

As Presiding Judge on the Denver County Court bench, Judge Theresa Spahn has been a passionate defender of the Court and a champion of access to justice efforts in the city and beyond. From her time as a magistrate in Colorado’s 17th Judicial District to her tireless efforts to help create the Office of the Child’s Representative or leading the O’Connor Judicial Selection Initiative at the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System to her current role, Judge Spahn has always recognized the role of judges as leaders and models of fairness, impartiality and integrity. Her judicial philosophy is deeply rooted in her character and experiences as a Denver native from a large and loving family that instilled in her the value of hard work and community.

Hosts:
Mallory Revel
Linda Moss

Guest:
Judge Theresa Spahn

Continuing the Story:
•  2020 Judicial Excellence Award Recipient
•  Office of the Child’s Representative
•  Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System

Scott LaBarre

Scott LaBarre's stunning voice (give a listen) matches his extraordinary career. Blind from age 10, literacy and independence were his goals and those he shares for other blind people. Scott's professional life of advocacy and leadership are his gift to us.

Hosts:
Mallory Revel
Linda Moss

Guest:
Scott LaBarre

Continuing the Story:
•   Colorado Center for the Blind
•   National Federation of the Blind
•   Randolph-Sheppard Act

Sheldon Spotted Elk

Sheldon Spotted Elk is a proud member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and a judge in the Ute Indian Tribal Court of Appeals. Sheldon was always "coded" by his last name. His stories of loss and the importance of being a friend and being of service to others while retaining your identity and integrity are rich. His Indian heritage permeates his story.

Hosts:
Mallory Revel
Linda Moss

Guest:
Sheldon Spotted Elk

Continuing the Story:
• Northern Cheyenne Tribe
• Ute Tribe

Bryon Large

Bryon's leadership path in the LGBT Bar Association and the CBA began with his early volunteer work for Metro Volunteer Lawyers and Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network. In law school and beyond he realized the value of mentors and maintains those valuable relationships today. His grandfather, succeeded at always being the fun old guy in the room, remains his greatest influence, Bryon's dedication to service and helping the legal profession and the people affected by our justice system is a constant in his life.

Hosts:
Mallory Revel
Linda Moss

Guest:
Bryon Large

Continuing the Story:
•   LinkedIn
•   Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network
•   Denver Bar Association
•   Colorado Women’s Bar Association

Tariq Sheikh

Growing up, Tariq Sheikh was one of those kids who never stopped asking questions – you know, the kind who asked his babysitter to show him where in the Bill of Rights the text says it doesn't apply to children. As Tariq found his way to law school and settled into professional life, he developed a passion for the justice system. Today, Tariq works as a Senior Chief Deputy District Attorney in Jefferson County. In Tariq’s journey through life, he has found that his most rewarding role is serving and engaging from a place of authenticity. Join us on this episode of Our Voices to learn about how this curious kid grew into an advocate for taking a holistic, humanizing approach to the prosecution of justice and encouraging those around him to do the same.

Hosts:
Mallory Revel
Linda Moss

Guest:
Tariq Sheikh

Continuing the Story:
• Colorado Bar Association Leadership Training (COBALT)
• Interview with quotes on Tariq's role in policy

Nicoal Sperazza

Nicoal Sperrazza is a solo practitioner and is an active leader in the legal community. In this interview, Nicoal shares what led her to the legal profession through personal stories of growing up as a first-generation Korean American and the struggles with bridging the gap between two different cultures. Her interview also highlights the power of inclusivity and the importance of community.

Hosts:
Mallory Revel
Linda Moss

Guest:
Nicoal Sperazza

Continuing the Story:
Denver Bar Association
Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Keith Smith

Raised speaking Navajo to age 5, Keith's determination and innovative planning to overcome early school ridicule and labeling were signs of things to come in his remarkable life. His three rules for success continue to serve him well. Keith now represents Native clients and Navajo employers. He specializes in federal Indian Law. From reading shampoo labels so he could pronounce English syllables in 2nd grade, to making check-off lists for his path to law school, Keith's story is a voice of unassuming inspiration.

Hosts:
Mallory Revel
Linda Moss

Guest:
Keith Smith

Continuing the Story:

Mario Trimble

Recorded Introduction:

Mario Trimble, is so much more than a commanding voice. A man who leans into his vulnerability and loves people, a partner at Kutak Rock LLP focusing on public finance, he devotes time to the Colorado Bar Association, Denver Bar Association, and Sam Cary Bar Associations to feed his soul. Originally from Alabama, his educational path was marked with unique opportunities, racial tension, and a truly deep an appreciation for all the people that had an impact on him. Once dreaming of an Olympic berth in fencing, Mario shares with Courtney Holm and Nicoal Sperraza how his daily activities from public finance and the Bar associations impact people on a larger scale and how his love of the “The City” opened his mind to new opportunities and led him to Colorado.

Website Written Description:

Mario Trimble, a public finance attorney at Kutak Rock LLP devotes a great deal of time to the bar associations in Colorado. Mario opens up about his educational opportunities, love and loss, good music, the sport of fencing and the power of people in his life. Listen to this engaging storyteller
recount his journey.

Hosts:

Continuing the Story:

Miko Brown

Website Written Description:

Miko Brown is Associate General Counsel at Airbnb who has made a lasting impact throughout the Colorado Legal system. Miko discusses her very personal and unique family history, how she makes the most of her time with the most impact, her fearless approach to life and obstacles, and the importance of support and mentorship.

Guest:
Miko Brown

Continuing the Story:
Asian Pacific American Bar Association
Minoru Yasui Legacy Project
www.cwba.org
Miko Ando Brown pushes for diversity and inclusion

Kathleen Hearn Croshal

Kathleen Hearn Croshal is a retired judge from the Pueblo County Court and a former president of the Colorado Bar Association. Kathleen discusses her life story and overcoming barriers that to most, would be daunting. She also discusses her love for musical theater, overcoming gender stereotypes, balancing education and life as a single mother, and charging the path less traveled.

Pueblo Historical Ghost Walk

Guest:
Kathleen Hearn Croshal

Continuing the Story:

The Colorado Lawyer, “Introducing CBA President Kathleen Hearn Croshal”

The Colorado Lawyer, April 2020 President’s Message, “It’s Your Problem, Too - Gender Bias and the Legal Profession”

Pueblo County Bar Association

Anjali Nanda

Anjali Nanda, a Denver native, has had an interesting path in law, which includes work as a refugee officer and asylum officer for the Department of Homeland Security. Now an immigration attorney, she’s able to put to practice her multi-dimensional expertise when it comes to advising her clients and meeting their needs. Listen in as she talks with Courtney Holm and Nicoal Sperrazza about her family history with the Denver Broncos, how her parents influenced her passion for human rights; and how travel was a way of life for her from a young age.

Anjali Nanda is a practicing immigration attorney at AQMN Law. Prior to joining AQMN, she worked for USCIS at the Department of Homeland Security as a Refugee Officer and Asylum Officer. In this podcast, she discusses bridging the gap between her roots in India and growing up as a Denver native; how her esteemed father, Ved Nanda, primed her for her love of law; and how she cultivated her passion for human rights.

Guest:
Anjali Nanda

Continuing the Story:

Judge Alfred C. Harrell

Judge Al Harrell has made a major impact on the Colorado legal landscape as a groundbreaking lawyer and judge in the city and county of Denver. A proud Sam Cary Bar Association member, Judge Harrell has received numerous awards and accolades, he even has an endowed scholarship in his name and has served within many organizations from the board of the Denver Dumb Friends League to the National Institute of Trial Advocacy or NITA, while mentoring many others on the path to service. Judge Harrell sat down with our own Linda Moss and Mallory Revel to share his philosophy on the importance of family connection and his unique journey to becoming an icon of the Denver bench, listen closely hear a never before told story about a visit to New Jersey.

Judge Alfred C. Harrell, although known by many less formal and endearing names and nicknames, has been an icon on the Denver bench and a meaningful mentor to many people along the way. His dedication to service runs deep and he has been instrumental in founding Inns of Court in Colorado as well as the Symposium on Race Denver. Judge Harrell shares his many life lessons with a genuine sense of gratitude and a relatability that shines through as big as his heart. He shares his very personal story including his childhood, family, and path to law school and later the bench. His rippling effect throughout the legal community is illustrated by those he has mentored and his many awards and accolades. Join us for this candid and welcoming conversation from his roots to the building of his values.

Hosts:
Mallory Revel
Linda Moss

Guest:
Judge Alfred C. Harrell

Continuing the Story:

Judge Olympia Fay

Denver County Court Judge Olympia Fay knew she wanted to be a judge while in law school and intentionally worked in both civil and criminal law to assist a balanced and well-rounded perspective. Judge Fay discusses her influences, family, leadership, mentorship, her love of the courtroom and her philosophies. Her cognizance of the powerful impact of words and actions drives her delivery of dignity, respect, and hopefulness to those in her court. Listen as her story weaves through her gratefulness, her own self-awareness, preparation, and the vital importance of authenticity.

Hosts:
Mallory Revel
Linda Moss

Continuing the Story:

Adam Hepp

Growing up in a family focused on service impacted Adam Hepp’s life tremendously. His dedication and empathy have served him well in his service roles as a Jefferson County Senior Deputy District Attorney and as an Air Force Veteran. Adam has received the Arapahoe County Bar Association (ACBA) 2020 Tommy D. Drinkwine Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year award. Listen as Adam shares his perspectives on the importance of mentorship, the necessity of court systems that value rehabilitation, cultivating positive professional relationships, and the important connection between lawns and family.

Hosts:
Mallory Revel
Linda Moss

Guest:
Adam Hepp

Continuing the Story:
Cobalt

Justice Monica Márquez

Justice Monica Márquez currently serves on the Colorado Supreme Court. In this podcast, she discusses growing up in the San Luis Valley, how she found her own voice and took risks early on, and how her trumpet-playing in a mariachi band bridged multicultural communities. Justice Márquez also talks about her time with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC), and the importance of collegiality and professionalism in the legal profession.

Hosts:
Mallory Revel
Linda Moss

Guest:
Justice Monica Márquez

Continuing the Story:

Judge Diana Terry

Judge Diana Terry recently retired from the Colorado Court of Appeals. In this podcast, she discusses growing up in New Jersey with Nebraskan parents, being the youngest of five children, and deciding that she wanted to be a lawyer as a child. She also shares her love for music and singing, becoming a self-starter, and her talent for training and leading others.

Guest:
Judge Diana Terry (Ret.)

Continuing the Story:

Jon Olafson

Jon Olafson is a partner at Lewis Brisbois in the Denver office and as part of his role on the CBA’s Executive Council, he chairs the Racial Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Committee. He also serves as co-chair of the newly formed Colorado Diverse Attorney Community Circle (CODACC). He sits down with Courtney Holm and Nicoal Sperrazza to discuss his small-town upbringing, why inclusivity is important to him, and how he developed his own call to action.