Section 6: Department of Public Legal Education
DENVER BAR ASSOCIATION PUBLIC LEGAL EDUCATION
The Public Legal Education Department works with the Legal Services Committee, the Bench Bar Committee, and the Democracy Education Committee to provide the community with information, education and assistance in the understanding and use of the legal process, to enhance public trust in the legal profession, to give direction and opportunities for members to participate in these efforts and to coordinate these efforts with other community organizations.
The Director of Public Legal Education coordinates various programs to provide member attorneys the opportunities to provide law-related education and legal information, improve communication and expand relationships in the community through voluntary service.
The following educational programs are available.
CLINICS
BANKRUPTCY CLINICS
For debtors only (not creditors), the volunteer attorneys provide general overview information regarding bankruptcy and the process with the recent Federal law changes, and provide tips and helpful hints. These clinics are held at the federal Bankruptcy Court (U.S. Customs House, 721 19th Street, Room 125) on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
"DOING YOUR OWN DIVORCE" CLINICS
Volunteer attorneys provide information on filing for a simple divorce without the assistance of an attorney. The clinic is informational only and covers divorce procedures and forms, child custody and child support. This clinic is presented at the Denver City and County Building (1437 Bannock) on the third Wednesday of each month in partnership with the Denver District Court’s Self Help Center (720) 865-8440. The clinic is presented over the lunch hour. Childcare is available with reservations at the Warm Welcome Childcare Center.
CUSTODY CLINICS
This clinic will assist non-custodial parents with reconnecting with their children, obtaining court orders to see their children, and enforcing existing parenting orders. Appropriate for non-married, divorced, and separated parents. Child support issues are also be addressed. The clinics are scheduled by and held at the offices of the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development (1200 Federal Boulevard).
SMALL CLAIMS AND COLLECTIONS CLINICS
Attorneys instruct participants on Colorado's Small Claims and Collections court procedures. Small Claims is offered on the 3rd Tuesday of each month; Collections is offered on the 3rd Thursday of each month. The classes are held at Denver County Court Civil Division (1515 Cleveland Place, 4th Floor). A summary level handbook is available at http://www.courts.state.co.us/exec/pubed/brochures/smallclaimsweb.pdf or in hard copy at any county small claims court office.
CALL-A-LAWYER
The Denver Bar Association, in partnership with Channel 9, sponsors a weekly legal information call-in program at Channel 9 called "Lawline 9." Volunteer attorneys field legal questions over a broad spectrum of the law, providing general legal information, options and agency referrals.
LawLine 9 - Every Wednesday, 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. - 303-698-0999
COURT TOURS
Throughout the year, schools may request tours of the Denver City/County Courthouse. The Public Legal Education Department coordinates these tours which are conducted by volunteer attorneys. The tours are held from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and normally on a Tuesday or a Wednesday. A tour of the courthouse is given and, with a pre-arranged agreement with a judge, students are taken into courtrooms where they can see a trial in progress. A minimum of 4-6 weeks notice is required for scheduling. Visits may also include the Mayor’s Office, Sheriff’s Department, City Council’s Office and the Jury Assembly Room.
CLASSROOM SPEAKERS
Schools may call the DBA to request attorneys for special speaking engagements. These requests are for various legal topics and general career awareness in the law. Presentation ideas are available for volunteers through the Public Legal Education Department.
REGIONAL COLORADO HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL PROGRAM
The Democracy Education Committee administers and coordinates the Denver Regional Mock Trial Competition. This committee also supports the CBA Public Legal Education Committee in development of the state mock trial case. Many volunteer attorneys, judges and paralegals assist by coaching, presiding over, and scoring the students during this hands-on experience.
PUBLIC LEGAL EDUCATION MATERIALS
The Public Legal Education Department has a references library of law-related educational materials that are available to the public. These include: videos and printed materials, classroom lesson plans (constitutional studies, practical law, street law, etc.) and in-class mock trial scripts.
SMALL CLAIMS HANDBOOK
This summary procedural handbook has been provided to the Judicial Branch for distribution to all Small Claims Courts in Colorado. It is also provided to all participants in Small Claims Clinics and Collections Clinics. The handbook includes the salient information needed to file, document, and support a claim as well as how to present both the case. The handbook is available online at http://www.courts.state.co.us/exec/pubed/brochures/smallclaimsweb.pdf.
PEOPLE'S FAIR/HOMELESS VET STANDDOWN LAW AT THE MALL
Volunteer attorneys provide free legal informationat these annual events. The DBA collects consumer legal information from the Colorado Judicial Branch, Colorado Attorney General’s Office and the Denver District Attorney’s Office (Economic Crimes Unit). Attorneys distribute the information available, as well as answer legal questions.. The DBA also provides information about our legal clinics and outreaches program.
DEMOCRACY EDUCATION 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.
DBA LEGAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
The Legal Services Committee endeavors to increase the availability of free and low cost legal services and legal education programs for poor, low and moderate income persons in metropolitan Denver. The committee administers and evaluates programs, and recruits volunteer lawyers for legal service opportunities (both legal advice and legal information) that suit their interests and availability including: pro se clinics on various legal topics such as family law, bankruptcy and small claims court proceedings; annual events such as the People's Fair; various "call-a-lawyer" programs offered by TV or radio stations; and other such programs or events as needed. The committee regularly evaluates legal needs of poor, low and moderate income persons in the community, and the best ways to meet those needs. The committee works in cooperation with the DBA staff, Metro Volunteer Layers and its governing board, the Young Lawyers Division and other CBA and DBA committees, various specialty bars, Colorado Legal Services and other organizations (e.g., El Centro Bienstar De San Jose, the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development, Denver District and County Courts).
BENCH BAR COMMITTEE
Provides opportunity for lawyers and judges to work together to improve the courts, including all matters related to trial practice, rules and procedure, and effective judicial administration. Projects include sponsoring the annual bench-bar retreat; developing a child care program for litigants, witnesses and jurors in Denver courts; developing or assisting the judges in special projects for the improvement of judicial administration, such as the discovery masters program, questionnaires to obtain feedback concerning judicial performance, etc.; selecting the Judicial Excellence Award; providing liaison with the Denver County Court; monitoring and commenting on rule changes and legislation.
