POLICY & PROCEDURE MANUAL
of
THE DENVER BAR ASSOCIATION

PROCEDURE FOR SUBMISSION OF AGENDA ITEMS

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees meets monthly throughout the year to set the overall policy and direction of the association and to address management issues. Contact the Governance Liaison at the bar office to submit an issue for board consideration.  All persons submitting agenda items will be notified of the date and time of the scheduled board meeting in order to allow for presentations. 

GUIDELINES FOR USE OF BAR SERVICES/STAFF

Office Hours. The DBA office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. The DBA staff must be notified when meetings are scheduled at the DBA office.

Conference Rooms. The DBA has multiple conference rooms available by appointment, subject to availability. 

Phones/Offices. We have a member office with a phone available on a temporary basis for members to use. Please call the front desk to confirm availability. 

Refreshments. The area outside of the conference rooms is equipped with refrigerators stocked with refreshments and hot water for coffee and/or tea. 

Staff Assistance. The DBA staff is available to assist committees in the following ways:

• Reserve conference rooms for meetings. Reservations should be requested through the DBA staff as far in advance of each meeting as possible to avoid conflicts in scheduling.
• Send out notices of meeting if notified to do so within a reasonable period of time prior to the meeting. We suggest at least three weeks advance notice to give members adequate time to plan.
• Reproduce and distribute meeting minutes to committee members, however, it is the responsibility of the committee to take and prepare minutes.
• Provide public relations assistance. (See Section D) 

 DENVER BAR ASSOCIATION AWARDS

The following awards are presented by the Denver Bar Association. Award nominations are routed through the Awards Committee.

Click here for more information on DBA Awards

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION

The ABA is an enormous and diverse entity with dozens of departments, committees and divisions. It is also a wealth of information and a valuable resource for state and local bars on almost any issue or project that a bar association is confronting. The key is knowing who to contact at the ABA.

In almost all circumstances, your first point of contact at the ABA is the Division of Bar Services (312/988-5352). The division serves as the principle link between the ABA and state/local bar associations. This means that the division can not only provide you with information on ABA activities, but can direct you to a state or local association that can be of assistance. If the division cannot answer your inquiry directly, they can refer you to the appropriate ABA official, division, or committee. The director of the division is Roseanne Lucianek. Pamela Robinson and Elizabeth Derrico are the associate directors.

The ABA has numerous national conferences. The three that are budgeted annually are:

NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF BAR PRESIDENTS - Held the Friday and Saturday prior to the ABA Annual Meeting (early August) and the ABA Mid-Year Meeting (early February). The president is invited to attend the annual meeting; the president-elect is invited to attend the mid-year meeting.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BAR EXECUTIVES - A 2-day conference for bar executives held the Wednesday and Thursday prior to the National Conference of Bar Presidents.

BAR LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE - An annual 2½ day intensive training program for bar presidents-elect held each March in Chicago.

DBA BUDGET PROCESS

PHASE I - JOINT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

As a result of the unique relationship between the CBA and the DBA, shared office space and staff, there are expenses that are not easily allocable to either Association. The role of the JMC is to determine the appropriate allocation of joint expenses between the associations. The major expense items that are analyzed by the JMC are rent, salaries/benefits, and other general and administrative expenses. The CBA and DBA Budget Committees will then meet separately to evaluate their current programs, plan for next year and to make recommendations to the JMC as to staffing and facility needs. With the input from the Budget Committees, the JMC will finalize their part of the budget. The JMC is comprised of several Budget Committee members in order to ensure some continuity in the process.

PHASE II - BUDGET COMMITTEE

The Budget Committee, which is comprised of members of the Board of Trustees, is charged with developing and presenting the entire budget to the trustees. The Budget Committee reviews all revenue line items and expense line items, including department budgets and committee budgets. The Budget Committee also makes recommendations with respect to the general fiscal policies and financial conditions of the DBA.

The Budget Committee will meet to evaluate current programs and to plan for the future. Recommendations will be made to the JMC on staffing and facility needs.

PHASE III - BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Budget Committee presents the budget to the Board of Trustees for approval in May. Specific policy or programmatic issues are brought to the attention of the Board of Trustees at this time.

THE ROLE OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT

One of the most important functions of the president-elect is participation on the Budget Committee. This gives the president-elect some input for programs during his or her year and is a wonderful orientation on the functions and projects of the association.

 

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DENVER BAR ASSOCIATION
INVESTMENT POLICY

Objectives

1. The objective of the DBA's investment program is to obtain the maximum possible return on surplus funds while assuring protection of invested assets.

2. Because the DBA is a non-profit organization, investments should not be designed for speculation.

3. Investments must be made in such a manner as to insure sufficient liquidity to meet operating and contingency expenses.

Types of Investments and Approval Process

1. The executive director, assistant executive director or director of finance and the treasurer are permitted to invest short term cash surplus for up to an average maturity of 1-1/2 years without Board of Trustees approval in federal or state fully insured:

a.money market funds,
b.certificates of deposit at commercial banks or savings and loan institutions,
c.money market funds that invest in government backed securities, or
d.managed fund account, meeting above objectives.

2. Investments in securities (stocks and corporate bonds) may be made only under a policy approved by the Board of Trustees.

3. Any investment for a period of over an average maturity of 1-1/2 years may be made only if approved by the Board of Trustees.

Investment Supervision

1. Upon the recommendation of the treasurer, the Board of Trustees may hire the services of a professional investment advisor to assist with placement of investments.

2. The deputy executive director and the treasurer shall report on the status of all investments on a quarterly basis to the Board of Trustees.Adapted 12/92

 

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TRAVEL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT

Board of Trustees/Committees/Board of Governors

1. No reimbursement for members and/or committee chairs for travel to meetings.

2. No reimbursement for Board of Governors representatives. The Board of Governors represent the local bar associations and some local bars pay a portion of the costs of the representatives. If there is a change in the Board of Governors meeting policy, a change in the reimbursement policy can be considered at that time.

President and President-Elect

1. Reimbursement is made to the president and the executive director, as well as spouses, to attend the annual meeting of the ABA. Reimbursement is made to the president-elect and executive director, as well as spouses, to attend the mid-year meeting of the ABA.

2. Reimbursement is made for the president-elect and executive director to attend the Bar Leadership Conference.
ABA Delegates

Annual Meeting

ABA Reimburses: No expenses are reimbursed.

DBA Reimburses: Registration fee, travel costs, meals and lodging for both delegates to attend each day the House of Delegates meets.

Mid-Year Meeting

ABA Reimburses: Travel costs based on coach or economy rate and ground transportation. (Reimbursement requests are submitted to the ABA Policy Administration Office by using the form provided by the ABA.)

DBA Reimburses: Lodging and meals for both delegates to attend each day the House of Delegates meets. There is no registration fee for the mid-year meeting. (Reimbursement requests are submitted to the DBA Office.)

Additionally, each delegate makes his/her own hotel and air reservations. Please utilize the ABA airfare discount program that accompanies the registration materials. Usually the fare quoted through the ABA discount will nearly equalize a "Saturday night stay" rate.

Generally speaking, if the house meets Monday and Tuesday, the association reimburses for two days on the assumption delegates will spend Sunday and Monday nights at the site and head home Tuesday p.m. Certainly, if the house runs over, or you cannot get out on Tuesday, an additional day will be permitted.

Young Lawyers Division

1. Reimbursement of travel cost and a per diem to cover food and lodging.

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THE EIGHT BUDGET COMMANDMENTS
FOR COMMITTEE CHAIRS

1. Committees cannot exceed the amount they were budgeted without prior approval from the appropriate governing body.

2. Committee members are not reimbursed for travel expenses associated with meetings.

3. Committee members, with the approval of the chair, can be reimbursed for incidental photocopying, telephone and postage costs. Larger administrative projects should be coordinated through the DBA offices.

4. Meal function costs, including luncheon meeting expenses, are not reimburseable.

5. Committees are expected to cover their direct expenses for CLE programs unless a special subsidy has been granted.

6. Any monies generated by committee activities must be submitted to the DBA for placement into the general fund of the DBA.

7. All reimbursement requests should be approved by the chair before submission to the director of finance.

8. Cannot give or allocate monies from their budget to an outside entity without prior approval from the appropriate governing body.

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SPOUSE EXPENSES TO ABA
AND OTHER EXPENSES

Expenses for the spouses of the president, president-elect and executive director to attend various ABA meetings will be paid for.
Adopted 5/83

The Marketing & Communications department promotes the benefits and programs of the DBA by coordinating and producing all communications and materials that represent the Bar, including:

• Brand management
• Campaign management
• Digital and physical promotional materials
• Content creation
• Social Media
• Public Relations
• Crisis Communications
• Advertising

DENVER BAR ASSOCIATION PUBLIC LEGAL EDUCATION

The Public Legal Education Department aims 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 Public Legal Education Department 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.

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PROGRAMS

CLASSROOM SPEAKERS

Schools may call or email 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.

DENVER REGIONAL COLORADO HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL PROGRAM

The Public Legal Education Department administers and coordinates the Denver Regional Mock Trial Competition. Many volunteer attorneys, judges, paralegals, and other members of the public assist by coaching, presiding over, and scoring the students during this hands-on experience.

CONSTITUTION DAY

The Public Legal Education Department coordinates Constitution Day presentations, which are held the week of September 17. Volunteers teach students of all grade levels about the Constitution and provides pocket constitutions to classrooms by request.

IN CLASS MOCK TRIALS

Schools may request attorneys to help run an in class mock trial. Volunteers will help describe the importance of mock trials for students as well as help them expand their speaking, writing, reading, and analytical skills while learning about the judicial system.

CAREER FAIRS & CAREER DAYS

Attorneys and/or judges will speak to students about the legal professions to a classroom or at a CBA/DBA sponsored booth.

LAW DAY

Law Day is celebrated on May 1st every year. It is meant to reflect on the role of law in the foundation of the country and to recognize its importance for society. Each year, there is a different theme selected to help understand the law and legal process in the United States. The 2023 theme is Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration. In celebration of Law Day every year, the CBA hosts an annual CLE as well as essay contests for students in elementary, middle and high schools.

 

Guidelines for Use of Bar Services & Staff

Office Hours. The DBA hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-4 p-.m. on Fridays. The DBA staff must be notified when meetings are scheduled at the DBA office.

Conference Rooms. The DBA has conference rooms available by appointment only. The conference room capacities are: the classroom can accommodate 88 people, one conference room will accommodate 30 persons, another holds 12 and the two smallest will accommodate 4 people each.

Non-Smoking Offices/Meetings. The DBA offices are designated as being a non-smoking environment. All of the conference rooms are also non-smoking areas.

Member Office. There is an office available on a temporary basis for members to use. Please ask reception if it is available.

Refreshments. The areas on either side of the lobby are equipped with water, soda and ice. Coffee is available to members and visitors at no cost. 

Staff Assistance. The DBA staff is available to assist committees and sections in the following ways:

• Reserve conference rooms for meetings. Reservations should be requested through the DBA staff as far in advance of each meeting as possible to avoid conflicts in scheduling.
• Send out notices of meetings if notified to do so within a reasonable period of time prior to the meeting. We suggest at least three weeks advance notice to give members adequate time to plan. The Colorado Supreme Court requires 2 weeks notice to ensure time to grant CLE credit for an event.
• Reproduce and distribute meeting minutes to committee members. It is the responsibility of the committee to take and prepare minutes.

Finance Department

1. Committees that have ongoing projects have been assigned budget based on last year.  For new projects that come up during the year, you can request funds from the Committee Contingency Budget. New projects must be approved by the Executive Director.

2. Committee funds are not to be used to provide free CLE programs.  All CLE programs should be self-supporting by charging an appropriate fee .

3. Committee funds are not to be used to provide free lunches to committee members.  Staff can assist in ordering lunches and those attending will be required to pay for their lunch.

4. Committee funds are not to be used to make donations to charitable activities or other organizations.  Activities designed to be fund raisers can only give the charity the net after all expenses.

5. Staff is available to send out meeting notices and to assist in meeting setup and general coordination.  Staff is not available to take minutes of the meetings, generate information for the website or handle other administrative tasks that can be divided up between committee members.  If you put the people on your committee to work, your committee will have increased attendance and the committee will accomplish more during the year. 

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METRO VOLUNTEER LAWYERS POLICIES

Metro Volunteer Lawyers (MVL) is the pro bono program of the Denver Bar Association, in collaboration with Adams/Broomfield, Arapahoe, Douglas/Elbert and the 1st Judicial District Bar Associations. Each of the above-named Bar Associations provides financial support to MVL and guidance via representation on MVL’s Advisory Board.

MVL’s mission is “to bridge the gap in access to justice by coordinating the provision of pro bono legal services by volunteer lawyers within the Denver Metro Area to people who could not otherwise afford legal services for their civil legal issues.”

MVL provides free legal services to those in need at 200% or below federal poverty guidelines. MVL works directly with Colorado Legal Services (CLS). CLS handles the initial client intake process and then refers select cases to MVL. In order to provide legal services, MVL utilizes a team of staff attorneys, a paralegal, and an administrative assistant to coordinate the provision of legal services by volunteer attorneys through a variety of programs which operate in each county MVL serves:

 

 

• Family Law Court Program: Assists pro se parties with uncomplicated dissolution of marriage or parental responsibilities cases.
• Family Law Unbundled: Provides unbundled legal services to pro se parties needing assistance with divorce or parental responsibilities cases by focusing on early resolution and problem-solving.
• Post-Decree Consultation Program: Provides unbundled legal services to pro se parties needing assistance with modifying or enforcing existing orders regarding family law matters.
• Mediation Program: Provides pro-bono mediation to applicants in one of MVL’s other programs.
• Power of Attorney Program: Partners with low-income senior centers to assist seniors in completing various advance planning documents, including medical and financial powers of attorney and advance health care directives.
• Legal Clinic at the Denver Indian Center: Provides legal resources and information to the local Native American community at a monthly walk-in clinic offered at the Denver Indian Center.
• Referral Program: Coordinates the provision of full pro bono representation for a variety of civil legal matters, including family law, probate, consumer/financial, housing, and public benefits.
• Victim of Crime Act Fellow: Provides legal assistance and representation exclusively to victims of domestic violence.

   

   

  Client Confidentiality Protocols
  Policy regarding lobbying
  Unlawful Discrimination
  Records Retention Policy Operations
  DBA MVL Procurement Policy

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION IN COLORADO, INC., (dba CBA-CLE) is a nonprofit corporation that serves as the educational arm of the Colorado and Denver Bar Associations, and is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION IN COLORADO, INC., (dba CBA-CLE) is a nonprofit corporation that serves as the educational arm of the Colorado and Denver Bar Associations, and is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

CBA-CLE offers an extensive library of publications and forms, and more than 150 annual CLE programs, available in-person, online and as home studies, with the support of 1,000+ Colorado lawyers and judges volunteer their time and expertise as speakers, authors, editors and advisors.

CBA-CLE’s mission is to educate, improve and continually develop the professional competency and capabilities of all members of the Colorado legal profession and other interested parties, while being financially self-sustaining.

The Supreme Court Board of Continuing Legal and Judicial Education oversees the process of accrediting continuing legal education programs for CLE credit and keeps track CLE credit for all licensed Colorado attorneys. The Supreme Court Board is located at 600 17th Street, Suite #520-S, Denver, Colorado 80202, (303) 866-6500. 

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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) on the 2nd Tuesday and 4th Wednesday of each month from 1:30-3 p.m.

"DOING YOUR OWN DIVORCE" CLINICS

This free informational clinic provides an overview of the divorce process (with and without children), allocation of parental responsibility actions and forms related to both actions.  Volunteer attorneys provide information on filing for a divorce without the assistance of an attorney, and will cover divorce and allocation of parental responsibility procedures and forms, child custody, child support, maintenance and property division. Participants should bring forms to the clinics. (available here: www.courts.state.co.us). This clinic is informational only and questions are welcomed.  These clinics do not provide legal advice or representation nor do they directly assist in completing court forms. This clinic is presented at 1437 Bannock Street Courtroom 311 on the third Wednesday of each month from noon-1:30 p.m.

FAMILY LAW LEGAL CLINICS

This free informational clinic provides an overview of the divorce process (with and without children), allocation of parental responsibility actions and forms related to both actions.  Volunteer attorneys provide information on filing for a divorce without the assistance of an attorney, and will cover divorce and allocation of parental responsibility procedures and forms, child custody, child support, maintenance and property division. Participants should bring forms to the clinics. (available here: www.courts.state.co.us). This clinic is informational only and questions are welcomed. These clinics do not provide legal advice or representation nor do they directly assist in completing court forms. The clinics are scheduled by and held at the offices of the office of Economic Development (1200 Federal Boulevard room 1018).  This clinic is offered the 3rd Tuesday of each month 5:30-7 p.m.

LEGAL NIGHTS AT MI CASA AND SAN JUAN DIEGO

Both Legal nights are sponsored by the Colorado lawyers committee, DBA Young Lawyers Committee and Denver Access to Justice Committee.  Legal Nights allow you to meet with an attorney free of charge and get information in the areas of Immigration, credit, housing, landlord/tenant, employment and family law. Attorneys provide referrals to appropriate agencies.   Spanish interpreters will be available.  Legal Night at Mi Casa is located at 360 Acoma Street, Denver, CO 80204 on the third Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m.  Legal Night at El Centro San Juan Diego is located at 2830 Lawrence Street, Denver, CO 80205 on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m.

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 the City and County Building Civil Division (1437 Bannock Street room 164) from 11a.m. -1 p.m.