Breaking Barriers: The Evolution of Hispanic Representation in Colorado’s Legal Profession

by tali thomason

Hispanic attorneys represent 7.59% of Colorado’s legal profession today, according to the Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel’s 2022 annual report. While this marks significant progress from decades past, it still falls short of representing Colorado’s demographics, where Hispanics make up over 22% of the state’s population.

The Current Landscape

The numbers tell a story of both achievement and opportunity. According to official data:

Colorado attorneys: 7.59% identify as Hispanic or Latino (2022 OARC data)
State population: Over 22% of Colorado residents are Hispanic or Latino
National comparison: Colorado’s 7.59% exceeds the national average of 5.8% of Hispanic attorneys nationwide

The Denver Bar Association notes that “Hispanic Latinos make up over 20% of the population in Colorado, but only 6% of the state’s attorneys,” highlighting the representation gap that persists in the legal profession.

Historical Progress

The Colorado Hispanic Bar Association (CHBA) has played a crucial role in this evolution. According to CHBA’s mission statement, the organization’s members “have worked diligently to expand the number of Latino and Hispanic lawyers in the state. Today, there are more than 500 Latino and Hispanic attorneys in Colorado.”

Research on the first generation of Latina attorneys in Colorado reveals the challenges early pioneers faced. According to scholarly research, “Only five had graduated from Colorado law schools by 1973; three were admitted to the Colorado bar that year.” This small beginning has grown into today’s more substantial representation.

Breaking Through to Leadership

A significant milestone came in 2018 when Justice Carlos A. Samour Jr. was appointed to the Colorado Supreme Court by Governor John Hickenlooper, effective July 2, 2018. Before joining the Supreme Court, Justice Samour served as a district court judge in Arapahoe County, where he notably presided over the Aurora Theater shooting trial.

Justice Samour’s appointment represents a breakthrough in judicial leadership, demonstrating the progress Hispanic attorneys have made in reaching the highest levels of Colorado’s legal system.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite progress, significant challenges remain. The American Bar Association’s research shows that nationally, “Hispanics make up about 19% of the U.S. population, but just 6% of the legal profession.” For Latinas specifically, the challenges are even more pronounced, with research indicating they “must bridge a significant cultural divide as they attempt to navigate their entry into and progression within the legal profession.”

The representation gap is particularly evident when comparing Colorado’s demographics to its legal profession. While Hispanics represent over one-fifth of the state’s population, they comprise less than 8% of its attorneys.

The Path Forward

Organizations like the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association continue working to address these disparities. CHBA’s efforts focus on expanding opportunities for Latino and Hispanic lawyers while supporting those already in the profession.

The Denver Bar Association recognizes the importance of this work, particularly during Hispanic Heritage Month, when the legal community reflects on both achievements and the work that remains to be done.

As Colorado’s Hispanic population continues to grow, achieving proportional representation in the legal profession remains both a professional imperative and a matter of ensuring equal access to justice for all Coloradans.

Looking Ahead

The evolution of Hispanic representation in Colorado’s legal profession reflects broader changes in American society. From the handful of attorneys in the 1970s to today’s 500+ Hispanic lawyers, the trajectory shows consistent growth. However, reaching true proportional representation will require continued effort from law schools, bar associations, and the legal community as a whole.

The trailblazers who broke the first barriers have created a foundation. Now, it’s up to the current generation to continue building upon their achievements, ensuring that Colorado’s legal profession reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.