Dear DBA Members,

As we close out 2024 and reflect on the past year, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible work each of you has done to uphold the values of justice, integrity, and professionalism that our bar association represents. I am also deeply reflective of the challenges and opportunities our legal community has faced this year.

Throughout 2024, we’ve seen unprecedented changes in the legal landscape, from evolving legal technologies such as AI to new regulatory frameworks, welcoming new practitioners to our community (LLPs), as well as a significant amount of time without an Executive Director, and we have come together to navigate these changes with resilience and adaptability. We’ve also seen how the legal profession can be a powerful force for positive change. From advocating for policies that promote access to justice to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals, our bar association has been a unifying force in ensuring that our legal system remains fair, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all Denverites as well as our needs as practitioners.

Your continued dedication to excellence and service—whether through pro bono work, mentorship, or advocacy—has made a meaningful difference not only to our profession but to those we serve.

With a new administration beginning its work in January, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. I recognize that this transition brings with it a mix of anticipation, uncertainty, and for some, anxiety. Many of us, whether as legal professionals or as members of the broader community, are navigating differing political views, and some may feel concerned or apprehensive about the changes ahead, particularly our members from communities that have been marginalized. As an association, we stand as a space where every member is supported, heard, and respected. Whether through professional development, mentoring, or our shared work in the community, we will continue to be a vital resource for one another as we navigate both the opportunities and challenges of the future.

This coming year, it is more important than ever that we come together as a community, united in our commitment to the rule of law, justice, and the principles that define our profession, regardless of the political climate. While our political views may differ, our shared belief in the integrity of the legal system and the fundamental rights it protects remains unwavering.

The coming year will offer new opportunities for us to collaborate, adapt, and rise to the challenges ahead with strength, resilience, and compassion. I am confident that our collective efforts will help shape a legal landscape that supports the rights of every individual. Whether through pro bono work, policy advocacy, collaboration with community organizations, or the countless other ways our members contribute, we are all playing an essential role in the future of our community.

In the face of change, it is our responsibility to continue advancing justice, ensuring equal access to legal services, and advancing our profession. We are not only defenders of the law but also guardians of fairness, equity, and accountability. We will continue our work to address systemic issues and ensure that the most vulnerable among us not only have a voice in our profession but also have a voice in our legal system. While we may not always agree on the path forward, our collective work will continue to ensure that the legal system remains a beacon of hope and protection for all.

This holiday season, I encourage each of you to take time to rest and reflect on the many accomplishments we’ve achieved this year. I also encourage you to reflect on the resilience and strength of our community. Let us take this time to rest, recharge, and support one another, knowing that the work we do will continue to shape a just and equitable future for Denver. Together, we will continue to strengthen our profession and serve the needs of our diverse communities.

On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, I thank you for your commitment to our profession, to one another, and to the people we serve. May you find peace, joy, and inspiration as you spend time with family and loved ones, and as we prepare for another year of meaningful work. I look forward to the continued collaboration and unity we will share in 2025.

Wishing you all a peaceful, joyous, and restorative holiday season.

Annie Martínez