A Year of Purpose, Progress, and Possibility

As my year as President of the Denver Bar Association comes to a close, I find myself reflecting not just on what we’ve accomplished but on what we’ve stood for, what we’ve protected, what we’ve built, and where we’re heading.

This year, the DBA remained steadfast in its commitment to the rule of law. At a time when foundational legal principles are under strain, we refused to retreat. Instead, we leaned in with clarity, courage, and conviction. We amplified our advocacy to protect our communities, expanded our programming to meet the moment, and demonstrated what it looks like when a bar association does more than exist – it acts.

We’ve worked tirelessly to bring concrete value to our members. From resurrecting the docket, providing relevant CLEs, and continuing community-building events, our focus has been not just on growing the DBA in numbers, but in purpose and impact. We have created new committees and divisions (I see you, LLPs and Public Policy!) We have deepened our support for Metro Volunteer Lawyers (MVL), expanded opportunities for pro bono service, and created more pathways for our members to give back to the profession and the people it serves.

The Young Lawyers Division (YLD) led with energy, creativity, and inclusiveness, reminding us that the future of the legal profession is not only bright, it’s already here. Their work has inspired a renewed sense of optimism and investment in the next generation of leadership.

We also took intentional steps toward realizing a bold vision: the DBA as a central hub for our legal community across the metro area, a collaborative space that uplifts, connects, and supports our diversity and affinity bar partners. We’ve started building those relationships, and we will continue to nurture and grow them, recognizing that a stronger legal community is a more just one. Just wait and see what we have in store!

July 17^th is our Annual Awards and Gavel Passing, and I hope to see you all (yes, all!) there. The Gavel Passing will be sure to entertain you, and our awardees are doing amazing work in the Denver-metro area. I can’t wait to celebrate them!

In moments of challenge, whether they be personal, political, or professional, it is easy to fall into despair, but I urge you not to. The work continues, and the DBA will continue to be here, not only as a professional home but as a source of strength, solidarity, and action.

Invest in that work. Invest in your bar with your membership, your time, and, where you are able, your support. The value the DBA brings—to its members, to the profession, and to the broader community—depends on each of us showing up, speaking out, and standing together.

It has truly been an honor to serve as your president, and while y’all are not quite done with me yet, the time to pass the torch is coming quickly. I will remain serving the DBA as Immediate Past President, and my time remains open to all. Please, never hesitate to reach out.

Thanks to each and every one of you—for the trust, the partnership, and the shared belief in what this bar and this community can accomplish.

In solidarity and service,
Dr. Annie Martínez, Esq.
President, Denver Bar Association

*P.S. – Yes, I finally finished my doctorate in Public Policy and Administration end of May!