YOUR DBA FOR December 2025

Get updated on the Latest Events, Upcoming Events, and New Opportunities

We’re fast entering the holiday season after a very busy summer season. I’m sure these cooler months will provide a few moments of respite, despite being likely to be followed by chaos that is the holidays. In any case, please lean into the season’s motifs and give what you can to aid your community. This could be in the form of cash donations to a food bank, product donations to a gift drive, or even just your professional time to further bolster access to justice. For now, let’s take a look at some events that have recently occurred, appreciate a couple of volunteers who are pioneers in selfless acts, and review events to come for and by our legal community.

Our volunteers answered questions, shared personal career stories, and helped students explore how legal careers shape and serve their communities. We extend our sincere thanks to the volunteers who generously gave their time to support this important outreach effort: Aaron Thompson, Cara Nord, Kate Jenkins, Birgit Almgren, Bonnie Saltzman, Russ Gamble, and Michelle Ciccone. Their enthusiasm and commitment made a meaningful impact on the next generation of future leaders.

Check out a video of the event from Denver Public Schools here!

We’re thrilled to celebrate Bryan Benbow of Benbow Law, LLC! With 20+ years in estate and elder law, Bryan combines deep expertise with genuine compassion.

From wills and trusts to guardianships and end-of-life planning, Bryan’s career reflects a commitment to helping families protect their future. Recently, he went above and beyond in a complex guardianship case—breaking down barriers and guiding a family through one of their toughest moments.

Thank you, Bryan, for making a real difference!

We’re proud to celebrate Yvonne Sell of Cosollus Law, LLC, for her incredible contributions as a volunteer! Yvonne practices in property law, landlord/tenant, and civil litigation, bringing skill and dedication to every case.

Recently, Yvonne assisted two families with complex legal matters—one involving an adoption and another a domestic relations case—providing compassionate, expert support during life-changing moments.

Thank you, Yvonne, for sharing your time, talent, and heart with families in need. Your commitment makes a lasting impact!

Annual Ethics Update

December 11, 2025 | 7:30 AM – 8:20 AM | via Zoom

Take advantage of this cost-efficient and timely opportunity to earn a late-year ethics credit while also gaining practical tips for effectively and ethically litigating cases in Denver courts. This annual update, which is now in its 10th year, will be led by Denver District Court Judge Hon. Adam J. Espinosa. Among other topics, Judge Espinosa will provide an ethics year in review, including a discussion of recent rules and cases, with a focus on ethical/disciplinary cases and AI cases. This presentation, like all of the Courtroom Chats, will occur in a casual “roundtable” format in which attendees are encouraged to ask questions and participate in a dialogue with the presenters.

Applied for 1 General credit

Speakers:
Hon. Adam J. Espinosa, Denver District Court Judge

Pricing:
$5.00

The 25th Annual Roll Out the Barrels Kickoff Happy Hour and Donation Drive

December 11, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Wynkoop Brewing Co. 1634 18th St., Denver, CO 80202

The 25th Annual Roll Out the Barrels (ROTB) fundraiser will run from December 8 – December 22, 2025! To get us rolling, the DBA YLD is excited to host a kickoff happy hour and donation drive in support of Metro Caring. As Colorado’s leading frontline anti-hunger organization, Metro Caring works with our community to meet people’s immediate need for nutritious food while building a movement to address the root causes of hunger. We ask law firms to register as teams and encourage their members to see who can raise the most funds. We also ask individuals not associated with law firms to participate as individual donors.

Pricing:
There is no cost for the event.

DBA YLD Lawyers with Littles Bowling

December 13, 2025 

Join the DBA Young Lawyers Division’s Lawyers with Littles for an afternoon of bowling. Food will be provided, and drinks will be available.

This event is free to attend, but registration is required. Please note that space is limited. To register, email Amy Sreenen at asreenen@cobar.org. When inquiring, please include:

• The number of adults attending
• The number of kids attending
• Any food allergies

Pricing:
There is no cost for the event.

DBA YLD Roll Out the Barrels Happy Hour and Donation Drive

December 18, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Wynkoop Brewing Co.

The DBA YLD is excited to host the 25th Annual Roll Out the Barrels, our holiday fundraiser supporting Metro Caring! Join us for the kick-off Happy Hour on Dec. 18th.

The ROTB fundraiser is a great opportunity for some friendly competition amongst local law firms and individuals to see who can raise the most money for this worthy cause. We ask law firms to register as teams and encourage their members to see who can raise the most funds. We also ask individuals not associated with law firms to participate as individual donors. Those attending the kick-off happy hour are asked to bring with them items to donate to Metro Caring that will be used to prepare hygiene kits (see suggested items below).

Pricing:
$5.00

Mitigating the Impact of Empathic Strain & Vicarious Trauma Exposure

January 22, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | via Zoom

Judges, lawyers, and legal professionals often absorb and “take on” the stress, trauma, and problems of others in the course of their work. From a neurological and physiological perspective, this presentation examines why stress is contagious, how exposure to the distress and trauma of others can develop into vicarious trauma, and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of empathic strain and burnout. Learn how to mitigate trauma exposure with a toolbox of individual and organizational strategies.

1 Ethics CLE Credit has been applied for.

Pricing:
This is free to attend, but registration is required.