CLE-2026 - Independence Institute

EMERGING LEGAL ISSUES IN THE MOUNTAIN WEST

DATE: June 3, 2026

TIME: 8:00 am – 1:30 pm

LOCATION:
Independence Institute
727 East 16th Avenue, Denver 80203

– OR –

Online via Zoom

Email Whitney Pesavento for more information

NOTE: Homestudy will be available after live event through Independence Institute.

OVERVIEW AND AGENDA

We are pleased to announce that Independence Institute is partnering with The Pacific Legal Foundation to present the Third Annual CLE for attorneys and other interested parties to satisfy the Colorado Supreme Court requirement on DEI.

We have applied for a total of 4 CLE credits including 2.4 DEI credits. The in person seminar will be held at the offices of Independence Institute on June 3, 2026 from 8:30 to 1:00 pm. Light breakfast and lunch provided.

Speakers will include former Secretary of State Scott Gessler, retired Chief Judge of the District Court in Pueblo Dennis Maes, former State Treasurer Mark Hillman, first amendment scholar Brett Lilly and a number of experts from Pacific legal Foundation.

The seminar will focus on recent developments in DEI both in the courtroom and in the Legislature, along with a focused discussion of the three Colorado initiatives addressing men in women’s sports and related transgender issues.

8:00 AM: Registration & Breakfast

8:30 – 8:45 AM: Welcoming Remarks

Glenn Roper, Pacific Legal Foundation
Jon Caldara, Independence Institute

8:45 – 10:15 AM: Panel One: How DEI Requirements Intersect with Legal Ethics and the First Amendment

PANEL ONE MODERATOR: Jeff McCoy, Pacific Legal Foundation

PANELISTS:

Honorable Dennis Maes (Ret.), Retired District Judge of Pueblo District Court
Brett Lilly, Brett R. Lilly, LLC

Judge Maes and Mr. Lilly will address DEI and ethical standards at the intersection of the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

10:15 – 11:00 AM: Panel Two: Colorado Ballot Initiatives – Equality in Sports

PANEL TWO MODERATOR: Jon Caldara, Independence Institute

PANELISTS:

Scott Gessler, Attorney and Former Colorado Secretary of State. Gessler Blue Law
Maddie Salamone, Pacific Legal Foundation

Mr. Gessler represented Erin Lee before the Title Board and will elaborate on the case (Lee v. Poudre School District). Ms. Salamone offers perspective on the ballot initiative and equality in sports as a former Division I athlete.

11:00 – 11:15 AM: Refreshment and Networking Break

11:15 – 12:00 PM: Panel Three: Legal and Ethical Challenges for Attorney Elected Officials. What are the Restrictions on Creating New Causes of Action by Legislation and Subsequent Representation

PANEL THREE MODERATOR: Glenn Roper, Pacific Legal Foundation

PANELISTS:

Shayne Madsen, Independence Institute
Mark Hillman, Coloradans for Common Sense

Mr. Hillman will discuss Colorado’s Legislative Conflict Rules and Disclosure Requirements. Ms. Madsen will examine the application of current ethical standards to elected officials.

12:00 – 12:45 PM: Panel Four: Eliminating Bias and Avoiding Conflict with the Law

PANEL FOUR MODERATOR: David Kopel, Independence Institute

PANELISTS:

Andrew Quinio, Pacific Legal Foundation
Alison Somin, Attorney, Pacific Legal Foundation

Mr. Blevins will highlight the constitutional and legal boundaries of DEI and bias mandates, guiding attorneys on compliance and risk management. Mr. Quinio will add policy and regulatory context, connecting state-level mandates to attorney responsibilities.

12:45 PM: Lunch is served

1:00 – 1:45 PM: Keynote Speakers

Honorable Dennis Maes (Ret.), Retired District Judge of Pueblo District Court
Mark Hillman, Coloradans for Common Sense
Scott Gessler, Attorney and Former Colorado Secretary of State. Gessler Blue Law

Judge Maes, Mr. Hillman, and Mr. Gessler will discuss the trajectory of the legal profession regarding DEI and current issues in ethics that may be shifting in the near future.

COST

IN-PERSON

Small Practice Attorney: $50
Government Attorney: $50
Public Interest Attorney: $50
All others: $100

ONLINE VIRTUAL TICKET

$35 for all attendees

EMERGING LEGAL ISSUES IN THE MOUNTAIN WEST

OVERVIEW AND AGENDA

COST

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