CLE-2026 - Independence Institute

EMERGING LEGAL ISSUES IN THE MOUNTAIN WEST

Independence Institute partnered with The Pacific Legal Foundation to present the Third Annual CLE to satisfy the Colorado Supreme Court requirement on EDI.

The seminar was accredited for 5 general credits, including 2 credit hours for EDI and 1 credit hour for ethics. The live seminar was held at the offices of Independence Institute on June 3, 2026 and focused on recent developments in EDI 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.

If you were unable to attend in person, we have made this course available as a home study.

Cost: $50

CLASS SCHEDULE

Registration & Breakfast

Welcoming Remarks

Glenn Roper, Pacific Legal Foundation
Jon Caldara, Independence Institute

Panel One: How DEI Requirements Intersect with the First Amendment

PANEL ONE MODERATOR: Jeff McCoy, Pacific Legal Foundation

PANELISTS:

Honorable Dennis Maes, Retired Chief Judge, District Court 10th Judicial District (Pueblo)
Brett Lilly, Brett R. Lilly, LLC

Judge Maes and Mr. Lilly will discuss how EDI intersects with free speech and the First Amendment.

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.

Refreshment and Networking Break

Panel Three: Legal Challenges for Attorney Elected Officials

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 Colorado rules and standards to elected officials.

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

Ms. Somin will highlight the constitutional and legal boundaries of EDI 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.

Lunch Discussion

Honorable Dennis Maes, Retired Chief Judge, District Court 10th Judicial District (Pueblo)
Andrew Baak, Partner, Bartlit Beck
Scott Gessler, Attorney and Former Colorado Secretary of State. Gessler Blue Law

Judge Maes, Mr. Baak, 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.

EMERGING LEGAL ISSUES IN THE MOUNTAIN WEST

CLASS SCHEDULE

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