Denver Clerk and Recorder Paul D. López was honored recently with the Mexicanos Distinguidos Award by the Government of Mexico during the city’s annual diez y seis de septiembre celebration. The award, presented at the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion by Mexico’s Consul General Pável Meléndez Cruz, recognizes López’s outstanding public service and contributions to the community.
The Mexicanos Distinguidos Award honors Mexican citizens living abroad who have made significant professional and civic impacts while representing the values and culture of Mexico. López, a dual citizen born in Denver’s Westside to an immigrant father from Veracruz, has long championed access to the democratic process and equity in civic participation.
“This honor is not only a reflection of my work, but most importantly of the resilience and contributions of the Mexican community here in Denver and across the United States,” López said. “I am proud to represent the dignity of our people and our shared commitment to democracy.”
The award highlights López’s continued leadership in expanding voter access, increasing civic engagement, and modernizing election systems in Denver — work that has made a lasting impact both locally and beyond.
Lecture and symposium focuses on future of U.S. public lands
The Getches-Wilkinson Center at the University of Colorado Law School will host the 2025 Ruth Wright Distinguished Lecture in Natural Resources and Martz Symposium on Public Lands, October 22–24 at the Wolf Law Building at the University of Colorado Boulder.
John Leshy, leading legal scholar and former solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior, will deliver this year’s Wright Lecture on October 22. Titled “On Shaky Ground: America’s Public Lands Face an Uncertain Future,” the lecture will explore political and legal challenges to public land management, including privatization efforts, climate impacts, and federal agency caveats. A reception will follow the event.
The two-day Martz Symposium, “Public Lands in Public Hands — Reflections on 50 Years of Retention History,” will follow, October 23–24. The symposium will gather public lands experts, Tribal leaders, policymakers, and advocates to examine the evolution and future of federal land retention policies and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976.
Leshy’s lecture is free and open to the public with registration required for in-person attendance as well as livestream access. The symposium is fee-based; however, CU Boulder students, faculty, and staff may attend free with a valid BuffOne card. Media may register with code GWCMEDIA2025.
To learn more, visit colorado.edu/about.
Program aims to demystify judicial interview process
The Colorado Hispanic Bar Association (CHBA) will hold the next session in its Navigating the Judicial Application Process series on October 23. The focus will be on preparing for the interview with the governor and his legal counsel. The event will take place 5:30-7 p.m. at Womble Bond Dickinson’s Denver office, with a virtual attendance option available.
The program will feature a panel discussion with members of the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel, offering insights into the interview process and the qualities the office seeks in judicial candidates. The evening will begin with a networking happy hour, followed by the panel discussion. Panelists will remain afterward for additional questions and answers.
Attendees are eligible for continuing legal education (CLE) credit. The CLE aims to equip prospective applicants with practical guidance and candid advice to help them navigate this critical phase of the appointment process.
The event is free for CHBA members and $25 for non-members. Diversity bar members may attend at a reduced rate of $10 by entering a discount code at registration. A livestream link will be sent to virtual registrants on the day of the event.
For tickets or more information, visit chba.net/event/navigating-the-judicial-application-process-series-october-2025.
Event to provide legal services and support at no cost
Denver County Court, District Court, Juvenile Court, and Probate Court will host the annual Free Legal Resource Day on October 23. The event aims to bridge the justice gap by providing essential legal services to individuals who may not have access to an attorney.
Held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Denver City and County Building, the event will feature one-on-one consultations with volunteer attorneys on civil legal matters, such as housing, family law, small claims, and estate planning. Attendees also can participate in educational sessions, including Eviction 101, Protection Orders, and Divorce and Custody.
In addition to legal assistance, a Community Resource Hub will connect participants with local organizations offering ongoing support and services.
The event is free and open to the public, and an online option also is available. For more information, including access to virtual sessions, visit coloradojudicial.gov.
Attorney mentoring program rebrands, broadens mission
The Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program (CAMP) has rebranded as the Colorado Office of Attorney Professional Excellence (APEX), reflecting a broader mission to advance civility, competence, and innovation in the legal profession.
Founded in 2013 to foster mentoring and professionalism, the organization now emphasizes civility as a core professional competency and promotes excellence through mentoring, legal entrepreneurship support, and attorney well-being initiatives.
“Excellence means practicing law effectively, ethically, and sustainably,” said Executive Director Ryann Peyton.
APEX will continue serving attorneys, law students, LLPs, and legal organizations across Colorado, offering resources and education to help legal professionals thrive in a changing legal landscape.
For more information about APEX and its programs, visit coloradoattorneyexcellence.org.