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The CHBA's primary function is to serve the public interest by cultivating the science of jurisprudence, promoting reform in the law, facilitating the administration of justice, advancing the standing of its members in the legal profession and promoting the cooperation and development of Hispanic attorneys.
The Colorado Hispanic Bar Association was first incorporated on February 23, 1977 as the Chicano Bar Association. Original incorporators, Robert Maes, Ruth Casarez, Linda Leon, Rod Deaguerro, Richard I. Gonzales, Dan Carillo and Art Lesher, envisioned the organization as legal advisor to the Hispanic community and a force in expanding the number of Hispanics in the legal profession.
Over the past 21 years, the CHBA has initiated projects designed to carry out the stated purposes of its founders. For example, CHBA members have worked diligently to expand the number of Hispanic lawyers in the state. Today, there are approximately 500 Hispanic attorneys in Colorado specializing in all facets of the law. The CHBA has developed a successful bar examination tutorial program and mentor/mentee program to assist and ensure the success of Hispanic law students. Through the efforts of the CHBA, both Colorado law schools now have Hispanic professors on staff, serving as role models to the law students and enriching the schools through their cultural diversity. The CHBA also is committed to expanding opportunities for Hispanic attorneys within the Colorado legal profession. It has worked to ensure the appointment of Latinos to the bench, district attorney offices, governmental entities and private law firms.
To serve its membership, the CHBA sponsors continuing legal education seminars and has established a number of committees and activities to address professional development issues. The CHBA is involved with other state and national bar associations such as the Colorado Bar Association and other specialty bar associations. It is an affiliate of the Hispanic National Bar Association having hosted the 1990 national convention. CHBA members have earned significant leadership positions within the national bar. The HNBA National Convention was held again in Denver in 2001.
The CHBA is actively involved in the Hispanic community. Members contribute numerous hours of pro bono projects such as the 1991 "poaching" incident in the San Luis Valley. CHBA members annually donate pro bono legal and community services to Hispanic community boards. The CHBA is a founding member of the Hispanic League.
The CHBA has also been involved in significant issues affecting the Hispanic community, including opposition to the "English Only" amendment and the reapportionment process. Through the CHBA's Public Policy Committee, the CHBA successfully assisted the Pueblo Chicano Democratic Caucus in securing for the first time in Pueblo's history, two majority Hispanic city council districts.
The CHBA is comprised of dedicated lawyers committed to improving the life of Hispanics in Colorado. |
