University of Colorado Law School

Yesterday, Dean Lo**ta Buckner Inniss hosted Denver-area law firm partners for a luncheon to learn about their strategic priorities and explore partnership opportunities that benefit both them and the Colorado Law community.

Thank you to everyone who attended!


Davis Graham
Garnett Powell Maximon Barlow & Farbes


Holland & Hart
Ireland Stapleton



Womble Bond

Last month, Professor Sarah Matsumoto attended the second annual Pan-Pacific sustainability Scholars workshop held at The University of Sydney Law School in Sydney, Australia. While there, Matsumoto had the opportunity to present an early draft of her paper examining the concept of "just transition" and state efforts to facilitate that transition.

“In the context of climate change policy and shifting to more renewable and sustainable forms of energy, a "just transition" is one that is fair, inclusive, and seeks to ensure that workers and communities who will be most affected by the shift are not left behind,” Matsumoto explained. One major takeaway she shared was that while the scope of a problem like climate change is large, it creates opportunities for interdisciplinary work and creative thinking across many fields.

In addition to presenting and gaining vital feedback from scholars across the globe, Matsumoto’s time in Australia was rich with culture and nature. Swipe to see a couple scenic photos from her trip!

Full article here: https://tinyurl.com/yswz5m9t

We look forward to hosting our highly regarded Denver-area law firm partners this Thursday for a luncheon to learn about their strategic priorities and explore partnership opportunities that benefit the firms and the Colorado Law community. We thank representatives from the following firms for their support of Colorado Law and for making time for this engaging event.

Ballard Spahr
Berg Hill Greenleaf & Ruscitti LLP
CGH Injury Lawyers
Davis Graham
Garnett Powell Maximon Barlow & Farbes
Gibson Dunn
Gordon Rees
Holland & Hart
Ireland Stapleton
Polsinelli
Taft
WilmerHale
Womble Bond

Utah lawmakers are using the Congressional Review Act to try to overturn Biden-era management rules for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Prof. Mark Squillace warned the move could leave federal land managers without a clear plan and seriously hinder effective management of the monument. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/5a85wyn9

Keep up with this week's faculty publications and notable mentions, read the full article here: https://tinyurl.com/2jn4fjrs

Recently in The Denver Gazette: The Korey Wise Innocence Project helped free Stephen Martinez after he spent 27 years in prison for a shaken baby murder conviction that was overturned when new medical evidence showed the infant likely died of pneumonia. Attorneys with KWIP led the reinvestigation, challenging outdated forensic science and securing the dismissal of charges in April. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/ec8d4mjv

Recently in The Wall Street Journal: SpaceX’s IPO structure will give Elon Musk near-total control of the company through supervoting shares and legal protections under Texas law, sharply limiting shareholder influence. Professor Ann Lipton said the setup effectively shuts down investors’ ability to challenge leadership or shape corporate decisions. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/yx5y3xf7

Federal projections warn that a snow drought could push Lakes Mead and Powell to record-low levels, threatening water supplies and hydropower for tens of millions across the Colorado River basin. Professor Mark Squillace underscored the stakes, noting that the two reservoirs store about 80% of the system’s water. Read more in ABC News: https://tinyurl.com/3fm8zp88

“You’re not a student. You’re a student attorney.” For forty years, that mindset shaped Norman “Norm” Aaronson’s approach to clinical teaching at Colorado Law. Joining the faculty in 1979, Norm was part of the clinic program from its earliest days and helped shape a model of hands‑on learning grounded in public service, trust in students, and real responsibility for real clients. In this Q&A, he reflects on a career defined by mentorship, service, and the power of learning law by doing.

Full story here: https://tinyurl.com/y85wfz4u

📸: Clinical Professors Colene Robinson and Violeta Chapin with Norm Aaronson

Thirty years after the Supreme Court struck down Colorado’s Amendment 2 in Romer v. Evans, the decision is credited with reshaping LGBTQ+ rights and helping transform Colorado’s political landscape. Professor Scott Skinner-Thompson said the ruling marked a shift from state-sanctioned exclusion to some of the nation’s strongest legal protections, even as later court decisions redirected battles toward free speech claims. Read more in The Colorado Sun: https://tinyurl.com/2smdh9r3