Our Mission

The Colorado Defense Lawyers Association is a nonprofit association that exists to support and serve the interests of lawyers principally involved in the defense of civil litigation. As a group of legal professionals who strive to provide superior and balanced service to their clients, we are committed to the following:

Enhancing the skills, effectiveness, and professionalism of Colorado defense lawyers;
Anticipating and addressing, where possible, issues significant to the defense of civil matters and the civil justice system;
Promoting among all lawyers involved in civil litigation the highest standards of professionalism, civility, and courtesy in the conduct of trials and related proceedings, while promoting an appreciation of the role of the defense lawyer;
Encouraging and promoting better communication and relations between lawyers engaged in the defense of civil cases and the people, entities, and judges involved in civil litigation;
Improving the civil justice system and the legal profession; and
Developing collegiality and camaraderie among members of the organization.

(November, 2002)

Upcoming Events

Everything Everywhere All at once: Ethical Considerations for Every Attorney in Every Situation

October 28, 2025, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
This presentation covers the “personal conduct Rules” as a comprehensive overview of lawyers’ ethical obligations beyond the representation of clients or practice of law. Attendees will learn about misconduct reporting requirements, limits of lawyers’ investigative activities, and boundaries against discrimination, sexual harassment, and intentional harm to others, even in a lawyer’s personal life.
To Register, Click Here

Defending Fido: A primer on building a defense to dog bite lawsuits.

October 30, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Presented by:
Jen Friedberg - American Family Staff Counsel
Steve Phillips - Johnson Bakken Greely Smith, PC

CDLA Members Only Please

To Register for the Webinar, Click Here

CDLA/CTLA Awards Presentation

November 6, 2025, 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Join us for this year’s CDLA/CTLA Professionalism Awards presentation on Thursday, November 6, at the ViewHouse in Downtown Denver. Please save the date & hope to see you all there!
To Register, Click Here

Let's Talk About Consent: The Pros of Magistrate Judge Jurisdiction

December 3, 2025, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Honorable Charlotte N. Sweeney, U.S. District Court Judge, District of Colorado
Honorable S. Kato Crews, U.S. District Court Judge, District of Colorado
Ashley Larson, Sutton Booker, PC
Katie Reilly, Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell, LLP

Approved for two hours CLE

December 3, 2025
Wheeler Trigg O'Donnell
370 17th St., Suite 4500
1.5 hours CLE Applied for
CTLA and CDLA Members Welcome
To Register, Click Here

New Lawyer Boot Camp

December 12, 2025, 8:00 AM
through December 6, 2025,
This is a full-day learning experience targeted at new lawyers or those in their early years of practice. The program is offered FREE for those who have been members of CDLA for 3 years or less and yes, this is live and in person! For that reason, we are limiting the participants to 30 on a first-come/first-serve basis.
To Learn More and to Register, Click Here

2026 Annual Conference - Grand Hyatt Vail - July 29 - July 31, 2026

July 29, 2026, 5:00 PM
through July 31, 2026,
To Book a Room, Click Here

More events + details