New Municipal Attorneys Workshop
December 4, 2025 | Denver
This workshop provides essential information and training for new municipal attorneys providing an opportunity to enhance advocacy skills and knowledge of municipal courts while networking with fellow municipal attorneys. CLE Credits Submitted.
Meeting Location: Colorado Municipal League Building, 1144 Sherman St., Denver
Register Now!
CML has negotiated special rates at local hotels if you are coming from outside the metro area.
Booking Link for ART Hotel
Colorado Municipal League Booking Link - link for Populus Hotel
Warwick Hotel: Go to Warwick Hotel, select the dates and under "code type", select corporate code and enter: COML.
Agenda
Thursday, December 4
8 - 8:30 a.m. | Registration and continental breakfast sponsored by Wilson Williams Fellman Dittman
Colorado's sunshine laws for local governments primarily consist of the Open Meetings Law, Open Records Act, and Criminal Justice Records Act. This session will introduce the foundational requirements for each law, including key definitions, categories, exceptions, procedures, and judicial remedies. Attendees will learn the basic requirements for noticing public meetings, holding executive sessions, and responding to records requests.
Presenter:
Katie Vera, associate, Hoffman, Parker, Wilson & Carberry PC
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Colorado Municipal Government & Home Rule
First allowed by constitutional amendment in 1902, voters in 108 Colorado municipalities have adopted the home rule form of government. This session explores the history of home rule, mechanisms for adoption and amendments of home rule charters, and key differences between home rule and statutory governance structures and authority. Attendees will learn how to assess the boundaries of state versus municipal authority in certain regulatory areas using key examples, including municipal courts, taxation, eminent domain, elections, and employment.
Presenter:
Robert Sheesley, general counsel, CML
Taxes are the primary revenue source for most Colorado municipalities while fees play an important role in defraying the costs of particular government services. This session will provide an overview of some of the most prominent types of taxes
utilized by municipalities as well as a primer on fees and how to distinguish between a tax and a fee. Attendees will also learn about how the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR), adopted by voters in 1992, has significantly shaped the world
of taxation in Colorado, including the way in which municipalities manage taxation, debt, and revenue in their jurisdiction.
Presenter:
Rachel Bender, senior associate counsel, CML
A lawyer's ability to serve clients competently in a diverse organizational setting depends largely on the trust of constituents. By fostering trust early in the attorney-client relationship, municipal attorneys can ensure ongoing success in their
representation and increase the likelihood that client's will seek out legal services to support their job functions and limit liability. This interactive session will discuss opportunities and techniques to develop trust and repair relationships
when trust breaks down.
Presenter:
Wynetta Massey, of counsel, Widner Juran LLP
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. | Constitutional Issues in Municipal Governance
The broad scope of a municipal law practice means that attorneys are likely to encounter constitutional questions on a regular basis. This session will highlight how municipal
attorneys can identify and evaluate the implications of the First Amendment, Fourth Amendment, Fifth Amendment, and Fourteenth Amendment in their daily practice.
Presenter:
Adam Stephens, deputy city attorney, City of Thornton
Evaluating municipal clients' actions and proposed actions for liability risks is a critical component of the practice of municipal law. This session will identify key areas of statutory and tort liability for municipalities and municipal employees and officials. Attendees will also learn about common law and statutory immunities and waivers, including essential components of the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act.
Speaker:
Nick Cotton-Baez, associate general counsel, CIRSA
The regulation of the use of land is a substantial part of municipal governance. This session will provide a foundational understanding of the substance and procedure of Colorado land use law, including key aspects of zoning, planning, and development regulation. Attendees will also learn about key provisions in Titles 29 and 31 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, vested rights, and other federal and state laws like the Religions Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, the Local Government Land Use Control Enabling Act, and the Regulatory Impairment of Property Rights Act.
Speaker:
Lori Strand, of counsel, Michow Guckenberger McAskin