Colorado Law’s powerhouse organizations—the Byron White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law, Silicon Flatirons, and the Daniels Fund—brought together legal scholars, lawyers, entrepreneurs and scientists to examine the ethical challenges posed by the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various aspects of society. Against the backdrop of technological advancement, the event provided a platform for rigorous discussion and introspection about the legal and ethical implications of AI’s integration into areas as varied as employment, elections , climate change mitigation and space exploration.

Moses Lasky Professor of Law and Director of the White Center, Suzette Malveaux, set the stage for this interdisciplinary exploration of AI’s multi-faceted dimensions and growing impact on the U.S. legal landscape.   The April 18^th CLE lunch talk kicked off the larger AI and the Consitution Rothgerber Conference, held the next day.  In a packed house, the speakers took on the important topic of critically evaluating the inherent biases and vulnerabilities of AI.

Dr. Newton Campbell, Director of Space Programs at Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE), delivered a thought-provoking address highlighting the nuanced ways in which AI systems are susceptible to bias. Campbell offered the concept of AI as a "useful idiot"—a tool capable of remarkable utility, yet vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation.  By meticulously examininginjection, infection, evasion, poisoning, and extraction, Campbell underscored the urgent necessity for a deeper understanding of bias within AI systems, especially in cybersecurity.

Building upon Campbell's insights, George Washington Law Professor Spencer Overton, a distinguished scholar and advocate for technological equity, emphasized the broader societal implications of AI bias. Beyond conventional concerns surrounding risk assessment and hiring practices, Overton emphasized the systemic challenges posed by AI in the context of democracy and social cohesion. Drawing attention to the limitations of data scraping and the linguistic biases inherent in AI models, Overton challenged attendees to confront the underlying structural inequities perpetuated by these technologies.

Pepperdine Caruso School of Law Professor, Chris Chambers Goodman, expounded upon the ethical obligations incumbent upon legal practitioners when navigating the complex terrain of AI integration. Goodman highlighted the intersection between AI and legal ethics, citing the American Bar Association's model rule against discrimination as a guiding principle for addressing discriminatory conduct related to AI implementation. Goodman outlined six key areas of bias in machine learning, urging legal professionals to proactively engage with emerging technologies to ensure ethical compliance and competence.

With standing room only and more questions than time, the speakers engaged in a lively Q&A session.  Campbell, Overton, and Goodman offered their perspectives on possible solutions to mitigate AI’s biased results in hiring and admission practices. For example, Alison Noon McMahon ‘24 asked about the preemptive and reactionary ethical and legal actions employers should take to address AI bias. Overton called for employers to continue to educate themselves and to increase their transparency so that to they can begin constructing AI designs that accurately reflect our society’s pluralist aspirations. Goodman urged for greater collaboration among employers as a means of diversifying their baseline screening models generated by AI. Campbel drew attention to the complexities of determining how retroactive liability gets assigned when employers administer biased hiring technology.

McMahon thought the panel was “spectacular.” She left appreciating the opportunity for urgent legal work “to protect the public from the technology’s downfalls, but also to protect people from themselves and each other” as they familiarize themselves with these unprecedented tools.

As many are inclined to to advance popular AI technologies, Malveaux, Overton, Goodman, and Campbell provided a thoughtful approach for students and legal, tech, and business professionals to proceed with caution. Watch a full recording of the event , and view more photos in our . 

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On April 19, the Byron White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law and the Silicon Flatirons Center for Law, Policy and Entrepreneurship hosted the 32nd Annual Rothgerber Conference on AI and the Constitution. This year’s conference was one of the first of its kind to focus on prevalent issues at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and the Constitution. Interdisciplinary scholars, scientists, lawyers and students from around the world gathered at the University of Colorado Law School in �鶹ӰԺ to discuss recent AI developments and the impact on the right to privacy, free speech under the First Amendment, and judicial interpretation.

Byron White Center Director and Law Professor, Suzette Malveaux, opened the conference, noting the timely and imperative nature of the topic. Given the power of AI and the recent diminishment of fundamental rights under the Constitution, she emphasized the importance of getting ahead of the curve by bringing together experts to grapple with cutting edge issues at the intersection of tech and constitutional law.

The conference started off strong with Professor of Law and Silicon Flatrions Artificial Intelligence Initiative Director, Harry Surden, delivering the keynote address on the development and more recent explosion of generative Artificial Intelligence. Professor Surden shared recent updates and key limitations of generative AI, while also demonstrating how Chat GPT4 can empower and be used responsibly in the law. Following the keynote, Colorado Law Review Executive Editor, Natalie Tiggleman, introduced the AI and Privacy Panel, moderated by Professor Malveaux.  Law Professors Paul Ohm (Georgetown), Christine Goodman (Pepperdine Caruso), Spencer Overton (George Washington), and Scott Skinner-Thompson (University of Colorado) held a lively and interactive discussion about the various ways privacy interests are implicated, in areas such as hiring practices, voting access, and data security.  

Professor Surden moderated the second panel discussion, which explored how AI can be used in judicial interpretation of the Constitution and other legal documents. Panelists, Dr. Megan Ma (Stanford) and Law Professors Andrew Coan (Arizona), Vivek Krishnamurthy (University of Colorado), and Yonathan Arbel (Alabama), shared how AI has immense potential to challenge interpretive approaches to constitutional law, while still being approachable and beneficial for practical uses, such as increasing attorney productivity which benefits clients. The final panel focused on AI speech and the First Amendment. Professor Blake Reid, Director of the Telecom and Platforms Initiative at Silicon Flatirons, moderated this fascinating discussion with Dr. Newton Campbell (AROSE), Law Professor Helen Norton (University of Colorado), Law Professor April Dawson (NC Central), and Business Professor Eric Alston (University of Colorado). This panel considered the thorny question of whether AI speech—potentially equal to or superior to human speech—is protected under the First Amendment.

Devin Schultze ‘25, Editor in Chief of the Colorado Law Review, expressed her excitement about the conference: “It was really amazing to witness conversations between lawyers and non-lawyers regarding their thoughts on AI and how it impacts individual rights. That was such a cool component to have two separate disciplines come together and hear the discourse that AI and the Constitution creates.”

Many of the remarkable speakers featured at the Rothgerber Conference on AI and the Constitution will be publishing their scholarship in an upcoming special Symposium issue of the Colorado Law Review. Watch the full conference , and view more photos in our

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Registration for the fall 2024 session of Mini Law school is now open!  Each semester, this series provides an excellent lifelong-learning opportunity, and the upcoming edition is no exception. This fall’s curriculum will focus on how the 2024 election will change areas of the law, from immigration to healthcare.  

The seven-week series kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 11 with s discussion of Immigration's Influence on Elections. Each week, a Colorado Law professor will present on a different topic, including:   

• The Election and Climate Policy () 
• The Future of Healthcare (Professor Laura Dolbow) 
• Reproductive Rights () 
• Artificial Intelligence () 
• and more! 

“This fall’s session will help participants understand the implications of the election on a wide variety of areas of law, from immigration and climate change to healthcare and reproductive rights,” said Matt Cushing, Director of Executive and Community Learning Programs. “Our faculty speakers will help participants anticipate where the law will develop after the election, and that in turn should help our participants make more informed decisions in the voting booth.” 

Participants can attend lectures in person in �鶹ӰԺ, Colorado, watch a livestream of the lectures on Wednesday nights, or watch a recording of the lecture on-demand.   

As an additional benefit, all participants in Mini Law School who apply to the University of Colorado Law School during the 2024-2025 application cycle will have their law school application fees waived.  

“Mini law school is an opportunity for nonlawyers to learn from our law professors’ expertise,” said Cushing. “It is a great avenue for those who are curious about law school to learn more.”   

There are no required readings, tests, or homework assignments - just a great way to better understand some of the most critical aspects of the legal system! Learn more about mini law school by visiting our website.   

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For more than half a century, environmental and natural resources law has been a distinguishing strength of the University of Colorado Law School. Our commitment to teaching and research in these areas complements the school’s physical location in the Rocky Mountain West—a region defined by its vast natural resources, public lands and parks, and many American Indian reservations. Ranked seventh in the nation, Colorado Law’s Environmental, Energy, and Natural Resources program is one of the strongest and deepest of its kind. 

This is due in part to The Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment (GWC). The GWC endeavors to serve the people of the American West, the nation, and the world through creative, interdisciplinary research; bold, inclusive teaching; and innovative problem-solving to further true sustainability for our use of the lands, waters, and environment. Their mission is driven by a broader agenda and aspirations for deeper influence in law, policy, and practice.  The GWC has developed a substantial body of work, including pioneering research, articles, books, conferences, workshops, and public lectures.  

This Earth Day, we are thrilled to highlight the GWC’s work around water rights and policy – one of many buckets of work the center touches upon. This topic has been at the forefront of environmental law conversations for many decades. Read on to learn more about how The GWC is working to address and raise awareness around the real-world challenges of water law and policy.  

Water Law Fellows Program 

The GWC employs two outstanding early career attorneys to serve as GWC Water Law Fellows. Fellows work on the most pressing water law reform issues of the day under the guidance of the GWC and in partnership with leaders from the non-profit, government, and private sectors. The 2023-2025 fellows are Frannie Monasterio and Andrew Teegarden.  

“I’ve heard many times during my experience that water is life, water is sacred, water is a human right,” said Monasterio, “These all resonate with me much more deeply than when I started. I had no idea that communities in the U.S. experience water insecurity. I’ve become more grateful that I have safe, reliable access to water, and I enjoy that I get to spend my time researching how to make water safe, reliable, and accessible.” 

The overarching objective of the program is to create a matchless educational and mentoring experience that prepares the Fellows to become leaders in the field. During the two-year program, the Fellows actively engage in water law reform in the public interest sector, and hone their leadership, communication, advocacy, and research skills. The Fellows work with GWC faculty and staff and with partner organizations on a wide array of emerging issues. This work is done at every level — federal, state, tribal, county, city, and international — and could include developing proposed legislation and regulations, policy implementation, and filing amicus briefs.  

“One of the things I enjoy most about the Water Law Fellows program has been the ability to work with the Acequia Assistance Project as a supervising attorney,” said Teegarden. “My group in particular is focused on helping Acequia members fill out applications for USDA's RCPP funding program which provides agricultural operators money to help upgrade their water infrastructure.”  

Additionally, the Fellows have full access to the extraordinary resources and institutional support of the Law School. To encourage multi-disciplinary solutions, the Fellows will be able to draw on expertise in departments across the University and nearby national laboratories. Under the guidance of the GWC, Fellows also work with experts in NGOs, government, and the private sector. 

Acequia Assistance Program  

The Acequia Assistance Project is a joint effort by the Getches-Wilkinson Center, and the to provide low or no-cost legal assistance and educational materials to Colorado’s acequia communities. The project represents dozens of community members every year and has helped to protect the traditional and sustainable farming practices of acequia communities. 

Acequia is an Arabic word that means "water bearer." An acequia is a physical irrigation system – a ditch — but the term "acequia" in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado also describes a philosophy about water and community: that water is so essential to life that it is a communal resource, one which must be shared. This philosophy shapes the intersection of the human and natural environments in the Southern Colorado watersheds in which acequias are found and has created a resilient natural and cultural system. Acequias are found along the southernmost part of Colorado – including four of the state’s poorest counties: Costilla, Conejos, Huerfano, and Las Animas.  

While acequias are legally treated as any other water right within the prior appropriation system in Colorado, their governance system makes them unique. All irrigators along an Acequia work together to ensure each landowner's water needs are met. For example, in times of water scarcity, ditches cooperate to ensure an equitable distribution of water, or when that is not physically possible, a sharing of fields. As we look to the future, acequias will offer an interesting model of alternative water administration and use. However, for acequias to remain viable, the acequia community must first address some key challenges. For generations, acequias have operated informally – with many remaining unincorporated and without bylaws. 

"This is a vibrant community that's knows the value of their way of life and has been willing to fight against long odds to maintain it," said Gregor MacGregor, Director of the Acequia Assistance Project. "They are a great example to look to for inspiration!" 

2024 GWC Conference on the Colorado River 

The Getches-Wilkinson Center and will be co-convening the 2024 Conference on the Colorado River titled “Next Chapters on the Colorado River:   
Short-Term Coping, Post-2026 Operations, and Beyond” on Thurs., June 6 and Fri, June 7 at the Wolf Law Building.  

“The rules that control how Colorado River water is delivered to almost 40 million users are expiring at the end of 2026, which is a tremendous source of uncertainty for the US, Mexico, the seven basin states, 30 tribal nations, and many stakeholder groups,” said Doug Kenney, Western Water Policy Program Director at the GWC. “An Environmental Impact Statement process is underway to develop new rules to ensure continued deliveries while maintaining adequate storage levels in Lakes Powell and Mead.  It's a very difficult, and very politically charged, process, especially given the growing impacts of climate change in the region, and the looming federal elections that may throw an additional wrench into an already complicated process.” 

“While it's true that the recent news on the Colorado River has all been pretty bleak as reservoir levels have dropped and interstate tensions have risen, the reality is that many people are working hard to find solutions,” Kenney shared. “Our conference brings together all the key policy-makers and stakeholder groups to discuss those efforts and to explore new opportunities. There's a lot of good things being accomplished. That is a hopeful message.” 

We hope you join us for what will be sure to be an engaging two-day conference bringing together thought leaders from across the Colorado Basin. . 

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 and the Byron R. White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law  are proud to be partnering together for their joint conference “," held in University of Colorado Law School’s Wittemyer Courtroom. The conference merges the Silicon Flatirons annual Artificial Intelligence Conference with the White Center’s annual Ira C. Rothgerber Jr. Conference on Constitutional Law. The event will examine emerging Constitutional issues implicated by the rapid advances in artificial intelligence.

“It’s been a real joy to collaborate with Silicon Flatirons on this conference,” said Suzette Malveaux, Moses Lasky Professor of Law and Director of the Byron White Center. “The Byron White Center is very much focused on cutting edge constitutional law issues, and there just seemed nothing more cutting edge than the rapid pace at which AI was impacting every facet of our lives, including our fundamental rights under the U.S. Constitution.”

The conference will feature a lineup of experts across three different panels: AI and Privacy; AI and the Interpretation of the U.S. Constitution and Other Legal Documents; and AI Speech and the First Amendment. Read more about the panelists . Colorado Law Professor and Silicon Flatirons’ Director of AI Initiatives Harry Surden will deliver the keynote address.

“I’m looking forward to learning from constitutional law scholars, scientists, and interdisciplinary educators from various backgrounds and institutions across the country about what they perceive as the greatest challenges and opportunities of AI,” Malveaux shared. “Many of our Constitutional rights already have been undermined or are in flux, and AI has the power to impact those rights in fundamental ways.”

Each panel will allow ample time for audience Q&A, and the event will be followed by a reception in Boettcher Hall for appetizers, refreshments, and conversation.

“I hope that our participants and audience members will realize the crucial role that we all play in the future of AI’s development and use,” Malveaux remarked. “This is a critical time to not only educate ourselves about this powerful technological moment, but to lean into shaping its future. With so many threats to democracy, it’s important to convene and engage in these conversations.” 

The State of Colorado Supreme Court Board of Continuing Legal & Judicial Education has accredited this event as a continuing legal education seminar for a total of 5.00 general credits. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to attendees during the free conference. There is still time to register--click here for more information.

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This year marks the fourth annual BIPOC Cord Ceremony.  This ceremony serves as an important way for Colorado Law to recognize the achievements of graduating Black, Indigenous, and other students of color.  A relatively new addition to the commencement celebrations at Colorado Law, the event has grown into a cherished tradition. What makes this tradition particularly unique, however, is that it was created by a student, Larrisa Alire ’23, during her time as a 1L. 

“I graduated from my undergrad in the midst of the pandemic in 2020,” Alire explained. “Not being able to have a public celebration to share that moment with my family, friends and mentors that unconditionally supported me crushed me. Especially as a first-generation, low-income Latina student.” 

When Alire arrived at Colorado Law as a 1L and learned that the graduating class was having a virtual ceremony, she sprang into action with the aid of Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusive Excellence Fernando Guzman, Director of Events and Inclusive Programming Yesenia Delgado, and Assistant Director of Facilities & Operations Jamie Henderson to ensure our BIPOC law students would not feel the way she --and many other graduates of color--felt across the country.  

“This was important because for so long people like us were physically excluded and discouraged from attending higher education,” Alire said. “To have that graduation moment was pivotal to celebrating the upcoming generations, and honoring the ones that came before us and weren’t afforded the same opportunities.” 

Even though Alire has since graduated, the ceremony continues to be led by the Council for Racial Justice and Equity (CRJE), a student organization that advocates for and designs policy changes to Colorado Law concerning diversity and racial justice. 

“Students of color at Colorado Law are often lifting each other up and celebrating each other, and so it follows that they would be the ones spearheading efforts to recognize each other's contributions,” said Leonard Nguyen ’24, a CRJE co-facilitator. “The significance of the event being student-led speaks to the value of representation in the legal community: the needs and joys of communities of color often go unnoticed until they gain a seat at the table.” 

Alire also emphasized that the student-led nature of the event allows student leaders to work with other graduates of color to choose how they can best celebrate and honor themselves, their family, and their community. The first year of the ceremony, Alire recalls asking a student what gift she should buy graduates and was then directed to a local Black-owned business that sold handmade skin care products.  

“This student’s comment really changed my outlook on the ceremony... I realized that we could use our power in planning the event to uplift other BIPOC communities,” Alire shared. “From then on, each vendor from food, gifts, performers, stole makers, DJs, etc. have been BIPOC people and BIPOC-founded organizations. Even our keynote speakers that are BIPOC legal community members and alumni have commented that they wish they had something like the BIPOC cord Ceremony when they attended Colorado Law.” 

Additionally, the CRJE works with affinity groups to design their own stoles.  

“The process of designing the stoles as a group and the excitement of knowing that your culture and heritage will be a part of your graduation regalia is honorable,” Alire said. “It is always exciting to see what each student group will decide to create.” 

For this year’s ceremony, the CRJE has selected the Honorable Gary M. Jackson ’70, Senior Judge (retired) as the keynote speaker. Judge Jackson has been a prominent member of the Denver legal community for over 50 years and has been the recipient of numerous accolades and awards during his career, including Colorado Law’s William Lee Knous Award, Sonny Flowers Award, and CU �鶹ӰԺ’s George Norlin Award, among others. Nguyen shared that students are looking forward to hearing his perspective of Colorado Law’s evolution and visions for its future. 

"This is truly a special occasion for me to be the keynote speaker at the Cord ceremony,” Judge Jackson shared. “I have had a 60-year friendship with CU-�鶹ӰԺ and the law school. The speaking opportunity ranks with being a member of the original Sam Cary Scholarship Endowment Fund Board in 1986 and giving its first scholarship to a Black CU law student and continuing annually for 38 years to give scholarships. It will be an honor to attend the ceremony." 

When reflecting on how far the ceremony has come since its first year, Alire said she feels overwhelmed with gratitude.  

 “As a 1L [2021], the celebration was very small due to COVID restrictions — the graduates were allowed to bring two family members in the courtroom, everyone was masked and photos were taken of the graduate and Dean Anaya at the time,” Alire shared. 

Last year, however, the celebration erupted into an overflowing Wittemyer courtroom filled with friends, family, mentors, faculty, alumni and practitioners in the Colorado legal community, all excited to celebrate our graduates being corded.  

“The huge reception [last year] took up the entire garden level of the library, and just reminiscing about the laughter and happiness that could be felt from that room makes me smile,” Alire said. “I hope that Colorado Law continues this tradition, and I hope one day I can look back and continue to be amazed at how much it continues to grow.” 

Dean Lolita Buckner Inniss appreciates the impact the ceremony has on our students.  

“For the last four years, the BIPOC Cord Ceremony has played a vital part in honoring the triumphs of our diverse graduates,” Inniss shared. “This ceremony particularly resonates with me as someone from a low-income Black family, and as a first-generation college and law school attendee. The leadership of our students, and their commitment to lifting one another up and celebrating their achievements is admirable and reflects strongly on the values we share here at Colorado Law. Additionally, we are thrilled to have Hon. Gary Jackson bring his expertise, lived experience, and fellowship with our legal community as this year’s keynote speaker.” 

The BIPOC Cord Ceremony is an invitation-only event. For questions, please contact lawevents@colorado.edu or CRJE@colorado.edu 

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On March 19, the University of Colorado Law School’s Byron White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law and the Colorado Law Federalist Society hosted a thought-provoking discussion about Professor Brian Fitzpatrick’s ground-breaking book, The Conservative Case for Class Actions. Professor Fitzpatrick, a widely recognized conservative legal scholar and law professor at Vanderbilt Law School, delved into the subject of class actions from the conservative lens. 

Traditionally viewed as a tool of liberal advocacy, the class action is, in fact, aligned with conservative principles and values. Professor Fitzpatrick made the case for why class actions should be re-evaluated as consistent with conservativism because of their potential to promote free markets, individual liberty, and limited government intervention. Providing a mechanism for efficiently resolving mass disputes, class actions can serve as a conservative alternative to regulatory oversight, empowering individuals to seek redress for harm caused by corporate misconduct. Throughout the event, Professor Fitzpatrick eloquently articulated conservative principles that permeate his book and its premise, drawing on statistical evidence and practical examples to dispel the myth that class actions are bad.  

Director of the Byron White Center and Colorado Law Professor Suzette Malveaux set the table for the discussion by offering a class action primer and sharing her experience as a class action litigator who represented 1.5 million women alleging gender discrimination against Wal-Mart (Wal-Mart v. Dukes, 564 U.S. 338 (2011)), the largest employment discrimination class action to date. Participants even got the chance to hear from her client, named plaintiff Betty Dukes, in a video clip of Ms. Dukes testifying before Congress about the importance of class actions.  Professor Malveaux offered commentary to Professor Fitzpatrick’s book talk and kicked off the Q&A.  

The event was packed with material on an often under-appreciated subject of civil procedure and constitutional law.  Reflecting on the talk, Colorado Law Professor and Federalist Society Faculty Mentor, Andrew Schwartz shared: “It was a fabulous event. Professor Malveaux led off with a great primer on class actions, and Professor Fitzpatrick provided a cogent and convincing defense of this type of aggregate litigation. I learned a lot.”  

Ryan Harrington ‘26 offered: “In a society where free speech and free thought are becoming increasingly more restricted, it is refreshing to see a college campus embrace a new idea, political view, and standpoint that challenges them to think differently.” 

By providing a platform for diverse perspectives, Professor Fitzpatrick’s book talk demonstrated the value of intellectual discourse in advancing understanding and shaping public discourse on important constitutional law issues. 

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This past month, Colorado Law Democrats and the Class of 2025 officers hosted a talent show, reviving a treasured tradition among Law Buffs who took part in and attended similar talent shows in their law school days. Staff, faculty, and students gathered in Schaden Commons to witness the varied skills of the law school community. It was a fun evening of performance, laughter, and refreshments – a perfect way to lift spirits on a cold Thursday evening. 

The show kicked off with Prof. Scott Skinner-Thompson's rendition of “You’ll Be Back” from Hamilton, featuring new lyrics about becoming lawyers. Skinner- Thompson cleverly renamed it "You'll Be Back [Lawyers]." “It was a tremendously joyous evening full of laughs,” Skinner- Thompson remarked.  

This musical masterpiece was followed up by Assistant Dean for Employer Relations and Outreach Marci Fulton, who delivered a very funny stand-up comedy routine with fish themed jokes.  

Prof. Blake Reid (guitar) and Director of Marketing and Communications Robyn Munn took the stage next, performing Teddy Swims’ single “Lose Control” and Amy Winehouse’s version of “Valerie.” Munn, former member of the Austin, TX based indie folk group , shared “It was so fun to participate in the talent show and even more fun to see my friends and colleagues in a whole different context. We have a seriously talented community!” 

Director of Schaden Experiential Learning Program Gabrielle Daley followed the musical duo, with a lively swing dancing routine set to “Communication” by Slim Gaillard.  

Hannah Ahders ’25, who was originally scheduled to tell a story of intrigue and suspense, shared a joke. Ahders’ delivery was excellent, and the payoff was great.  

Next, Bob “Bob Dylan” Sherman ’25 played a beautiful guitar song and had the entire audience singing along at the end. Props to Sherman for getting audience participation to work! 

Lance Keeble ’26 played a heartrendingly beautiful Townes Van Zandt song, accompanied by his quiet, haunting vocals.  

Stephen Wheeler ’26 also took the stage with his guitar, playing a medley of pop songs without vocals. Wheeler cleverly engaged the audience, asking them to try and guess which songs he was playing – which was a treat for everyone watching.   

“For me, the talent show was an opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone,” Wheeler shared. “I almost never perform in front of people (mostly out of fear of failure), and similar to my experience with law school in general so far, it was met with the full support and encouragement of the Colorado Law community. There was a sense of light-heartedness in the room that night that seemed to put everyone at ease, and it really created an environment to connect with students and staff on a deeper level.” 

 Prof. Rabea Benhalim followed Wheeler’s performance, sharing a phenomenal story that had audience members keeling over with laughter. 

Finally, the Class of 2025’s Chris Hooyman, Bob Sherman, Pablo Perez, and Mariah Bowman sang a revised “Colorado Law version” of The White Stripes "We're Going to Be Friends.” This talented quartet closed out the evening with a rendition of “Closing Time,” during which the entire audience joined in, flashing their phone lights as if they were attending a Semisonic concert.  

“We took on the challenge to revive the talent show tradition, with the logistic and performative help from administration, resulting in an endearing gathering of the Colorado Law community where we all supported each other’s hidden passions,” Perez shared. 

“The work was truly worth the entertaining and beautiful experience, garnering enough support from students, faculty, and staff to maintain the tradition,” Bowman said. “I suppose we can drop out now and just pursue our undiscovered talents instead.” 

Thank you to our incredible students for putting on this event, our amazing performers for their artistic vulnerability, and of course, all of our enthusiastic attendees – we can't wait for next year!  

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On March 12, the Byron R. White Center for American Constitutional Law and the American Constitution Society (ACS) at Colorado Law hosted a lunch talk on “Reclaiming the Constitutional Text from Originalism” with Georgetown Law Professor Victoria Nourse.  Professor Nourse is former Chief Counsel to then-Vice President Biden, U.S. Civil Rights Commissioner, and writer for CNN and Ms. Magazine. Professor Nourse shared her research on the Supreme Court’s continuing trend towards originalism, potential ways to respond to originalist approaches, and how the Justices have applied originalist principles in their decisions. 

The event brought an enthusiastic audience of students, staff, faculty, and community members. Byron White Center Director Professor Suzette Malveaux opened the event, thanking Professor Nourse for her important critique of originalism’s use of textualism, especially in the context of understanding executive power. ACS’s incoming president M.R. Dickey then introduced Professor Nourse, who presented her research and statistics on the increased presence of originalist references and principles in the Supreme Court’s opinions since 2019.  

Touching on subjects such as abortion, gun rights, the right to privacy, and presidential immunity, Professor Nourse remarked, “No area is free from originalism.” Contextualizing the Court’s recent decision in Trump v. Anderson, Professor Nourse noted: “Originalism is not consistent, the Courts will hone in on one word and take it out of context. While originalism is lauded as a theory to reduce judicial bias, in practice, judges adding their own meaning increases the risk of bias.” 

Following her presentation, the White Center’s Student Senior Fellow Michaela Calhoun engaged Professor Nourse in a fireside chat, asking her about executive power, combating originalism in practice, and similar topics.  

Reflecting on the event, 3L Austin McCreary remarked, “This has been one of my favorite White Center events. I truly enjoyed the statistical data that illustrated the impact and use of originalism in SCOTUS decisions.” 

This sentiment was shared by numerous attendees, as Mary Slosson, 3L, shared, “This was my favorite White Center event this year; I wanted the talk to continue because I was learning so much!”  

This month, the White Center is excited to host constitutional law events with the American Constitution Society and the Federalist Society—organizations of different political stripes. This initiative is a testament to the Center's commitment to fostering the expansion of knowledge and stimulating public discussion on matters of Constitutional law. As Professor Nourse stated to a student inquiring about what to do in the courts as originalism becomes more prevalent, “the doctrines are up for grabs.” 

The Byron White Center is eager to foster and nurture these discussions, encouraging a greater understanding of ideas surrounding originalist approaches.  

In fact, as 1L Victoria Matson stated, “Our Constitutional Law professor attended the talk, and later that afternoon we applied Professor Nourse’s principles of constructive responses to originalism. Particularly, we applied Professor Nourse’s discussion of contextualizing originalism to a case where the originalist evidence was inconclusive and required adjusting our approaches to the problem to a more contemporary meaning.” She continued, adding “it was great to see the concept applied in an engaging way!”  

Prof. Malveaux, echoed, “This is the kind of impact and engagement the Center is proud to offer to our students and the larger community.”  

The White Center thanks Professor Nourse for her groundbreaking research and engaging presentation on originalism.  

View a recording of the event

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The University of Colorado Law School is pleased to announce that Native American rights attorney and Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund, John Echohawk, will be the speaker for the Colorado Law Class of 2024 commencement recognition ceremony.  

The ceremony will take place on Friday, May 10 beginning at 10 a.m. 

“We are honored to welcome John Echohawk as the 2024 commencement speaker,” said Dean Lolita Buckner Inniss. “His profound influence on Native American rights has had an impact on Indigenous communities across the nation and globe, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have him speak before our graduating class.” 

John Echohawk, Pawnee, is the Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund. He was the first graduate of the University of New Mexico’s special program to train Indian lawyers in 1970, and was a founding member of the American Indian Law Students Association while in law school. Echohawk has been with NARF since its inception in 1970, having served continuously as Executive Director since 1977. 

He has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential lawyers in America by the National Law Journal and has received numerous service awards and other recognition for his leadership in the Indian law field including the 2023 Thurgood Marshall Award from the American Bar Association. 

Additionally, Echohawk serves on the Boards of the Association on American Indian Affairs, the Indigenous Language Institute, Natural Resources Defense Council, Grand Canyon Trust, Native Ways Federation, Water Foundation, Keystone Policy Center, and the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development.  

He holds a B.A. from the University of New Mexico, and served as a Reginald Heber Smith Fellow from 1970-72.  

In addition to Echohawk’s remarks, Colorado Law will also present an Honorary Order of the Coif to a member of the legal community.   The English Order of the Coif, an ancient and honored institution of the Common Law, was an association of distinguished lawyers consisting appointed by the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas. For centuries, they had the exclusive right to be barristers in that Court. The American Order was formed in 1911 for the purpose of promoting scholarship among law students.            

The University of Colorado Law School, one of the 81 member law schools, became a member in 1942. Under the Order’s constitution, only the top 10% of the school’s graduating class is eligible for membership. Dean Lolita Buckner Inniss has selected David W. Stark ‘73 as the 2024 Honorary Order of the Coif Recipient.       

Stark – a retired partner at Faegre Baker Daniels --represents lawyers and law firms in professional responsibility and ethics matters.  Stark served as chair of the Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Regulation Committee and is currently chair of the Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Regulation Advisory Committee, which oversees the Colorado Attorney Regulation System. He is a member of the Colorado Supreme Court Standing Committee on the Rules of Professional Conduct, the CBA/DBA Professionalism Coordinating Council, the Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice's Commission on Professional Development, and the Executive Committee of the Colorado Lawyers Committee. 

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