Hunter Parnell ’26 and Natalie Mousa ’25, students in Colorado Law’s Immigration Clinic, share their experiences advocating for immigrant clients in the current political climate.

Why did you choose to participate in the Immigration Clinic?
HP: I chose the Immigration Clinic because I came to law school to become a public defender. Many clients who go through the criminal legal system also have immigration-related issues tied to their cases, and I wanted to learn how to support them effectively.

NM: I chose the Immigration Clinic for several reasons. I wanted to explore different areas of law, and this clinic gave me the chance to gain courtroom experience while also working on immigration and criminal law cases. Additionally, I have non-U.S. citizen family members and friends, and I wanted to learn more about immigration law to better support them.

How do you anticipate the election results affecting the clients you serve?

HP: For clients facing criminal charges with immigration consequences, they’re entitled to a public defender, which provides them some level of protection. But for people dealing only with immigration issues, the situation is much less certain.

We’re especially concerned about DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and TPS (Temporary Protected Status) recipients. If the administration ends DACA and TPS, it’s unclear what will happen to these individuals. Many DACA recipients have lived in the U.S. since they were 1 or 2 years old, and without a path to citizenship, their futures are in limbo. Similarly, many TPS recipients have been in the U.S. for 10 to 20 years, and the countries they left are now unfamiliar to them.

There are over 1 million asylum seekers stuck in a backlog, and they face unique risks because they are not entitled to an attorney. This is a significant concern for the clinic because these individuals, who tried to follow the rules, will be the easiest targets for enforcement.

NM: I’ve been getting a lot of emails from clients who are worried about what’s going to happen. We don’t have many answers yet, but clients are eager to move forward with their cases out of fear that the new administration might delay or deny their applications. We’re trying to advise them on how to stay safe and navigate these uncertainties.

How might the clinic’s advocacy efforts change given the political climate?
HP: We’re focusing on outreach to these vulnerable communities. Our goal is to partner with organizations to provide education and resources so people are better prepared for what might happen.

NM: We’ve talked about hosting focus groups on areas the administration may target and holding more information sessions to provide general advice and resources. Our goal is to support as many people as possible.

What has been your greatest takeaway from your clinic experience so far?
HP: I’ve realized just how broken our immigration system is. Many people genuinely want to follow the rules, but the system makes it nearly impossible for them to comply. It’s a system built on luck.

For instance, if a DACA recipient marries a U.S. citizen, they have a pathway to citizenship. But if someone was brought here as a child without DACA protections, there’s no pathway at all. It’s fundamentally unfair and frustrating. This experience has opened my eyes to how many people in our communities have undocumented or uncertain statuses, and how difficult it is for them to navigate this system, even when they want to do things the right way.

NM: The courtroom experience has been invaluable. I’ve learned how to communicate with judges, handle opposing counsel, and navigate courtroom procedures. Building trust with my clients and knowing I’m making a positive impact in their lives has been deeply rewarding.

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Clinical Professor , former director of the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic and now Director of at Colorado Law, reflects on his 18 years leading the clinic and discusses his new role. Known for his annual bowling tournament with students, Brad sat down with us to share his experiences, future plans, and the unique ways he's connected with law students over the years.

What was one of your most memorable experiences in the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic?

BB: I remember a student named Mark Kurtenbach '06, who helped shape the clinic in its early days. He came to me with honest feedback about his experience, and together we improved the clinic. Mark even developed a time-keeping spreadsheet that we used for about 15 years! I really believe that the students aren’t consumers in the clinic, they are active participants who have an ownership stake in the clinic.

Approximately how many students did you work with during your time leading the clinic?

BB: I estimate that roughly 260 student attorneys came through the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic during my tenure.

Can you share an impactful moment from your time working with students in the clinic?

BB: One of the highlights was getting out of the building with students to do "legal 101" presentations for micro-entrepreneurs and individuals launching small businesses in the community. Our work with Mi Casa in Denver was especially rewarding. We supported folks there for over a decade, providing essential legal and business law basics for entrepreneurs.

How did the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic evolve under your leadership?

BB: The clinic became a powerful part of Colorado Law's growing package of business law offerings. If a student wants to be a business attorney, I believe Colorado Law is now one of the best places to get trained. Our full-time faculty and adjuncts have dramatically grown our business law offerings over the past 15 years.

What advice do you have for the incoming director of the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic?

BB: I'd suggest listening to Waylon Jennings's song, "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?" It's good to know the roots, but it's critical to grow and push things forward.

What's next for you, Brad?

BB: I’m now the Director of Silicon Flatirons, and it’s been an exciting journey so far. Our team is incredibly professional and skilled, and I’m eager to dive into this new chapter and continue making a positive impact within the Colorado Law community.

What do enjoy most about being at Colorado Law and �鶹ӰԺ as a whole?

BB: Across CU �鶹ӰԺ, especially in entrepreneurial activity, there is an abundance of social capital. We trust one another, we collaborate regularly, we put students at the center, and – as a result – the campus is way, way ahead of where it was 15 years ago. That is fun to be part of.

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In December 2023, students in the Juvenile and Family Law Clinic and the American Indian Law Clinic completed an Indian Child Welfare Act adoption case for a family in Adams County.

The case started in September 2022 and involved a complex mix of federal and state law, as well as discovery and witnesses from multiple jurisdictions. In addition to solving practical due process issues, the students drafted dozens of pleadings and navigated complex state bureaucracies.

In the American Indian Law Clinic, Eli Martinez ('24), Kate Newman ('24), Siena Kalina ('23), and Ryann Rael ('25) worked over two years to complete this case. They upheld the requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and worked closely with the Tribe's ICWA coordinator to ensure that the Tribes' rights and perspectives were integrated into all motions and hearings.

At the final adoption hearing, the child was surrounded by family, friends, and community, as well as the Tribe (over WebEx!). It was an emotional conclusion to a long legal case, and we are so proud of the students for their client-centered advocacy.

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Professor Matsumoto (SM) and Professor Krishnamurthy (VK), new faculty members in the Clinical Education Program, share insights from their inaugural year, highlighting the impact of hands-on legal education at Colorado Law.

What were some of the most memorable experiences during your first year?

SM: "The energy of NREE Clinic student attorneys, and how welcome they made me feel, is a memory I'll always cherish. Despite the challenges of real-world legal work, students eagerly embraced new experiences."

VK: "The incredible camaraderie that developed among the student attorneys in my clinic was remarkable. We witnessed not just the growth of legal skills, but also the formation of lasting friendships."

Can you share a specific success story or impactful moment from your work with students and clients this year?

SM: "Students represented a community group against the Bureau of Land Management over logging in old-growth forest in Oregon. We received a favorable preliminary decision, demonstrating the real-world impact of clinical work." (Read more about this case here) 

VK: "We petitioned the FCC to reconsider its approach to AI transcription of telephone calls for deaf Americans. This project allowed students to tackle cutting-edge issues while advocating for marginalized communities."

What goals or plans do you have for the coming year?

SM: "I hope the NREE Clinic can serve an important role in legal services for Coloradans and communities in the interior Mountain West, providing diverse experiences for students while serving underrepresented communities."

VK: "We plan to continue our technology and disability rights advocacy while broadening our international scope. We hope to deepen our collaborations with digital rights organizations worldwide, enriching students' understanding of global digital rights issues."

What do you love the most about the CU �鶹ӰԺ campus and/or �鶹ӰԺ in general?

SM: "�鶹ӰԺ is a fantastic place to study and practice environmental law. The community's commitment to addressing ecological challenges and the inspiring natural surroundings enhance both teaching and learning experiences."

VK: "The incredible natural beauty of this place is what I love most. It's truly a privilege to live and work in such a beautiful community.  Every day, as I bike to work, I have to pinch myself to find out if the scenery I am seeing is real or just a dream. This inspiring environment contributes to the creativity and passion I see in my students' work."

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Benjamin Bonner ’23, reflects on how his American Indian Law Clinic experience prepared him for his role in Alaska as a Native Law Staff Attorney.

How did your clinical program prepare you for your current job?

"My clinical experience was invaluable," Bonner explains. "It gave me essential litigation skills and it helped me secure my summer fellowship with the San Carlos Apache Tribe’s Attorney General’s office.

What key skills did you gain from the clinic?

"Cross-cultural competency and courtroom experience were crucial," Bonner says. "The clinic deepened my knowledge of federal American Indian laws and taught me how to respectful handle sensitive issues respectfully."

How did practical experience differ from classroom learning?

"Drafting wills for tribal elders was a standout experience," Bonner shares. "Even though I studied wills and estates in class, the hands-on process of drafting and addressing sensitive topics offered practical insights that textbooks alone couldn’t provide."

Did the clinic influence your career goals?

"It broadened my focus," Bonner notes. "I was initially interested in antiquities and cultural heritage, and the clinic expanded my perspective to include American Indian law, which now guides my career path."

Does your current job align with the clinic’s focus?

"Absolutely," Bonner confirms. "I handle Indian Welfare Act cases and other related issues."

Were there mentors or experiences that influenced you?

"The San Carlos internship was crucial," Bonner reflects. "And , the clinic’s incoming clinician at the time, was a significant mentor in expanding my network and career perspective."

How did the clinic develop your legal skills?

"The clinic was key for client communication, case management, and advocacy," Bonner says. "It built my confidence and refined these skills."

What advice do you have for current law students who might be considering the clinical program?

"Do it," Bonner advises. "Clinical experience bridges theory and practice, developing crucial interpersonal and client communication skills."

Do you have any hobbies outside of work?

"I enjoy reading, gardening, skiing, snowboarding, and photography." Though not a hobby, Bonner says that "experiencing Alaskan weather, including -70 degrees, has been quite an adventure!"

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It is our pleasure to welcome to CU �鶹ӰԺ Law School as a Visiting Clinical Associate Professor and the Director of the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic.

Lauren brings a wealth of expertise and experience to our community. Her scholarly work explores the intersection of procedural law, U.S. retirement policy, and the complexities of serving a diverse population with varied retirement needs. As Investment Counsel for a Silicon Valley private equity firm, and formerly a partner at a leading litigation boutique, Lauren has a robust background in advising corporate clients and managing complex financial, healthcare, and environmental disputes. Her impressive credentials include successful first-chair trial and appellate experience.

Lauren earned her B.A. from Texas Tech University, graduating at the top of her class, and went on to receive her J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law, where she was a Comment Editor on the Law Review and clerked for the Honorable Ruben G. Reyes. Though she joins us from DU’s Sturm College of Law, where she taught last year, Lauren hails from Houston, Texas.

This semester, Lauren is eager to support our student lawyers as they embark on representing their first clients. She is particularly looking forward to organizing a panel with past clients of the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic to kick off the semester with a strong emphasis on professional communication and ethical client service.

Please join the Clinical Education Program in extending a warm welcome to Lauren!

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Madison Gallegos, a rising 3L from Aurora, CO, reflects on how her clinical experience in the Criminal Defense Clinic has prepared her for her summer job at the public defender's office in Adams County. Her insights highlight the transformative impact of the hands-on legal training provided by the Clinical Program. With her sights set on a career in public defense, Madison's journey illustrates the significant benefits of practical legal experience.

Did your clinical program prepare you for your summer job? How so?

"Oh my gosh yes! I felt so much more prepared than I would have if I didn’t do the defense clinic," Gallegos states. She describes how the clinic provided practical skills that were essential for her summer role, including writing motions, conducting bond arguments, and preparing for trial. "Law school is very academic, but the clinic taught me how to handle real cases, which made a huge difference when I was given 20 cases during my internship."

How did the practical experience in the clinic differ from your classroom learning?

"Classroom learning is theoretical, focusing on why laws are made and their underlying principles," she notes. "The clinic was about the practical application of these laws. We learned how cases actually move through the system and how to apply legal knowledge to real-life situations."

Did the clinics influence your career aspirations or areas of legal interest?

Gallegos entered law school with a desire to pursue public defense, and the clinic solidified this path for her. "The practical experience with real clients confirmed that public defense is where I want to be. Seeing Ann England’s passion and expertise also reaffirmed my commitment to this field."

Were there any specific mentors or experiences within the clinical program that influenced your career path?"

"Ann England was a huge influence. She cares deeply about the clients and about us as students," Gallegos says. "She was always available to answer questions and encouraged us to develop our own styles. Every lawyer is going to have a different style and she is so good at letting us find ourselves and encourages us to see what we could become. She encourages us to become the best version of ourselves."

"I also learned a lot from Jamie Ray with the Korey Wise Innocence Project. She’s been amazing and her knowledge about prisons and prison reform has given me a wholistic perspective of the system as a whole."

How did the clinical program help you develop practical legal skills?

"The clinic was crucial for developing client communication, case management, and advocacy skills," Gallegos notes. "Practicing bond arguments and motion hearings in the supportive environment of the clinics helped me build confidence and refine my skills."

What advice would you give to current law students considering participating in clinical programs?

"Ask as many questions as you have," Gallegos advises. "Faculty are there to help you understand and grow. Don’t be afraid to seek guidance—they won’t make you feel stupid. For the sake of your clients, it’s better to ask questions and learn as much as you can."

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We are delighted to announce that Professor Christina Stanton, a distinguished member of our clinical faculty, has been honored with the Excellence in Community Service Award at Colorado Law School. This award recognizes her exceptional contributions to the community through her dedicated outreach and legal advocacy work, particularly in collaboration with students.

During the award presentation, it was emphasized that this accolade celebrates those who demonstrate a profound commitment to serving the community's unmet legal needs and fostering meaningful connections through education and outreach efforts. Professor Stanton exemplifies these qualities through her impactful initiatives.

Christina Stanton has been instrumental in supporting the Native community through a wide range of initiatives, both large and small. Notably, as the director of the American Indian Law Clinic, she has championed crucial efforts such as protecting voting rights and providing legal assistance to elderly clients by drafting wills. Her leadership in the election protection efforts enabled 4300 individuals to vote on reservation lands in North Dakota, and her outreach efforts via the NativeVote website reached over 8 million people on social media.

This summer, Professor Stanton continues to expand her community engagement by teaching at CU’s Upward Bound’s summer academic institute. This program brings Native American high school students from Arizona, Utah, South Dakota, and New Mexico to the CU campus for an enriching 6-week experience. Professor Stanton’s course, Introduction to American Indian Law, not only introduces students to the foundations of federal Indian law and tribal law but also cultivates skills in legal reasoning, analysis, persuasive writing, and oral advocacy. Through her mentorship, she inspires students to explore the possibilities of a legal career and its impact on Native communities.

Professor Stanton’s dedication to her students and the broader community exemplifies the spirit of the Community Excellence Award and underscores Colorado Law School’s commitment to fostering impactful legal education and community engagement.

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Since 1948, Colorado Law has provided legal clinics as an experiential learning opportunity to students as a chance to serve the community. By handling actual cases, students make the transition from legal theory to legal practice. We take pride in the fact that our clinics provide free legal services to many community members who could not otherwise hire an attorney, and this program plays a large role in achieving our values of civic engagement and social responsibility. 

The Community Collaboration Law Lab (CCLL) is Colorado Law's newest legal clinic, formed in the fall of 2016. Led By Prof. Deborah Cantrell, The CCLL provides valuable services to the community, often in ways that are not currently provided by other legal practitioners.  

 “The Lab harnesses the law to help communities build their own power and solve challenges that have been ignored by the status quo,” Cantrell said.  “We rely on many different substantive areas of law including land use and ownership, for profit and nonprofit entity formation and operation, food access and safety, contract drafting and negotiation. Our legal services include traditional legal work like document drafting and less traditional work including community facilitation and design-center problem solving.” 

Most recently, student attorneys in the CCLL have been working on a project to establish a no-cost food pantry in the law school. Spearheaded by students JJ Carl ‘25, Aidan Stearns ‘25, and Charlotte Goodenow ‘24, the project was inspired by no-cost community grocery stores operated by a local nonprofit, �鶹ӰԺ Food Rescue, and by efforts across the way from the Law School at CU’s School of Education.  

 "CCLL has collaborated on several food access projects in the past with �鶹ӰԺ Food Rescue (BFR),” Prof. Cantrell explained. “It’s been terrific to watch how impactful BFR’'s community-based, no-cost grocery stores have been. I thought our Law School community might similarly benefit. I was even more inspired to move forward on this project when I learned that our campus neighbors at the School of Education were offering a very small no-cost food pantry to their community.” 

The process has spanned across two semesters so far. In the fall, the students first focused on gathering information from the Law School community about food needs, as well as investigating best practices about operating a no-cost food pantry. The students created an online survey open to all students and staff. They interviewed administrators at other law schools that had established similar pantries, received helpful guidance from BFR staff, and sought input from the Student Bar Association and key Law School administrators. 

As JJ Carl shared, the survey results were critical as it “gathered information on various aspects of the food pantry such as where it should be located and what items should be offered.” Carl further described: “During the second semester, we focused on creating a detailed proposal to submit to the Law School administration, which involved more research and collaboration among all the members of the clinic group.  We took a lot of the research we gathered as well as estimates of the cost of the food pantry and provided recommendations for how the pantry should be run.” 

The student attorneys presented their proposal to senior administrators during the spring semester, and it was warmly received. Based on feedback from the presentation, the student attorneys have determined that the best path forward will be to organize a new student group that can take the lead on operating the no-cost pantry. Those organizing efforts will be picked up by the incoming CCLL student attorneys.  

“This project was not within the typical boundaries of what many probably consider to be legal work,” Stearns said. “The project allowed me to learn and apply many skills that will be useful in my legal career, particularly in the ability to assess needs and develop creative solutions to address those needs. It was very rewarding to be part of a project focused on serving the needs of our Law School community.” 

Overall, the student attorneys shared that they valued their time in the CCLL, and particularly, the community-centered framework of the clinic. 

“The Community Collaboration Law Lab allowed us to work with organizations that are having a direct impact on the communities around us,” Stearns said. “It was an incredible experience learning to navigate the needs of various organizations and how we could offer support from a legal standpoint. I was also able to grow my practical legal skills in contract drafting and legal research, as well as develop my personal approach to legal practice.” 

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Congratulations to Prof. Colene Robinson, who recently received a 2024 �鶹ӰԺ Faculty Excellence Award for “Excellence in Teaching.” This award recognizes the vital importance of teaching and mentoring students as significant components of faculty duties that are central to the university’s mission.  

“I am really grateful to everyone who worked hard to support my nomination and am so honored by the acknowledgement of my teaching,” Robinson said. “Hearing from former students that I had positively impacted their time in law school, which I know can be so stressful and hard, was incredibly moving.” 

Robinson wears many hats here at the law school. Not only does she teach and write about child welfare and juvenile delinquency, she also co-directs the Juvenile and Family Law Program (JFLP).  In her Juvenile and Family Law Clinic, students represent children and parents in child welfare cases and youth in delinquency and immigration matters.  The JFLP provides students with opportunities to acquire specialized knowledge and fosters collaboration between students, academics, and practitioners.   

“The people I work with at the law school are the best part of my job – foremost the students and also the faculty and staff,” Robinson shared. “Being able to laugh with people while at the same time working though hard issues that require compassion and good judgment, makes this my dream job.  Not to mention the amazing professionals I work with frequently at the courthouse – like judges, caseworkers, and other attorneys.” 

Prof. Robinson’s career has been extensive. Before joining Colorado Law, she represented children and families throughout Colorado and in New York City.  Now as a professor and Director of Clinical Programs, she shares that some of her proudest moments come from witnessing students become more confident in their legal practice through their work in many of the Law School’s Clinics.  

Like when students feel challenged by what they are learning and make noticeable improvements -  “Those moments are gold when you see it happening.” Robinson said. “Also, the times when we [the clinic] have made a positive difference in someone’s case [have been among my proudest accomplishments] – which can be hard to do when you are working primarily in the child welfare system.”  Professor Robinson and her students have represented over 300 families. 

When asked what excellence in teaching means to her, Robinson revealed that it can be difficult to know if you are teaching well.  

“If students don’t perform as well on an exam or assignment, I ask myself how I could have done a better job with the material,” Robinson explained.  “Excellence means being creative, reading as much as possible in my area, keeping up with the changes in law and policy, updating or redoing my courses continuously, and finding ways to tackle difficult subjects.  It also means being honest with myself when I haven’t done my best work and making changes to get better, including asking for feedback from students and colleagues.” 

The University of Colorado Law School is grateful to have Robinson’s expertise and dedication to our students’ success as part of our community and look forward to the impact she will continue to have in the years to come. Congratulations, Professor Robinson, on this incredible achievement!   

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