House Resolution 25-1003

HOUSE RESOLUTION 25-1003

BY REPRESENTATIVE(S) Joseph and Espenoza, Bacon, Duran, English, Feret, Garcia, Gilchrist, Hamrick, Jackson, Lieder, Lindsay, Lukens, McCormick, Phillips, Ricks, Rydin, Sirota, Smith, Stewart K., Stewart R., Story, Titone, Velasco, Willford, Zokaie, Bird, Boesenecker, Brooks, Brown, Caldwell, Camacho, Clifford, Froelich, Garcia Sander, Gonzalez R., Johnson, Lindstedt, Mabrey, Martinez, Mauro, Paschal, Pugliese, Rutinel, Soper, Suckla, Weinberg, Woodrow, McCluskie.

CONCERNING THE RECOGNITION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF A DIVERSE LEGAL COMMUNITY IN COLORADO AND HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE COLORADO WOMEN'S BAR ASSOCIATION.

WHEREAS, The legal profession upholds the nation's values, including the rule of law, equal justice, judicial independence, accountability, excellence, advancing justice, and upholding the highest standards of the legal profession; and

WHEREAS, Historically, women faced significant barriers to entering the legal field, and, even after admission, they have continued to encounter challenges; and

WHEREAS, In 1894, Jeannette Dunham Bennett and Ann Hunt became the first women to earn law degrees in Colorado, marking the beginning of women's formal entry into the state's legal profession; and

WHEREAS, In 1897, the Colorado General Assembly enacted a statute ensuring that no person could be denied a license to practice law on account of race or sex, reflecting the state's early commitment to inclusivity in the legal profession; and

WHEREAS, In 1903, Ida L. Gregory became Colorado's first female judge, setting a precedent for women's leadership in the judiciary; and

WHEREAS, In 1917, Clara Ruth Mozzor was appointed as Assistant Attorney General of Colorado, becoming the first woman to serve in such a role in any American state; and

WHEREAS, Gale Norton served as Colorado's Attorney General from 1991 to 1999, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the state; and

WHEREAS, In 1994, Claudia J. Jordan became the first African American female judge in Colorado, further diversifying the state's judiciary; and

WHEREAS, In 1997, Theresa M. Cisneros became the first Hispanic American female judge in Colorado's Fourth Judicial District; and

WHEREAS, In 2016, Chelsea Malone, who is of Korean descent, became the first Asian American female state judge in Colorado; and

WHEREAS, In 2024, Monica M. Márquez became the first Latina and first openly gay person to serve as Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court; and

WHEREAS, As of 2024, women comprised 41% of attorneys in Colorado, reflecting significant progress over the past decades; and

WHEREAS, The Colorado Women's Bar Association (CWBA) has been instrumental in promoting the advancement of women in the legal profession and advocating for a more diverse and representative legal system; and

WHEREAS, The CWBA's Judicial Committee assists qualified women statewide in applying for judicial positions and openings on judicial nominating commissions, encouraging the advancement of women in the judiciary and fighting bias and discrimination against women in the courtroom; and

WHEREAS, The CWBA works to increase access to justice and representation in all areas of the legal system, including the judiciary; and

WHEREAS, A diverse legal community enhances the quality of justice and ensures that the legal system serves all citizens effectively; and

WHEREAS, March is nationally recognized as Women's History Month, a time to honor women's contributions in American history; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Seventy-fifth General Assembly of the State of Colorado:

(1)  That we recognize the vital importance of diversity within Colorado's legal community and commend the Colorado Women's Bar Association for its unwavering commitment to supporting the advancement of women and strengthening the legal profession in our state; and

(2)  That we encourage continued efforts to foster a legal environment that values merit, integrity, and the diverse perspectives of all its members, ensuring that the legal system remains fair and just for every Coloradan.

Be It Further Resolved, That copies of this Resolution be sent to the Colorado Women's Bar Association and the Colorado Bar Association.