News

Colorado Law Welcomes New KWIP, Clinical Staff

Emily Battaglia — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:15:09 +0000

Colorado Law Welcomes New KWIP, Clinical Staff Emily Battaglia Wed, 09/24/2025 - 11:15

Emily Battaglia

This August, Colorado Law was thrilled to welcome four new staff: three to the Korey Wise Innocence Project (KWIP), and one to the Immigration Law Clinic. Both KWIP and the clinical education program provide invaluable pro bono legal services to those in our community, with KWIP working to exonerate the wrongfully convicted in Colorado. Our new staff will further our pursuit to achieve justice for our clients, and we are incredibly grateful for the resources that have allowed us to expand these programs to continue serving individuals who could not otherwise hire an attorney.

Learn more about our new staff below!

Ann England, Director

Ann England is the Director of the Korey Wise Innocence Project (KWIP) at the University of Colorado School of Law. She was the founder of the KWIP, which now has six other attorneys, a paralegal and a communications director and works on advocacy, education, and litigation for innocent individuals in Colorado prisons.

England previously taught in the Criminal Defense Clinic at Colorado Law, where she worked as a Clinical Professor of Law since 2005. She also regularly teaches Poverty Law, Wrongful Convictions, Jury Selection, Comparative Criminal and Juvenile Law, and Trial Advocacy courses. Before she became the Director of KWIP, England was the Schaden Chair for Experiential Learning and an Elizabeth Cook Distinguished Faculty Fellow. Yearly, she coordinates a nationally recognized training for capital defense attorneys in voir dire. She is an active board member of the Colorado ALCU and a prior board member of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar.

Prior to becoming a clinical law professor, England worked as a trial attorney at the Federal Public Defender's Office in Colorado and the Colorado State Public Defender's Office. At the Colorado State Public Defender's Office, she worked in Arapahoe, Adams, Weld, Logan, and Denver Counties as a Deputy State Public Defender. She later became a division lead at the Colorado State Public Defender's Office in Denver. England received her J.D. from the University of Denver, in 1995, Sturm College of Law; B.A. from the University of Michigan, in 1990.

“I am honored to serve as the Director of the Korey Wise Innocence Project,” England said. “Although I have long been connected to the project, I am thrilled to now dedicate my full time and focus to this vital work. We have an exceptional team, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the pursuit of justice.”

Jessica Bernfeld, Staff Attorney

Jessica Bernfeld joined KWIP as a staff attorney in August 2025. Prior to joining KWIP, she practiced criminal defense in Colorado, first as a trial attorney in the Arapahoe office of the Colorado State Public Defender and then in solo practice where she primarily represented youth charged as adults for serious felonies. Jessica received her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, an M.Phil from the School of Social Sciences at Cardiff University, and her B.A. from Wellesley College.

“I’m honored to join the incredible staff at the Korey Wise Innocence Project and excited to connect with students and the broader Colorado Law community,” Bernfeld said. “I’ve long admired KWIP’s zealous legal advocacy and work on legislative reforms, and I look forward to being part of the effort to exonerate people wrongfully convicted in Colorado.”

Shalifa Cambrelen-Hogan, Project Legal Assistant, Paralegal

Shalifa Cambrelen-Hogan joins the KWIP team as Project Legal Assistant/Paralegal and brings vast experience in professional operations, with a proven track record of supporting senior leaders and streamlining organizational processes across the energy, legal, and corporate sectors. Her career includes serving as Director of Legal Operations with the Democratic National Convention Committee’s legal team, supporting attorneys in law firm environments, and partnering with in-house counsel to manage compliance, contract, and organizational risk. She has worked extensively in executive support, IT asset management, and corporate operations. She has also developed a strong foundation in project coordination, stakeholder management, and process optimization.

“I am thrilled to bring my organizational expertise, problem-solving mindset, and passion for collaboration to the KWIP team,” Cambrelen-Hogan said. “It is truly an honor to be a part of a team that is changing lives and restoring justice for those who have been wrongfully incarcerated. In my eyes, KWIP is more than an organization - it's a force for good, for justice and for hope. I'm excited to help make a difference in the lives of those who deserve to be seen, heard, and brought home. I look forward to contributing to KWIP’s mission and continued success.”

Katie Glynn, Staff Attorney, Immigration Clinic

Katie Glynn joined Colorado Law’s Immigration Clinic as a Staff Attorney in August of 2025. Glynn has worked as a Senior Associate Attorney with Grob & Eirich, LLC since February of 2015. Her practice includes immigration law and the representation of immigrant children and their caregivers in Colorado state guardianship, custody, and adoption proceedings. Her areas of expertise include: Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, removal (deportation) defense of unaccompanied children, children’s asylum claims, and the intersection of immigration law and adoption.

Prior to joining Grob & Eirich, LLC, Glynn worked for the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) as an Equal Justice Works Fellow. She continues to support RMIAN as a pro bono lawyer and mentor to other pro bono lawyers. Glynn is a 2005 graduate of the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and a 1995 graduate of the University of Notre Dame. In 2022-23, Katie taught Legal Writing and to co-taught Refugee and Asylum Law as an Adjunct Faculty member at Colorado Law.

Glynn shared: “I am honored to join Colorado Law’s Immigration Clinic, Professor Chapin, and the law students in their critical work on behalf of Colorado’s immigrant community!”

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ICYMI: Faculty Publications, Media Mentions, and Faculty & Staff Activities

Emily Battaglia — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 18:45:38 +0000

ICYMI: Faculty Publications, Media Mentions, and Faculty & Staff Activities Emily Battaglia Tue, 09/23/2025 - 12:45

Faculty Publications

Douglas M. Spencer (with Sanford C. Gordon & Sidak Yntiso, What's the Harm in (Partisan) Gerrymandering? Collective vs. Dyadic Accounts of Representational Disparities, 17 J. Legal Analysis 77 (2025).

Michael Pappas, Climate Last Resorts (forthcoming, UC Irvine L. Rev., 2025).

Media Mentions

[Chris Winter, GWC], Zoe Rom, Decades of Public-Lands Planning Overturned in a Day, High Country News (Sept. 16, 2025).

[Doug Spencer], DOJ Working on Massive Voter Data Compilation, Loooking for Non-Citizen Voters, 9News (Sept. 16, 2025)(Spencer appearance begins around the 57 second mark).

[Blake Reid], Kyle Jahner, Trump Seeks Full Court Rehearing on Copyright Chief Perlmutter, Bloomberg Law (Sept. 18, 2025).

[Ann Lipton], Zehra Munir, Alexandra White, & George Steer, Donald Trump Calls for US Companies to Ditch Quarterly Reporting, Financial Times (Sept. 15, 2025).

Jamie Smyth & Alexandra White, SEC Allows Exxon Plan to Limit Shareholder Activism, Financial Times (Sept. 15, 2025).

Keith Larsen, Questions About Paramount Group Extend to CEO's Dealings with Board Member, The Real Deal (Sept. 15, 2025).

Douglas Gillison, US SEC Poised to Review IPO Bar on Mandatory Shareholder Arbitration, Reuters (Sept. 17, 2025).

Joe Hernandez, Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield Resigns Over Dispute with Owner Unilever, NPR (Sept. 17, 2025).

Drew Hutchinson, Trio of Tesla Investor Proposals Shows Angst Over Texas Laws, Bloomberg Law (Sept. 18, 2025).

[Anne Castle, GWC], Ian James, The Dwindling Colorado River Can't Wait for States to Cut Water Use, Experts Say, LA Times (Sept. 14, 2025).

Faculty and Staff Activities

Delaram Takyar, "Access to Justice in Civil Courts,"Colorado Mini Law School (upcoming, Sept. 24, 2025).

Amanda Parsons, Tax Speaker, University of San Diego (Sept. 15, 2025).

Ann Lipton, Business Law Prof Blog, blog posts available here.

Tracy Alloway & Joe Weisenthal, The Threat to Delaware's Corporate Dominance, Odd Lots (Sept. 18, 2025)(link to Bloomberg podcast).

Justin Desautels-Stein, Michal Saliternik, Book Review, The Right to Exclude: A Critical Race Approach to Sovereignty, Borders, and International Law. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2023, 36 European J. Int'l L. 505 (2025).

Paul Campos, Lawyers, Guns, & Money, blog posts available here.

Widely recognized for its intellectual diversity and originality, the faculty at Colorado Law encompasses an array of prominent legal scholars who are widely cited, both in academia and throughout the national media landscape. We invite you to catch up on the latest faculty publications and media mentions with this weekly round up.

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The Clinic that Built a Judge: Insights from Judge Brodsky

Erin Calkins — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 18:56:34 +0000

The Clinic that Built a Judge: Insights from Judge Brodsky Erin Calkins Mon, 09/22/2025 - 12:56

Erin Calkins

Judge Brodsky Shares how her experience in CU Law's Criminal Defense Clinic shaped her path to the bench and deepened her commitment to public service.

What clinic did you participate in?

Criminal Defense Clinic.

What was the most beneficial part of the clinic experience?

I'll start by saying the clinic was the highlight of my experience at CU Law. What I found most impactful was making a direct difference in the lives of the people we had the privilege of serving. It truly paved the way for my career as a public servant.

Do you have any advice for students who are considering a clinic but might be feeling nervous?

The clinical program at CU Law is truly exceptional. Each of the professors is highly skilled at handling cases and also deeply committed to helping students learn and grow. It's a safe environment to develop practical skills—and law school is the perfect time to start.

How has your clinic experience helped you in your career now as a judge?

Participating in the clinic was truly life-changing for me. It helped me realize that my passion lies in serving others, and that realization has shaped the foundation of my entire career.

Judge Brodsky '97 shares how her experience in CU Law’s Criminal Defense Clinic shaped her path to the bench and deepened her commitment to public service.

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In Memoriam: Professor Arthur “Art” Hopkins Travers II

Robyn Munn — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 21:41:49 +0000

In Memoriam: Professor Arthur “Art” Hopkins Travers II Robyn Munn Tue, 09/16/2025 - 15:41

The University of Colorado Law School mourns the loss of Professor Arthur Hopkins Travers II, a beloved teacher, scholar, and colleague who shaped generations of Colorado Law students. Professor Travers—known to many as Art—passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, just two days after his 89th birthday.

Professor Travers joined the Colorado Law faculty in 1970 after teaching at the University of Kansas and practicing law in Chicago. For more than three decades, he taught courses in copyright, commercial, and antitrust law. He also served as Acting Dean of the law school for one year during a time of transition, and in 1998 was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Clifford J. Calhoun Public Service Award, recognizing his commitment to service in the legal profession and community. Known for his clarity of thought and deep care for his students, he left an indelible mark on Colorado’s legal community.

During his tenure at Colorado Law, Professor Travers was admired not only for his scholarship but also for the humanity he brought to the study of law. His colleagues remember him as a friend to many, someone who embodied decency, thoughtfulness, and kindness.

Retired Colorado Law faculty member Mark Loewenstein reflected, “Art was incredibly smart and had a prodigious memory, which he drew upon even in his final days.”

Professor Emeritus, J. Dennis Hynes recalled, “Art was a wonderful friend. He was always a positive influence in faculty meetings and gatherings in the law school, treating colleagues with respect. He was reliable and punctual and was always positive and thoughtful with colleagues, students, and staff. He had a powerful intellect but never displayed arrogance or condescension. He was a remarkable human being.”

Beyond the classroom, Professor Travers enriched the intellectual life of the law school with his wide-ranging interests. He took a sabbatical year in London to study the English legal system, an experience that deepened his perspective and informed his teaching. His contributions to the field of business law were also reflected in his service to the broader profession, including chairing the Commercial Law Division of the Colorado Bar Association and co-chairing its committee on Revised Article 9 of the UCC, helping to shape its enactment in Colorado. His professional career was marked by a strong sense of integrity and a commitment to preparing students not just to practice law, but to approach it with fairness and compassion.

Dean Lolita Buckner Inniss shared, “Professor Travers was a pillar of our law school for more than three decades. We are profoundly grateful for his life and work, and he will be deeply missed.”

Professor Travers’s life outside of the law school was equally full. He was a voracious reader with a personal library numbering in the thousands of volumes, a devoted baseball fan—especially of the Chicago Cubs—a lover of music from classical to Billy Idol, and an avid cook who delighted in preparing meals for family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Laurie Travers; his daughters, Constance Travers (Richard McDonald) of Boulder and Anne Travers (David Purdy) of Louisville; and his seven grandchildren, as well as extended family who loved him dearly.

Professor Travers’s legacy at Colorado Law endures in the many students he taught, mentored, and inspired over the course of his long career. We are grateful for his decades of service, his scholarship, and the profound example he set as a teacher and colleague. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.

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1L Spotlight: Amanda Showers

Emily Battaglia — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 19:25:25 +0000

1L Spotlight: Amanda Showers Emily Battaglia Mon, 09/15/2025 - 13:25

With the academic year officially underway, Colorado Law is looking forward to welcoming our newest students. Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of our incredible 1Ls through a series of brief profiles! Next up, we have Amanda Showers (she/her).

Where are you from?

AS: I am originally from Briggsdale, Colorado.

What inspired you to pursue a legal career?

AS: I am pursuing a law degree after a career as a clinical social worker, primarily working in community mental health and within the criminal justice system. The systemic barriers and inequities I witnessed within these systems are what ultimately inspired me to attend law school. Most recently, I managed crisis response teams aimed at diverting individuals from incarceration and changing how law enforcement responds to behavioral health issues. The teams I worked with are doing impactful work, and I felt compelled to do more to change the systems in which we operated. Becoming a lawyer offers a new way for me to advocate with the goal of driving systemic change.

Why did you choose Colorado Law?

AS: One of the things that really attracted me to Colorado Law were some of the clinical programs and the collaborative approach I saw students taking. It was important to me to get both practical experiences in an environment that fostered growth more than competition.

What are your hobbies outside of work and school?

AS: Outside of school, I love to read, bake, and spend time with my three dogs. My favorite way to spend my free time, though, is traveling. Being able to learn about different cultures, explore new foods, and spend time unfamiliar environments is something I find truly enriching.

What are you most excited for this upcoming year?

AS: I am excited to be back in an educational setting and to engage with the legal system through a different lens. Social work has its own lens, that has shaped the way I view things. I believe it’s important to be able to look at an issue from multiple angles to create meaningful change. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be able to develop a new framework to better understand and address the systems I hope to improve.

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ICYMI: Faculty Publications, Media Mentions, and Faculty & Staff Activities

Emily Battaglia — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 17:09:28 +0000

ICYMI: Faculty Publications, Media Mentions, and Faculty & Staff Activities Emily Battaglia Mon, 09/15/2025 - 11:09

Faculty Publications

Margot Kaminski & Gianclaudio Malgieri, Impacted Stakeholder Participation in AI and Data Governance, 27 Yale J.L. & Tech. 247 (2025).

Margot Kaminski, AI Disgorgement or AI Recalls: A Trip down Remedy Lane, JOTWELL (September 3, 2025) (reviewing Daniel Wilf-Townsend, The Deletion Remedy, 103 N. Car. L. Rev. __ (forthcoming 2025), available at SSRN (Sept. 20, 2024); Christina Lee, Beyond Algorithmic Disgorgement: Remedying Algorithmic Harms, 16 U.C. Irvine L. Rev. ___ (forthcoming 2026), available at SSRN (Apr. 10, 2025)).

Media Mentions

[Chris Winter], Anika Jane Beamer, Trump Administration Moves to Dismantle Conservation as an Official Use of Public Lands, Inside Climate News (Sept. 10, 2025).

Scott Skinner-Thompson, Bethy Leonardi, & Sara Staley, Learning About LGBTQ Topics in Schools, National Education Policy Center (Sept. 9, 2025).

[Ann Lipton], Jeff Montgomery, Moelis Says Pact Spurring Del. Corp. Law Rework is Lawful, Law360 (Sept. 11, 2025).

[Jonathon Booth] ,Deborah Grigsby, The National Guard Operating in Denver? Unlikely, Experts Say, Denver Gazette (Sept. 5, 2025).

Caleb Stutman-Shaw, The National Guard is Stationed in Washington D.C. Could Federal Troops Come to Colorado?, Aspen Public Radio (Sept. 11, 2025).

Faculty and Staff Activities

Mark Loewenstein has been honored by the Colorado Bar Association with the Cathy Stricklin Krendl Lifetime Achievement Award. Presented by the Business Law Section to lawyers who demonstrate intellectual and professional excellence, collegiality, and a lifelong commitment to advancing Colorado business law, the award is named for Cathy Stricklin Krendl, a distinguished retired business law professor and practitioner in Colorado.

The award will be presented at the CBA’s Business Law Institute in Denver on September 18, 2025.

Ann Lipton, Business Law Prof Blog, blog posts available here.

TSLA Director Comp, AGM, Shareholder Primacy (Sept. 10, 2025)(with Mike Levin, Apple podcasts link).

Will Elon Musk Get His Pay Package Back and the Rupture in Delaware Corporate Law, Colorado Mini Law School (upcoming, Sept. 17, 2025).

[Dean Inniss & Assistant Dean of Advancement Robert Garelick], Emily Battaglia, Law School Community Gathers to Celebrate Legacy of Dean Betsy Levin with Contemplative Garden, Colorado Law (Sept. 11, 2025).

Paul Campos, Lawyers, Guns, & Money, blog posts available here.

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Law School Community Gathers to Celebrate Legacy of Dean Betsy Levin with Contemplative Garden

Emily Battaglia — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:06:10 +0000

Law School Community Gathers to Celebrate Legacy of Dean Betsy Levin with Contemplative Garden Emily Battaglia Fri, 09/12/2025 - 10:06

Emily Battaglia

On Thursday, August 21, students from the 1L class, staff, faculty, alumni and friends gathered outside the Wolf Law building for the opening of the new east-side garden space. Generously funded by the late Betsy Levin, first woman dean of the law school, this contemplative garden space was envisioned by Levin as a way to support law students working on legal questions related to environmental problems and inequities.

“Dean Levin’s generous gift has created a serene and welcoming space in nature where students, faculty, and staff can sit, reflect, and recharge,” Assistant Dean of Advancement Robert Garelick said. “Her legacy of scholarship and leadership has left a lasting imprint on Colorado Law. As our first woman dean and a passionate advocate for the environment, Dean Levin imparted many valuable lessons that continue to inspire us all.”

Betsy Levin made history as the first woman to serve as Dean at the University of Colorado Law School, a position she held with distinction from 1981 to 1987. Her tenure as Dean was marked by her intellectual rigor and a heartfelt commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Dean Levin’s early years were characterized by a strong passion for learning. After graduating with honors in Geology from Bryn Mawr College in 1956, she initially worked at the Geological Survey in Washington. Her commitment to furthering civil rights led her to pursue a law degree, starting at George Washington University and then transferring to Yale University, where she earned her LLB in 1966. Levin clerked for Judge Simon Sobeloff on the US Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and served as a White House Fellow, assisting Justice Arthur J. Goldberg. Her tenure at the Urban Institute as Director of Education Studies, followed by her role as a tenured Professor at Duke University, exemplifies her expertise in constitutional law and urban issues. During the Carter administration, she served as General Counsel at the US Department of Education, further solidifying her commitment to public service.

The event included remarks from Sally Levin, sister of Dean Levin, Dean Lolita Buckner Inniss, Assistant Dean of Advancement Robert Garelick, along with comments from former students and faculty members.

Dean Levin’s sister, Sally Levin, who helped to facilitate the gift, reflected upon Dean Levin both as a family member and a cherished member of the law school community.

“My sister, Betsy, always loved the outdoors, a love passed down to her from her father,” Levin said. “She was instrumental in the formation of the Environmental Law Research Center (now the Getches-Wilkinson Center). In her later years, she really wanted a garden near benches at the law school where students could relax but also contemplate ways to solve our current environmental problems and the inequities associated with them. I know Betsy would have been very pleased with the garden I saw last month. As my older sister, Betsy was an amazing role model.”

In her remarks, Dean Inniss recounted how she learned about Betsy Levin.

"I first became aware of Dean Levin as I studied the portraits of our former deans displayed in the Dean’s suite. It struck me immediately that she was the only woman pictured. Upon inquiry, I learned that she had started forty years before the start of my own service in 2021, when I became the second woman to hold this role. I resolved to meet her.”

Dean Inniss went on to share that after locating Dean Levin, they began corresponding, culminating with Dean Inniss’ in person visit to Dean Levin.

“I am so fortunate to have had exchanges with the late Betsy Levin,” Dean Inniss shared. “During those exchanges, we traded questions and had the idea of publishing our correspondence for the benefit of our students, since much of our exchange reflected the parallels between our times serving as dean.”

Dean Inniss went on to note that both Dean Levin’s time at the law school, and the present, were marked with formidable challenges. Inniss observed that Dean Levin, were she alive today, “would remind all of us to keep moving forward with purpose and with hope.”

Dean Levin’s devotion to her students was emphasized during the dedication. Dean Inniss read a letter from Law Alumni Board chair Sonny Cave ’85, who was a student during Levin's tenure as dean.

“Dean Levin stood out not only as a distinguished leader at the law school, but also as a generous and deeply humane presence,” Cave said. “As a student with a strong interest in natural resources law, I frequently sought her out. Her counsel went beyond legal expertise, as she made a genuine effort to understand the person that I was.”

The law school community is profoundly grateful, not only for Dean Levin’s generous gift, but also for the enduring influence she had on the lives of so many. Her wisdom, kindness, and leadership left an indelible mark on faculty, staff, students, and the many people who cherished her.

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MSL Spotlight: Alejandra Jimenez de Mendez

Emily Battaglia — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:52:51 +0000

MSL Spotlight: Alejandra Jimenez de Mendez Emily Battaglia Fri, 09/12/2025 - 09:52

Colorado Law's Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degree is a one-year, 28-credit, no-LSAT-required program that enables students who hold at least an undergraduate degree to obtain legal training short of a full Juris Doctor (JD). Increasingly, emerging job markets have openings that require some legal knowledge and employers are assigning a number of legal tasks traditionally performed by lawyers to non-lawyers. Colorado Law's MSL will prepare students to obtain and excel in those positions. This semester, we are thrilled to highlight some of our incredible MSL students and their journey to pursuing an MSL degree! Next up, meet Alejandra Jimenez de Mendez (she/her/ella).

Where are you from?

AJ: I am from Chihuahua, Mexico.

What inspired you to pursue a MSL degree?

AJ: I was inspired to pursue an MSL degree because I wanted to bridge my passion for serving vulnerable communities with a deeper understanding of the legal and compliance systems that impact their lives. Through my professional work, I saw how policies, regulations, and enforcement can either remove barriers or unintentionally create them for people seeking healthcare, employment, or basic protections. To truly contribute meaningful solutions, I realized I needed more than advocacy experience; I needed a solid foundation in law and compliance. The MSL program allows me to critically analyze issues, communicate effectively across legal and non-legal settings, and help organizations uphold both ethical and legal responsibilities. For me, this degree isn’t just about advancing my career; it’s about ensuring that systems designed to protect people actually serve them with fairness and accountability.

What are your hobbies outside of work and school?

AJ: I enjoy cooking and experimenting with new spices and flavors. I love exploring food traditions that connect to culture and history, discovering the meaning in how diverse communities use food as a means of storytelling and connection.

What is your educational background, and what was/is your career before deciding to pursue a MSL degree?

AJ: I earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a concentration in Nonprofit Organizations, along with a minor in Political Science. During my undergraduate years, I worked at a corporate firm, which provided me with valuable insight into organizational structures and business operations. Recently, I decided to leave that path to pursue my long-standing goal of entering the legal and compliance field. Alongside my studies, I’m also developing a consulting practice to help organizations create effective policies, launch and manage nonprofits, and eventually strengthen their compliance and ethics frameworks with the knowledge I gain from my MSL.

Why did you choose Colorado Law for your MSL degree?

AJ: I chose Colorado Law because of its strong commitment to community and innovation. The faculty’s expertise, the collaborative and small learning environment, and the emphasis on applying legal knowledge in real-world contexts make this program stand out. As someone deeply committed to helping organizations and vulnerable communities navigate complex systems, I wanted a program that not only builds technical knowledge but also supports the development of ethical and impactful leadership. Colorado Law offers precisely that.

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming academic year?

AJ: I’m really looking forward to diving into what law school looks like, since I hope to one day pursue a JD. This year gives me the chance to build a strong foundation in compliance and legal studies, while learning from professors and peers who bring so much knowledge and perspective. I’m also excited to connect with classmates and faculty as people, not just as colleagues, building relationships that go beyond the classroom. And of course, I’m looking forward to the football games!

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MSL Spotlight: Jessica Brunecky

Emily Battaglia — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:41:10 +0000

MSL Spotlight: Jessica Brunecky Emily Battaglia Fri, 09/12/2025 - 09:41

Where are you from?

JB: I'm a proud Coloradan, born and raised in the long shadows of the flatirons.

What inspired you to pursue a MSL degree?

JB: My much younger self! She wanted to change the world and I continue to tend to that flame.

What are your hobbies outside of work and school?

JB: As a professional working full-time and also taking multiple law classes this term, I don't have much free time, but when I do, I enjoy getting outside for hikes and bike rides with my kiddo, and the occasional long run for some alone time. And I will always make time to travel the world to learn more about my place in it.

What is your educational background and what was/is your career before deciding to pursue a MSL degree?

JB: I've been on a long, meandering path to get here, but the throughline is that I deeply value opportunities to examine and re-envision historical structures and practices that create and/or maintain structural inequities. After receiving a master's degree in museum studies from ��ɫ��Ƶ, I spent 11 years in the museum field. I worked in museum administration and championed changes to the entrenched operational structures of un-paid labor and established best practices for compensating interns during my time as president of the Colorado-Wyoming Association of Museums. I switched careers 5 years ago and am currently in higher ed administration here at ��ɫ��Ƶ as the Senior Strategic Advisor and Director of Divisional Affairs for the Division of Social Sciences. I love my work here at CU, and I see the additional knowledge I will gain through my studies towards an MSL degree as strengthening my ability to make structural and institutional change.

Why did you choose Colorado law for your MSL degree?

JB: As a proud Coloradan, and a CU alum, Colorado Law was always my top choice.

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming academic year?

JB: It's been 15 years since my master's degree was conferred and I am very much looking forward to taking a deep dive into a new field of study!

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LLM Spotlight: Vishva Bahl

Emily Battaglia — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:19:27 +0000

LLM Spotlight: Vishva Bahl Emily Battaglia Tue, 09/09/2025 - 10:19

Colorado Law is proud to highlight some of our new Master of Laws (LLM) students. The LLM program fully immerses students in Colorado Law and offers inclusive access to programming, courses/modules, and the greater ��ɫ��Ƶ campus. LLM students have unique and diverse backgrounds and experiences that enrich our community of scholars and students, while advancing Colorado Law’s intellectual leadership across the globe.

In this edition, meet the LLM Class of 2026’s Vishva Bahl! Vishva is from Amritsar, India, a city known for its rich history, culture, and spiritual heritage. He earned a Bachelors of Law from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab and enrolled as an attorney in 2016. Since then, he has been working as a trial attorney and appellate court attorney primarily focusing on criminal law.

Read more about Vishva in the Q&A below.

What inspired you to pursue an LLM degree?

VB: The fast-growing Indian economy and its vibrant technology sector inspired me to pursue an LLM in Intellectual Property and Technology Laws. Over the past nine years of my practice, I have seen how technology is reshaping industries and even the legal landscape. I began to sense a shift, not in the courtroom, but in the kinds of legal challenges emerging outside it. With the rapid growth of Indian start-up culture, questions about data privacy, algorithmic accountability, and platform liability were no longer theoretical in tier 2 cities; they were pressing issues faced by real clients. In parallel, my involvement as an early-stage startup investor exposed me to the legal architecture behind innovation – how a founder navigates IP protection, regulatory compliance, or data governance long before their product reaches the public. These two perspectives, as a litigator and an observer, made one thing clear: the law was rapidly evolving, and I needed to evolve with it. It also made me realize that my traditional legal expertise needed expansion.

I was well-versed in reading people in the courtroom, but now I wanted to learn how

to read code, contracts, and compliance obligations in the tech space. As technology-related disputes increase, I want to be at the forefront of assisting courts in handling complex litigation in this emerging field. With this LLM, I aim to transition my practice towards technology laws and contribute to shaping a legal system that supports India’s growth while upholding accountability.

Can you talk more about your career in criminal law prior to coming to Colorado Law?

VB: During my practice, I handled a wide range of criminal matters, including serious offences such as homicide, narcotics, financial crimes, white-collar offences, and cybercrime. I have also been involved in drafting and arguing writ petitions, election petitions, appeals, and other related matters before the higher courts. This experience has provided me with a strong foundation in advocacy, procedural law, and courtroom experience, which I now aim to expand into the field of Intellectual Property and Technology Laws.

Why did you choose to attend Colorado Law?

VB: My wife introduced me to the University of Colorado. She graduated from the CU School of Dental Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, in December 2024. Through her journey, I vicariously became a part of the CU community and saw firsthand how supportive and inclusive it is. Every person I interacted with was willing to help, and the community is truly diverse. What impressed me most is that Colorado Law is deeply invested in the success of its students. It provides guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to ensure you reach your career goals. This made Colorado Law a natural choice for me to continue my professional and academic growth.

What are your hobbies outside of work/school?

VB: Outside of school, I enjoy playing squash and badminton. I have a deep interest in relaxing and inspiring music. Apart from this, I enjoy learning about history and geopolitics.

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?

VB: This year, I am looking forward to participating in the Technology Law Clinic and gaining hands-on experience in technology laws. I am also excited to explore Colorado, meet new people, and build a supportive community here in the US. Additionally, I look forward to networking with peers, professors, and attorneys of the Colorado Bar and learning more about American culture, which will help me grow both personally and professionally.

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