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1L Spotlight: Callan Bradford

Emily Battaglia — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 17:13:33 +0000

1L Spotlight: Callan Bradford Emily Battaglia Fri, 09/05/2025 - 11:13

With the academic year officially underway, we are excited to continue spotlighting our 1L students. Next up, we have Callan Bradford! Callan (he/him) is from Murrieta California. He attended went to Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, UT, where he earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Callan is also a certified private pilot and has experience with aviation engineering, especially in the manufacturing of commercial aircraft.

Meet the Class of 2028’s Callan Bradford!

What inspired you to pursue a legal education?

CB: I am a very spiritual and religious person. About a year and a half ago I felt inspired that god wanted me to change my career path from an aviation engineer working in manufacturing to IP Law.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work and school?

CB: I have an 11-month-old son at home, and I love playing with him. He is very spirited and physical so he's a lot of fun to play with. I also love cooking with my wife. We just got a huge box of peaches from the farmers market and made some amazing peach cobbler.

Why did you choose Colorado Law?

CB: I chose Colorado Law because my wife and I would really like to live in Colorado long term. We also love that the school community is focused on taking care of yourself. We knew that meant that I would be able to spend more time with my son than I would if I had gone to other law schools.

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?

CB: I am most looking forward to planting a garden in the coming spring. I have always wanted to have a great garden but never had the chance to until we moved into the house we are staying in.

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1L Spotlight: Kevin Buck

Emily Battaglia — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:50:16 +0000

1L Spotlight: Kevin Buck Emily Battaglia Thu, 09/04/2025 - 09:50

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 Kevin Buck (he/him).

Before Kevin decided to come to law school, he studied finance and accounting at the University of Minnesota and spent the last 2 years working at Accenture as a strategy consultant in addition to working at his family’s business in Minnesota.

Meet the Class of 2028’s Kevin Buck

What Inspired you to pursue a law degree?

KB: I was inspired to pursue a law degree after I reflected on my career path and determined that I wanted something where I could more directly contribute to positive change. Since the law defines our societal values and workings, understanding the law is fundamental to enacting the positive change I seek.

What are your hobbies outside of work and school?

KB: My main hobbies are hiking, bike rides, kayaking, and nature photography. Really anything that is outside and active is a blast!

Why did you choose Colorado Law?

KB: I first considered Colorado Law because of its proximity to nature and I ultimately decided on it after visiting and experiencing the school’s unwavering commitment to diversity and its community. I truly don’t think there is a better environment for me to study the law in than the University of Colorado.

What are you most looking forward to this semester?

KB: I’m looking forward to so many aspects of Colorado Law! I’m most excited to meet my new classmates and find my place in the community here, but weekend hikes in the Flatirons are a close second!

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1L Spotlight: Bridget Donovan

Emily Battaglia — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 01:50:38 +0000

1L Spotlight: Bridget Donovan Emily Battaglia Thu, 08/28/2025 - 19:50

The academic year has officially begun, and Colorado Law is looking forward to welcoming the incoming class of new 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 Bridget Donovan (she/her). Originally from Edwards, Colorado, Bridget graduated from 91ɫ�� with a degree in Psychology, minors in Business and Sociology, and a Certificate in Care, Health, and Resilience. Between undergrad and law school, she worked for a transactional attorney in Edwards, traveled, and spent the rest of her time skiing on her home mountain, Vail.

What inspired you to pursue a law degree?

BD: During my final semester of undergrad, I interned at Blue Sky Bridge (a child advocacy center for victims of abuse). While interning at BSB, I heard stories of pain and loss suffered by these children and was exposed to the gaps within our systems to support vulnerable populations like this. The work my supervisors did inspired me to pursue a law degree to advocate for children.

What are your hobbies outside of work and school?

BD: Skiing, mountain biking, hiking with my dog, traveling, and cooking

Why did you choose Colorado law?

BD: I chose Colorado law not only because Colorado is home to me, but the people and community that make up the campus and surrounding areas are unbeatable!

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

BD: I am looking forward to developing lifelong friendships with my classmates and strong relationships with my professors and the law school community as a whole.

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1L Spotlight: Phil Cutsinger

Emily Battaglia — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:44:08 +0000

1L Spotlight: Phil Cutsinger Emily Battaglia Wed, 08/27/2025 - 09:44

The academic year has officially begun, and Colorado Law is looking forward to welcoming the incoming class of new 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 Phil Cutsinger (he/him). Phil grew up in Maple Park, Illinois, and studied Environmental Science at the United States Military Academy. He has been serving in the Army since he graduated in 2020.

Meet the Class of 2028’s Phil Cutsinger!

What inspired you to pursue a law degree?

PC: I found myself reading the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) fairly regularly for various projects and investigations I was tasked with while I was in the Army. I found that I actually really enjoyed the process of reading the UCMJ, making arguments, and providing evidence to support my conclusions. It was intellectually stimulating and gave me a sense of satisfaction – I was doing work that had a direct impact on my community, in this case the unit I was assigned to. Pursuing a law degree is the natural progression of that interest and satisfaction. I’m hoping to find work that scratches that intellectual itch while allowing me to continue to positively impact our community.

What are your hobbies outside of work and school?

PC: We live in Colorado, who doesn’t love to get out into the mountains and enjoy that fact?! My wife and I love to take our two mini dachshunds, Frank and Oscar, out for hikes. Camping, skiing, running, hiking, fishing (fly and otherwise) – I’ve also recently started overlanding on 4x4 trails, and am rediscovering an interest in rock climbing! If it’s an excuse to get outside, I’m game for it.

Why did you choose Colorado Law?

PC: I chose Colorado Law for a few reasons – the Front Range area is a great fit for my wife and I, both professionally and personally. Making connections with current CU Law students who have had similar experiences to mine also put my mind at ease when making the choice to come to CU (shoutout Will Ostlund). Finally, my interactions with the admissions team differed so drastically from all the other schools I was admitted to that choosing to become a Law Buff was a no-brainer!

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

PC: I am most looking forward to getting to know my classmates now that I am back in school! I am also really looking forward to getting involved with the Getches-Wilkinson Center, especially the Acequia Assistance Project.

The academic year has officially begun, and Colorado Law is looking forward to welcoming the incoming class of new 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 Phil Cutsinger (he/him). Phil grew up in Maple Park, Illinois, and studied Environmental Science at the United States Military Academy. He has been serving in the Army since he graduated in 2020.

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Colorado Law Professor Named 2025 NAM Greenwall Fellow

Robyn Munn — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 21:56:24 +0000

Colorado Law Professor Named 2025 NAM Greenwall Fellow Robyn Munn Tue, 08/26/2025 - 15:56

We are delighted to share that Professor Govind Persad, JD, PhD, Associate Professor of Law, has been selected as the 2025 Greenwall Fellow in Bioethics by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). This fellowship is among the most prestigious opportunities in the field of bioethics and recognizes Persad as a rising thought leader, shaping national conversations on ethics, law, and health policy.

The two-year program allows early-career scholars to dedicate part of their time to serving on National Academies committees while pursuing their own research supported by a grant from the Greenwall Foundation. Fellows are paired with senior NAM mentors, gaining both extraordinary professional development and the opportunity to contribute directly to evidence-based policymaking at the national level.

“This is an incredible opportunity to engage with leading scholars and policymakers working on important and rapidly changing areas of American health policy, like drug pricing, health insurance, and scarce resource allocation, and to contribute to a report that will advance policy,” said Professor Persad.

Professor Persad’s scholarship explores vital questions at the intersection of law, health care, and ethics. His research examines health insurance design and financing, equitable allocation of scarce medical resources, pharmaceutical pricing, and the legal and ethical implications of emerging biotechnologies. He has published extensively in leading journals across law, bioethics, and medicine, making him a recognized national voice on health equity and bioethics.

“We are incredibly proud of Professor Persad’s many achievements and, of course, this noteworthy recognition,” said Dean Lolita Buckner Inniss. “The NAM fellowship is a glowing testament to the excellence of his scholarship and his commitment to making the world a more just, equitable, and healthy place for us all.”

Please join us in congratulating Professor Persad on this remarkable achievement.

We are delighted to share that Professor Govind Persad, JD, PhD, Associate Professor of Law, has been selected as the 2025 Greenwall Fellow in Bioethics by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM).

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Judge Regina Rodriguez ’88 Awarded CHBA Lifetime Achievement Award

Emily Battaglia — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:06:39 +0000

Judge Regina Rodriguez ’88 Awarded CHBA Lifetime Achievement Award Emily Battaglia Mon, 08/25/2025 - 10:06

Congratulations to Judge Regina “Gina” Rodriguez ’88, who was recently awarded the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is presented to an attorney over 55 who has made significant contributions to the Hispanic community. The recipient must receive an affirmative vote from two-thirds of the quorum.

“It is a great privilege to be honored by an organization that has provided so much support to our community,” Judge Rodriguez shared. “We have an extraordinary legal community in Colorado and I am proud to have been a part of it for the last 37 years.”

Rodriguez is a federal judge on the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. She joined the court in 2021 after Senate confirmation of 72-28, with all Democrats and 22 Republicans voting in favor of confirmation. She was first nominated to the federal bench by President Obama in 2016, but the nomination was allowed to expire. She was then among the first slate of judicial nominations made by President Biden after his election. Judge Rodriguez was born in Gunnison, Colorado where her parents met while attending Western State Colorado University. She is a 1988 graduate of the University of Colorado School of Law, and she practiced as a trial attorney here in her home state of Colorado for over 30 years before joining the bench. She began her practice in a boutique litigation firm, Cooper & Kelley. She then spent 8 years at the US Attorney’s Office in the civil division where she ultimately became the deputy chief and then chief of the civil division. She was the first Latina and first Asian civil chief. In 2002 she left the USAO for private practice where she spent 19 years as a partner in several national and international law firms: Faegre & Benson, Hogan Lovells, and WilmerHale.

Judge Rodriguez is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. In addition to her trial work, Judge Rodriguez has a long track record of community service and pro-bono work with emphasis on issues involving education and access to the courts. She has received numerous awards including Hispanic National Bar Association, Latina Lawyer of the Year; Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, Chris Miranda Outstanding Hispanic Lawyer; Colorado Law Distinguished Achievement in Private Practice; Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction; Law Week Colorado Top Woman Lawyers (2011); Top Litigator (2015); Latino Leaders Magazine, Top Latino Lawyer (Winter 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020); Law Week Colorado, Barrister's Best: People's Choice, Overall Litigator (2019, 2020), Denver Business Journal 2019 Outstanding Women in Business Award; Denver Business Journal, Power Book Awards Finalist (2016), Colorado Diversity Council, Most Powerful and Influential Women (2015).

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Zane Reynolds '26 Surveys Regulatory Frameworks for Carbon Capture and Utilization Storage

Emily Battaglia — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:49:44 +0000

Zane Reynolds '26 Surveys Regulatory Frameworks for Carbon Capture and Utilization Storage Emily Battaglia Wed, 08/20/2025 - 12:49

This article was originally published on the Getches-Wikinson Center blog on August 19, 2025. Access the initial post here.

Zane Reynolds '26 was born and raised in Eagle, Colorado. During his undergraduate studies at the 91ɫ��, he developed an interest in environmental and natural resources issues, which led him to return for law school. At Colorado Law, he has taken several environmental courses, including Water Resources, Foundations of Natural Resources, and Environmental Decisionmaking. He also serves as President of the Transaction & Negotiation Team, as an associate editor on the Colorado Law Review, and as a member of the Acequia Assistance Project. As a 3L, Zane hopes to continue exploring legal issues related to public lands, energy, mining, and water, both in and outside the classroom.

This past summer, Zane worked as a law clerk in the Transactions Department at Davis Graham in Denver. He assisted clients across the energy, mining, and renewable energy sectors. One of his primary projects involved a survey of regulatory frameworks for Carbon Capture and Utilization Storage (CCUS) in Colorado, Wyoming, North Dakota, Louisiana, and Texas. While the core technologies behind CCUS have existed for decades, policymakers, scholars, and industry leaders are now intensifying efforts to deploy carbon capture as part of broader climate change strategies. The goal of Zane’s project was to recommend how states might balance creating investment-friendly legal environments with protecting public lands, water, and property rights.

In addition to his work on CCUS, Zane contributed to transactional projects involving energy development. He analyzed provisions of purchase and sale agreements and membership interest purchase agreements in preparation for Davis Graham’s annual Energy M&A Summit. Though often viewed through a business lens, these transactions also determine how companies handle environmental liabilities, regulatory compliance, and obligations to landowners and communities.

Zane also gained experience with a multinational mining transaction spanning three countries. While details remain confidential, the matter provided insight into how cross-border resource development implicates diverse legal systems, indigenous and community rights, and sustainability challenges. Even in transactional practice, these issues underscore the role of lawyers in shaping how resource development proceeds and ensuring it is balanced against environmental and societal concerns.

Overall, Zane’s summer experience deepened his interest in the intersection of environmental, energy, and natural resources law. He came away with a stronger appreciation for how transactional lawyers can influence industry engagement with climate goals, resource stewardship, and community impacts. As he enters his final year of law school, he looks forward to continuing to explore these intersections and the role of law in building a more sustainable future.

Zane Reynolds '26 was born and raised in Eagle, Colorado. During his undergraduate studies at the 91ɫ��, he developed an interest in environmental and natural resources issues, which led him to return for law school. At Colorado Law, he has taken several environmental courses, including Water Resources, Foundations of Natural Resources, and Environmental Decisionmaking. He also serves as President of the Transaction & Negotiation Team, as an associate editor on the Colorado Law Review, and as a member of the Acequia Assistance Project. As a 3L, Zane hopes to continue exploring legal issues related to public lands, energy, mining, and water, both in and outside the classroom.

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Victoria Matson '26 Dives into Litigation and Explores NYC Environmental Justice

Emily Battaglia — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:39:28 +0000

Victoria Matson '26 Dives into Litigation and Explores NYC Environmental Justice Emily Battaglia Wed, 08/20/2025 - 12:39

Victoria Matson '26

This article was published in the Getches-Wilkinson Center blog on August 14, 2025. Access the original post here.

This summer, I had the opportunity to serve as a legal intern at Gersowitz Libo & Korek (GLK), a leading plaintiffs’ law firm in New York City known for its work in personal injury and tort litigation. My time at GLK provided invaluable exposure to the practical side of litigation and significantly deepened my understanding of tort law within the broader context of environmental justice.

One of the initial focuses of my internship was researching toxic torts under New York common law. Through this work, I assessed which categories of toxic exposure—such as lead poisoning, mold contamination, industrial chemical exposure, and asbestos—had not only solid legal grounding but also potential for meaningful impact and success in litigation. My findings helped the firm refine its litigation approaches and explore new areas of practice that align with both client needs and the evolving environmental landscape of New York City.

Beyond toxic torts, I had the chance to contribute directly to trial preparation in a high-stakes civil case. Working alongside lead trial partners, I conducted civil procedure and evidence research for both direct and cross-examinations, helping shape the firm’s courtroom strategy. This experience gave me a close-up view of how attorneys use the facts of a case—combined with careful legal analysis—to craft persuasive narratives in front of a judge and jury. I also participated in client trial preparation sessions, which highlighted the human element of litigation and the importance of building trust and clarity between lawyer and client. I supported the jury selection process, underscoring the nuances of voir dire and the critical role of attorney intuition and psychology in building a favorable jury pool. Observing and assisting with jury selection was a particularly eye-opening aspect of the internship, illustrating the intersection between legal doctrine and human dynamics.

My summer at GLK not only sharpened my research and writing skills but also exposed me to the unique challenges of litigating complex environmental and toxic tort cases in a densely populated urban setting. It was a formative experience that reinforced my interest in pursuing a career at the intersection of natural resources law, environmental justice, and litigation.

I am grateful to the Getches-Wilkinson Center for supporting students who are passionate about environmental law and its practical applications. The skills and insights I gained this summer will serve as a foundation for my continued legal studies and future advocacy in the fields of environmental justice and natural resources law.

This summer, Victoria Matson '26 had the opportunity to serve as a legal intern at Gersowitz Libo & Korek (GLK), a leading plaintiffs’ law firm in New York City known for its work in personal injury and tort litigation. Her time at GLK provided invaluable exposure to the practical side of litigation and significantly deepened my understanding of tort law within the broader context of environmental justice.

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Harrison Fellow Celeste Baro '27 Spends Summer Immersed in International Law Practice

Emily Battaglia — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:34:30 +0000

Harrison Fellow Celeste Baro '27 Spends Summer Immersed in International Law Practice Emily Battaglia Wed, 08/20/2025 - 12:34

Celeste Baro '27

This article was published on the Getches-Wilkinson Blog on August 13, 2025. Access the original post here.

Thanks to the GWC and the David Harrison Innovations in Water and Energy Law & Policy Fellowship, I had the incredible opportunity this summer to work in Jakarta, Indonesia with the Indonesia Ocean Justice Initiative (IOJI). This fellowship made it possible for me to immerse myself in international law practice in another country, gaining firsthand experience in the intersection of environmental protection, maritime security, and human rights.

During my time at IOJI, I authored a report examining the challenges of combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and the gaps in governance that allow it to persist. My research focused particularly on the high seas and distant-water fishing fleets, including their links to labor exploitation and environmental degradation. Additionally, I collaborated with a colleague on a comparative legal analysis, evaluating how environmental protection is addressed at a national scale in the United States versus Indonesia. This comparative perspective illuminated both the strengths and weaknesses of each country’s legal frameworks and underscored the importance of strong enforcement mechanisms.

One of the highlights of my fellowship was attending a conference at Indonesia's Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, hosted in honor of the International Day for the fight against IUU fishing. Here, IOJI presented research and recommendations to government officials, civil society organizations, and academics. This was an invaluable opportunity to see how legal and policy work translates into tangible advocacy at the national level.

Beyond the capital, I traveled with the IOJI team to more remote Indonesian islands, where we hosted community town halls to hear directly from local fishers and residents. Many shared stories of the hardships they endure due to rampant IUU fishing, insufficient maritime security, and gaps in both human rights protections and environmental law enforcement. Listening to these experiences reinforced the reality that legal and policy solutions must be grounded in the realities of those most affected.

Our work in the field was also about building solutions. We collaborated with other civil society organizations, academic partners, and government agencies to develop actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening Indonesia’s maritime governance and protecting both marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of environmental law, human rights law, and international maritime policy. It also showed me the vital role that lawyers can play in bridging the gap between high-level policy and on-the-ground realities.

Thanks to the GWC and the David Harrison Innovations in Water and Energy Law & Policy Fellowship, Celeste Baro '27 had the incredible opportunity this summer to work in Jakarta, Indonesia with the Indonesia Ocean Justice Initiative (IOJI). This fellowship made it possible for me to immerse myself in international law practice in another country, gaining firsthand experience in the intersection of environmental protection, maritime security, and human rights.

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Andrea Shipton '26 Attends Wyss Scholars Summer Retreat

Emily Battaglia — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:30:01 +0000

Andrea Shipton '26 Attends Wyss Scholars Summer Retreat Emily Battaglia Wed, 08/20/2025 - 12:30

Andrea Shipton '26

This article was published on the Getches-Wilkinson Center blog on August 7, 2025. Access the original post here.

In late June, I attended a retreat with other law and graduate students in the Wyss Scholars Program. This event, held in Washington State this year, allowed the incoming class of scholars to spend time together and chat about our studies, summer work experience, and career goals. From those spending the summer with environmental law nonprofits to those working with local park organizations and doing vital field research, it was fascinating to hear what everyone has been up to in the broad field of U.S. land conservation, especially at such a critical time for much of these lands.

Thanks to the Wyss Scholars from Yale, who organized the retreat, we spent three nights in a gorgeous house, nestled on the shores of a small lake outside of Seattle. I arrived after dark on Thursday evening but rose at first light on Friday to check out my favorite aspect of our lodging—the proximity to public lands! I was especially excited to lace up my shoes since this was my first time ever visiting the Pacific Northwest—I had mapped out a trail running route days in advance in anticipation of this morning. The trails blew my mind—it’s wild how just a few steps into thick, lush, PNW forests feels like being miles deep into the wilderness. Massive slugs dotted the trail while birds ruled the mossy branches up high. The cool morning temperatures, cloudy skies, and low altitude also served as a welcome respite from my normal weekday summer adventures in 91ɫ��.

The next forty-eight hours were filled with day trips to Seattle, plenty of paddling and swimming around the lake, a group hike, and lots of laughs and great conversation. We splashed around the lake on warm afternoons, waiting anxiously for the clouds to clear—which they finally did on Saturday afternoon, revealing a stunning Mount Rainier peeking out of the horizon to the southeast. We paused on trails to watch slugs inch out of harm’s way all while discussing the recent congressional attacks on public lands, the impacts of climate change, and other topics fascinating to a group of students passionate about land conservation.

I can’t thank the Wyss Foundation and the Yale cohort enough for putting together this incredible retreat. Not only was the local landscape breathtaking, but the time spent with other students who shared similar passions for land conservation was truly irreplaceable. I left Washington on Sunday morning feeling inspired by the work of my fellow Scholars and hopeful about the impacts young adults like us will make on the future of U.S. land conservation.

In late June, Andrea Shipton '26 attended a retreat with other law and graduate students in the Wyss Scholars Program. This event, held in Washington State this year, allowed the incoming class of scholars to spend time together and chat about our studies, summer work experience, and career goals.

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