Now Available - Training Videos!

CLS has posted several videos to assist pro bono attorneys in broadening their knowledge in several substantive areas of law. You must be an approved member of the site to access the videos (see above for membership requirements). To join, click on Civil Law on the left side of this page, click on Join and complete the membership form online. Once you receive an acceptance email, use your username and password to log onto the site and access the videos.

Videos include the following:

• Bankruptcy
• Collecting a Judgment
• Divorce, Military Families and Personal Protection Orders
• Healthcare and Income Benefits Programs
• How to File a Small Claims Case
• How to Communicate w/ Someone Experiencing Mental Illness
• How to Conduct an Unemployment Hearing
• Identity Theft
  

Legislative Update

Click here for the final legislative update of this session. Thanks to Colorado Legal Services volunteer Jo Colacci for putting this information together.

Colorado Legal Services and Trafficking Case

Five migrant farm workers from Mexico stood up to their traffickers and, assisted by CLS, obtained justice. Through the workers' efforts, the Hudson, CO labor camp was closed, their exploiter was arrested, convicted and deported, and the trafficking operation stopped. They sued Moises and Maria Rodriguez, the agricultural contractors who brought them to America and forced them to live as virtual prisoners as they worked off their debts. In April, 2009 a federal judge in Denver awarded them $7.8 million in what immigration experts described as the largest judgment of its kind in the country.

This article from the Denver Post describes the case, including the exploitation that occurred as well as the subsequent criminal prosecution and civil lawsuit.

National Elder Rights Training Project

Attend free online webinars! The rest of the 2009 schedule includes the following topics: Using the Fair Credit Reporting Act to Increase Elder's Financial Security, Seniors Facing Foreclosure: Challenges and Options (hosted w/ legal services in CA); Using Banktrupcty to Help Elders Stay in their Homes: and Effective Health Care Advance Planning. Go to the National Consumer Law Center website for registration information.

Earn CLE credit with Technology in Litigation

A new DVD resource, presented by NITA is now available to help advocates master the electronic courtroom, learn more about the benefits of today's technology and earn CLE credits! Take a moment to learn more about this new resource by visiting the program site.

Training in the Latest Legal-Specific Technology

The Colorado Bar Association is pleased to sponsor CLE-accredited training on a variety of different types of legal-specific technology including E-filing and Microsoft Office Applications. Follow this link for more details.

New Notary Public Regulations

Effective July 1st, Notaries now will have to record all notary acts, not just those that involve real property. Become familiar with the changes before they take effect.

House Subcommittee Approves $50 Million Increase for LSC

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies approved a $440 million, Fiscal Year 2010 budget for the Legal Services Corporation. Check out the June 4th, 2009 press release.

2009 Immigrant Liberty Awards

The Colorado Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association is sponsoring the 4th Annual Immigrant Liberty Awards on June 19th and cordially invites all interested advocates to attend.

House Passes Mortgage Reform Bill Including $35 Million for Legal Aid

The House of Representatives approved legislation to curb abusive and predatory lending - a major factor in America's highest home foreclosure rate in 25 years. Learn more about H. R. 1728 and read the press release.

Grand Opening of the Elbert County Justice Center

On April 29th the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners proudly held a reception for the opening of the new Elbert County Justice Center. Check out the event announcement from the Colorado Judicial Branch.

8th Judicial District now accepting credit card payments online

Effective May 1st, the 8th Judicial District announced it will begin accepting Visa and Master Card payments online for certain fees and fines, as well as restitution.

Low-Income Clients and the EITC
Individuals who think they may qualify for the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) can complete their federal income tax forms online while at the same time determining whether they qualify for the EITC, for free! They can then print out their forms and mail them to the appropriate IRS office. Please let your lower-income clients know about this free service at this website. This online program has been successful since 2003. Only 20% of Coloradans who qualify for the EITC know they are eligible and receive the benefit.

Colorado Legal Services and Litigants Deemed Indigent under Chief Justice Directive 98-01 May Use E-file and Serve System at No Charge

Click here for the full story on the Colorado Judicial Branch website.