About CDLA

CDLA is a statewide organization that is nearly 800 members strong, is dedicated to the defense of civil actions and the promotion of fairness and integrity in the civil justice system.

The organization is comprised of attorneys who defend the interests of business and individuals in civil litigation. CDLA members benefit from access to resources and tools for legal professionals who strive to provide superior and balanced service to their clients. CDLA is host to five substantive committees whose focus is to develop ongoing and critical dialogue about areas of practice.

Some of our membership benefits include:

Resources and tools to help grow your practice
Access to listserves, including archival post search
CLE seminars covering a variety of relevant, current topics
Annual conferences
Webcasts
Network with 790+ like-minded defense practitioners.

CDLA has served the defense bar for over 30 years and focuses on five main goals:

Education: Teach and develop our members in order to improve the skills of the defense law practitioner.
Justice: Strive for improvement in the civil justice system.
Balance: Act as a counterpoint to the plaintiff's bar and seek balance in the minds of potential jurors and on all fields where disputes are resolved in the justice system.
Economics: Assist members in dealing with the economic realities of the defense law practice, including the competitive legal marketplace.
Professionalism and Service: Urge members to practice ethically and responsibly, extending beyond the interest of the client to the good of society as a whole.

Upcoming Events

2025 CDLA Trial Academy! Motor Vehicle Accident, April 3-5, 2025

April 3, 2025, 8:00 AM
through April 5, 2025,
Practicum organized by:
Gregg Rich, Coombe Curry Rich & Jarvis
Limited to 18 participants
Applied for 29 hours+ 1 Ethics credit.
To Learn More and to Register, Click Here

Legal Writing Composition 201 – How to Get Past Blank Screen Paralysis to Improve Your New Project – Advanced Techniques Presented by: Marilyn Chappell, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP Brendan Powers, Spies Powers & Robinson

April 8, 2025, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
How do you get past that feeling of paralysis when facing your computer screen to try to improve upon a new project? This CLE will provide you with advanced composition and editing tools necessary to persuasive ethical legal writing.
To Register, Click Here

New Lawyers Happy Hour Roundtable: Professionalism in Litigation & Networking

April 24, 2025, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Looking to sharpen your litigation skills and grow your network? Join new lawyers from both the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association (CTLA) and the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association (CDLA) on Thursday, April 24
To Learn More and to Register, Click Here

Golf Tournament - Ironbridge Golf Club

July 31, 2025, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Get ready for a day of camaraderie, competition, and breathtaking scenery! Our annual CDLA golf outing is scheduled for Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the stunning Ironbridge Golf Club in Glenwood Springs
To Register, Click Here

2025 Annual Conference - July 31-Aug 2 - Book your room now at the host hotel, Viewline Resort

July 31, 2025, 5:30 PM
through August 2, 2025,
Book your room here!

Limelight Snowmass - 2025 Conference - July 31-Aug 2, 2025 If you want to call, 855-369-2460 Group Name: CDLA 2025 Annual Conference