homepage news

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 �� 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.

Off

Traditional

White

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.

Off

Traditional

White

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).

Off

Traditional

White

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 ��, 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 ��, 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.

Off

Traditional

White

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.

Off

Traditional

White

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.

Off

Traditional

White

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 Boulder.

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.

Off

Traditional

White

Acequia Assistance Project Enters 14th Year Providing Pro Bono Legal Services

Emily Battaglia — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:25:01 +0000

Acequia Assistance Project Enters 14th Year Providing Pro Bono Legal Services Emily Battaglia Wed, 08/20/2025 - 12:25

Nathan Boyer-Rechlin , Gabrielle Cooper , Andrew Nosler

Originally published on the Getches-Wilkinson Center Blog on August, 14, 2025. Access the original post here.

The Acequia Assistance Project is entering its 14^th year of providing pro bono legal services to the acequia community in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. Each year the project accepts new cases – ranging from helping acequia members write or amend their ditches bylaws, file articles of incorporation, or prove their water rights – and first year law students take on the challenge, and opportunity, of engaging in meaningful legal work, under supervision of a supervising attorney. For 2025-2026, the project is once again a Tier 3 grant recipient from the office of Public and Community Engaged Scholarship (PACES). These funds will support student trips to engage with their clients and the community, student events that offer professional development and community building, and legal fees associated with the project. Student apply to the project in September, and most teams begin project work with their clients in early January. The keystone of the project’s engagement with the acequia community is the annual Congreso de Acequias, hosted by the Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association and Colorado Open Lands. Each year the project brings between 15 and 30 students down to this event to represent the project, connect in person with clients, and do outreach for new cases. For most students, this is the most meaningful element of their time in the in the acequia project.

Last March, in conjunction with their trip to Congreso, Andrew Nosler and Gabrielle Cooper had the opportunity to attend the annual shareholder meeting of the ditch they are representing. Read more about their experience in the project, and connecting with the community below:

______________________________________

As part of the CU Law Acequia Assistance Project, our team is working to develop and update the Bylaws for Canon Ditch No. 22, located near Antonito, Colorado. Acequias are community operated irrigation ditches. The practice was brought to Spain by the Moors and to Colorado by Spanish and Mexican farmers who settled here before Colorado became a state. The Acequia Assistance Project aims to provide no-cost legal assistance to Acequia users in the San Luis Valley.

We recently paid a wonderful visit to Colorado’s San Luis Valley for the annual Congreso meeting. There, Acequia users from across the valley gathered to discuss and showcase the state of water management in the valley. Farmers and ranchers brought exhibits and presentations to share their unique strategies for land and water use. We watched people make fungus-based fertilizer in real time, explored a model electric fencing construction, and even learned about harvesting wild plants. These presentations showcased a future of abundance and sustainability. Locals in the valley are working hard for the future of their land and water. They are creative, industrious, and deeply connected to the community.

Colorado water rights are “first in time, first in right.” This means that the first person to appropriate water and use it has a priority water right over later users. The Acequias in the San Luis Valley are some of the oldest water rights in the state. On a tour of San Luis People’s Ditch, water right No. 1 in Colorado, we learned a slice of the vibrant history that defines the valley. Jerry Gallegos, a People’s Ditch irrigator brought us to different points along the ditch and his ranching property, so we could see for ourselves how the ditch works and the products of irrigation. We visited the stream that provides People’s Ditch with water, Culebra Creek. Alongside a group of cows (and adorable newborn calves) cold, clean water flowed fresh off the southern end of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range. At a diversion point, called a headgate, the ditch starts and pulls a modest flow of water from the stream. It has spread water to community members for any imaginable number of uses since 1852. Walking along the ditch, it was easy to get lost imagining the generations of community members who have loved and cared for this water.

Because many of the Acequias in the San Luis Valley were established before, or early on, in Colorado’s statehood, they hold some of the highest priority water rights in the state under the first in time, first in right rule. The Colorado Acequia Recognition Law allows acequias to continue operating under their traditional communal water sharing systems and strengthens their ability to protect their water rights under Colorado law. The Acequia Assistance Project aims to assist farmers in the Valley to take full advantage of these protections, so that their water rights are protected into the future, especially as the likelihood of water scarcity rises. Students participating in the project work on a variety of projects for clients: title searches, assisting with articles of incorporation, community outreach and engagement, and drafting bylaws for ditch operations. Participating in the project has been a valuable opportunity to connect not only with people in the Valley, but also with other law students passionate about water law and equitable access to legal services.

Our team had the opportunity to attend the annual shareholders meeting for our ditch, Canon Ditch No. 22. Canon Ditch No. 22 flows near Antonito, which is southwest from San Luis. The shareholders were excited for the upcoming spring, summer, and fall. With winter slowly fading, everyone was ready to get the ditch up and running. Shareholders got down to business as soon as they formed a quorum. They voted to appoint a ditch rider, who would monitor and report on the condition of the ditch as water started flowing. They discussed transferred shares, and protocols for delinquent water users. Every discussion was open, and solution oriented. Canon Ditch draws from the Conejos River, which comes out of the San Juan Mountains. With below average snowpack, the members focused on late season conditions and how to plan around unpredictable flow rates this season.

Both at Congreso and the Canon Ditch shareholders meeting, we saw inspiring people tackling important water issues hands-on. Everybody we met had a deep connection with the land and the community. Ranchers talked about repurposing old bed frames to install electric fences and using old wheels to wind rope. Student speakers from the Acequia Assistance Project presented updates to our project and the legal services we provide. In every corner of the valley, people are working hard to secure and improve the future of agriculture. Canon Ditch No. 22 members were excited to have us down there. They explained how we can be useful and welcomed us into their conversations. It is such an amazing opportunity to serve such brilliant and hardworking people, and we look forward to helping the cause of farmers and ranchers in the San Luis Valley.

The Acequia Assistance Project is entering its 14th year of providing pro bono legal services to the acequia community in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. Each year the project accepts new cases – ranging from helping acequia members write or amend their ditches bylaws, file articles of incorporation, or prove their water rights – and first year law students take on the challenge, and opportunity, of engaging in meaningful legal work, under supervision of a supervising attorney.

Off

Traditional

White

Getting to Know Professor Govind Persad

Emily Battaglia — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 16:00:46 +0000

Getting to Know Professor Govind Persad Emily Battaglia Wed, 08/20/2025 - 10:00

This fall, we are excited to welcome Professor Govind Persad to our faculty as Associate Professor of Law!

Professor Persad’s research applies methods from bioethics and social philosophy to law in order to address longstanding and new problems at the interface of health law and policy.

His recent writing appears in law reviews, such as the Michigan Law Review, Iowa Law Review, and Emory Law Journal, as well as high-profile peer reviewed medical and scientific journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, Science, JAMA, and The Lancet. Professor Persad is also a frequent media commentator on health law and policy, with op-eds in the Washington Post, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal and media appearances on NPR and elsewhere. He is the 2025-27 Greenwall Fellow in Bioethics at the National Academies of Medicine. His research has also been supported by a 2018-21 Greenwall Foundation Faculty Scholars Award, and he received the 2022 Baruch A. Brody Award in Bioethics.

Professor Persad’s current projects include a book on the fair allocation of scarce medical resources (under contract with Cambridge University Press); an empirical study of federal and state laws concerning health disparities and inequities; and research on ethical and policy issues related to novel weight-management drugs.

Professor Persad previously taught at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Prior to entering academia, he clerked for the Hon. Carlos F. Lucero on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He received his JD and PhD from Stanford University.

Learn more about Professor Persad in the Q&A below.

What excites you most about joining the faculty at Colorado Law?

GP: I'm excited to join a faculty committed to interdisciplinary research and home to an active health law program. Health law scholarship naturally involves cross-disciplinary collaborations, making Colorado Law's research university environment ideal for this work.

Can you share a bit about any current projects you are working on?

GP: I am currently writing a book for Cambridge University Press on how to fairly allocate scarce medical resources. The book examines a range of resources—from transplantable organs and ICU beds to malaria vaccines—and explores the ethical principles that should guide their distribution. The book begins by discussing fundamental ethical goals for allocation policies, then discusses whether and how policies should consider individual characteristics (like health status, age, or occupation) when pursuing these goals, and how allocation policies should be implemented in practice. The book bridges three of my areas of interest: antidiscrimination law, health policy, and philosophical bioethics.

What is your proudest career accomplishment so far?

GP: During the COVID-19 pandemic, I helped lead an international team of authors collaborating on papers about the fair global allocation of vaccines and the responsibilities of pharmaceutical firms in a global health emergency. It was a special honor to be able to collaborate with experts whose writings I’d read since I was an undergraduate, and to work on a project that was relevant to crucial issues in that moment and to policymakers.

What inspired you to pursue a legal career?

GP: When I finished undergrad, law school was not on my mind at all. From 2006-08, I was a post-baccalaureate fellow at the Department of Bioethics at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. The fellows’ responsibilities included serving on the ethics consultation service, which provided support and advice to medical researchers at the NIH campus, and observing on the Institutional Review Boards that oversee the research studies conducted at NIH. Understanding how the regulations around this research sought to promote ethical goals was fascinating. More importantly, the Department had a great group of visiting scholars, including one who had completed both a JD and PhD. Seeing the type of research she’d been able to do inspired me to pursue a similar path.

How does your background in philosophy help inform your work as a legal scholar and teacher?

GP: Legal concepts like causation, intent, and harm have deep roots in philosophy. When I teach or write about these concepts in contract or tort law, I can draw valuable insights from philosophical literature. My health law research, meanwhile, often examines normative questions: how should we define "affordable health care," and what arrangements ought to exist for delivering health care or promoting health? Scholarship in applied ethics and political philosophy offers essential frameworks for addressing these questions.

This fall, we are excited to welcome Professor Govind Persad to our faculty as Associate Professor of Law!

Professor Persad’s research applies methods from bioethics and social philosophy to law in order to address longstanding and new problems at the interface of health law and policy.

Off

Traditional

White

1L Spotlight: Jessica Arrington

Emily Battaglia — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:57:10 +0000

1L Spotlight: Jessica Arrington Emily Battaglia Wed, 08/20/2025 - 09:57

Jessica graduated from San Diego State University in 2021 with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a combined focus in Criminal Justice, Sociology and Communications. Shortly after, she completed University of San Diego’s Paralegal Certificate program in 2022 then was hired as a Legal Support Assistant, and eventually a Legal Administrative Assistant, at a law firm in San Francisco, where she has worked the last three years.

Meet the Class of 2028’s Jessica Arrington!

Where are you from?

JA: I’m sort of a nomad – I was born in Atlanta, GA and raised in Roanoke, VA for most of my childhood until my family moved to Los Angeles, CA where I finished high school. I moved to the beautiful city of San Diego for undergrad, then the Bay Area/San Francisco where I’d been working for the past few years as a legal assistant.

What inspired you to pursue a law degree?

JA: The first time I was inspired to pursue law was during my childhood when I would watch crime shows like Law & Order or Criminal Minds with my dad. Being a victims’ advocate like my favorite characters, especially for my community, drove my academic interests towards interdisciplinary studies focusing on criminal justice, sociology and the law. I further solidified my decision to pursue law through the experience I’ve gained by completing a paralegal certificate, an internship with a criminal defense attorney, and three years of working in litigation at a reputable law firm. Now that I’ve gained practical experience in the legal profession and the day-to-day, I’m more motivated than ever to advance my career, and become a resource for the Black/African American Community. A law degree opens new doors of opportunity that I know will lead to bigger and better things–and it doesn’t hurt to finally claim the bragging rights of being the first lawyer in my family.

What are your hobbies outside of work and school?

JA: If I’m not gaming then you can find me either hanging out with my two cats, going on long scenic walks or hiking, or taking a mini road trip to explore the area.

Why did you choose Colorado law?

JA: A large factor in my decision was the Colorado lifestyle – after being in California for 10+ years I was looking for a change in scenery and fell in love with this area.

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

JA: Being a legal assistant was always a pit-stop in my career plans, so I’m thrilled to be starting a new chapter of my life. And I’m looking forward to the challenges and lessons to be learned.

With the academic year quickly approaching, 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 Jessica Arrington (she/her). Jessica graduated from San Diego State University in 2021 with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a combined focus in Criminal Justice, Sociology and Communications. Shortly after, she completed University of San Diego’s Paralegal Certificate program in 2022 then was hired as a Legal Support Assistant, and eventually a Legal Administrative Assistant, at a law firm in San Francisco, where she has worked the last three years.

Off

Traditional

White