SOUTHWEST COLORADO BAR ASSOCIATION BOARD
The SWCBA Board is comprised of the following positions - President, Vice President, Treasurer/Secretary, Program Coordinator, and Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors (BOG) Representative. The Program Coordinator position is only filled if there are enough people interested in serving on the Board. Serving on the SWCBA Board is a 3-4 year commitment. Individuals who fill these positions move up to the next board position in the years following their terms. The BOG representative does not change positions and serves for as long as they are willing and able. If you are interested in serving on the SWCBA Board, please contact the current Board at admin@swcobar.org. Current Board officers are listed below.
Michelle Der Ohanesian, President
Information forthcoming.
Jesse Bopp, Vice President
Jesse began his practice in 2005 with a focus on estate planning, asset protection, conservatorships, guardianships, probate and trust administration. His practice also included significant real estate and business law. Jesse is well versed in small business operations, particularly LLCs taxed as S Corporations, real estate holding entities, and retirement plan options for small businesses.
After building a successful solo practice from 2005-2012, Jesse was the founding partner of a small Firm employing civil and criminal counsel from 2012-2017. In 2018, he transitioned from private practice to serve as Vice President and Trustee for a corporate fiduciary with clients in Durango and Telluride, CO. In 2024, Jesse chose to return to private practice, emphasizing business, real estate and estate planning matters.
Becca Robison, Secretary/Treasurer
Information forthcoming.
Barrie Newberger-King, Programs Coordinator
Information Forthcoming.
Rachel Brock, CBA Board of Governors Representative
From working at a Juvenile Court as a Court Director and Special Magistrate, to opening her own law firm, Rachel has represented family law clients large and small for over 15 years. She has assisted a diverse set of people, including victims of domestic violence, parents and children in dependency and neglect cases, and the State, which gives her a unique perspective from all angles. She has also handled appeals, including one in which a precedent was set regarding payment of legal fees.
She brought an exceptional level of enthusiasm, dedication, and nuanced perspective to the SWCBA where she has served for many years, working to make the SWCBA more accessible and interesting to lawyers, in part by building a website and introducing technology and social media. She also compiled an exhaustive list of legal resources which are available to the community through the “Access to Justice” link above. She now serves as the Board of Governors representative where she will learn ideas from across the state to bring to our local organization, as well as report on legislative happenings throughout the state. She serves on the Access to Justice Committee and various local volunteer organizations. When she’s not chasing her three Australian shepherds around, she loves to camp, bike, hike, or do just about anything outdoors.
Rachel also served as the President (20-21), Vice President (19-20), Secretary/Treasurer (18-19), and Programs Coordinator (17-18) for the Southwest Colorado Bar Association.
ANNUAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS
Lunch Meetings - The SWCBA hosts six lunch meetings per year. During these meetings, the SWCBA conducts business and has a 50-minute speaker presentation for which members can receive 1 hour of CLE credit. The Colorado Bar Association President visits the SWCBA during one of these meetings. Lunch meetings are currently being held over Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When in-person meetings resume, they will be held at the Himalayan Kitchen. Speakers who present at a lunch meeting are eligible for up to 4 hours of CLE credit. If you are interested in speaking at an SWCBA lunch meeting, please contact the SWCBA Board at admin@swcobar.org. Check out the “Upcoming Events” tab for specific dates. Details are provided to SWCBA members via e-mail.
Annual Business Meeting - This meeting typically takes place in June. During this meeting, the SWCBA membership elects new officers and approves the budget for the upcoming year. No CLE credit is provided for this meeting. Members are STRONGLY encouraged to attend.
Happy Hour - The SWCBA and Colorado Legal Services hosts a Happy Hour event, typically in the late Summer/early Fall. This is an excellent opportunity for SWCBA members to network and enjoy each others’ company! Details of the Happy Hour event are provided to SWCBA members via e-mail. Check out the “Upcoming Events” tab for specific dates.
Law in the Trenches - The SWCBA hosts an all-day CLE program in the Winter (November or December) for which members can receive up to 8 hours of general CLE credit and, possibly, ethics credit. Speakers are eligible for 4 hours of CLE credit for a 50-minute presentation. If you are interested in presenting at Law in the Trenches, please contact the SWCBA Board at admin@swcobar.org. Check out the “Upcoming Events” tab for specific dates. Details are provided to SWCBA members via e-mail.
Holiday Party - The SWCBA hosts a holiday party in December. This event typically takes place at Sorrel Sky Gallery. The holiday party is an excellent opportunity for attorneys to network and enjoy each others’ company. Check out the “Upcoming Events” tab for specific dates. Details are provided to SWCBA members via e-mail.
Coffee & Donuts with Judges - This event is an opportunity for SWCBA members to visit with 6th Judicial District Judges. This event typically takes place in the Spring. Check out the “Upcoming Events” tab for specific dates. Details are provided to SWCBA members via e-mail.