The United States District Court
District of Colorado

The United States District Court for the District of Colorado announces proposed amendments to its local rules and invites public comment. The proposed amendments can be found by visiting the local rules page on the U.S. District Court website, under the "Local Rules of Practice Open for Comment" column, HERE. All comments must be submitted no later than Friday, October 10, 2025. Please e-mail comments to LocalRule_Comments@cod.uscourts.gov and be sure to identify the specific local rule amendment to which your comment(s) relate.

A fake website is currently impersonating www.cvb.uscourts.gov and may attempt to collect personal or financial information fraudulently. The only official website for paying a U.S. District Court Violation Notice is www.cvb.uscourts.gov. If you are paying online, please verify the web address carefully and report suspicious activity to the Central Violations Bureau (CVB) at 800-827-2982 or info@cvb.uscourts.gov. Alternatively, you may pay a ticket over the phone by calling the CVB at the same number.

Access and docketing issues have been resolved. Documents due yesterday (August 28, 2025) may be filed today (August 29, 2025). All other due dates remain as previously set. We apologize for any inconvenience.

In accordance with Volume 3, Chapter 4, § 420.30 of the Judicial Conference Regulations for the Selection, Appointment, and Reappointment of United States Magistrate Judges, the United States District Court for the District of Colorado is seeking applications for appointment to a Denver-based magistrate judge merit selection panel. Applications are due by close of business on Friday, September 12, 2025. More information and application instructions may be found HERE.

Effective Monday, July 14, 2025, U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathryn A. Starnella's chambers will move to A542 on the 5th floor of the Arraj Courthouse. All future hearings before Judge Starnella will now be heard in courtroom A501.

Courtroom A-201, Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse
United States District Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney
The U.S. District Court conducts ceremonies for those individuals requesting a name change as part of their naturalization process to become a U.S. Citizen. All questions regarding the naturalization process should be directed to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at 1-800-375-5283, 12484 E Weaver Pl, Centennial, CO 80111, or contact the USCIS here.

"Trial Skills: Opening Statements"
When: Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 12 noon-1:15 p.m.
Where: Arraj Courthouse, 901 19th Street, Denver
2 general CLE credits requested.

After a fantastic program in 2023 on Attorney-Conducted Voir Dire, the FFA is pleased to continue our series on Trial Skills with a program on opening statements! Experienced trial practitioners Kenzo Kawanabe and Dru Nielsen, as well as Chief Magistrate Judge Scott Varholak, will discuss strategy behind opening statements, best practices for powerful delivery, and pitfalls to avoid. The panel will illustrate these principles by conducting demonstrations of effective opening statements, benefitting both newer and experienced attorneys. Click HERE to register for this program.

"Federal Asset Seizures: An Overview"
When: Thursday, October 2, 2025, 12 noon-1:15 p.m.
Where: Webinar only
2 general CLE credits granted.

Federal agencies seize billions in assets annually—from cash at airports to real estate to cryptocurrency. Whether your client faces civil or criminal forfeiture allegations, you need to act fast. Critical deadlines are often jurisdictional, and mistakes can be costly. We'll review seizure scenarios, the overlap between civil/criminal proceedings, and strategies for dealing directly with both seizing agencies and the Department of Justice. Click HERE  to register for this program.

"Handling Surprises at Trial"
When: Thursday, October 9, 2025, 12 noon-1:15 p.m.
Where: Arraj Courthouse, 901 19th Street, Denver
2 general CLE credits requested.

No matter how much you prepare for trial, there will always be something that surprises you. In this CLE we will hear from a panel of trial attorneys about how they handled the unexpected at trial. Join us for a conversation involving war stories, tips, and tricks from seasoned trial practitioners. Click HERE to register for this program.

"2024 in Perspective: Analysis of the Business of the Federal District Court"
When: Friday, October 17, 2025, 12 noon-1:15 p.m.
Where: Arraj Courthouse, 901 19th Street, Denver
2 general CLE credits granted.

During this annual CLE presentation, Magistrate Judge Neureiter will provide information that practitioners can use to help the Court fulfill the aspirations of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 1 (the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action or proceeding). Magistrate Judge Neureiter's analysis of court filings and trials in the District provides critical data for all attorneys who litigate in federal court in Colorado and for their clients. Click HERE to register for this program.

"Ethics Review: A Survey of Recent Proposed and Adopted Changes to the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct"
When: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 12 noon-1:15 p.m.
Where: Arraj Courthouse, 901 19th Street, Denver
2 ethics/general CLE credits requested.

The Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct provide the standards of professional responsibility for attorneys practicing in the District of Colorado, see D.C.Colo.LAttyR 2, and staying up to date is vital for federal practitioners. This presentation will discuss how the Rules of Professional Conduct are created, the role of the Standing Committee on the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the changes and additions to the Rules over the years since we emerged from COVID-19, including approved and pending changes to Rule 1.16 (Duty to investigate suspicious circumstances, Rule 1.5 (Duty to communicate in writing the basis or rate of fee and the scope of representation), and the use of artificial intelligence (Preamble and Scope; Rule 1.1 and proposed rule 1.19). Click HERE  to register for this program.

The Forum—Thriving in Times of Change: Strategies for Enhancing Professional Presence, Communicating Constructively Across Diverse Viewpoints and Excelling in Stressful Times.
When: Friday, November 7, 2025, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Where: Denver Westin Downtown, 1672 Lawrence Street Denver
1 ethics/4 general CLE credits granted.

The Forum provides an inspiring, interactive, and collaborative setting in which to address challenges that we face in the legal profession. It is intended to promote deeper awareness and understanding of ourselves, and to offer real-life tools for managing difficult issues that often receive less attention in traditional legal education and conversation among lawyers. Click HERE to register for this program.