The United States District Court
District of Colorado

If the federal government enters a lapse in appropriations (aka "a shutdown") on January 31, 2026, the United States District Court and the United States Probation Offices will remain open, and all court operations will continue as scheduled. During Phase 1 of a lapse in of appropriations balances from fees and no-year appropriations allow the judiciary to sustain operations until those fees and appropriations are exhausted. Once those fees and appropriations are exhausted, the judiciary has no available funds to continue operations and enters Phase 2 of a lapse in appropriations. During Phase 2 of a lapse in appropriations the judiciary must reduce operations to perform only excepted activities. The Court will issue further guidance regarding excepted activities should the lapse in appropriations progress into Phase 2.

In accordance with Volume 3, Chap. 4, § 420 of the Judicial Conference Regulations governing the Selection, Appointment, and Reappointment of United States Magistrate Judges, the Court has appointed a Merit Selection Panel to review the current service of incumbent Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter. Magistrate Judge Neureiter sits in Denver, Colorado. A copy of the appointment order is available HERE.

Effective Monday, December 15, 2025 U.S. District S. Kato Crews' chambers have moved to A641 on the 6th floor of the Arraj Courthouse. All future hearings before Judge Crews will now be heard in courtroom A601.

Several judicial officers in the District Court for the District of Colorado, including Chief Judge Philip A. Brimmer, Senior District Judge Robert E. Blackburn, District Judge Daniel D. Domenico, District Judge Regina M. Rodriguez, and District Judge Nina Y. Wang, have updated their practice standards. All parties with cases before any judges with revised practice standards should review these updates. The standards are available on the Court's website on the Judicial Officers page located HERE.

For the 2025 local rules cycle, the Advisory Committee on the Local Rules of Practice and Procedure continued its review of public suggestions and comments for improvements to the local rules. The United States District Court for the District of Colorado reviewed and approved revisions to the court's Local Rules on November 5, 2025.  The amended rules, which become effective today, can be found in a redline/strikeout version of the current local rules, a summary compilation of revised rules, and final form by visiting the Local Rules page HERE.

"Effective Case Planning and Management: Intake Through Trial"
When: Thursday, February 5, 2026, 12 noon-1:15 p.m.
Where: Webinar Only
2 General CLE credits requested.

Having an effective case plan and efficiently managing a case is critical to success at trial. Yet being proactive, staying organized, and managing the day-to-day aspects of a case can be some of the most difficult tasks for lawyers to stay on top of. Topics will include how to think proactively about where the case is at and where it is headed, how to develop a working case story, and how to organize your and your team's work around your chosen strategy efficiently and effectively. Click HERE to register for this program.

"The Back Pocket Five: The Five On-the-Fly Skills You Must Have for Trial"
When: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 12 noon-1:15 p.m.
Where: Arraj Courthouse, 901 19th Street, Denver
2 General CLE credits requested

This program will go over five skills every trial lawyer must have in their back pocket because you can't prepare for them. Mr. Kelso will go over the following on-the-fly skills, including:

• Impeachment with the Prior Inconsistent Statement (adverse);
• Impeachment with a Prior Inconsistent Statement (friendly);
• Prior Consistent Statements;
• Refreshing Recollection; and
• Past Recollection Recorded.

Click HERE to register for this program.

"How NOT to Write a Mediation Statement"
When: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 12 noon-1:15 p.m.
Where: Arraj Courthouse, 901 19th Street, Denver
2 General CLE credits requested.

The impact of a mediation statement can be profound. When written well (from a dozen different perspectives), they enhance the prospects for a resolution. When written one-sidedly and shortsightedly, they set a bad tone and impact negatively the mediator (and your opponent if you share a version with them). With so many cases (statistically) that settle, the mediation statement is, in essence, the opening statement/closing argument trial equivalent, and its attachments are your trial exhibits. It sets the entire tone for the mediation. Judge Hegarty (Ret.) will discuss the top mistakes v. best practices in drafting mediation letters. Click HERE to register for this program.

"The FORUM — Thriving in Times of Change"
When: Friday, February 27, 2026, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Where: Denver Westin Downtown, 1672 Lawrence Street
1 Ethics/4 General CLE Credits requested.

Please join us for the 2026 FFA Forum, which was previously scheduled for last November! 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.