On November 5th, 2024, the CWBA hosted its annual Friendsgiving event at First Draft Taproom & Kitchen in Denver, CO, bringing together members for an evening of connection and mentorship. With only fifty attendees, the event provided a unique opportunity for attorneys and law students to connect in a relaxed, welcoming environment—fostering meaningful conversations and strengthening relationships within the Colorado legal community. This event stands out as the only one organized and planned in large part by CWBA law students; this year, law student representatives Katherine Ewing (DU), Sam Duvall (CU), and Veronica Chapman (CU) collaborated to bring the event to life.
 |  |  |
Upon arrival, attendees were given prepaid drink cards and invited to select from First Draft’s wall of pour-your-own beers, ciders, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. Attendees were then given a name tag, which indicated the small group they would be in, each consisting of one attorney and two law students. This structure allowed for more intimate and focused conversations, where attendees could share their experiences, career insights, and personal aspirations in a relaxed setting. The networking game, which involved conversation starter cards, helped guide discussions, making it easy for everyone to engage with one another.
 |  |  |
As guests enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving-themed dinner provided by The Walnut Room Kitchen, conversations were in full swing; attendees discussed everything from their favorite fall comfort foods to community service and social change. Following this, dessert was served, and guests were encouraged to move around the room to meet new people and continue their discussions. When the evening concluded, it was clear that the connections made during the night had left a lasting impression. People were smiling, hugging, and expressing gratitude for the meaningful conversations they had shared, walking away feeling more connected to one another and the CWBA community. We are already looking forward to next year’s Friendsgiving!
Katherine Ewing is a second-year law student at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She currently serves as a student attorney in the Civil Rights Clinic, representing incarcerated individuals in civil rights cases in federal court under the supervision of clinic faculty. Katherine is committed to addressing systemic issues within the criminal punishment system and fighting for the rights of those impacted by it. Katherine aspires to become a civil rights attorney, empowering marginalized communities and holding oppressive institutions accountable.
This was my first CWBA Friendsgiving event and it was so much fun! My favorite part was the pumpkin pie cake pops. Looking forward to more tasty treats next year