Alternative Spring Break 2025

For over 10 years, the Sturm College of Law has supported Alternative Spring Break, an opportunity for law students to leave metro Denver and contribute to the broader access to justice crisis. In March 2025, 13 students traveled to Durango to experience the practice of law in a rural area. 

"As documented by the Colorado Access to Justice Commission, 90% of Colorado’s attorneys live in the Front Range, between Fort Collins and Colorado Springs," shared Associate Dean Alexi Freeman, who oversaw the Alternative Spring Break trip with the support of Student Coordinator Hayley Thomas. "There is a desperate need for increased legal services outside of metro Denver. This is why over the last few years we have focused our Alternative Spring Break project in rural Colorado. The more students we expose to life and lawyering outside of the I-25 corridor, hopefully the more students who will consider practicing in these areas over the course of their careers and engage in pro bono more broadly, wherever they land."

This year, students worked with Colorado Legal Services, Earth Law Center, the Montezuma County Attorney's office, local judges, and the local public defender and district attorney's offices, among other placements. Students also socialized with local lawyers through a happy hour sponsored by the local bar association, connected with part-time Denver Law students who live in Durango, and had time to explore the scenic region. 

First-year law student Jack Plotke was placed at Colorado Legal Services, Durango office. Plotke shared, "I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to learn about the work of attorneys serving low-income rural communities and the unique challenges faced by attorneys and clients alike in these settings. This experience reminded me of why I chose to study law and the ways in which I will be able to use my degree for public service."