Messner Reeves’ ABOTA Attorneys Celebrate the 2nd Annual Jury Appreciation Day

Messner Reeves LLP is honored to recognize six of our esteemed attorneys for their participation in the Colorado Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in celebration of the second annual Jury Appreciation Day on September 5, 2024.

Partner Bruce Montoya (a previous Colorado ABOTA Chapter President), CEO Caleb Meyer, Partner Kathleen Carter, Partner Doug Wolanske, CSO & Partner Renee Finch and Partner Andrew Hollins are all active members of this invitation-only organization, whose mission is to preserve the civil jury trial and promote professionalism and an independent judiciary.

Jury Appreciation Day was created as an opportunity to thank Colorado jurors for their service to the community while educating the public about the importance of serving on a jury. The commemorative day was signed into law on May 24, 2023 by the Colorado state legislature to formally recognize jurors serving in the state. This year’s event will feature a brief line-up of speakers, including Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez, Colorado Supreme Court Justice Richard L. Gabriel, and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser.

September 5 was chosen in reference to the 1670 jury verdict in the trial of William Penn and William Mead, both persecuted by the British government for preaching in public. Jurors who refused to convict the men of their charges in defiance of the British court’s wishes were imprisoned. Recognizing the courage of those jurors, while honoring the numerous efforts of today’s jurors, Jury Appreciation Day is an important reminder of the importance of the Seventh Amendment, which protects the right to a jury trial.

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