2025 Business Law Institute - In-Person
Join Colorado’s leading business law practitioners, academics, and policy influencers for two days of in-depth learning and networking. This year’s Institute offers timely updates on legislation, tax policy, antitrust regulation, and the economic outlook that will impact your clients. The agenda also covers cutting-edge topics in cybersecurity, employee ownership, strategic partnerships, and emerging legal technologies. Whether you represent private companies, advise nonprofits, or serve as corporate counsel, this Institute will provide essential tools, insights, and connections to enhance your practice.
Home studies will be available 2-3 weeks following the live program.
CBA-CLE is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, and employment. To request an accommodation please contact [email protected] at least 14 business days in advance.
The program is accredited in Colorado. CBA-CLE staff can provide a Uniform Certificate of Attendance, and it is the attendee's responsibility to complete the accreditation outside of Colorado.
Thursday, September 18, 2025
8:30 – 9:00 am
Registration & Coffee
9:00 – 9:05 am
Opening Remarks
Extended by Ben Skeen, Esq., Program Attorney, CBA-CLE, and Wil Wenzel, Esq., Immediate Past Chair, Colorado Bar Association Business Law Section
9:05 – 9:55 am
Legislative Update
Key business-related developments from the 2025 Colorado General Assembly, featuring commentary from lawmakers.
Presented by Victoria “Tory” Bantz, Esq., Burns Figa & Will; additional speakers to be named.
9:55 – 10:45 am
Essential Tax Updates for Business Attorneys
Federal tax changes and policy developments that impact business clients, including an update on the "Big Beautiful Bill."
Speaker to be named
10:45 – 11:00 am
Morning Break
11:00 – 11:50 am
Antitrust Spotlight: Algorithmic Agreements
A discussion of algorithmic pricing, regulatory developments, and the implications of AI-driven market behavior.
Presented by Thomas L. Dyer, Esq., Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP. Additional speakers to be named
11:50 am – 1:00 pm
Lunch on your Own
1:00 – 1:50 pm
What General Counsel Want their Outside Lawyers to Know
Insights on how outside counsel can better serve in-house teams.
Presented by Bryan Caylor, Esq., Summit Investment Management LLC. Additional speakers to be named
Moderated by Lucas Ritchie, Esq., Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell, LLP.
1:50 – 2:40 pm
Employee Ownership: A Tool for Succession Planning
Legal and practical aspects of employee ownership as a succession strategy.
Presented by Ashley Ortiz, Deputy Director, Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center; Linda Phillips, Esq., Jason Wiener, P.C.; and Jason R. Wiener, Esq., Jason Weiner, P.C.
2:40 – 2:50 pm
Afternoon Break
2:50 – 3:10 pm
Presentation of the Cathy Stricklin Krendl Lifetime Achievement Award
3:10 – 4:00 pm
Counseling in the Gray: Navigating Compliance Amid Legal Uncertainty
This panel will explore how business lawyers can effectively counsel clients when laws, regulations, and enforcement priorities are unsettled or in flux.
Presented by Kurt Gottshall, Esq., Haynes Boone, and Herrick Lidstone, Esq., Burns Figa & Will, LLC
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Adjourn to Reception in Honor of Krendl Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Friday, September 19, 2025
8:30 – 9:00 am
Registration & Coffee
9:00 – 9:05 am
Welcome Back Housekeeping Remarks
Extended by Ben Skeen, Esq., Program Attorney, CBA-CLE, and Wil Wenzel, Esq., Immediate Past Chair, Colorado Bar Association Business Law Section
9:05 – 9:55 am
Strategic Partnerships: Legal Considerations for Collaborations Between For-Profit and Non-Profit Organizations.
Balancing mission and market in collaborative ventures.
Presented by Cara B. Lawrence, Esq., Tierney Lawrence Stiles, LLC, and Lorena Torres Ostos, Core Branding LLC
9:55 – 10:45 am
Bankruptcy for Business Lawyers
Tools to assess bankruptcy risks and referral points for clients in distress.
Presented by William G. Cross, Esq., Markus Williams Young & Hunsicker LLC; additional speakers to be named
10:45 – 11:00 am
Networking Break
11:00 – 11:50 am
Cybersecurity for Businesses
Key legal risks and compliance strategies for protecting client data.
Presented by Christopher Wood, Esq., Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP. Additional speakers to be named
11:50 am – 12:00 pm
Pick up box lunches
CBA-CLE can provide vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options if attendees note their dietary needs during registration.
12:00 – 12:50 pm
Keynote Address: Attorney General Phil Weiser
How the AG balances regulation with opportunity, and responds to shifting federal policy.
Presented by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, Esq.
12:50 – 1:10 pm
Networking Break
1:10 – 2:00 pm
Revolutionizing Legal Practices: How Emerging Technologies like AI and Contract Automation are Transforming Law Firms.
Speakers to be named
2:00 – 2:50 pm
Financing Options for Small Businesses: Unlocking Funding Opportunities
This panel of experienced voices in the lending and finance sectors will share insights, strategies, and practical advice for business lawyers looking to guide their clients through today’s funding landscape.
Presented by Sonya Guram, Deputy Director of Business Funding and Incentives, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade; Micki O’Neil, Director of Business Support and Impact, CEDS Finance; and Andrew A. Schwartz, Esq., Laurene W. DeMuth Chair of Business Law, University of Colorado Law School.
2:50 – 3:00 pm
Final Remarks and Adjournment
Registration Fees
| Non Member | $779.00 |
| CBA Member | $584.00 |
| CBA Business Law Section Member | $479.00 |
| CBA Tax Law Section Member | $479.00 |
| New Lawyer Edge Partner | $292.00 |
| Paralegal/Legal Support Staff | $292.00 |
| Active Military | $292.00 |
| Public Service/Government | $292.00 |
| CLE ELITE Pass Holder | $20.00 |
| Student Currently Enrolled in Law School | $0.00 |
- General Credits: 12.00
- Ethics Credits:
- EDI Credits:
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