From left to right: Gail Rodosevich, CLS Pro Bono Coordinator; Jordan Bates-Rogers, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Foundation and COLTAF; Dave Johnson, honoree and recipient of the Torchbearer of Justice award; Sarah Lipka, CLS Advocacy Director for Southern Colorado; Matt Baca, Executive Director of CLS.
On a beautiful evening overlooking the iconic Garden of the Gods, we were joined by a strong community of friends and supporters of justice, with ninety people connected to celebrate Dave Johnson’s distinguished career. Justice in Action was a powerful gathering, highlighting both the progress we’ve made and the commitment that continues to drive civil legal aid in Colorado.
The highlight of the evening was honoring Dave Johnson with the inaugural Torchbearer of Justice Award from the Legal Aid Foundation, a recognition of his extraordinary dedication to advancing justice. “Dave Johnson’s work exemplifies the values of the Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado and we were thrilled to honor him with this award,” said Legal Aid Foundation Associate Director Jessie Clark-Daugherty, “It was wonderful to connect with so many of supporters of legal aid in a beautiful setting and we look forward to more events in Colorado Springs in the future.”
Colorado Legal Services also presented Dave with the Distinguished Pro Bono Service Award, underscoring the deep admiration and gratitude felt across the legal aid community.
The program featured heartfelt remarks from Jordan Bates-Rogers, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Foundation and COLTAF; Sarah Lipka, CLS Advocacy Director for Southern Colorado; Gail Rodosevich, CLS Pro Bono Coordinator; and Matt Baca, Executive Director of CLS. Each speaker reflected on Dave’s remarkable career, celebrating not only his professional contributions to justice but also his warmth, generosity, and friendship over the years. Their words painted a moving portrait of a leader whose impact will be felt for decades to come.
But the evening was more than an event, it was a celebration of a community united in the belief that justice should never depend on income. With the support of those in attendance, we are building momentum to expand access to legal services across Colorado.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported the event, and to all of those who continue to carry the torch of justice forward.
If you would like to honor Dave’s legacy and ensure justice for more Coloradans, we invite you to make a gift in support of legal aid.