![rhoades](https://www.lawweekcolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/rhoades.jpeg)
![rhoades](https://www.lawweekcolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/rhoades.jpeg)
Armstrong Teasdale announced Nov. 2 that the firm has created a dedicated diversity, equity and inclusion department and named partner Meshach Rhoades chief diversity officer.
Rhoades is a complex commercial litigator and will continue to maintain an active legal practice in addition to her new role.
She has long been a champion of inclusion efforts both professionally and personally and has been involved with local and national organizations such as the Center for Legal Inclusiveness, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Colorado Hispanic Bar Association and Latinas First Foundation.
Rhoades previously served as co-chair of Armstrong Teasdale’s inclusion committee, alongside St. Louis partner Sarah Sise, who will maintain her role as chair of that committee.
Denver legal secretary Stephanie Hendrickson will serve as executive assistant to the diversity, equity and inclusion department.
JUDICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
The 18th Judicial District Nominating Commission has nominated three candidates for an Arapahoe County Court judgeship created by the appointment of Judge Don Toussaint to the District Court. The vacancy will occur on Jan. 12.
Nominees Melina Hernandez of Denver, Phelicia Kossie-Butler of Aurora and Joseph Whitfield Jr. of Aurora were selected in a videoconference meeting on Oct. 30.
Under the Colorado Constitution, the governor has 15 days from Nov. 2 to appoint one of the nominees as county court judge for Arapahoe County.
Comments regarding any of the nominees may be sent via e-mail to the governor at [email protected]
GOOD FOR YOU
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck announced Thursday that Justin Bubenik, an associate in its Denver office, has joined the board of directors of The Urban Farm, a nonprofit farm promoting youth and community education.
As part of his two-year term, Bubenik will assist TUF through his participation in board meetings, planning committees, improvement projects and fundraising efforts.