In Memory of Justice Melissa Hart

The Colorado Women’s Bar Association Foundation mourns the loss of Justice Melissa Hart—our cherished friend, colleague, and longtime board member. A brilliant legal scholar, compassionate jurist, and dedicated advocate, Melissa devoted her life to advancing equal justice and opening doors for women in the legal profession.  

Justice Hart held a special place in the Foundation’s community. Honored with our Raising the Bar Award in 2014 for her contributions as a legal educator, she joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2015 and served continuously until her passing, most recently as Vice Chair. As the longtime host of our annual Raising the Bar Dinner, she brought warmth, humor, and grace to our celebrations. Around the board table, she challenged us to think more deeply, reach further, and turn our commitments into meaningful change. She was also a long-time advocate for the endowed scholarships that the Foundation established through the University of Colorado Law School and University of Denver Sturm College of Law.

Justice Hart believed that justice should be available to everyone, regardless of their means. As an educator, mentor, and Colorado Supreme Court justice, she worked tirelessly to make that promise a reality. She inspired generations of lawyers and gave generously of her time, wisdom, and friendship. Those who knew her will remember not only her extraordinary accomplishments, but also her authenticity, hospitality, and the kindness with which she welcomed others into her home and her life.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Justice Hart’s family and all who loved her. We are grateful for every woman she encouraged, every person she mentored, and every effort she made to build a more just community. Her example will continue to guide our work and her memory will always be in our hearts.

Honor Justice Hart’s Legacy

Justice Hart’s family has asked that gifts in her memory be made to the Colorado Women’s Bar Association Foundation or the Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado.

A memorial gift to the CWBA Foundation supports our work to advance women in the law and engage the legal profession in protecting and promoting the welfare of women. Your generosity helps carry forward the commitments Melissa championed throughout her life.

Donations in Honor of Justice Melissa Hart

Donations can be mailed and made payable to:

CWBA Foundation

P.O. Box 929

Indians Hills, CO 80454 

Please note in memo: Donation in Honor of Justice Hart

You may also honor Justice Hart through a gift to the Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado, which supports Colorado Legal Services and its work to provide civil legal assistance to Coloradans in need.

Thank you for remembering Justice Hart and helping to carry her work forward.

WELCOME to the Colorado Women’s Bar Association Foundation (CWBA Foundation) webpage!

The Colorado Women's Bar Association Foundation's (CWBAF) mission and purpose is to promote the advancement of women in the law, and to harness the power of the legal profession to protect and promote the welfare of all women. The CWBAF works in conjunction with the Colorado Women's Bar Association (CWBA) to implement the CWBA's charitable and educational work.  

We have been doing this for over thirty years. Check out our history and a list of current board members on the “About Us” page. Review a partial list of past projects and activities on the “Events and Activities” page.

We have two primary methods of raising funds: the Circle of Minerva (members donate $200 per year for five years) and the Raising the Bar annual dinner. More information on these programs can be found on the “Circle of Minerva” and “Raising The Bar” web pages. We also accept one-time donations by clicking on the proper button below. 

If you are looking for the Colorado Women's Bar Association (CWBA), please Click Here.