Colorado Access to Justice Commission Executive Director Announcement
March 24, 2021
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The Colorado Access to Justice Commission is excited to announce that it has named Elisa Marie Overall, Esq., as its first Executive Director. Overall will begin this position on March 22, 2021.
The Colorado Access to Justice Commission devotes itself to helping all people obtain fair and equitable resolutions of their civil legal problems. The Commission works to create solutions and support the development of resources so that all Coloradans have the information, tools, and services necessary to solve their civil legal problems fairly, quickly, and economically. The Executive Director will provide staff support to the Commission and its committees, as well as support for the Commission’s mission and implementation of its Strategic Action Plan.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Elisa as the Commission’s very first Executive Director,” said Dick Gast, Chair of the Colorado Access to Justice Commission. “She brings a wonderful blend of ability, energy and experience that will position her as a catalyst in the Commission’s efforts to more effectively help Coloradans access and navigate our civil justice system.”
Before attending law school, Overall lived in Telluride and worked to support immigrant communities throughout the Western Slope. She also successfully directed a large Federal grant that targeted health disparities in the region's low-income and minority youth. Overall pursued a law degree to increase her impact as an advocate for social justice and equity, graduating from the University of Denver in 2017. While at DU, Overall was an Executive Leadership Fellow at the Latino Leadership Institute. For the past several years, she has worked as appellate counsel for indigent defendants, in private practice and on behalf of the Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel.
“Today’s leaders in access to justice in Colorado have met this unprecedented moment of need with a degree of resolve, innovation, and perseverance that is nothing short of extraordinary. This latest display of leadership is preceded by nearly two decades of Commissioners and allies strategically working to identify and break down the ever-evolving barriers to civil justice. I cannot overstate how honored and excited I am for the opportunity to support the Commission in its vital work and to build upon an enduring legacy of expanding access to justice across Colorado.”
On any given day, thousands of Coloradans face civil legal problems that, when left unresolved, can have devastating personal consequences, as well as creating significant and costly societal problems. Yet many do not have access to the information, tools, and services necessary to resolve these legal problems quickly, fairly, and economically. The past year has underscored the importance of the Commission’s work in achieving justice for all in our state, and the Commission is excited for the increased opportunity for impact that comes with a dedicated Executive Director to lead the effort.
For more information, please contact:
Dick Gast, Chair, Colorado Access to Justice Commission,
970-691-7925