Professor Lucy A. Marsh has distinguished herself through five decades at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, revolutionizing legal education through innovative experiential learning programs.

A graduate of Smith College (B.A. 1963) and University of Michigan Law School (J.D. 1966), Professor Marsh early demonstrated her commitment to access to justice by co-authoring the brief to the Michigan Supreme Court which persuaded the Court to adopt a student practice rule—allowing the first legal aid clinic at Michigan Law School.

Her most significant achievement is founding an experiential learning program, the Tribal Wills Project, at the Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver. Under her direction, students provide estate planning services on reservations across eight states, earning national recognition and awards from the Denver Bar Association, Colorado Supreme Court, and Navajo Nation.

A prolific scholar, Professor Marsh has authored seven books on property law and estate planning. Her numerous honors include Lawyer of the Year (Law Week Colorado, 2013), Excellence in Teaching Award (2010), and the Colorado Women’s Bar Association’s Raising the Bar Award (2014).

Professor Marsh continues teaching while directing programs that combine rigorous academics with meaningful community service.

Jessica is the Sexual Assault Resource Prosecutor at the Colorado District Attorneys’ Council, representing all 23 elected District Attorneys. A Washburn School of Law graduate, she advises on policy and legislation concerning sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and child abuse while serving as consultant and special prosecutor across multiple districts, particularly in rural communities.

Jessica compiles critical data on special victim crimes and conducts training courses to enhance investigations and prosecutions. She holds key leadership positions including the Department of Public Safety’s Sex Offender Management Board (since 2021) and the newly created Sex Assault Forensic Medical Review Board, working to improve standards for investigating sexual assaults and ensuring timely handling of forensic evidence kits.

Her Colorado career spans the 4th Judicial District in Colorado Springs and Boulder’s 20th Judicial District SVU as Senior Deputy District Attorney. An active Colorado Women’s Bar Association Policy Committee member, Jessica lives in Denver’s Clayton neighborhood with her German Shepherd, Reese, enjoying running, hiking, and reading.