Professors Marsh are stalwarts of the Denver legal community for generations

Through their decades of teaching at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, Professors Thompson G. Marsh and Lucy A. Marsh have influenced generations of lawyers in Colorado! Our Inn began in March, 1993, and we remain one of the longest running, most active Inns in the Denver metro area. In 2021, the Inn decided it was appropriate to update our Inn and we added Professor Lucy A. Marsh to our Inn’s name to honor her commitment and contributions to the larger Marsh legal legacy.

From Our Membership ~

I joined the Thompson and Lucy Marsh American Inn of Court in 2016 during my 2L year at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Around the same time, I was in the process of applying for judicial clerkships at the appellate courts in Colorado. I was fortunate enough to meet the Honorable Diana L. Terry at my first Inn event that Summer and, shortly thereafter, found myself in her chambers interviewing for a clerkship. Needless to say, when I was offered the position, I gladly accepted and it ended up being one of the best decisions of my life.

~Nicole Jones, member since 2016

Professor Thompson G.  Marsh began his career as the youngest professor in the country, and upon retirement - 60 years later! - he ended his career as the oldest professor. During his tenure, he was one of the most colorful, award-winning, and respected faculty members in the history of the College of Law. Thompson's legal specialties included property and mining law, future interests, legal philosophy, Hohfeldian analysis, and analytical jurisprudence.

A dedicated family man, Professor Marsh spent his summers, which he affectionately referred to as “academic freedom,” out of doors. In support of his lifelong bird watching hobby, he and his family were avid campers and climbers. In fact, he and his wife, climbed all 22 Colorado 14ers. He and his wife encouraged musical talent by instituting family music, where the family would play string instruments together.

Considered a favorite professor by many, even by those who may not have done well in class, Marsh maintained high expectations of his students, and demanded his students not only do the work but do the work correctly. He was widely known for his Technicolor and demerit systems. His Technicolor system, which encouraged different colored highlighters different components of case law –has been adopted by bar charts and continues to be used today!

Conservative estimates show through his teaching he influenced more than 4,000 lawyers in the Denver Metro area. At his retirement, Thompson said, "I think I did just what I wanted to all my life." Thompson passed away in 1992.

 

 

Lucy A. Marsh, Professor Thompson Marsh’s daughter, is currently a professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She has earned her renown and has contributed uniquely to the study and field of law. Her proudest accomplishment is the Tribal Wills Project, which she created in 2013. A strictly volunteer opportunity for students, Native American nations invite Professor Marsh and her students to assist their nation members with estate planning documents. Sensitive to the cultural differences, Professor Marsh invites nation representatives to inform students about their nation’s history and customs to ensure a respectful environment and smooth clinic. The program receives no school funding, and to ensure students from all walks of life can participate, Professor Marsh fundraises for all Project expenses – transportation, housing, food for all participants. The Tribal Wills Project is the largest of its kind in the U.S.

To build fellowship and break down barriers between staff, faculty and students, Professor Marsh coordinates the annual school production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Trial by Jury, a comic opera in one act! While the production halted during the pandemic, Professor Marsh looks forward to restarting the event enjoyed by so many.

The Thompson and Lucy Marsh Inn of Court strives to continue their legacy and tradition of excellence through education, camaraderie, and community outreach for those in need. Learn how, through your active participation in our Inn can continue these great traditions by joining the Executive Committee.

Join us today, invest in yourself, and reap the rewards for years to come!