early mentorship was instrumental in her growth and continues to shape her approach today, especially as she builds her own leadership path. Rogers remains grounded in her values, dedicated to the people she represents and inspired by the belief that justice, though not always easy to achieve, is always worth fighting for.
One of Rogers’ most impactful professional achievements came in April 2025, when she and her team secured a landmark $ 4 million civil rights verdict in federal court. The case centered on Jackson Maes, a man who died by suicide in a remote Colorado jail after his repeated pleas for help were ignored. Maes was the third person in less than a decade to die in the same manner in that jail. The jury found the jail staff had failed to follow policies or provide training, holding them accountable for a preventable death. For Rogers, the case was about more than the verdict.
“ Suicidal thoughts should never be a death sentence,” she says.“ This case sent a message that people in custody deserve mental health care and dignity.”
It’ s a case that not only marked a milestone in her career but also set a powerful precedent for reform in jail systems across the country.
Outside the courtroom, Rogers is deeply involved in strengthening the legal community through leadership
and mentorship. She chairs the Women Trial Lawyers’ Network, a subsection of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association( CTLA), where she has led for the past three years. In this role, she helps organize retreats and summits focused on trial skills and leadership development and writes a monthly member spotlight column to help support other women attorneys. She also serves on CTLA’ s board of governors and executive and nominating committees.
“ Cultivating a network of supportive women lawyers has proved to be the most valuable resource I have in my toolkit,” Rogers says.“ When challenges arise, I can seek out the guidance and wisdom of our membership.”
A graduate of the Colorado Bar Association’ s COBALT leadership program, Rogers continues her education and professional development through the Trial Lawyers College, National Institute for Trial Advocacy and the American Association for Justice.
While Rogers now resides in Denver, and though she lives far from her Appalachian roots, she remains a passionate ambassador for her home state of West Virginia.
“ When I think of West Virginia, I think of the grit that exists in these hills,” she says.“ My grit and determination led me to find success in my professional career and personal life.
I am also thankful for the humility of the people in these hills, who taught me from an early age to treat everyone with respect and kindness and to not view yourself as being above others.”
Rogers is most proud of the life she’ s built and the difference she’ s made, whether in the courtroom, at voter registration drives through HeadCount or mentoring the next generation of lawyers.
For Rogers, the future holds new challenges and adventures, including a dream to drive up the West Coast on Highway 1 from San Diego, CA, to Seattle, WA. No matter where she goes, her roots, values and unwavering commitment to justice remain at the heart of her work. •
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