Recently retired, Manuel specialized in gaming and liquor licensing, land use, and governmental relations work at the Denver office of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. Previously, he served as manager of safety for the City and County of Denver, a cabinet position; and as director of excise and licenses, a subcabinet position; he was appointed to both offices by Mayor Federico Peña. He served on the National Board of Directors for the Volunteers of America, 2010-2018; was a board member of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), 2001-2014; was a trustee of The Denver Foundation, 2001-2007; Board of Directors of Volunteers of America, Colorado Branch, 2004-2007; a trustee of the Winter Park Recreation Association, 1998-2005; a trustee of the Children's Hospital Foundation, 1998-2005; a board member of the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 1992-1998, and chairman May 1994-May 1996; a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Denver Chamber of Commerce, 1993- 1996; and senior vice president of the Colorado Bar Association, 1993-1994.