Boulder Real Estate Lawyers — Protecting Your Interests in Colorado’s Most Complex Property Market
Boulder’s real estate market is among the most competitive and legally complex in Colorado. Residential transactions regularly involve significant values, competing interests, and contract terms that require careful review. Commercial real estate involves even greater complexity — lease structures, title issues, development entitlements, and investment considerations that require attorneys who understand both real estate law and the Boulder market. Burnham Law’s Boulder real estate attorneys handle transactions, disputes, and litigation for buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, investors, and developers.
Meet our Boulder civil litigation team below — attorneys experienced in real estate transactions, property disputes, title issues, and commercial real estate litigation throughout Boulder County.
Andrew is a seasoned attorney with over a decade of experience in navigating complex legal challenges. He has successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases, including consumer protection matters, breach of warranty claims against major automotive manufacturers, mass tort litigation, and disputes with oil and gas companies. Andrew's approach is to combine meticulous preparation with practical problem-solving, a strategy that has consistently led to favorable outcomes for his clients. Throughout his career, Andrew has resolved hundreds of cases in state and federal courts, as well as in binding arbitration. His dedicated work has resulted in millions of dollars in recoveries for his clients. He is committed to achieving the best possible results, drawing on his extensive experience to provide comprehensive and effective legal counsel.
Brandon has partnered with business owners across every stage of the business lifecycle. His experience spans pre-litigation, third-party disputes, shareholder derivative actions, and business formation, as well as day-to-day advisory services. He is also a seasoned guide in complex transactions, including sales, mergers, and acquisitions. Throughout his career, Brandon has counseled clients through transactions ranging from several hundred thousand to mid-eight figures. Regardless of the deal’s scale, his objective remains steadfast: to provide a positive, measurable impact on his clients and their long-term business health. Brandon assists clients through all phases of litigation, from initial dispute resolution to mediation and arbitration. His background in transactional law provides him with a unique edge; having drafted the very contracts that often become the subject of legal disputes, he utilizes that intimate knowledge to navigate litigation effectively and help clients avoid future risks. When he is away from his practice, Brandon stays active by golfing and going to the gym. A self-proclaimed bourbon...
Brian Teed is a civil litigation attorney. He specializes in complex motions practice and appeals. Brian earned his Juris Doctor from Arizona State University, where he distinguished himself by interning for federal district judges and working for the United States Department of Justice in Washington, DC. He also served on the executive board of the Arizona State Law Journal and published two articles on constitutional issues. After graduating, Brian clerked on the Arizona Court of Appeals and the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. At Burnham, he has served clients with litigation and transactional needs, whether negotiating, litigating, or advising on the best path forward. Some of his successes include the defense of two six-figure judgments on appeal. From this broad experience, Brian is uniquely positioned to help clients navigate the complexities and stress of civil litigation, including appeals.
Bryon has more than a decade of experience in probate, trust administration, and estate planning. His probate experience includes contesting fraudulent wills and litigating terms of estate plan documents. In preparing estate plans, Bryon emphasizes helping clients pass on as much of their estates to their loved ones as possible through careful and regular review by clients. Bryon also has experience in representing landlords in evictions, contracts, commercial sales transactions, public bidding, and special taxing districts. When not serving clients, Bryon enjoys camping, off-roading, and traveling with his family.
Before law school, Chris was a Television Broadcast News Reporter for NBC KOMU TV-8 and a Radio Broadcast News Reporter for NPR KBIA 91.3. During law school, Chris clerked for the General Counsel of a Major International Airline, he clerked for the Chief Judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals-Southern District, he clerked for a small civil litigation and real estate law firm in Columbia, and he was a summer intern at McDowell Rice Smith & Buchanan, P.C. in Kansas City. After law school, Chris became an Associate Attorney at McDowell Rice Smith & Buchanan, P.C.’s Country Club Plaza office eventually earning an Equity Shareholder Position. Since moving to Colorado in 2011, Chris has been a Business Operations Manager at a Denver-based multi-million dollar company, he has been a Contract Attorney for a medical device publicly-traded company, he has been a Staff Attorney at a boutique law firm providing bankruptcy legal services to consumers, and he has been the Bankruptcy...
Prior to joining Burnham, Cody began his career at a general practice law firm focusing primarily on commercial litigation, real estate litigation, real estate transactions, trusts and estates, probate, and oil and gas. Since then, he has honed his skills as an advocate with a focus on assisting his clients in navigating all stages of litigation and arbitration. Specifically, Cody has done multiple trials, arbitrations, mediations, and depositions, obtaining efficient and favorable results for his clients. As a result of this experience, Cody is keenly aware of the litigation process, and the strategic nuances that lead to success before and during trial. Cody is also an experienced corporate attorney who assists clients in business/shareholder disputes, transactions, and corporate structuring in a wide variety of industries, including construction, real estate acquisition and development, lifestyle brands, and many more. In his off time, Cody enjoys hiking, skiing, trying some of Denver’s best places to eat, and spending time with his Labrador Ollie.
David is a highly experienced litigator and trial attorney focusing on commercial disputes, litigation, and arbitrations. He has been representing individuals and businesses for over three decades and is a relentless advocate and seasoned trial attorney. David has honed his skills practicing with both international firms (Shook, Hardy & Bacon, Dorsey & Whitney, and Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani), and respected local firms. He possesses extensive first-chair experience in civil trials, arbitrations, and appeals, offering clients dedicated and intense focus in a wide range of complex commercial matters. David grew up in Loveland, Colorado and attended the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business on a Boettcher Foundation Scholarship, earning a degree in Finance/Real Estate. He later received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, where he was a member of the prestigious Minnesota Law Review and a director of the International Moot Court. David started his legal career in Kansas City focusing on pharmaceutical products liability litigation, before...
Erin has extensive experience representing clients in all phases of litigation in both state and federal courts, with a focus on employment litigation, business and commercial disputes, and appellate matters. She also has significant experience in estate planning and probate, advising individuals and families on preserving their legacies and guiding them through the probate process with clarity and compassion. In addition to her private practice work, Erin served as a law clerk to the Honorable Judge Jerry N. Jones of the Colorado Court of Appeals. She also previously clerked for the South Dakota Second Judicial Circuit, gaining valuable insight into the judicial process.
Kate strives to have a client-oriented practice where she can assist her clients in all stages of litigation. Prior to joining Burnham, Kate was an associate at an AmLaw Firm where she worked on various types of complex litigation representing large corporations, municipalities, and individuals. Before going into private practice, Kate was an Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade County where she tried over twenty cases. Kate has been able to develop a well-rounded practice by working in both the private and public sectors. Kate has honed her skill sets from her prior experience so she can be a zealous advocate for her clients. In her spare time, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband in the outdoors, traveling, and visiting family.
Katlyn Schafer is passionate about helping her clients navigate their legal challenges by providing clear guidance, practical solutions, and strong advocacy at every stage of the process. Her practice spans a wide range of civil matters including personal disputes, consumer protection disputes, regulatory and administrative disputes, environmental disputes, and many others. Prior to joining Burnham Law, Katlyn worked as an Associate Attorney providing representation in worker's compensation disputes. During law school, Katlyn served on the editorial board for the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law. She interned with the Idaho Office of the Attorney General and gained experience working as a student-attorney to provide pro bono legal representation to various nonprofits in the New England area. In her free time, Katlyn can be found frequenting thrift stores, exploring the Colorado wilderness, and watching scary movies with her partner James and their pets, Gracie and Koda
Kayla is known for her effective legal strategies and creative solutions in resolving a wide range of disputes, including contractual issues, landlord/tenant matters, boundary disputes, and HOA conflicts. Kayla believes in understanding her clients' unique goals to secure the most beneficial results for them. Beyond her practice, Kayla is highly engaged in the legal community through volunteer board positions aimed at encouraging growth and supporting diverse voices. Her professional excellence has been consistently recognized, including being named a Top Attorney by Colorado Springs Magazine multiple times and a Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2024 and 2025. In her free time, Kayla enjoys reading, spending time with her daughter, and exploring the outdoors. She is an accomplished runner, having completed challenging races like numerous half marathons and the Pikes Peak Ascent.
Logan completed his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University at Albany, and recently earned his J.D. from William and Mary Law School. Before entering law school, Logan spent time working in the in-house legal department of a 3rd party commercial lending company. In this role he assisted with business development projects with clients ranging from local coffee shops to large commercial developers in New York City. Prior to joining Burnham, Logan began his legal career at a local Denver law firm primarily practicing civil litigation defense. Since joining Burnham, Logan has represented a diverse range of clientele ranging from individuals engaged in civil disputes to general commercial litigation. Logan has successfully negotiated various settlements in his clients’ favor, both prior to and after commencement of litigation, in case types such as breach of contract, property damage, negligence, partition, fraud, landlord/tenant disputes, and bad faith insurance denial. In his free time, you can find Logan on one of the...
Sam focuses his practice on general litigation, transactional work—aiding small businesses and assisting in acquisitions—business litigation and breakups, and administrative work. Prior to joining the Burnham Law Firm, Sam acted as counsel at a major ski company and then in a firm setting. Sam is keenly aware of the fact that litigation can be stressful and complex. His background complements his ability to provide competent guidance and critical thinking to his clients’ cases and the corollary issues which stem from them. In his free time, Sam loves to backcountry ski, race road and mountain bikes, cook, read, play guitar, and sail.
Zac focuses mainly on civil litigation, and has experience with real estate litigation, real estate transactions and estate matters. He earned his bachelor’s degree and law degree at the University of Tennessee. In law school, he was a member of the Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law and a student-attorney in the Business Clinic. In his spare time, Zac enjoys spending time with his wife and dog outdoors hiking, going to various restaurants, and being with friends. Zac is a die-hard Minnesota sports fan and Tennessee Volunteer fan.
Real Estate Law in Boulder, Colorado
Colorado real estate law governs everything from the formation and performance of purchase contracts to the resolution of title defects, easement disputes, landlord-tenant conflicts, and complex development transactions. Boulder County’s real estate market — characterized by high property values, constrained supply, significant commercial development, and a mix of university-related and private investment — generates legal issues across all of these areas regularly.
Real estate transactions in Colorado are largely governed by standard form contracts administered by the Colorado Real Estate Commission, but those forms leave significant room for negotiation and customization — and disputes frequently arise over what the final terms required, who bears responsibility for defects discovered during due diligence, and what happens when a transaction falls through. Commercial real estate operates under even more flexible and complex contract frameworks.
Colorado has specific statutes governing landlord-tenant relationships, homeowners associations, condominium regimes, mechanic’s liens affecting real property, and title examination requirements. Navigating these frameworks — particularly in a market as active as Boulder’s — requires attorneys who stay current on Colorado real estate law and understand how it applies in practice at the Boulder County District Court and in transactions with local title companies and brokers.
What Our Boulder Real Estate Attorneys Handle
Real estate transaction disputes: When purchase and sale transactions go wrong — over inspection issues, title defects, financing failures, or earnest money disputes — the parties’ rights depend on the contract’s precise terms and Colorado real estate law. We represent buyers, sellers, and investors in disputes arising from failed or contested transactions.
Commercial leasing disputes: Commercial lease disputes in Boulder involve some of the highest-stakes real estate conflicts in the region — retail space on Pearl Street, office and lab space in the east Boulder tech corridor, and industrial property throughout the county all generate lease disputes requiring experienced legal counsel.
Title defects and boundary disputes: Title defects — including undisclosed liens, easements not identified in the title commitment, boundary encroachments, and ownership disputes — require quiet title actions and other legal proceedings to resolve. We handle title litigation and work closely with title companies and surveyors to establish and clear property rights.
Landlord-tenant litigation: Residential and commercial landlord-tenant disputes in Colorado involve specific statutory frameworks governing security deposits, eviction procedures, habitability standards, and lease enforcement. We represent both landlords and tenants in eviction proceedings, security deposit disputes, and breach of lease claims.
HOA and condominium disputes: Boulder County has significant condominium and HOA-governed communities, and disputes between owners and associations — over assessments, architectural review decisions, rules enforcement, and governance — require attorneys who understand Colorado’s HOA statutes and community association law.
Real estate fraud and misrepresentation: When sellers, brokers, or developers misrepresent property conditions, zoning status, or other material facts, the resulting claims are both breach of contract and civil fraud. We pursue and defend real estate fraud claims with the investigative depth these cases require.
How Boulder Real Estate Cases Work
Real estate disputes in Boulder County are typically heard in Boulder County District Court. Depending on the nature of the dispute, the applicable Colorado statute may require specific pre-litigation steps — a demand letter under the CDARA framework for construction defects affecting real property, or the statutory eviction notice and cure period required before an unlawful detainer proceeding.
Many real estate disputes are resolved through mediation, particularly when ongoing relationships between the parties — a landlord and tenant with remaining lease term, for example — make negotiated resolution preferable. Purchase and sale contract disputes often hinge on the disposition of earnest money, which can sometimes be resolved through the contract’s dispute resolution provisions. When disputes can’t be resolved, litigation proceeds on a standard civil schedule through Boulder County District Court.
Real estate litigation requires detailed documentary evidence — the contract, title reports, inspection reports, communications between the parties, and, in many cases, expert testimony on value, condition, or market standards. Building a complete evidentiary record from the start of the dispute protects options throughout the process.
Why Burnham Law for Real Estate Disputes in Boulder
Boulder market knowledge. Real estate disputes in Boulder require attorneys who understand this market — the values, the development pressures, the commercial real estate landscape, and the local dynamics that affect how disputes play out. We practice in this market regularly and bring that knowledge to every case.
Transaction and litigation capability. Real estate disputes that start as transaction issues can evolve into litigation, and vice versa. Having attorneys who are equally capable on both sides of that line means clients don’t need to change counsel as their dispute evolves.
Landlord and tenant representation. We represent both landlords and tenants, giving us a realistic view of both sides of lease disputes. That perspective makes us more effective advocates regardless of which side we’re on in a specific matter.
Title and survey coordination. Title disputes require close coordination with title companies, surveyors, and, sometimes, historians of the property’s chain of title. We manage that coordination efficiently and build the case around the documentary and physical evidence that title litigation requires.
Frequently Asked Questions — Boulder Real Estate Lawyers
What can I do if a seller failed to disclose a known defect?
Colorado requires sellers to disclose known material defects in a residential property. If a seller fails to disclose a known defect, the buyer may have claims for breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation, and negligent misrepresentation — potentially including a right to rescind the purchase or recover the cost of remediation. The analysis depends on what the seller knew, what was disclosed, and how the property’s condition was represented during the transaction.
How does Colorado’s eviction process work?
Residential evictions in Colorado begin with proper written notice to the tenant — the type and duration of notice depends on the reason for eviction. If the tenant doesn’t comply with the notice, the landlord files an unlawful detainer action in county court. The tenant is served and has the right to appear at a hearing. If the court rules in the landlord’s favor, a writ of restitution is issued and the sheriff enforces the eviction. Commercial evictions follow a similar framework with some differences in notice requirements.
What is a quiet title action?
A quiet title action is a lawsuit filed to resolve a dispute over ownership or other interests in real property. When a property’s title has competing claims — from an old lien, an unrecorded deed, a boundary dispute, or an adverse possession claim — a quiet title action asks the court to definitively establish who owns the property and under what terms. The judgment in a quiet title action is binding on all parties and clears the title for future transactions.
What happens if the buyer backs out of a real estate contract?
If a buyer backs out of a Colorado real estate contract without a valid contractual right to do so, the seller’s typical remedy is to retain the earnest money deposit. In some circumstances — particularly in commercial real estate transactions involving large amounts and significant seller reliance — the seller may also pursue a specific performance claim to force the buyer to complete the purchase, or a damages claim for losses beyond the earnest money.
Can a commercial tenant be evicted during a lease term?
Yes, but only for cause — typically non-payment of rent or material breach of the lease. The process requires proper notice and, if the tenant doesn’t cure, an unlawful detainer proceeding. Commercial leases often have detailed default and cure provisions that must be followed precisely. Landlords who don’t follow the correct procedure can lose their right to evict even when the tenant is clearly in breach.
Schedule a Consultation with a Boulder Real Estate Lawyer
Real estate disputes in Boulder involve significant money and complicated legal frameworks. Getting experienced counsel involved early — whether you’re in a transaction that’s going sideways or a dispute that’s already escalated — protects your options and your investment.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. Our Boulder real estate attorneys represent buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, investors, and developers in property matters throughout Boulder County.
