Boulder Construction Lawyers — Resolving Disputes and Protecting Rights Across the Construction Process
Construction disputes are among the most technically complex in civil litigation. They involve layered contracts, detailed construction specifications, expert analysis of what was built versus what was required, and disputes over money that can run from tens of thousands to tens of millions of dollars. Burnham Law’s Boulder construction attorneys represent owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in the full range of construction disputes — defect claims, payment disputes, delay litigation, mechanic’s lien enforcement, and contract interpretation.
Meet our Boulder civil litigation team below — attorneys experienced in construction disputes, contract enforcement, and construction defect claims in Boulder and throughout Colorado.
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.
Construction Law in Boulder, Colorado
Boulder County’s construction activity — driven by residential development, commercial projects, university expansion, and significant renovation activity in both the city and surrounding mountain communities — generates a steady stream of construction disputes. Defects that emerge after completion, payment disputes between contractors and owners, and schedule disagreements between general contractors and subcontractors all require legal resolution.
Colorado has specific statutes governing construction disputes. The Construction Defect Action Reform Act (CDARA) establishes procedures that must be followed before filing a construction defect lawsuit — including notice requirements, inspection rights, and opportunity to repair. The Colorado Mechanics’ Lien Act gives contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers who haven’t been paid the right to file a lien against the property as security for their claim. Both statutes have technical requirements with strict deadlines.
Construction disputes often involve multiple parties — the owner, the general contractor, one or more subcontractors, a design professional, and a supplier or manufacturer. Claims flow between these parties under different legal theories: breach of contract between parties in privity, negligence claims against designers and contractors, and indemnity or contribution claims between co-defendants. Managing multi-party construction litigation requires attorneys who can track the full picture while pursuing each client’s specific interest.
What Our Boulder Construction Attorneys Handle
Construction defect claims: When construction is performed below the required standard — whether due to design errors, workmanship failures, material defects, or code violations — the resulting defects can cause significant property damage and remediation costs. We represent owners pursuing defect claims and contractors defending against them, applying CDARA’s procedures correctly from the start.
Payment disputes and mechanic’s liens: Contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers who haven’t been paid have statutory lien rights under Colorado law. We handle mechanic’s lien filings, lien enforcement actions, and bond claims on behalf of claimants — and represent property owners and general contractors defending against lien claims.
Construction contract disputes: Disputes over contract interpretation, change orders, scope creep, substantial completion determinations, and liquidated damages clauses arise on nearly every significant construction project. We represent all parties in construction contract disputes and understand how these agreements are structured and interpreted.
Delay and disruption claims: When a construction project falls behind schedule due to one party’s conduct, the resulting claims — for extended general conditions, lost productivity, escalated material costs, and delay damages — require careful documentation and expert analysis. We handle these claims for both claimants and respondents.
Design professional liability: Architects and engineers who produce deficient drawings or specifications can be liable for the resulting construction defects and project costs. We represent both owners pursuing design professional claims and design professionals defending against allegations of negligence.
Public construction and government contracts: Construction disputes involving government owners have additional procedural requirements, including contract claims processes, certification requirements, and different limitations periods. We handle public construction disputes for contractors and subcontractors.
How Boulder Construction Cases Work
Construction defect cases under CDARA require the claimant to serve a notice of claim on the contractor before filing suit. The contractor then has the right to inspect the alleged defects and make an offer to repair or pay for the damage. If the offer is rejected or not made, litigation can proceed. Strict compliance with CDARA’s notice and response timelines is essential — failures can affect both the right to sue and available damages.
Construction litigation is expert-intensive. Determining whether construction met the required standard requires testimony from experienced contractors, engineers, or construction managers who can explain what should have been done and what wasn’t. Damages experts calculate the cost to remediate defects or the financial impact of delays. Identifying, retaining, and preparing effective expert witnesses is a major part of construction case preparation.
Many construction disputes are resolved through mediation — often required by the construction contract itself — before trial. Construction cases that proceed to trial are typically bench trials due to the technical nature of the issues, and judges in Boulder County expect attorneys to present the technical issues clearly and efficiently.
Why Burnham Law for Construction Disputes in Boulder
Technical construction knowledge. Construction cases require lawyers who understand how buildings are designed and built, what standard industry practices look like, and how to read a set of construction drawings. We bring that background to every construction matter we handle.
CDARA compliance from day one. Construction defect cases in Colorado live or die by proper compliance with CDARA’s notice and response process. We ensure our clients follow the required procedures correctly and use those procedures strategically.
Multi-party case management. Complex construction disputes often involve multiple defendants and cross-claims between parties. We manage multi-party construction cases efficiently, keeping our client’s interests focused while coordinating the full case strategy.
Lien rights expertise. Colorado’s mechanic’s lien statute is powerful but unforgiving — missing deadlines can forfeit lien rights entirely. We handle lien filings and enforcement actions with the precision these deadlines require.
Frequently Asked Questions — Boulder Construction Lawyers
What is CDARA and how does it affect my construction defect claim?
The Construction Defect Action Reform Act (CDARA) is a Colorado statute that establishes the procedures for bringing construction defect claims. It requires claimants to serve a detailed notice of claim on the contractor before filing suit, gives contractors the right to inspect and make an offer to remedy, and affects the available damages and legal standards in defect cases. CDARA’s requirements are mandatory — failing to follow them correctly can significantly damage a defect claim.
How long do I have to file a construction defect claim in Colorado?
Colorado has a two-year statute of limitations for construction defect claims, running from the date the defect was discovered or should have been discovered. There is also an eight-year statute of repose that runs from substantial completion of the construction — claims cannot be brought after that period regardless of when the defect was discovered. Both deadlines must be evaluated in any potential construction defect matter.
What is a mechanic’s lien and how do I file one?
A mechanic’s lien is a security interest in real property that Colorado law gives to contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers who provided labor or materials to improve the property and haven’t been paid. To protect lien rights, claimants must file a notice of intent in most circumstances and then record the lien within specific deadlines after the last day of work. Missing these deadlines forfeits lien rights entirely.
Can I sue the architect or engineer for construction defects?
Yes. Design professionals have a duty of care to their clients — and in some circumstances to third parties — in the preparation of construction documents. When deficient drawings or specifications cause construction defects or project failures, the design professional may be liable for the resulting damages. These cases require expert testimony establishing what the standard of care required and how the professional’s work fell short.
What happens when a contractor doesn’t finish the job?
If a contractor abandons a project or fails to complete it, the owner has remedies including completing the work using another contractor and pursuing the original contractor for the additional cost, delay damages, and any other losses caused by the abandonment. The analysis depends on the contract’s terms, whether the owner has properly declared the contractor in default, and whether the contractor has any defenses based on the owner’s own conduct.
Schedule a Consultation with a Boulder Construction Lawyer
Construction disputes are time-sensitive — CDARA notice requirements, lien deadlines, and statutes of limitation all have strict cutoffs. If you’re involved in a construction dispute in Boulder County, getting experienced counsel involved early makes a meaningful difference in what remedies are still available.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. Our Boulder construction attorneys represent owners, contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in construction disputes throughout Colorado.
