Cherry Creek Business Litigation Lawyers – High-Stakes Advocacy in 2026
Trial-Ready Strategy in Denver’s Financial Hub
In Cherry Creek, business litigation in 2026 is defined by a sophisticated intersection of new consumer transparency mandates and rigorous procedural overhauls. Whether you are navigating a “partnership divorce” in a Fillmore Street firm, defending a trade secret claim in the North Corridor, or litigating a complex breach of contract in the Denver District Court, your legal strategy must be trial-ready from the first filing.
At Burnham Law, we serve as proactive partners for Cherry Creek’s elite enterprises and high-net-worth entrepreneurs. We provide the aggressive, data-driven advocacy necessary to secure maximum leverage. In 2026, where a single “junk fee” violation or an improperly reviewed magistrate order can result in catastrophic financial penalties, having an advocate who is a “step ahead” of the 2nd Judicial District bench is your most critical asset.
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.
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...
Samaneh (Sam) Fard Wiley is motivated to help clients navigate legal challenges with compassion and practical guidance. She is committed to providing responsive communication, strategic advocacy, and personalized representation while helping clients achieve the best possible outcome. Before joining Burnham Law, Sam practiced law in Iran for more than 11 years, representing clients in a wide range of legal matters and building a strong foundation in litigation, advocacy, and client service. After relocating to the United States, she continued her legal career at a personal injury law firm in Grand Junction, Colorado, where she further developed her skills representing clients and navigating complex legal matters before becoming licensed to practice law in Colorado. Sam's diverse legal background and international perspective allow her to approach each case with thoughtful analysis, practical solutions, and a deep commitment to her clients. Outside the office, Sam enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, gardening, exploring new places, cooking, and spending time with friends.
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.
2026 Legal Updates: Critical Shifts for Denver Enterprises
Operating in 2026 requires mastery of several landmark shifts in Colorado law that have fundamentally changed commercial liability and litigation protocol:
1. The 2026 “Junk Fee” Ban (HB 25-1090)
Effective January 1, 2026, Colorado’s price transparency law has redefined “materiality” in contract litigation.
The “Total Price” Mandate: Businesses must disclose the maximum total price—including all mandatory, non-avoidable fees—upfront in all advertisements and contracts.
The 18% Interest Penalty: If a business fails to comply and refuses to refund prohibited fees within 14 days of a demand, they are liable for actual damages plus 18% interest, compounded annually.
Impact on Commercial Leases: Landlords can no longer pass through common area maintenance (CAM) or property tax fees as separate “add-ons” unless they are bundled into the base advertised price.
2. Mandatory 28-Day Magistrate Review (C.R.M. 7)
As of January 2, 2026, the path for appealing a magistrate’s order in a business dispute has been overhauled.
Jurisdictional Prerequisite: You can no longer appeal a magistrate’s order directly to the Court of Appeals. You must file a Petition for Review with a District Court judge within 28 days.
Successor Judge Protocol: Under the updated C.R.C.P. 63 (Effective Feb 2026), if a trial judge becomes unable to serve, a successor judge now has clearer mandates to order a new trial if they did not preside over the original testimony.
3. “Click to Cancel” B2B Expansion (SB 25-145)
Effective February 16, 2026, Colorado’s auto-renewal “kill switch” law now fully applies to Business-to-Business (B2B) transactions.
One-Step Cancellation: Any subscription service or recurring contract entered into online must provide a one-step online cancellation link.
Voidability: Failure to provide this link or hidden “retention hurdles” can render the entire renewal provision void under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act.
4. 2026 Wage & Salary Thresholds
For Cherry Creek employers, the “white-collar” exemption threshold has seen a significant jump:
Exempt Salary: As of January 1, 2026, EAP (Executive, Administrative, Professional) employees must be paid at least $1,111.23 per week ($57,784 annually) to remain exempt from overtime.
Surveillance Wage Setting: New for 2026 (HB 26-1210), using AI or “surveillance data” to set individualized wages to the lowest possible amount a worker will accept is now a deceptive trade practice.
Core Business Litigation Services
Our team provides elite representation across high-value commercial categories:
Partnership & Shareholder Disputes: Managing “business divorces” and breaches of fiduciary duty under the 2026 Corporate Transparency Act reporting standards.
Commercial Real Estate Litigation: Resolving high-stakes lease disputes, partition actions, and development breaches in Cherry Creek North.
Intellectual Property & Trade Secrets: Protecting proprietary tech and client lists in a landscape increasingly impacted by the 2026 Colorado AI Act.
Employment Defense: Defending against new 2026 statutory claims involving NICU leave extensions (up to 24 weeks total) and FAMLI premium audits.
Why Choose Burnham Law for Your Cherry Creek Business
In the 2nd Judicial District, your lawyer’s ability to master 2026’s complex data and new statutes is your strongest asset. Burnham Law offers:
Trial-Ready Motion Practice: We produce scholarly, persuasive briefs designed to win cases on the law, often avoiding the time and expense of a full trial.
Regulatory Foresight: We identify 2026 gaps—like the new AI transparency requirements—before they turn into a lawsuit.
Local Intellectual Capital: Deeply familiar with the Denver County bench and the specific administrative “flavor” of the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse.
Take Action Today
The 2026 procedural updates—especially the 28-day window for magistrate reviews and the new 18% interest penalty for deceptive pricing—leave no room for delay. Whether you are initiating a claim or defending your enterprise, immediate intervention is vital. Contact Burnham Law to schedule a strategic business litigation consultation: 📞 Call 303.990.5308 📍 Cherry Creek Office: 44 Cook St, Denver, CO 80206 📅 Schedule a Consultation Online
