Colorado Springs Breach of Contract Lawyers — Enforcing Agreements and Protecting Your Rights in El Paso County
Contracts are how businesses and individuals make enforceable commitments. When one party doesn’t follow through, the consequences fall on the other — lost revenue, disrupted operations, unfinished projects, and professional relationships that may be difficult to repair. Burnham Law’s Colorado Springs contract attorneys represent businesses and individuals on both sides of breach of contract disputes, from initial demand letters through litigation in El Paso County District Court and, when necessary, trial.
Meet our Colorado Springs civil litigation team below — attorneys who handle breach of contract disputes across commercial, construction, real estate, government contracting, and personal service contexts throughout El Paso 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.
Breach of Contract Law in Colorado
A Colorado breach of contract claim requires establishing four elements: a valid and enforceable contract existed, the plaintiff performed their own obligations or had a legally recognized excuse for non-performance, the defendant breached the contract’s terms, and the plaintiff suffered damages as a result. Each element is a potential dispute — whether a binding agreement was actually formed, what its terms required, whether performance was adequate, and how to calculate the loss the breach caused.
Most service, employment, and commercial agreements in Colorado are governed by common law contract principles. Contracts for the sale of goods are governed by Colorado’s adoption of the Uniform Commercial Code, which has different rules for formation, performance, and breach — including implied warranties of merchantability and fitness that don’t exist under common law. Knowing which body of law applies is foundational to the analysis of any contract dispute.
Colorado courts enforce unambiguous written contracts as written. When contract language is clear, extrinsic evidence of what the parties claim they intended is generally excluded. When language is genuinely ambiguous — and in Colorado Springs’ active commercial environment, ambiguously drafted contracts arise with regularity — the parties’ course of dealing, industry custom, and other contextual evidence become relevant. Many contract disputes ultimately turn on a sentence or a phrase that was carelessly drafted at signing.
What Our Colorado Springs Contract Attorneys Handle
Commercial contract disputes: Vendor agreements, service contracts, licensing arrangements, distribution deals, and commercial leases are the lifeblood of Colorado Springs’ commercial economy. When those agreements break down, the financial stakes are often significant. We handle commercial contract disputes for businesses across the Colorado Springs metro.
Government contracting disputes: Colorado Springs’ large military and defense contractor presence generates a significant volume of government contracting disputes — subcontractor payment disputes, performance disagreements, and termination claims that involve both federal procurement law and Colorado contract principles. We represent contractors and subcontractors in government contracting matters.
Construction contract disputes: Construction projects involve layered contracts — between owners and general contractors, general contractors and subcontractors, and subcontractors and suppliers. Colorado Springs’ active construction market generates regular contract disputes over scope, payment, delays, and defects. We represent all parties in construction contract litigation.
Real estate contract disputes: Purchase and sale agreements, commercial leases, and development contracts generate breach claims when transactions fail, performance is disputed, or one party acts outside the agreement’s terms. We represent buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants in real estate contract litigation throughout El Paso County.
Employment and non-compete agreements: Employment contracts, severance agreements, and restrictive covenant disputes arise regularly in Colorado Springs’ professional and defense contractor community. Colorado’s evolving non-compete enforcement rules have significant implications for both employers seeking to protect their business interests and employees defending against enforcement actions.
Pre-litigation demand and negotiation: Many contract disputes resolve through well-crafted demand letters and focused negotiation — without the time and expense of full litigation. We handle the pre-litigation phase with the same strategic care we bring to cases that go to court.
How Colorado Springs Breach of Contract Cases Work
Contract disputes in Colorado Springs typically begin with an attempt at direct resolution — a demand letter, a formal notice of breach, or negotiation between counsel. When those efforts don’t produce a result, the aggrieved party files a complaint in El Paso County District Court. For disputes involving smaller amounts, El Paso County’s small claims track handles matters up to $7,500 under a simplified procedure.
Discovery in contract cases focuses heavily on documents — the contract, communications about its formation and performance, payment records, project records in construction matters, and evidence of the actual loss caused by the breach. Depositions of key decision-makers are common in significant commercial disputes. Expert witnesses may be needed to establish industry standards for performance or to calculate complex damages.
Colorado’s statute of limitations for written contract claims is three years from the date of breach. For oral contracts, the period is also generally three years. The clock starts when the breach occurs and the non-breaching party knows or reasonably should know about it. Timeliness — including the limitations period and any contractual notice requirements — is always evaluated at the outset of a contract dispute.
Why Burnham Law for Contract Disputes in Colorado Springs
Government contracting knowledge. Colorado Springs’ defense contractor community creates a category of contract disputes that most civil litigators don’t regularly encounter. We understand the federal procurement overlay and how it intersects with Colorado contract law in these disputes.
Litigation-backed negotiating leverage. Contract disputes settle on better terms when opposing counsel knows your attorneys are genuinely prepared to litigate. Our track record in El Paso County civil litigation means the other side takes our clients’ positions seriously from the start of negotiations.
Commercial context. Understanding the business context of a contract dispute — the industry, the deal structure, what performance actually required in practice — is essential to making compelling arguments. We bring commercial judgment to every contract matter we handle.
Plaintiff and defendant experience. We represent parties pursuing breach claims and parties defending against them. That dual perspective gives us a realistic view of the strongest arguments available to each side and how disputes like the one we’re handling tend to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions — Colorado Springs Breach of Contract
What is the statute of limitations for a contract claim in Colorado?
Written contracts have a three-year statute of limitations in Colorado, running from the date of the breach. Oral contracts are also generally subject to a three-year limitations period. Contracts for the sale of goods under the UCC have a four-year period. The clock begins when the breach occurs and the non-breaching party knows or reasonably should know about it. Contractual notice requirements — which exist in many commercial agreements — must also be met and may have shorter timelines.
What is the difference between a material breach and a minor breach?
A material breach goes to the heart of the contract — it substantially defeats the purpose of the agreement and entitles the non-breaching party to treat the contract as terminated and sue for full damages. A minor breach does not excuse the non-breaching party from its own performance but does entitle it to damages for the specific harm caused. The classification of a breach as material or minor is frequently the central legal dispute in contract litigation.
Are verbal contracts enforceable in Colorado?
Generally yes — oral contracts are enforceable in Colorado if the essential terms can be established. The challenge is proving what the parties agreed to without a written record, which requires testimony and circumstantial evidence. Certain categories of contracts — including agreements to sell real property, contracts that cannot be performed within one year, and others identified in Colorado’s Statute of Frauds — must be in writing to be enforceable regardless of what was verbally agreed.
Can I recover attorney fees if I win a contract case?
Colorado generally follows the American Rule — each party pays its own attorney fees absent a statute or contract provision shifting fees to the prevailing party. Many commercial contracts include attorney fees clauses that allow the prevailing party to recover fees. If your contract has such a provision, it significantly affects the economic analysis of whether to litigate and how the other side weighs the risk of proceeding.
What if the other side claims our contract was never finalized?
Contract formation disputes — whether a binding agreement was actually reached — are common in cases where negotiations were conducted informally or where the parties exchanged proposals without a final signed document. Colorado courts look at the totality of the parties’ communications and conduct to determine whether they reached a meeting of the minds on the essential terms. Emails, text messages, and course of performance are all relevant to this analysis.
Schedule a Consultation with a Colorado Springs Breach of Contract Lawyer
If another party hasn’t performed under a contract — or if you’ve been accused of breach — early legal advice protects your options. Burnham Law’s Colorado Springs contract attorneys handle disputes across commercial, government contracting, real estate, construction, and professional service contexts throughout El Paso County.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. We give direct assessments of contract situations and represent clients aggressively through negotiation and litigation.
