Colorado Springs Business Litigation Lawyers — Protecting Business Interests in El Paso County
Business disputes are rarely just legal problems. A partnership conflict disrupts the company’s operations. A trade secret case puts customer relationships at risk. A shareholder dispute threatens the ownership structure of a business built over years of work. Burnham Law’s Colorado Springs business litigation attorneys handle commercial disputes with both the legal skill they require and the commercial judgment that protects the business — not just the lawsuit. We represent business owners, investors, and companies throughout the Colorado Springs metro in El Paso County District Court and beyond.
Meet our Colorado Springs civil litigation team below — attorneys experienced in business disputes, commercial litigation, and complex multi-party cases throughout El Paso County and 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.
Business Litigation in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs’ economy is anchored by a substantial military and defense sector, a growing technology and cybersecurity industry, healthcare and medical services, a robust retail and hospitality market, and a significant small and mid-size business community. The commercial density of the Pikes Peak region generates a wide range of business disputes — partnership conflicts, vendor contract failures, trade secret claims, competitive business practice disputes, and shareholder conflicts all arise regularly in El Paso County courts.
Business litigation in Colorado is governed by the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure and, for disputes involving corporations and LLCs organized under Colorado law, the Colorado Business Corporation Act and the Colorado Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. These statutes create specific rights and remedies — derivative claims, inspection rights, dissolution proceedings, and breach of fiduciary duty claims — that require attorneys who understand both the procedural rules and the substantive frameworks governing Colorado businesses.
Colorado Springs’ military presence adds a dimension to business litigation that is less common in other Colorado markets. Defense contractors, government subcontractors, and businesses with significant military clientele face business disputes that sometimes intersect with federal procurement law, security clearance considerations, and contract structures that have no civilian equivalent. Handling these disputes effectively requires attorneys who understand that context.
What Our Colorado Springs Business Litigation Attorneys Handle
Partnership and LLC disputes: When business partners or LLC members disagree about operations, distributions, management decisions, or the future of the business, the consequences affect everyone — the owners, the employees, and the customers who depend on the company. We represent business owners in partnership and operating agreement disputes, fiduciary duty claims, and forced dissolution proceedings.
Shareholder disputes and oppression: Minority shareholders in closely held Colorado corporations have legal protections against oppressive conduct by majority shareholders. Freeze-outs, exclusion from management, manipulation of compensation, and improper distributions are all actionable under Colorado’s corporate statutes. We pursue and defend shareholder claims in El Paso County.
Trade secret and confidentiality: Colorado’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act protects businesses from misappropriation of confidential information, customer lists, proprietary processes, and other trade secrets. In Colorado Springs’ technology and defense sectors, where intellectual property is often the company’s most valuable asset, protecting these rights is critical. We pursue injunctive relief and damages for trade secret theft and defend misappropriation allegations.
Non-compete and non-solicitation enforcement: Colorado’s evolving non-compete rules have specific implications for defense contractors, technology companies, and professional services firms in Colorado Springs where employee mobility and client relationships are particularly significant. We represent businesses enforcing these agreements and individuals defending against enforcement actions.
Business dissolution and buyouts: When co-owners can no longer function together, a structured dissolution or negotiated buyout is often the most practical resolution. We handle voluntary and judicial dissolution proceedings and negotiate buyout terms that protect our clients’ interests in the business value they helped create.
Defense contractor and government business disputes: Disputes involving defense contractors, government subcontractors, and businesses operating under federal contracts require attorneys who understand the overlay of federal procurement law on commercial disputes. We handle these matters for Colorado Springs’ substantial defense contractor community.
How Colorado Springs Business Litigation Cases Work
Business litigation in El Paso County typically begins with an attempt at direct resolution — demand letters, principals-level negotiation, or the contractual dispute resolution process. When those efforts fail, the aggrieved party files in El Paso County District Court. Emergency relief — including temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions to prevent a departing employee from raiding clients, freeze assets before dissipation, or stop imminent trade secret disclosure — is sometimes necessary and requires fast, precise legal action.
Discovery in Colorado Springs business litigation is document-intensive. Financial records, business communications, contracts, corporate governance records, and electronically stored information all form the evidentiary foundation of commercial cases. In defense contractor disputes, document management must also account for any classification, export control, or government data handling requirements that affect what can be produced in civil discovery.
Business litigation cases that don’t settle often proceed to bench trial before an El Paso County District Court judge — commercial disputes involving complex financial or legal issues are frequently tried without a jury. Being fully prepared for trial is what creates the negotiating leverage that produces favorable pre-trial settlements in the cases that ultimately resolve short of the courthouse.
Why Burnham Law for Business Litigation in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs commercial knowledge. Business disputes in Colorado Springs involve industries, business structures, and commercial relationships that are specific to this market — including the defense and military contractor community, the technology sector, and the service economy that supports the region’s large population. We bring genuine knowledge of this market to the disputes we handle.
Defense contractor experience. Businesses operating in Colorado Springs’ defense sector face commercial disputes with a federal overlay that most civil litigators don’t regularly encounter. Our experience with government contracting disputes and the federal frameworks that apply in this community sets us apart.
Emergency relief capability. When a business dispute requires immediate court action — stopping imminent harm that can’t be undone after the fact — we move quickly. Injunctive relief requires fast, precise lawyering, and we’re prepared to seek it when the situation demands.
Strategic perspective. Litigation is expensive, and the decision to litigate versus negotiate should always account for what happens to the business after the case ends. We help clients think through the full picture and develop strategies that serve the business — not just the immediate legal claim.
Frequently Asked Questions — Colorado Springs Business Litigation
Can I sue a business partner who is not performing their obligations?
Yes. Partners and LLC members owe fiduciary duties of loyalty and care to the business and to each other. If a partner or member is failing to perform their contractual obligations, diverting business opportunities, taking improper distributions, or otherwise breaching their duties, legal remedies are available. Depending on the circumstances, those remedies may include damages, injunctive relief, forced buyout, or judicial dissolution.
What legal protections do minority shareholders have in Colorado?
Minority shareholders in closely held Colorado corporations have protections against oppressive conduct under the Colorado Business Corporation Act. Courts can order buyouts, appoint custodians, or in extreme cases dissolve the corporation when majority shareholders engage in conduct that is illegal, fraudulent, or constitutes oppression of the minority. The specific remedies available depend on the facts and the terms of any shareholder agreements in place.
How do Colorado’s non-compete rules affect my business in Colorado Springs?
Colorado significantly restricted non-compete enforceability with legislation effective in 2022. Non-compete agreements are now enforceable only for employees earning above a specified compensation threshold in roles where the restriction is justified by a legitimate business interest. Non-solicitation agreements have different requirements. For Colorado Springs businesses in the defense, technology, and professional services sectors — where employee mobility and client relationships are critical — understanding these rules and structuring agreements correctly is essential.
What happens to business disputes involving classified or sensitive government information?
Civil litigation involving defense contractors or government subcontractors sometimes implicates classified information, export-controlled technical data, or sensitive government contract terms. These situations require careful management of what can be disclosed in civil discovery, potentially including protective orders, in camera review, or coordination with the relevant government agency. Attorneys handling these disputes need to understand both the civil litigation rules and the applicable federal information control frameworks.
How quickly can I get an emergency injunction in El Paso County?
Emergency relief — a temporary restraining order — can be granted by El Paso County District Court on the same day a well-supported application is filed, without notice to the opposing party if immediate and irreparable harm can be shown. A preliminary injunction hearing follows within 14 days. The speed of obtaining emergency relief depends on the quality and completeness of the initial filing — which is why having experienced business litigation counsel prepare the application is critical to its success.
Schedule a Consultation with a Colorado Springs Business Litigation Lawyer
Business disputes escalate quickly when they’re not handled strategically. Whether you’re facing a partner dispute, a trade secret threat, a government contracting conflict, or a commercial relationship that has broken down, Burnham Law’s Colorado Springs business litigation team will assess your situation and help you protect what you’ve built.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. We represent businesses and business owners in commercial disputes throughout El Paso County and Colorado.
