Denver Breach of Contract Lawyers — Contract Enforcement in Denver’s Commercial and Legal Hub
Denver is Colorado’s commercial center, and contract disputes here reflect the full range of the state’s economy — technology companies, real estate developers, cannabis operators, professional services firms, construction contractors, and a dense professional community whose business relationships are built on enforceable agreements. When those agreements are broken, Burnham Law’s Denver contract attorneys represent businesses and individuals on both sides of breach of contract disputes — from the initial demand through litigation in Denver District Court and, when the situation demands it, through trial.
Meet our Denver civil litigation team below — attorneys who handle breach of contract disputes across commercial, technology, real estate, construction, cannabis, and professional service contexts throughout Denver.
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 can be disputed, and in Denver’s sophisticated commercial environment — where contracts are often carefully drafted and disputes are often vigorously litigated — the precision of the legal analysis matters at every stage.
Most service, employment, and commercial agreements are governed by common law contract principles. Contracts for the sale of goods fall under Colorado’s adoption of the Uniform Commercial Code, with different rules for formation, modification, performance, and breach. Denver’s technology, manufacturing, and commercial distribution sectors generate goods contracts regularly, making the UCC framework practically relevant across a wide range of Denver contract disputes.
Colorado courts enforce clear contract language as written. When language is unambiguous, extrinsic evidence of what the parties claim they intended is generally excluded. When language is genuinely ambiguous — even in carefully drafted Denver commercial agreements — course of dealing, industry custom, and other contextual evidence become relevant. Denver’s sophisticated contracting community produces agreements that are often well-drafted but not always perfectly clear, and contract disputes frequently turn on how a particular provision is interpreted in the specific commercial context of the parties.
What Our Denver Contract Attorneys Handle
Commercial and technology contract disputes: Denver’s technology sector, financial services industry, and professional services community generate a wide range of commercial contract disputes — software agreements, licensing arrangements, consulting contracts, financial services agreements, and commercial leases. We handle these disputes for Denver businesses across industries.
Real estate contract disputes: Denver’s active real estate market generates purchase and sale disputes, commercial lease conflicts, and development agreement claims that require attorneys who understand both Colorado contract law and Denver’s specific real estate market dynamics. We represent buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants in real estate contract litigation in Denver District Court.
Construction contract disputes: Denver’s sustained building boom generates a consistent volume of construction contract disputes involving scope, payment, delays, and defects. We represent all parties — owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals — in construction contract litigation in Denver.
Cannabis contract disputes: Denver’s cannabis industry generates a category of contract disputes — licensing agreements, distribution arrangements, management contracts, and investment agreements — that intersect with the industry’s unique regulatory constraints. We handle cannabis contract disputes for Denver operators with the combined contract and regulatory knowledge these matters require.
Employment and restrictive covenant disputes: Employment contracts, executive compensation agreements, severance arrangements, and non-compete and non-solicitation provisions are regularly disputed in Denver’s competitive professional market. Colorado’s evolving non-compete rules have significant implications for Denver employers and employees across technology, finance, and professional services.
Government and public contract disputes: Denver’s status as Colorado’s capital and largest city means a significant volume of government contracting activity flows through the Denver market. We handle contract disputes involving state and local government procurement, public infrastructure projects, and the unique legal frameworks that apply when a government entity is a party.
How Denver Breach of Contract Cases Work
Contract disputes in Denver typically begin with direct communication — a demand letter, a formal notice of breach, or counsel-to-counsel negotiation. Denver’s sophisticated legal market means that opposing counsel in significant contract disputes is often experienced and well-resourced. When direct resolution fails, the aggrieved party files a complaint in Denver District Court.
Discovery in Denver contract cases is often document-intensive and can involve significant electronically stored information — emails, Slack communications, contract management systems, and cloud-stored business records. In technology and financial services disputes, technical documentation and financial records are often central. Expert witnesses may be needed to establish industry standards, calculate complex damages, or address technical aspects of performance disputes.
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 begins when the breach occurs and the non-breaching party knows or reasonably should know about it. In Denver’s fast-moving commercial environment, identifying and preserving the relevant documentation promptly after a breach is discovered is essential to protecting all available remedies.
Why Burnham Law for Contract Disputes in Denver
Denver commercial market knowledge. Effective contract representation in Denver requires understanding the industries and commercial relationships that are specific to this market — technology, real estate, cannabis, financial services, and government contracting. We bring that commercial context to every Denver contract dispute we handle.
Sophisticated market experience. Denver’s legal market is competitive, and opposing counsel in significant contract disputes is often experienced and well-prepared. Our track record in Denver District Court civil litigation means we bring the preparation and capability this market demands.
Cannabis contract expertise. Denver is Colorado’s cannabis hub, and cannabis contract disputes require attorneys who understand both the contract law framework and the regulatory constraints that are specific to this industry. We handle cannabis contract matters for Denver operators with genuine expertise in both dimensions.
Litigation-backed negotiating leverage. Contract disputes in Denver’s sophisticated market resolve on better terms when the opposing party knows your attorneys are genuinely prepared to litigate in Denver District Court. Our civil litigation track record in Denver means our clients’ positions are taken seriously from the opening of negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions — Denver Breach of Contract
What is the statute of limitations for breach of contract in Colorado?
Written contracts have a three-year statute of limitations in Colorado, running from the date of breach. Oral contracts are generally also 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 should know about it. Some contracts contain shorter contractual notice requirements that must also be met as a condition of making a claim.
Can I enforce a contract that doesn’t have my signature on it?
Possibly. A contract can be formed through conduct, exchange of writings, or electronic communications even without a formal signed document. The question is whether the parties reached a meeting of the minds on the essential terms and whether their conduct demonstrates mutual assent. Denver’s commercial environment — where deals are often made by email or through informal exchanges — produces this question regularly. The answer depends on the specific facts, the subject matter of the agreement, and whether any applicable Statute of Frauds requirement applies.
What damages are available for breach of contract in Denver?
The standard remedy is expectation damages — the amount that puts the non-breaching party in the position they would have been in had the contract been fully performed. This includes direct losses, lost profits, and foreseeable consequential damages. Parties have a duty to mitigate — to take reasonable steps to limit their losses after a breach — and failure to mitigate can reduce recovery. Specific performance (requiring the breaching party to perform) is available in real estate and other cases involving unique subject matter. Rescission is available in fraud, mutual mistake, and certain other circumstances.
What if the other party claims our contract is unenforceable?
Contracts can be challenged on several grounds under Colorado law — lack of consideration, mutual mistake, fraud in the inducement, unconscionability, or failure to satisfy the Statute of Frauds. These defenses are raised regularly in Denver commercial litigation, particularly in disputes involving informal agreements, one-sided terms, or contracts entered under pressure. We handle these defenses for both the party asserting them and the party defending the contract’s enforceability.
How do Colorado’s non-compete rules affect Denver businesses?
Colorado’s 2022 non-compete legislation significantly restricted the circumstances under which non-compete agreements are enforceable. Non-competes are now limited to highly compensated employees in roles where trade secret protection is a genuine business need. Non-solicitation agreements have different but also evolving requirements. For Denver businesses in technology, finance, professional services, and cannabis — all industries where competitive talent is critical — understanding the current enforceability framework and structuring employment agreements correctly is essential. These rules also affect how companies acquire talent from competitors and what restrictions are realistic.
Schedule a Consultation with a Denver Breach of Contract Lawyer
If another party has failed to perform under a contract — or if you’ve been accused of breach in Denver District Court — early legal advice protects your options and improves your outcome. Burnham Law’s Denver contract attorneys handle disputes across commercial, technology, real estate, construction, cannabis, and professional service contexts throughout Denver.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. We give direct assessments and represent clients aggressively in Denver District Court and beyond.
