Denver Civil Lawyers — Experienced Litigation and Counsel in Colorado’s Largest Legal Market
Denver’s legal market is the most competitive and active in Colorado, and the civil disputes that arise here reflect the full breadth of the state’s economy — technology companies, real estate developers, cannabis operators, construction contractors, professional services firms, and individuals who need experienced counsel when something goes wrong. Burnham Law’s Denver civil attorneys bring deep litigation experience and working knowledge of Denver District Court and the broader Colorado civil court system to help clients navigate disputes with the preparation and purpose these stakes demand.
Meet our Denver civil litigation team below — attorneys experienced across business disputes, tort claims, real estate, construction, cannabis law, breach of contract, and appellate practice in Denver 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.
Civil Law in Denver, Colorado
Civil law encompasses the broad range of legal disputes between private parties — businesses, individuals, and organizations — that are resolved through litigation rather than criminal prosecution. Breach of contract, negligence and personal injury, business disputes, real estate conflicts, construction defects, and cannabis regulatory matters are all civil law matters. What they share is that the outcome — a money judgment, an injunction, or a declaratory ruling — directly affects the financial and professional standing of the parties involved.
In Denver, civil matters are heard in Denver District Court, located in the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse on West Colfax Avenue. Denver District Court is one of the busiest civil courts in Colorado, serving a densely commercial jurisdiction that encompasses the state’s capital city, its largest downtown business district, and a diverse economy spanning government, technology, healthcare, energy, real estate, and professional services. Understanding how Denver District Court manages its docket — the case management expectations, the judges’ tendencies, and what effective civil practice looks like in this specific courthouse — is a meaningful advantage in any civil matter filed here.
Denver is a consolidated city and county, which means Denver District Court serves the entire jurisdiction without the county-level complexity that affects cities like Westminster or Centennial. Colorado civil procedure follows the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, and Denver District Court applies those rules with the efficiency expectations of a high-volume urban civil docket.
Civil Practice Areas at Burnham Law Denver
Appeals: Colorado’s appellate courts — the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court — are both located in Denver, making the appellate process more accessible for Denver litigants. Our appellate attorneys identify preserved legal errors, build precise written arguments, and argue before these courts with the preparation their standards demand.
Tort Claims: Denver’s density, commercial activity, construction volume, and diverse population generate a wide range of tort claims — premises liability, professional negligence, fraud, defamation, and more. We represent plaintiffs pursuing tort claims and defendants fighting them throughout Denver District Court.
Breach of Contract: Contract disputes are a core part of Denver’s commercial litigation docket. We handle breach of contract matters across technology, real estate, construction, professional services, and commercial contexts for Denver businesses and individuals.
Business Litigation: Denver’s status as Colorado’s commercial hub means the full range of business disputes — partnership conflicts, trade secret cases, shareholder claims, and major commercial litigation — flows through Denver District Court. We represent businesses and business owners in commercial disputes of every scale.
Construction Law: Denver’s sustained building boom — residential high-rises, commercial development, infrastructure projects, and significant renovation activity — generates a consistent and significant volume of construction disputes. We represent all parties in construction defect, payment, delay, and contract matters in Denver.
Real Estate Law: Denver’s real estate market is among the most active and complex in the Rocky Mountain region. Failed transactions, title defects, landlord-tenant disputes, and commercial lease conflicts all require experienced Denver real estate litigation counsel. We handle them for buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, investors, and developers.
Cannabis Law: Colorado pioneered recreational cannabis legalization, and Denver is the center of the state’s cannabis industry. We represent cannabis operators, investors, and licensees in Denver across the full range of cannabis legal matters — licensing, compliance, enforcement defense, and business disputes.
How Denver Civil Cases Work
Civil cases in Denver are filed in Denver District Court. The defendant is served and has 21 days to respond if served in Colorado. After the pleadings close, the case enters discovery — the process of exchanging documents, taking depositions, and developing the factual record that supports each party’s position at trial or in settlement negotiations.
Denver District Court uses Colorado’s case management system, which sets firm deadlines for discovery, expert disclosures, and dispositive motions. The court’s docket is among the busiest in Colorado, and judges expect attorneys to meet deadlines, come to hearings prepared, and litigate efficiently. Cases that are well-organized and well-staffed by experienced counsel move through Denver District Court more effectively than those that aren’t.
The large majority of civil cases settle before trial, but in Denver’s competitive legal market, the quality of the settlement depends directly on how strong each party’s litigation posture is. Opposing counsel in Denver cases is often sophisticated and well-resourced. We prepare every Denver civil case as if it will go to trial — because in this market, that preparation is what moves the other side.
Why Burnham Law for Civil Litigation in Denver
Denver District Court presence. Our civil attorneys appear regularly in Denver District Court. We understand the court’s procedures, its judges’ expectations, and what effective civil practice looks like in this specific courthouse. That local knowledge informs strategy from day one.
Trial experience in a sophisticated market. Denver’s legal market is competitive. Opposing counsel is often experienced and well-prepared. Our civil litigators have tried cases in Denver courts and bring the kind of preparation and courtroom capability that this market demands.
Full-service civil practice. Denver civil disputes frequently involve multiple legal areas simultaneously. A real estate matter that touches title, construction, and contract issues. A cannabis business dispute with regulatory, contract, and employment dimensions. Our breadth of civil practice means your attorneys can handle the full picture without handoffs.
Direct, experienced counsel. Denver civil litigation clients deserve honest assessments of their cases — including a realistic view of what Denver District Court judges are likely to do with the issues in dispute. We give those assessments based on real experience in this courthouse.
Frequently Asked Questions — Denver Civil Lawyers
Where are civil cases filed in Denver?
Civil cases in Denver are filed in Denver District Court, located in the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse on West Colfax Avenue in Denver. Denver is a consolidated city and county, so Denver District Court serves the entire jurisdiction — there is no separate county court structure for civil matters above small claims.
How long does a civil case take in Denver District Court?
Timeline depends on the complexity of the dispute and whether it settles or goes to trial. Straightforward commercial disputes may resolve in 6 to 12 months. Complex multi-party cases with significant discovery and expert involvement can take 2 to 3 years or more. Denver District Court manages one of Colorado’s busiest civil dockets, and cases move on firm case management deadlines. Denver’s competitive legal market also means both sides are typically well-prepared, which can affect how long it takes to reach a negotiated resolution.
Is Denver District Court different from other Colorado civil courts?
Denver District Court operates under the same Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure as other Colorado civil courts, but its high volume and the sophistication of the legal community that practices there create a distinct environment. Judges in Denver District Court have significant civil litigation experience and expect the same from the attorneys who appear before them. Cases filed in Denver District Court benefit from counsel who practices there regularly — not attorneys who are navigating an unfamiliar courthouse.
Do I need a Denver-specific civil attorney or can any Colorado attorney handle my case?
Any licensed Colorado attorney can technically file in Denver District Court, but there is a meaningful difference between attorneys who practice there regularly and those who don’t. Local knowledge of Denver District Court’s procedures, judge-specific tendencies, and the expectations of opposing counsel who practice in this market regularly affects both litigation strategy and negotiated outcomes. For significant civil matters in Denver, experienced Denver civil counsel provides a real practical advantage.
What happens if I don’t respond to a civil lawsuit filed in Denver District Court?
Failing to respond within 21 days of being served results in a default judgment — the court enters judgment for whatever the plaintiff requested without hearing your defense. Default judgments entered in Denver District Court are enforceable through wage garnishment, bank levies, and property liens. If you’ve been served with a complaint filed in Denver District Court, contact an attorney immediately — 21 days moves faster than most people expect.
Schedule a Consultation with a Denver Civil Lawyer
Civil disputes in Denver benefit from experienced, locally-knowledgeable counsel from the start. Whether you’re initiating a civil claim or defending against one in Denver District Court, Burnham Law’s Denver civil attorneys will give you a direct assessment of your situation and a clear view of your realistic path forward.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. We serve clients throughout Denver, the Denver metro area, and statewide.
