Denver Real Estate Lawyers — Property Disputes and Litigation in Denver’s Most Active Market
Denver’s real estate market is one of the most dynamic in the country — high property values, intense competition for both residential and commercial property, sustained new construction across the city, and a diverse mix of institutional investors, individual buyers, and developer interests all operating simultaneously. That level of activity generates a consistent volume of legal disputes: failed transactions, title complications, landlord-tenant conflicts, commercial lease disagreements, construction-related property claims, and boundary disputes that require experienced Denver real estate litigation counsel. Burnham Law’s Denver real estate attorneys handle transactions, disputes, and litigation for buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, investors, and developers throughout Denver.
Meet our Denver civil litigation team below — attorneys experienced in real estate transactions, property disputes, title issues, and commercial real estate litigation throughout Denver 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.
Real Estate Law in Denver, Colorado
Colorado real estate law governs the full lifecycle of property ownership and use — from purchase and financing through landlord-tenant relationships, commercial leasing, development, and eventual sale or transfer. In Denver, those issues arise in one of the most active and legally complex real estate markets in the Rocky Mountain region. Denver’s market is characterized by high and still-rising property values, significant competition in both residential and commercial transactions, a large and diverse rental market, major commercial development activity in neighborhoods like RiNo, Cherry Creek, and the Central Platte Valley, and a substantial investment property sector spanning residential rentals, commercial buildings, and mixed-use developments.
Denver is a consolidated city and county, which means Denver District Court handles all real estate litigation for the jurisdiction — there is no separate county court complexity. Colorado real estate transactions are generally documented on Colorado Real Estate Commission standard forms, which allow significant room for negotiation and generate disputes when the negotiated terms are ambiguous or when one party fails to perform. Commercial real estate in Denver — where deals involving millions of dollars in value are routine — operates under even more customized and complex contract structures.
Colorado’s landlord-tenant statutes, HOA laws, and condominium ownership frameworks all apply in Denver, and Denver’s density and housing market create a consistent demand for attorneys who understand these frameworks in the specific context of the Denver market — including the practical dynamics of Denver’s rental market, the significant condominium and HOA community, and the commercial real estate landscape that makes Denver one of Colorado’s most active markets for real estate litigation.
What Our Denver Real Estate Attorneys Handle
Real estate transaction disputes: When Denver real estate transactions go wrong — over inspection contingencies, title defects, financing failures, or earnest money disputes — the parties’ rights depend on the precise contract terms and Colorado real estate law. We represent buyers, sellers, and investors in disputes from failed or contested transactions, applying Denver District Court litigation experience to real estate claims of every size.
Commercial leasing disputes: Denver’s commercial real estate market — office towers downtown, retail in Cherry Creek and LoDo, industrial and flex space along I-70 and the I-25 corridor, and mixed-use developments throughout the city — generates commercial lease disputes that require experienced litigation counsel on both sides. The sophistication of Denver’s commercial real estate market means these disputes are often significant and hard-fought.
Title defects and boundary disputes: Title defects — undisclosed liens, unresolved easements, boundary encroachments, and ownership disputes — require quiet title actions to resolve. Denver’s dense development history and complex chain of title on many older properties generates title litigation that requires attorneys experienced with Denver’s specific property records and the legal process for clearing title.
Landlord-tenant litigation: Denver’s large and diverse rental population creates a significant volume of landlord-tenant disputes — residential evictions, commercial lease enforcement, security deposit claims, and habitability issues. We represent both landlords and tenants in Denver’s active landlord-tenant litigation environment.
HOA and condominium disputes: Denver has a large and growing condominium and HOA-governed community, and disputes between owners and associations — over assessments, architectural restrictions, governance, and enforcement — are regular matters in Denver District Court. We handle HOA and condominium disputes under Colorado’s Common Interest Ownership Act.
Real estate fraud and misrepresentation: When sellers, brokers, or developers misrepresent property conditions, zoning status, environmental history, or other material facts in Denver’s competitive market, the resulting claims involve both contract and fraud theories. We pursue and defend real estate fraud claims in Denver District Court with the investigative depth these cases require.
How Denver Real Estate Cases Work
Real estate disputes in Denver are heard in Denver District Court. The applicable procedure varies by dispute type — CDARA governs construction defects affecting real property; Colorado’s unlawful detainer statute governs residential and commercial evictions with specific notice requirements; quiet title actions follow standard civil procedure with additional steps for identifying all potential claimants. Denver’s consolidated city-county structure means a single court handles all of these matters for the jurisdiction.
Denver’s competitive real estate market creates some transaction-specific dispute dynamics that are less common elsewhere. Multiple-offer situations, waived contingencies, and aggressive closing timelines can lead to transaction disputes that arise from the compressed decision-making inherent in this market. Commercial transactions in Denver routinely involve large dollar amounts, complex due diligence, and sophisticated parties — which means commercial real estate litigation in Denver District Court involves the kind of sophisticated opposing counsel that demands equivalent preparation.
Real estate litigation requires comprehensive documentary evidence — the purchase contract, title commitment and exceptions, inspection reports, communications between the parties, survey records, and expert testimony on value or condition when those issues are in dispute. In Denver’s fast-moving market, preserving this evidence promptly after a dispute arises is essential to protecting all available options.
Why Burnham Law for Real Estate Disputes in Denver
Denver market knowledge. Real estate disputes in Denver require attorneys who understand this specific market — the transaction dynamics, the commercial real estate landscape, the landlord-tenant environment, the HOA community, and the legal culture of Denver District Court. We practice in this market regularly and bring that knowledge to every Denver real estate matter we handle.
Denver District Court experience. We appear regularly in Denver District Court in real estate and civil matters. We understand how this court handles real estate litigation — from eviction proceedings to quiet title actions to complex commercial lease disputes — and what effective real estate litigation looks like before Denver’s judges.
Both sides of landlord-tenant disputes. We represent landlords and tenants in Denver’s active landlord-tenant litigation environment. Dual-side experience gives us a realistic understanding of both perspectives and makes us more effective advocates on either side.
Transaction and litigation capability. Real estate problems in Denver’s fast-moving market can evolve quickly from transaction issues into litigation. Having attorneys who are effective on both sides of that transition means clients don’t need to change counsel as their situation develops.
Frequently Asked Questions — Denver Real Estate Lawyers
What should I do if a seller failed to disclose a defect on my Denver property?
Colorado requires residential sellers to disclose known material defects through the Seller’s Property Disclosure. If a seller knew about a defect and failed to disclose it — or made affirmative misrepresentations about the property’s condition — the buyer may have claims for breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation, and negligent misrepresentation. Available remedies can include rescission of the purchase or damages for the cost of remediation. In Denver’s competitive market — where buyers sometimes waive inspection contingencies — the seller’s disclosure obligations become especially important as the primary mechanism for protecting buyers.
How do residential evictions work in Denver?
Denver residential evictions are initiated with proper written notice to the tenant — a Demand for Compliance or Right to Cure for lease violations, or a specific demand notice for non-payment, with the type and duration dictated by the basis for eviction. Denver has adopted local tenant protections beyond the state minimum in recent years, including specific just-cause eviction requirements that landlords must satisfy. If the tenant doesn’t comply, the landlord files an unlawful detainer action in Denver County Court. The tenant has the right to a hearing; if the landlord prevails, a writ of restitution is issued and enforced by the Denver Sheriff.
Does Denver have any tenant protections beyond Colorado state law?
Yes. Denver has enacted local tenant protection measures that exceed Colorado’s state minimum requirements. Denver’s Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, rental application fee limits, and certain anti-discrimination protections apply within the city and county of Denver. Denver landlords must understand both Colorado’s state landlord-tenant statutes and Denver’s local ordinances — and the requirements have changed in recent years. A Denver real estate attorney can advise on the current applicable requirements for a specific landlord-tenant situation.
What is a quiet title action and when is one needed in Denver?
A quiet title action is a lawsuit filed in Denver District Court to definitively establish ownership of real property and clear competing claims or title defects. Denver’s dense development history, complex downtown property records, and active investment and development market generate quiet title situations involving old unresolved liens, conflicting deed records, adverse possession claims, and easement disputes. The judgment in a quiet title action permanently clears the title and binds all identified parties, allowing the property to be freely bought, sold, and financed going forward.
How does Denver’s Just Cause Eviction Ordinance affect landlords?
Denver’s Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, which has been in effect and amended over recent years, requires Denver landlords to have a specified just cause basis for terminating a residential tenancy — beyond simply allowing a lease to expire. Permitted just cause bases include non-payment of rent, lease violations, sale of the property, and several other specified grounds. Landlords who don’t satisfy the ordinance’s requirements risk having an eviction proceeding dismissed and potential exposure to tenant claims. Denver real estate counsel should always be consulted before initiating a residential eviction in Denver.
Schedule a Consultation with a Denver Real Estate Lawyer
Real estate disputes in Denver’s active and sophisticated market require experienced local counsel who understands both the legal framework and the specific dynamics of this city’s real estate environment. Whether you’re in a transaction that’s going wrong, a landlord-tenant dispute, or a complex commercial real estate conflict, getting qualified Denver legal help early protects your position.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. Our Denver real estate attorneys represent buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, investors, and developers throughout Denver and the metro area.
