Fort Collins Breach of Contract Lawyers — Enforcing Agreements in Larimer County
Contracts make commerce possible — and when they’re broken, the damage to the other party is real. Lost revenue, stalled projects, disrupted operations, and professional relationships that may take years to repair are all common consequences of a significant breach. Burnham Law’s Fort Collins contract attorneys represent businesses and individuals on both sides of breach of contract disputes throughout Larimer County — from the initial demand through litigation and, when necessary, trial in Larimer County District Court.
Meet our Fort Collins civil litigation team below — attorneys who handle breach of contract disputes across commercial, technology, construction, real estate, and personal service contexts throughout Larimer County and the Northern Front Range.
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 — whether a binding agreement was formed, what its terms actually required, whether performance was adequate, and how to calculate what the breach actually cost.
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, which has different rules for contract formation, modification, performance, and breach — including implied warranties that don’t exist under common law. The distinction matters significantly in disputes involving technology products, equipment, and other goods that are common in Fort Collins’ industrial and technology sectors.
Colorado courts enforce clear contract language as written. When the language is unambiguous, extrinsic evidence of the parties’ claimed intent is generally excluded. When language is genuinely ambiguous — which happens with striking regularity even in contracts drafted by experienced parties — the parties’ course of dealing, industry custom, and other contextual evidence become relevant. Fort Collins’ technology and startup culture means contracts are sometimes drafted informally, creating exactly the kind of ambiguity that generates litigation.
What Our Fort Collins Contract Attorneys Handle
Technology and SaaS contract disputes: Fort Collins’ growing technology sector generates software development agreements, SaaS licensing contracts, data sharing arrangements, and technology services agreements that present unique breach and performance issues. We handle technology contract disputes for both vendors and clients throughout the Northern Front Range.
Commercial contract disputes: Vendor agreements, service contracts, distribution arrangements, and commercial leases form the foundation of commercial relationships in Fort Collins. When those agreements break down, the financial stakes can be significant. We handle commercial contract disputes for businesses across Larimer County.
Construction contract disputes: Larimer County’s sustained growth drives a construction market that generates regular contract disputes over scope, payment, delays, and defects. We represent owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in construction contract litigation throughout the Northern Front Range.
Real estate contract disputes: Purchase and sale agreements, commercial leases, and development contracts in Fort Collins’ competitive real estate market generate breach claims when transactions fail or one party doesn’t perform as agreed. We represent buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants in real estate contract disputes in Larimer County.
Clean energy and research contract disputes: Fort Collins’ clean energy sector and CSU’s research commercialization activity generate contract disputes involving grant agreements, research contracts, licensing arrangements, and joint development agreements that require attorneys who understand both the legal frameworks and the technical context.
Employment and restrictive covenant disputes: Employment contracts, severance agreements, and non-compete and non-solicitation provisions are regularly disputed in Fort Collins’ competitive technology and professional services market. Colorado’s evolving non-compete rules have specific implications for employers and employees in this sector.
How Fort Collins Breach of Contract Cases Work
Contract disputes in Fort Collins typically begin with direct communication between the parties or their attorneys — a demand letter, a formal notice of breach, or a discussion aimed at resolution before litigation becomes necessary. When those efforts fail, the aggrieved party files a complaint in Larimer County District Court. For smaller disputes, Larimer County’s small claims court handles matters up to $7,500 under a simplified procedure without the full civil litigation framework.
Discovery in contract cases is document-intensive. The contract itself, all communications about its formation and performance, payment records, project documentation, and evidence of the actual loss caused by the breach form the core of the evidentiary record. In technology and construction contract disputes, technical documentation, specifications, and deliverable records are often central. Expert witnesses may be needed to establish industry standards for performance or to calculate complex damages.
Colorado’s statute of limitations for written contract claims is three years from the date of breach. For oral contracts, the period is also generally three years. The clock starts when the breach occurs and the non-breaching party knows or reasonably should know about it. Identifying and preserving the relevant documentation promptly after a breach is discovered is important to protecting the full range of available remedies.
Why Burnham Law for Contract Disputes in Fort Collins
Technology and innovation sector context. Contract disputes in Fort Collins’ technology, clean energy, and university-affiliated sectors involve commercial relationships and contract structures that are specific to those industries. We bring relevant commercial context to these disputes — understanding what the parties’ agreement actually contemplated in the real-world context of their industry.
Litigation-backed negotiating leverage. Contract disputes resolve on better terms when the opposing party knows your attorneys are prepared to litigate if necessary. Our presence in Larimer County civil litigation means opposing counsel takes our clients’ positions seriously from the opening of negotiations.
Full-lifecycle representation. We handle contract disputes from the initial demand through negotiation, filing, discovery, trial, and appeal when the situation requires it. Clients don’t need to transition to different attorneys as the dispute develops.
Plaintiff and defendant experience. We represent parties pursuing breach claims and parties defending against them. That dual-side experience gives us a realistic picture of the strongest arguments available to each party and how similar disputes in Larimer County tend to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Collins Breach of Contract
What is the statute of limitations for a breach of contract claim in Colorado?
Written contracts have a three-year statute of limitations in Colorado, running from the date of the breach. Oral contracts are also generally subject to a three-year limitations period. Contracts for the sale of goods under the UCC have a four-year limitations period. The clock begins running when the breach occurs and the non-breaching party knows or reasonably should know about it. Some contracts also contain their own notice requirements with shorter timelines that must be met as a condition of making a claim.
What is the difference between a material breach and a minor breach?
A material breach substantially defeats the purpose of the contract — it is significant enough that the non-breaching party is excused from their own performance obligations and may treat the contract as terminated. A minor or partial breach does not excuse the non-breaching party from performing but does entitle them to damages for the specific harm caused. Whether a particular breach is material or minor is frequently the central legal dispute in contract litigation, and the answer depends heavily on the contract’s terms and the surrounding circumstances.
Can I enforce a software or technology contract in Colorado?
Yes. Technology contracts — software development agreements, SaaS licenses, API access agreements, and similar arrangements — are enforceable in Colorado under general contract law principles and, where goods are involved, under the UCC. Fort Collins’ technology sector generates a significant volume of technology contract disputes, including disputes over deliverable quality, scope creep, license compliance, and data handling obligations. These disputes require attorneys who understand both the contract law and enough about the technology context to evaluate the parties’ respective positions accurately.
What remedies are available for breach of contract in Colorado?
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 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. In real estate and other cases involving unique subject matter, specific performance (a court order requiring the breaching party to perform) may be available. Rescission is available in cases involving fraud, mutual mistake, or certain other circumstances.
What if the other party is claiming I breached first?
“You breached first” — the prior material breach defense — is one of the most common defenses in contract litigation. A defendant who can establish that the plaintiff materially breached the contract first may argue that this excused their own non-performance. These disputes require careful analysis of the contract’s terms, the sequence of events, and each party’s obligations at every stage of performance. We handle these disputes for both plaintiffs and defendants and are experienced in the factual and legal arguments they generate.
Schedule a Consultation with a Fort Collins Breach of Contract Lawyer
Whether a party has failed to perform under a contract with you, or you’ve been accused of breach, early legal involvement consistently produces better outcomes than waiting. Burnham Law’s Fort Collins contract attorneys handle disputes across technology, commercial, construction, real estate, and professional service contexts throughout Larimer County.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. We give direct assessments of contract disputes and represent clients aggressively through negotiation and litigation.
