Fort Collins Business Litigation Lawyers — Protecting Business Interests in Larimer County
Business disputes carry consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom. A partnership conflict disrupts day-to-day operations and creates uncertainty for employees and customers. A trade secret claim can freeze a product launch. A shareholder dispute threatens the ownership and governance of a company that took years to build. Burnham Law’s Fort Collins business litigation attorneys handle commercial disputes with both the legal skill they require and the commercial judgment that protects the business alongside the legal claim. We represent business owners, founders, investors, and companies throughout the Northern Front Range in Larimer County District Court and beyond.
Meet our Fort Collins civil litigation team below — attorneys experienced in business disputes, commercial litigation, and complex multi-party matters throughout Larimer County and Colorado.
Andrew is a seasoned attorney with over a decade of experience in navigating complex legal challenges. He has successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases, including consumer protection matters, breach of warranty claims against major automotive manufacturers, mass tort litigation, and disputes with oil and gas companies. Andrew's approach is to combine meticulous preparation with practical problem-solving, a strategy that has consistently led to favorable outcomes for his clients. Throughout his career, Andrew has resolved hundreds of cases in state and federal courts, as well as in binding arbitration. His dedicated work has resulted in millions of dollars in recoveries for his clients. He is committed to achieving the best possible results, drawing on his extensive experience to provide comprehensive and effective legal counsel.
Brandon has partnered with business owners across every stage of the business lifecycle. His experience spans pre-litigation, third-party disputes, shareholder derivative actions, and business formation, as well as day-to-day advisory services. He is also a seasoned guide in complex transactions, including sales, mergers, and acquisitions. Throughout his career, Brandon has counseled clients through transactions ranging from several hundred thousand to mid-eight figures. Regardless of the deal’s scale, his objective remains steadfast: to provide a positive, measurable impact on his clients and their long-term business health. Brandon assists clients through all phases of litigation, from initial dispute resolution to mediation and arbitration. His background in transactional law provides him with a unique edge; having drafted the very contracts that often become the subject of legal disputes, he utilizes that intimate knowledge to navigate litigation effectively and help clients avoid future risks. When he is away from his practice, Brandon stays active by golfing and going to the gym. A self-proclaimed bourbon...
Brian Teed is a civil litigation attorney. He specializes in complex motions practice and appeals. Brian earned his Juris Doctor from Arizona State University, where he distinguished himself by interning for federal district judges and working for the United States Department of Justice in Washington, DC. He also served on the executive board of the Arizona State Law Journal and published two articles on constitutional issues. After graduating, Brian clerked on the Arizona Court of Appeals and the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. At Burnham, he has served clients with litigation and transactional needs, whether negotiating, litigating, or advising on the best path forward. Some of his successes include the defense of two six-figure judgments on appeal. From this broad experience, Brian is uniquely positioned to help clients navigate the complexities and stress of civil litigation, including appeals.
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...
Samaneh (Sam) Fard Wiley is motivated to help clients navigate legal challenges with compassion and practical guidance. She is committed to providing responsive communication, strategic advocacy, and personalized representation while helping clients achieve the best possible outcome. Before joining Burnham Law, Sam practiced law in Iran for more than 11 years, representing clients in a wide range of legal matters and building a strong foundation in litigation, advocacy, and client service. After relocating to the United States, she continued her legal career at a personal injury law firm in Grand Junction, Colorado, where she further developed her skills representing clients and navigating complex legal matters before becoming licensed to practice law in Colorado. Sam's diverse legal background and international perspective allow her to approach each case with thoughtful analysis, practical solutions, and a deep commitment to her clients. Outside the office, Sam enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, gardening, exploring new places, cooking, and spending time with friends.
Zac focuses mainly on civil litigation, and has experience with real estate litigation, real estate transactions and estate matters. He earned his bachelor’s degree and law degree at the University of Tennessee. In law school, he was a member of the Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law and a student-attorney in the Business Clinic. In his spare time, Zac enjoys spending time with his wife and dog outdoors hiking, going to various restaurants, and being with friends. Zac is a die-hard Minnesota sports fan and Tennessee Volunteer fan.
Business Litigation in Fort Collins, Colorado
Fort Collins has built one of Colorado’s most dynamic business communities — anchored by Colorado State University’s research and commercialization activity, a thriving technology and software sector, a significant clean energy and sustainability industry, established manufacturing and industrial businesses, and a diverse retail and hospitality economy. This commercial environment generates a wide range of business disputes: co-founder conflicts in early-stage technology companies, trade secret misappropriation in competitive markets, vendor contract failures, and shareholder disputes in businesses that have grown beyond their founding governance structure.
Business litigation in Colorado is governed by the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure and, for entity-level disputes, by the Colorado Business Corporation Act and the Colorado Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. These statutes create specific rights and remedies — derivative claims, inspection rights, dissolution proceedings, and fiduciary duty claims — that require attorneys who understand both the procedural framework and the substantive law governing Colorado entities.
Fort Collins’ startup and innovation culture adds a dimension to business litigation that is specific to this market. Co-founder disputes in early-stage companies, disputes over equity and intellectual property ownership, investor conflicts arising from informal early-stage agreements, and competitive business practice claims between technology companies all arise with regularity in Larimer County. Handling these disputes effectively requires attorneys who understand how these businesses are formed, governed, and how their disputes tend to develop.
What Our Fort Collins Business Litigation Attorneys Handle
Co-founder and partnership disputes: When business partners or co-founders disagree about direction, equity, compensation, decision-making authority, or the future of the company, the dispute can threaten the business itself. We represent business owners in partnership and operating agreement disputes, fiduciary duty claims, and forced dissolution proceedings in Larimer County.
Shareholder disputes and oppression: Minority shareholders in closely held Colorado corporations have legal protections against majority-shareholder misconduct — including freeze-outs, exclusion from governance, manipulation of compensation, and misuse of corporate assets. We pursue and defend shareholder oppression and related claims under Colorado’s corporate statutes.
Trade secret and intellectual property disputes: In Fort Collins’ technology and clean energy sectors, intellectual property — software, proprietary processes, customer data, research results — is often the most valuable asset a business owns. Colorado’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act protects these assets from misappropriation, and we pursue injunctions and damages for trade secret theft while defending businesses facing misappropriation allegations.
Non-compete and non-solicitation enforcement: Colorado’s evolving non-compete laws have significant implications for Fort Collins’ technology, clean energy, and professional services businesses, where employee mobility and client relationships are especially sensitive. We represent businesses enforcing these agreements and employees defending against enforcement actions.
Investor and equity disputes: Fort Collins’ active startup community generates investor disputes — over promised equity, convertible note terms, cap table accuracy, and the rights of early investors as companies grow and raise subsequent rounds. We handle these matters for both founders and investors.
Commercial contract and vendor disputes: Disputes over service agreements, licensing arrangements, vendor contracts, and commercial leases are a core part of business litigation throughout Larimer County. We handle these disputes for businesses on both sides of commercial disagreements.
How Fort Collins Business Litigation Cases Work
Business litigation in Larimer County typically begins with an attempt at direct resolution — demand letters, principals-level discussions, or the dispute resolution process specified in the governing contract or operating agreement. When those efforts fail, the aggrieved party files in Larimer County District Court. Emergency relief — temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions — is sometimes necessary to preserve the status quo when a trade secret is being actively misappropriated, assets are at risk of dissipation, or a departing employee is raiding clients in real time.
Discovery in Fort Collins business litigation is document-intensive and often involves significant electronically stored information — emails, Slack messages, code repositories, project management systems, and cloud-stored business records. In technology and startup disputes, the technical documentation of intellectual property development and ownership can be as important as the financial records. Properly managing discovery — including identifying what exists, asserting appropriate privileges, and avoiding spoliation — is a major component of business litigation in this market.
Business litigation cases in Larimer County that don’t settle often proceed to bench trial before a district court judge. Commercial cases are frequently tried without a jury because the financial and legal issues are more efficiently and accurately evaluated by an experienced judge. Full trial preparation is what creates the credible litigation threat that drives favorable pre-trial settlements in the cases that ultimately resolve before reaching the courtroom.
Why Burnham Law for Business Litigation in Fort Collins
Technology and startup sector fluency. Business disputes in Fort Collins’ technology and clean energy sectors involve company structures, equity arrangements, and intellectual property considerations that are specific to this market. We understand how these businesses are built and how their disputes develop — which makes our legal arguments more accurate and our strategy more effective.
Intellectual property dispute capability. Trade secret misappropriation and intellectual property ownership disputes are among the most significant business litigation matters in Fort Collins. We handle these cases with the urgency they require — including emergency injunctive relief when immediate court action is necessary.
Strategic business judgment. Litigation is expensive, and in business disputes the decision to litigate versus negotiate must account for what happens to the business after the case ends. We help clients think through the full commercial picture and develop strategies that protect the business, not just the legal position.
Larimer County presence. We appear regularly in Larimer County District Court and understand how commercial matters are handled in this jurisdiction. That familiarity informs litigation strategy and helps us anticipate how the court will approach specific issues in our clients’ cases.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Collins Business Litigation
Can I sue a co-founder who is taking company assets or working against the business?
Yes. Co-founders, partners, and LLC members owe fiduciary duties of loyalty and care to the business and to each other. If a co-founder is diverting company assets, misappropriating intellectual property, competing against the business without authorization, or otherwise breaching their fiduciary duties, legal remedies are available — including damages, injunctive relief, forced buyout, and in appropriate cases, judicial dissolution. Acting quickly when these situations arise limits the damage and preserves more legal options.
How does Colorado law protect trade secrets in Fort Collins’ technology sector?
Colorado’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act protects information that derives economic value from not being generally known and that is subject to reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy. This includes software, proprietary algorithms, customer lists, research data, and business processes. When trade secrets are misappropriated — by a departing employee, a business partner, or a competitor — the Act provides remedies including injunctions to stop ongoing misappropriation and damages for harm caused. Emergency injunctive relief is often necessary and available when misappropriation is ongoing or imminent.
What protections do investors have in early-stage Fort Collins companies?
Investor protections in early-stage companies depend primarily on the terms of the investment documents — equity agreements, convertible notes, SAFEs, and any shareholder agreements in place. When founders don’t honor those terms, investors may have breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, or fraud claims depending on the specific conduct. Many early-stage investment disputes in Fort Collins arise from informal early agreements that were never properly documented — these situations require careful analysis of what was actually agreed and what evidence exists to establish those terms.
How do Colorado’s non-compete restrictions affect Fort Collins technology companies?
Colorado’s 2022 non-compete legislation significantly restricted the circumstances under which non-compete agreements are enforceable. Non-compete agreements are now limited to highly compensated employees in roles where protection of trade secrets or confidential information is a genuine business need. For Fort Collins technology companies — where key engineers and developers are both highly mobile and highly valuable — understanding the current enforceability framework and structuring employment agreements correctly is essential to protecting competitive advantages.
What should I do if a former employee is soliciting my clients or using our proprietary code?
Act immediately. Trade secret misappropriation and breach of non-solicitation agreements are time-sensitive — the longer the conduct continues, the harder it is to reverse and the greater the potential damages. Document the evidence of the conduct as specifically as possible, preserve all relevant communications and records, and contact a business litigation attorney right away. Emergency injunctive relief may be available to stop ongoing misappropriation, and the strength of an emergency application depends heavily on how quickly it is filed after the conduct is discovered.
Schedule a Consultation with a Fort Collins Business Litigation Lawyer
Business disputes have a way of escalating quickly when they’re not handled strategically from the start. Whether you’re facing a co-founder conflict, a trade secret threat, an investor dispute, or a commercial contract that has broken down, Burnham Law’s Fort Collins business litigation team is ready to assess your situation and protect what you’ve built.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. We represent businesses, founders, and investors in commercial disputes throughout Larimer County and Colorado.
