Westminster Business Litigation Lawyers — Protecting Business Interests in Adams and Jefferson Counties
Business disputes carry consequences that extend far beyond the immediate legal claim. A partnership conflict disrupts operations and creates uncertainty for employees and customers. A trade secret dispute freezes a product launch and exposes years of development work. A shareholder conflict threatens the ownership and stability of a company built over years of effort. Burnham Law’s Westminster business litigation attorneys handle commercial disputes with both the legal skill they require and the commercial judgment that protects the business alongside the lawsuit. We represent business owners, founders, investors, and companies throughout the north and northwest Denver metro in Adams and Jefferson County courts.
Meet our Westminster civil litigation team below — attorneys experienced in business disputes, commercial litigation, and complex multi-party matters throughout Adams and Jefferson Counties 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.
Business Litigation in Westminster, Colorado
Westminster’s commercial economy is anchored by a diverse mix of industries — healthcare and medical services, technology and software companies in the US 36 corridor, logistics and distribution operations serving the metro area, significant retail centers, and a broad professional services community. The commercial density of the Westminster area generates a wide range of business disputes: partnership disagreements, vendor contract failures, trade secret misappropriation, competitive business practice claims, and shareholder conflicts all arise with regularity in Adams and Jefferson County courts.
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 in business disputes — derivative claims, inspection rights, dissolution proceedings, and fiduciary duty claims — that require attorneys who understand both the procedural framework and the substantive Colorado business law that governs these disputes.
Westminster’s position spanning two counties adds a practical dimension to business litigation that other metro cities don’t face. Determining the proper venue — Adams County District Court in Brighton or Jefferson County District Court in Golden — can affect both the pace of litigation and the practical dynamics of how a case develops. Our attorneys understand both courts and can evaluate venue considerations as part of the overall litigation strategy.
What Our Westminster Business Litigation Attorneys Handle
Partnership and LLC disputes: When business partners or LLC members disagree about operations, distributions, management decisions, or the future of the business, the conflict can escalate quickly and threaten the company’s viability. We represent business owners in partnership and operating agreement disputes, fiduciary duty claims, and dissolution proceedings in Adams and Jefferson Counties.
Shareholder disputes and oppression: Minority shareholders in closely held Colorado corporations have legal protections against majority-shareholder misconduct — freeze-outs, exclusion from management, improper compensation arrangements, and misuse of corporate assets. We pursue and defend shareholder oppression and related claims under Colorado’s corporate statutes.
Trade secret and confidentiality: Westminster’s technology, healthcare, and commercial businesses rely on confidential business information, proprietary processes, customer relationships, and competitive data that Colorado’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act protects from misappropriation. We pursue injunctions and damages for trade secret theft and defend businesses against misappropriation allegations.
Non-compete and non-solicitation enforcement: Colorado’s evolving non-compete rules have specific implications for Westminster’s technology, healthcare, and professional services sectors, where employee mobility and client relationships are particularly sensitive. We represent businesses enforcing these agreements and individuals defending against enforcement actions.
Business dissolution and buyouts: When co-owners of a Westminster business can no longer function together effectively, a structured dissolution or negotiated buyout is often the most practical resolution. We handle voluntary and judicial dissolution proceedings and negotiate buyout terms that reflect the actual value our clients have contributed to the business.
Commercial contract and vendor disputes: Disputes over service agreements, supply contracts, distribution arrangements, and commercial leases are a core part of business litigation in Westminster. We handle these disputes for businesses on both sides of commercial disagreements throughout Adams and Jefferson Counties.
How Westminster Business Litigation Cases Work
Business litigation in Westminster typically begins with an attempt at direct resolution — demand letters, management-level negotiation, or the dispute resolution process specified in the governing agreement. When those efforts fail, the aggrieved party files in the appropriate county 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 risk dissipation, or a departing employee is actively raiding clients.
Discovery in Westminster business litigation is document-intensive. Financial records, business communications, contracts, governance documents, and electronically stored information from email systems, cloud storage, and business platforms all form the evidentiary foundation of commercial cases. Properly managing discovery — asserting appropriate privileges, avoiding spoliation, and controlling the scope of what is produced — is a major component of effective business litigation in this market.
Many Westminster business litigation cases resolve through mediation, often with an experienced commercial mediator. Cases that proceed to trial are frequently tried as bench trials before an Adams or Jefferson County District Court judge — commercial cases involving complex financial or legal issues are generally more efficiently evaluated by a judge than by a jury. Full trial preparation is what creates the credible litigation threat that drives favorable pre-trial settlements.
Why Burnham Law for Business Litigation in Westminster
Dual-county litigation capability. Westminster business disputes can land in either Adams or Jefferson County depending on the facts and the parties involved. We practice regularly in both courts and understand the strategic considerations that apply in each jurisdiction.
Commercial judgment alongside legal skill. Business disputes require attorneys who understand how businesses actually operate — how partnership agreements work in practice, what trade secrets look like in a real Westminster commercial context, and what financial records reveal about whether obligations were met. We bring genuine commercial knowledge to every matter.
Emergency relief capability. When a business dispute requires immediate court action — stopping ongoing misappropriation, freezing assets, or preventing irreversible harm — we move quickly. Emergency injunctive relief requires fast, precise lawyering.
Strategic perspective. The decision to litigate aggressively versus pursue negotiated resolution should always account for what happens to the business after the case ends. We help clients think through the full commercial picture and develop strategies that serve the business — not just the legal claim.
Frequently Asked Questions — Westminster Business Litigation
Can I sue a business partner who is mismanaging our Westminster company or diverting assets?
Yes. Partners and LLC members owe fiduciary duties of loyalty and care to the business and to each other. If a partner or member is diverting assets, taking improper distributions, 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 limits the ongoing damage and preserves the full range of available legal options.
How does the dual-county structure affect where my business lawsuit is filed?
Westminster’s position spanning Adams and Jefferson Counties means that where a business lawsuit is properly filed depends on factors including where the business is located, where the underlying events occurred, and where the parties reside. The choice between Adams County District Court in Brighton and Jefferson County District Court in Golden can have practical implications for timeline, docket management, and case dynamics. An attorney familiar with both courts can evaluate the venue question as part of the overall case strategy.
What trade secret protections apply to Westminster businesses?
Colorado’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act protects information that derives economic value from not being generally known and that the business takes reasonable steps to keep secret. This includes customer lists, proprietary processes, software, financial data, and strategic plans. When a current or former employee, a business partner, or a competitor misappropriates this information, the Act provides remedies including emergency injunctions to stop ongoing misappropriation and damages for harm caused. The strength of a trade secret claim depends on both the value of the information and the adequacy of the steps taken to protect its secrecy.
How do Colorado’s non-compete rules affect my Westminster business?
Colorado’s 2022 non-compete legislation significantly restricted enforceability. Non-compete agreements are now limited to highly compensated employees where protection of trade secrets or confidential information is a genuine business need. Non-solicitation agreements have different but also evolving requirements. For Westminster businesses in technology, healthcare, and professional services — where employee mobility and client relationships are especially valuable — structuring employment agreements correctly under the current rules is essential to protecting competitive advantages.
How quickly can I get emergency relief for a business dispute in Westminster?
A temporary restraining order can be granted by either Adams or Jefferson County District Court on the same day a well-supported application is filed, without prior notice to the opposing party if immediate and irreparable harm is demonstrated. A preliminary injunction hearing follows within 14 days. The speed and success of emergency relief depends heavily on the quality of the initial application — which is why having experienced business litigation counsel prepare and present the emergency application is critical.
Schedule a Consultation with a Westminster Business Litigation Lawyer
Business disputes in Westminster escalate quickly when they’re not handled strategically. Whether you’re facing a partner conflict, a trade secret threat, or a commercial relationship that has broken down in Adams or Jefferson County, Burnham Law’s Westminster business litigation team is ready to assess your situation and help you protect what you’ve built.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. We represent businesses and business owners in commercial disputes throughout Adams and Jefferson Counties and Colorado.
