Westminster Construction Lawyers — Construction Disputes and Contract Enforcement in Adams and Jefferson Counties
Westminster’s sustained growth — residential development in new neighborhoods, commercial construction along major corridors, industrial and warehouse projects serving the metro economy — generates a consistent and significant volume of construction disputes. Defects discovered after completion, payment conflicts between owners and contractors, delay claims that grow with each passing week, and lien enforcement on unpaid work all require attorneys who understand construction contracts, Colorado’s construction statutes, and how to build technically complex cases with the expert support they require. Burnham Law’s Westminster construction attorneys represent owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals across the full range of construction disputes in Adams and Jefferson Counties.
Meet our Westminster civil litigation team below — attorneys experienced in construction defect claims, payment disputes, mechanic’s lien enforcement, and construction contract litigation throughout Adams and Jefferson Counties.
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.
Construction Law in Westminster, Colorado
Westminster and the surrounding north and northwest metro area have been among Colorado’s most active construction markets, driven by population growth, commercial expansion along the US 36 and I-25 corridors, significant warehouse and logistics development, and continuous residential construction in both new subdivisions and established neighborhoods. This construction activity generates disputes at every stage of the project lifecycle.
Colorado’s Construction Defect Action Reform Act (CDARA) establishes the mandatory pre-litigation procedures for construction defect claims — notice requirements, inspection rights, and an opportunity to remedy before a lawsuit can be filed. The Colorado Mechanics’ Lien Act gives contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers the right to file a lien against improved property as security for unpaid claims. Both statutes have strict procedural requirements and hard deadlines. Westminster’s dual-county geography means that both Adams County and Jefferson County courts handle construction disputes from the Westminster area, and knowing which court applies to a specific project is the first jurisdictional question in any construction matter.
Westminster’s construction market also includes a significant volume of public construction — City of Westminster infrastructure projects, Adams and Jefferson County facilities, and school district construction — that is subject to public bidding requirements, Colorado’s public construction statutes, and payment bond frameworks that differ significantly from private construction.
What Our Westminster Construction Attorneys Handle
Construction defect claims: When construction is performed below the applicable standard — through workmanship failures, design errors, material defects, or code violations — the resulting damage can be extensive. We represent owners pursuing defect claims and contractors defending against them throughout Adams and Jefferson Counties, following CDARA’s mandatory procedures correctly from the outset.
Mechanic’s liens and payment disputes: Contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers who have completed their work and not been paid have powerful statutory lien rights. We file and enforce mechanic’s liens for unpaid claimants in both Adams and Jefferson Counties and represent property owners and general contractors contesting lien filings.
Construction contract disputes: Disputes over contract scope, change orders, substantial completion, liquidated damages, and warranty obligations arise on Westminster-area construction projects of every size. We represent all parties in construction contract disputes and bring both legal expertise and construction industry knowledge to each matter.
Delay and disruption claims: When project delays are caused by one party’s conduct, the resulting delay claims require detailed documentation and often expert schedule analysis. We handle delay claims for both claimants and respondents on Westminster-area projects.
Design professional liability: Architects and engineers whose deficient documents cause construction failures or cost overruns may face civil liability. We represent property owners pursuing design professional claims and design professionals defending against negligence allegations in Adams and Jefferson Counties.
Public construction and payment bonds: Disputes involving City of Westminster projects, Adams County facilities, Jefferson County construction, and school district projects require knowledge of public construction statutes and payment bond claim procedures. We represent contractors and subcontractors in public construction disputes throughout the Westminster area.
How Westminster Construction Cases Work
Construction defect cases under CDARA begin before any lawsuit is filed. The claimant serves a detailed written notice of claim on the responsible contractor, describing the alleged defects. The contractor has the right to inspect and submit a written response — an offer to remedy, a denial, or a request for additional information. If the offer is rejected or none is made, litigation can proceed in the appropriate Adams or Jefferson County court. Compliance with CDARA’s timelines is mandatory and must be precise.
Construction litigation in Westminster is expert-intensive. Establishing whether construction met the applicable standard requires experienced contractors, engineers, or construction managers who can evaluate the work against contract specifications and industry practice. Damages experts calculate remediation costs or the financial impact of delays. Building an effective expert foundation early — before depositions are taken and positions harden — is critical to successful construction litigation in Adams and Jefferson Counties.
Most Westminster construction disputes resolve through mediation — which construction contracts frequently require before litigation can proceed. Cases that don’t resolve at mediation typically proceed to bench trial in Adams or Jefferson County District Court. Full trial preparation creates the leverage that drives favorable pre-trial settlements in cases that ultimately resolve before reaching the courtroom.
Why Burnham Law for Construction Disputes in Westminster
Dual-county construction expertise. Westminster construction projects can involve both Adams and Jefferson County courts depending on project location. We practice in both courts and understand the jurisdictional, procedural, and practical differences that affect how construction disputes develop in each county.
Construction industry knowledge. Effective construction law requires understanding how projects are designed, contracted, and built — not just the legal rules. We bring genuine construction industry knowledge to the disputes we handle, which makes our arguments more credible and our strategy more practical.
CDARA precision. Construction defect cases in Colorado are procedurally demanding from day one. We ensure strict compliance with CDARA’s requirements and use the notice and response process strategically to build the strongest position for our clients.
Lien deadline management. Colorado’s mechanic’s lien statute is powerful but unforgiving — missing deadlines can forfeit lien rights on work that was unquestionably performed and not paid. We handle lien filings and enforcement in both Adams and Jefferson Counties with the precision these hard deadlines require.
Frequently Asked Questions — Westminster Construction Lawyers
Which county court handles construction disputes in Westminster?
Westminster spans both Adams and Jefferson Counties, so the proper court for a construction dispute depends on where the project is located. Projects on the Adams County side of Westminster are handled in Adams County District Court in Brighton; projects on the Jefferson County side are handled in Jefferson County District Court in Golden. An attorney familiar with both courts can evaluate jurisdiction and advise on any strategic differences between the two venues.
What is CDARA and how does it affect construction defect claims in Westminster?
The Construction Defect Action Reform Act establishes mandatory pre-litigation procedures for construction defect claims in Colorado. Before filing a lawsuit, the claimant must serve a detailed notice of claim on the responsible contractor, allow for inspection of the alleged defects, and give the contractor an opportunity to remedy the problem. These procedures are mandatory and must be followed precisely — procedural failures can significantly damage or delay a defect claim. Working with a construction attorney from the outset of a defect dispute ensures these requirements are met correctly.
How do I protect mechanic’s lien rights on a Westminster project?
Colorado’s mechanic’s lien statute requires most subcontractors and suppliers to serve a Notice to Owner within specified deadlines after first furnishing labor or materials. The lien must then be recorded within strict timeframes after the last day of work. In Westminster, the applicable county — Adams or Jefferson — affects where the lien is recorded. Missing these deadlines forfeits lien rights entirely, even when the claimant clearly performed work and was not paid. Consulting a construction attorney promptly when payment becomes uncertain is the best way to protect these rights.
How are public construction payment disputes handled in Westminster?
Construction disputes on City of Westminster projects, Adams County facilities, Jefferson County construction, and school district projects involve public bidding requirements and payment bond claims rather than mechanic’s liens on government property. Colorado’s public construction statutes require payment bonds on public projects above certain dollar thresholds, giving unpaid subcontractors and suppliers the right to make claims against those bonds. The bond claim process has its own notice requirements and deadlines that differ from the private lien process.
Can I sue the contractor who built my Westminster home for defects discovered years later?
Possibly — Colorado’s statute of limitations for construction defect claims is two years from the date the defect was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered, and the statute of repose is eight years from substantial completion. If the defect was discovered within those windows, CDARA’s notice procedures must be initiated before filing suit. The two-year limitations period begins running when you knew or should have known about the defect — not necessarily when the defect became obvious — so consulting a construction attorney promptly when a defect is identified is important.
Schedule a Consultation with a Westminster Construction Lawyer
Construction disputes in Adams and Jefferson Counties involve strict statutory deadlines that affect what options remain available. Getting experienced construction counsel involved early — when CDARA notice requirements, lien filing windows, and limitations periods are still open — consistently produces better outcomes than waiting until the situation has escalated.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. Our Westminster construction attorneys represent owners, contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in construction disputes throughout Adams and Jefferson Counties.
