Best Civil Lawyer in Colorado

Suzanne Griffiths

Civil Lawyer

Suzanne Griffiths is the President, CEO, and Co-Founder of Griffiths Law PC. With over 40 years of experience, Ms. Griffiths’ unrivaled focus, creative case strategy, and attention to detail make her a very highly sought after litigator in her the field of family law. Super Lawyers listed Suzanne Griffiths as one of the top 50 women and top 100 lawyers for the Super Lawyers list in 2017-2023. In Denver, 5280 Magazine selected Suzanne as one of Denver’s Top Lawyers for 2016-2023. She also was awarded Most Admired CEO for 2022 by DBJ Magazine. She is listed in Best Lawyers in America. She received the Outstanding Women in Business award in the large business category from the Denver Business Journal in August 2016. She was voted a Lawyer of the Year by CO Law Week in 2016. Additionally, Suzanne was voted as Barrister’s Best “Family Law Lawyer” in Colorado in 2013-2022. CO Law Week described Suzanne as a “tenacious litigator and advocate” and also called her a “financial wizard and skilled negotiator.” Not to mention, her law firm, was most recently awarded 2022 Denver Business Journal’s Small Business Award Winner. The firm was also voted as the Top Company for professional services in 2015 by Colorado Business Magazine, and COMPANY OF THE YEAR in the small business sector in 2015 by Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

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Suzanne has earned the highest possible AVVO rating, 10 out of 10. She also holds a pre-eminent AV-rating, the highest rating available from Martindale-Hubbell rating. In addition to authoring numerous professional articles, Suzanne appeared on the “Dr. Phil Show” numerous times during the series “The Anatomy of Divorce”, a three-part series filmed in Hollywood and Denver. She was also recently featured in the O Oprah magazine as well as Entrepreneur magazine. She has given several presentations on family law to national audiences. Lastly, Suzanne was a finalist for the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce Athena Award in 2018.

In addition to representing clients in the Denver and Colorado courts, she has been admitted to practice in federal court. She is a member in good standing of the Denver Bar Association, the Colorado Bar Association, where she is also a Foundation Fellow, and the American Bar Association. Suzanne received her degree from the University of Cape Town in 1978. She practiced in South Africa for 15 years before coming to the United States where she was granted permanent U.S. residency on account of her extraordinary ability in the field of family law.

Wadi Muhaisen

Civil Lawyer

Wadi Muhaisen is a founding partner of Muhaisen & Muhaisen LLC; he conducts civil and criminal trials, and has won numerous bench and jury trials for clients all over Colorado. He has appeared before most types of courts in Colorado and has litigated civil cases and serious felonies from inception to trial.

PRACTICE AREAS
Civil Litigation, Criminal Defense, Juvenile Law and Defense, Dependency and Neglect.

Confronting a criminal law matter or major lawsuit can be extremely stressful and unsettling
The main reason Wadi’s criminal defense and litigation practices have become so successful is the personal attention he devotes to each client.

When you retain Wadi, he is the attorney who will personally handle your trial if it comes to that, and he will ensure that all avenues are exhausted when dealing with law enforcement, prosecutors, opposing attorneys, and judges on behalf of each of his clients. Wadi makes sure that his clients understand each step of the legal process and he will be at your side the entire time.

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Actual Trial Experience and Record of Success
One of the best kept secrets is that many of the area’s “top litigators” and “trial attorneys” have actually not conducted many actual jury trials. In contrast, Wadi has won dozens of trials for clients in all types of cases and against the so-called “top law firms” in the country. Wadi is ready to help you in your case.

LANGUAGES
Arabic, Spanish.

EDUCATION
Metropolitan State College of Denver B.A. History, B.S. Criminal Justice
University of Denver College of Law J.D.
University of Notre Dame London LL.M.

NOTABLES
Named Rising Star by the Colorado Super Lawyers Publication
Instructor at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), the nation’s leading provider of legal advocacy skills training for lawyers
Member of the Colorado Supreme Court Ethics Hearing Board

ADMITTANCES
Colorado Supreme Court
United States District Court – Colorado
United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

MEMBERSHIPS
Colorado Bar Association
Denver Bar Association
Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
Colorado Alternate Defense Counsel
Colorado Respondent Parent’s Counsel
William E. Doyle American Inn of Court – Past President

Daniel G Kay

Civil Lawyer

I have spent the last 28 years of my life representing clients. I love helping people through difficult times in their lives to the extent I can. I have represented thousands of clients and have tried over 200 jury trials. I can proudly say it is extremely rare that a client is not extremely happy with the services my office provides. I have a passion for what I do and the work ethic to continue to provide an excellent service to my clients.

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Along with bringing excellent service to my clients, I also have a strong focus on giving back to the community. Over the years I have donated to more than 80 local and domestic charitable institutions. Acting locally and thinking globally is a philosophy that I have remained attached to over my 28 years working as an attorney. That’s why I donate 20% of my fee in a successful verdict directly to charity. Working together is not just a win for both of us, but a win for others in need as well.

Marie Drake

Civil Lawyer

Marie grew up in Crested Butte, Colorado and also spent part of her childhood in Japan and the Philippines. She lived in Paris, France for 14 months during her junior year of college as well. After college at Pacific University in Oregon where she had a double major in Philosophy and French and was awarded Distinguished Senior in Humanities, Marie moved to New York City and attended law school at Fordham University.

Marie is a graduate of the Trial Lawyers College, a former member of the Board of Trustees of the First Judicial Bar Association (2019-2021), a member of the Colorado Bar Association, the Denver Bar Association, the Colorado Women’s Bar Association and honored to be a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. She was also honored to serve as president of the Rhone Brackett Inn of Court from 2012 to 2014, and continues her membership in that mentoring organization.

Marie has litigated family law cases, property insurance disputes, title disputes, boundary disputes, contract disputes, Uniform Commercial Code issues, and collection matters. Marie has represented adoptive parents in the adoption of a special needs child as well as step-parent adoptions. Marie was also trained as a mediator and mediates family law disputes, real estate disputes, and civil litigation cases.

Outside of the office, Marie loves to hike and ski, is a wildlife and landscape photographer and writes creative nonfiction.

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Marie Is Admitted To The Following Jurisdictions:

Rachel Bentley

Civil Lawyer

Family Law Senior Associate Attorney Rachel Bentley is fiercely committed to doing the right thing. However, she also knows that sometimes “the right thing” just doesn’t happen. As an attorney, that’s where she comes in.

“People are injured, denied benefits, or hurt by someone they loved,” Rachel said. “Attorneys are there to step into the gap and help make sure our clients receive a just outcome.”

Rachel majored in English at Eastern Kentucky University with an emphasis on creative and technical writing. After graduating in 2009, she went on to earn a master’s degree in library and information science from Wayne State University before attending the Claude W. Pettit College of Law at Ohio Northern University.

Before joining Robinson & Henry’s Family Law Team, Rachel represented claimants at Social Security disability hearings and handled worker’s compensation cases. She has a tremendous amount of courtroom experience having participated in Social Security and worker’s compensation hearings throughout Colorado, including in Alamosa, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, and Pueblo.

Rachel was recognized for her work representing Social Security claimants. She received a Deputy Commissioner Honor Award in May 2021 for her work at the Social Security Administration. Rachel also was a presenter at the 2017 Colorado Springs Social Security Administration Representative Conference.

During her role at the SSA, Rachel supervised a team of eight attorneys and two legal assistants. This experience left her with a firm sense of empathy and a desire to do whatever she can to help her clients.

Individuals and families who work with Rachel can expect clear and prompt communication as she helps them navigate a difficult process that greatly affects their lives. Quality, accuracy, and efficiency are her top priorities.

Rachel lives with her boyfriend, their cat, and two dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys going to see movies, using her wits in escape rooms, reading, and writing.

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Education & Bar Admissions

Juris Doctor, Ohio Northern University
Master of Library and Information Science, Wayne State University
Bachelor of Arts, English, Creative Writing and Technical Writing, Eastern Kentucky University
Bar Admissions:
Colorado Bar

Professional Awards & Honors

Colorado Springs Magazine, Top Attorneys, Divorce & Family Law, 2023
Deputy Commissioner Honor, Social Security Administration, 2021

KEITH GANTENBEIN

Civil Lawyer

Keith A. Gantenbein Jr., is the Owner of Gantenbein Law Firm, specializing in Real Estate Law- including Residential and Commercial Real Estate Issues, HOA Law and Foreclosure Defense- as well as Tax Law Business Law, Civil Litigation, Probate, Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Elder Law and Credit Dispute.

Keith has an extensive real estate background, with deep roots in the community. Keith’s grandfather was a contractor that developed much of Wheat Ridge in the 1950s, as well as several areas throughout Denver. In addition, Keith’s experience in real estate began while working for his father, a local real estate agent with over 40 years of experience.

Keith began his legal career in HOA law, working for Hindman Sanchez, a large Colorado Homeowner’s Association (HOA) law firm. Mr. Gantenbein’s experience in HOA collections and HOA foreclosures gives him a valuable approach on how to represent homeowners who have issues with their HOAs, including judicial foreclosure and unreasonable HOA fees. Keith then worked for the largest foreclosure firm in Colorado, Castle Stawiarski, in Denver.

Keith used his vast experience to start his own law firm during the Great Recession. He saw the void in the legal industry: comprehensive, knowledgeable legal service in complex areas of law, to those who were struggling and needed help the most.

Working for these two law firms has given Keith a far-reaching and unique perspective on the challenges in the foreclosure, real estate, HOA and mortgage industry facing Coloradoans in the last recession, as well as issues the unique crisis COVID has brought to Coloradoans today.

Passionate in his mission to provide foreclosure help to Colorado homeowners, he knows all-too-well how one-sided the court system can be in favoring the lender. He dedicated a considerable amount of time in his legal career to changing the system to provide more protection for borrowers and has prevented many foreclosures, keeping families safe at home.

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Keith has published hundreds informative articles on his blogs, and has been highlighted in The Denver Post news stories, Wall Street Journal, Westword and the ABA Journal for his support and foreclosure help of Colorado homeowners and amending foreclosure laws. Also seen on Channel & News, ABC News, Fox News, and AOL nationwide, he was again, speaking up for homeowners to improve and revise foreclosure laws. He has volunteered many hours working with the Colorado House and Senate on foreclosure reform, in the drafting of multiple legislative bills designed to provide oversight and protection to homeowners. Keith also taught at multiple seminars and Continuing Legal Education classes for attorneys, including nationwide attorney education conferences.

Mr. Gantenbein was instrumental in the drafting of House Bills 14-1130 and 14-1295, sponsored by Representative Beth McCann and Senator Jesse Ulibarri. These Bills were signed into law and went into effect January 1, 2015.

Mr. Gantenbein was also crucial in drafting and implementing a complete overhaul of C.R.C.P. Rule 120 in Colorado, which was approved by the Supreme Court of Colorado in 2018.

Keith also enjoys practicing Tax Law, which enjoys many similarities to Foreclosure and Real Estate Law, including modifications and restructuring of tax debt.

Keith also enjoys the nuances of Business Law, Probate, Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts and Litigation. His creative problem-solving of complex issues and deep understanding of the law has proved great benefit to his clients since he first started his own law firm.

Keith is admitted to practice law in the State of Colorado, the State of Michigan, the State of Wyoming, the U.S District Court of Colorado and the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals of Colorado.

Keith Gantenbein is also a licensed Colorado realtor. Mr. Gantenbein joins his father’s real estate company, which has been in business for 30+ years. Mr. Gantenbein brings his knowledge of real estate law to the realm of real estate brokerage and transactions.

Keith Gantenbein was recently selected as a 2021 Super Lawyers, Rising Star. This is the seventh consecutive year Mr. Gantenbein was selected for this prestigious award: Mr. Gantenbein was previously selected for Super Lawyers in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020

Meggin Rutherford

Civil Lawyer

Meggin was awarded the 2020-2021 Colorado Bar Association Young Attorney of the Year award for her dedication to client and community service, in addition to her professional knowledge and skill. The Gary McPherson Award recognizes a young attorney who is skilled in their area of law, as well as someone who makes a substantial positive change in the state. Meggin was recognized for her work expanding the ability of families to find solutions out of court, and for her work and activism with the Colorado Legislature to make out-of-court solutions more accessible to all Coloradans.

Meggin has dedicated her career to serving families in the areas that they are most likely to need legal help: divorce, family law, estate planning, elder law, and probate. Meggin is dedicated to helping families find out-of-court ways to resolve their family law issues. She has helped families in divorce and probate with estates over 10 million dollars, and she has helped families living on minimum wage. Meggin is active in changing the legislation and judicial system to promote solutions-focused divorce resolutions by testifying to the Colorado Legislature and state Supreme Court committees about Collaborative Law and Divorce Options. She has been published in numerous magazines and websites, including the University of Colorado Amicus Magazine. She has served as President and Vice President of the Colorado Collaborative Divorce Professionals, among other organizations, to promote and expand solutions-focused resolution.

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I decided to go into law instead of academics because I love to help people. I relish learning new things every day. Most people face some kind of legal issue in their lives and we want to help you understand your options and make the choice that is right for you. I have found a passion in helping people feel less stressed and more confident about what is going to happen as they move through the legal system. The best compliment I can hear after speaking with someone is “I feel so much better now”. I built this firm to have a place that provides compassionate and dedicated service to people in the areas that they are most likely to interact with the law: divorce, estate planning, elder law, and probate.

As part of my dedication to helping families find healthy paths forward I am the 2019-2020 president of the Colorado Collaborative Divorce Professionals. In that role I am helping running the state organization with a focus on marketing and promoting collaborative divorce, and the ways that it is a healthier process to the whole state. I am also a part of the team that is taking the Uniform Collaborative Law Act to the state legislature, and will be testifying for its approval in the 2020 term. Before serving as president of that organization, I served as executive vice president and president for training and education. I am also the president of the Foothills Collaborative Divorce Professionals, a local practice group that I founded to serve the professionals in this area.

I have also volunteered with the Elder Law Day informational session in Jefferson County, and regularly provide guidance and talks regarding estate planning, elder law, and probate in the community.

I am from a family of proud Colorado pioneers. Growing up in Amarillo, TX, I was an active member of the speech and debate team where I became a nationally ranked extemporaneous speaker. This is where I learned what I love to do today: use my persuasive skills to help those in need. I was also involved in local 4-H club, the American Quarter Horse Association, and volunteered much of my time to various community groups.

While attending Austin College in Sherman, Texas, I was an active member of the pre-law society, the Leadership Institute, and the Student Development Board. I helped found and grow the Austin College Law Day. I also had the incredible experience of being able to travel to nine countries from Thailand to Timbuktu.

Returning to my home state, Colorado, I was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to the University of Colorado Law School. While studying, I participated in the Doman International Law Society, the Student Trial Lawyers Society, and many mock trials and moot court events. I graduated in the top half of my class and passed the bar in 2009.

During my education I received many awards and held many positions. These include: Phi Beta Kappa, President and Secretary, Pre-Law Society, Recipient, Bernard J. Seeman Scholarship, Author: “Justice Sandra Day O’Connor: Feminist or Feminine Jurisprudence?” Pi Sigma Alpha Chi Political Science Journal. Top Oralist, 2009 Carrigan Cup Mock Trial Competition, University of Colorado Law School, Boulder, Colorado. Top Grade Earner, Motions Advocacy, University of Colorado Law School, Boulder, Colorado. Participant, Regional Competition for Jessup International Law Moot Court.

When I have free time I enjoy playing with my children, reading, sewing, crafting, and working on our urban homestead with our dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, bees, and garden. I also volunteer extensively with Girl Scouts, Jefferson Unitarian Church, the West Side Jew Crew, and HaMakom.

James V. Pearson

Civil Lawyer

Mr. Pearson has 40 years’ experience in business law, business management and consulting. He has received a Martindale-Hubbell top AAV@ rating for attorneys and is President of Pearson & Paris, P.C., a prestigious Colorado law firm which emphasizes commercial transactions and litigation, real estate, banking, insurance and recreation law. Mr. Pearson has an extensive background in business transactions and litigation and he routinely advises on matters related to both. He founded the RiverReach Youth Initiative (now know as cityWILD), an organization that helps young people gain a sense of responsibility to their community and environment, rewarding participating youth with recreational outings. He holds a B.S. and Juris Doctorate degrees and lectures frequently in the areas of business and related liability issues including recreational liability. He is also a past contributing editor for Adventure Travel Business Magazine and the American Bicyclist.

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Areas Of Practice

Business Transactions
Corporate Law
Insurance Defense
Recreation Law
Travel and Tourism
Banks and Banking
Commercial Litigation
International Law

Certified Legal Specialties

Licensed Colorado Real Estate Broker
Certified Ski Instructor, emeritus status, Professional Ski Instructors of America

Bar Admissions

Colorado, 1978
U.S. Federal Court, 1978

Education

University of Denver College of Law, Denver, Colorado
- J.D. – 1978
University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
- M.B.A. – 1976
Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
- B.S. – 1971
- Major: Government and Economics

Published Works

Litigation Basics for the Layperson, 2006
Declaratory Judgment Actions, Insurance Coverage and Statutes of Limitation a Issues for Counsel, 2006
Compensation Issues in the Adventure and Recreation Industry, 2005
Staffing Issues in the Adventure and Recreation Industry, 2004
Organizing a Business: Risk Management Perspectives, 2003
Rick Management and Insurance, International Adventure Travel and Outdoor Show, 2002
Risk Management and Insurance Issues in Sport Tourism, Journal of Vacation Marketing, 1999
The Americans With Disabilities Act, The Outdoor Network, Fall, 1997
America Outdoors Operations and Compliance Manual, November, 1996
Employment Law – Fundamentals, September, 1996
Limited Liability Companies -America Outdoors, February, 1996
Market Expansion Through Special Populations, World Congress on Adventure Travel and Eco-Tourism, November, 1995
A Walking Nightmare – Employment Law Fundamentals, Outdoor Retailer, February, 1995
Legal Liability and Insurance — What You Don’t Know Can Put You Out of Business, Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, August, 1994
Economics – The Engine That Powers the Vehicle Of Eco-Tourism, Adventure Travel Society Newsletter, Winter, 1994
Legal Issues Which Limit the Growth of Adventure Travel and Eco-Tourism, The World Congress on Adventure Travel and Eco-Tourism, November, 1993
Recreation Law – An Overview, Continuing Legal Education in Colorado, Inc., September, 1993
Limiting Your Liability – Legal Fundamentals For Your Retail Survival, Outdoor Retailer, August, 1993
Liability Issues In Adventure Travel and Eco-Tourism, 1992 World Congress on Adventure Travel and Eco-Tourism, November, 1992
Staffing and Compensation Issues in the Outdoor Recreation Industry – 2013
Risk Management and Insurance for the Adventure Travel Business – 2010

Representative Cases

Omnibank Iliff, N.A. v. John J. Tipton, et al., 843 P.2d 71, 1992, Colo. App.
Carol Lahey v. Rick Covington, et al., 964 F. Supp. 1440, 1996, D. Colo.
Omnibancorp and KeyCorp Merger
U.S. Global Opportunities Offering and Investment in Glomato.com
Acquisition of Dynamic Plastics, Inc. and Mulay Plastics by Xpectra, Inc.
Kabool Electronics Co., Ltd. Investment in Caleb Technology Corp.

Representative Clients

Colorado Marine Dealers Association
American Wildlands
Colorado Humane Society
FDIC

Rocky Mountain Justice: Why You Need a Top Civil Lawyer in Colorado

Colorado’s majestic landscapes and vibrant cities can also be the backdrop for complex legal issues. If you’re facing a civil lawsuit, navigating the legal system can feel like scaling a mountain peak – daunting, unfamiliar, and demanding a skilled guide. Here’s why securing a top-notch civil lawyer in Colorado is crucial for protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome:

1. Masters of the Centennial State’s Legal Terrain:

Colorado has its own distinct set of civil laws, statutes, and court decisions. A top-tier civil lawyer licensed in Colorado possesses an in-depth understanding of these nuances:

Decoding Legal Complexities: They can meticulously analyze your case within the framework of the Colorado Revised Statutes , interpreting key court rulings that may influence the case and identify the best path forward.
Expert Legal Guidance: Their knowledge of Colorado’s civil law allows them to provide accurate legal advice and craft effective strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of your case. (CO.gov)

2. Your Champion in Colorado Courtrooms:

The best civil lawyers are your fiercest advocates:

Skilled Representation: They will represent your interests effectively throughout the legal process, leveraging their experience and legal knowledge to develop a strong legal argument and present evidence persuasively.

3. Building a Strong Case from Base Camp to Summit:

A skilled civil lawyer in Colorado takes a proactive approach:

Strengths and Weaknesses Assessment: They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case, meticulously analyzing evidence, contracts, and witness statements. This deep dive allows them to identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential claims, crafting a strategic plan to maximize your chances of success.

4. Legal Expertise Across the Civil Law Spectrum:

Civil law encompasses a broad range of legal issues:

Specialized Knowledge: Your lawyer’s expertise in specific areas of civil law, such as contract disputes, personal injury claims, employment law, or real estate matters, ensures they have the in-depth knowledge to navigate the complexities of your case.

5. Legal Strategy and Roadmap to Success:

Guiding You Through the Legal Maze: A skilled civil lawyer will develop a sound legal strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. They will assess the evidence, analyze the relevant laws and precedents, and help you make informed decisions throughout the legal process.

6. Legal Documents Drafted for Success:

Watertight contracts and accurate legal documents are essential:

Legal Documentation and Representation: Civil lawyers can draft and review legal documents, such as contracts, agreements, pleadings, and motions, ensuring they are accurate, comprehensive, and protect your rights and interests. If your case goes to court, they will represent you professionally, presenting your case before a judge or jury.

7. Negotiation and Settlement: Reaching the Peak Without a Trial:

Many civil cases can be resolved through negotiation:

Skilled Negotiation: A proficient civil lawyer can negotiate with the opposing party or their legal representatives on your behalf, striving for a fair settlement that meets your objectives. They have the negotiation skills to secure the best possible outcome for you.

8. Courtroom Experience: Acing Your Case Presentation:

When litigation becomes necessary:

Trial-Ready Representation: In situations where litigation becomes necessary, a proficient civil lawyer will have extensive courtroom experience. They understand court procedures, rules of evidence, and how to present a compelling case in front of a judge or jury. Their courtroom advocacy skills can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

9. Protecting Your Rights and Interests Throughout the Journey:

Your rights matter:

Protecting Your Rights and Interests: Whether you’re facing a legal dispute or pursuing a claim, a civil lawyer will work diligently to protect your rights and interests. They will advocate for you, ensuring that your side of the story is heard, and fight for a favorable resolution or judgment.

10. Stress Reduction: Allowing You to Focus on What Matters:

Peace of Mind Through Legal Expertise: Legal matters can be stressful and overwhelming. By hiring a competent civil lawyer, you can alleviate much of the burden. They handle the legal complexities, paperwork, and communications, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your life.