Denver Divorce and Real Estate Lawyer Blog. (Vol 1.14)
By Craig Franklin Chambers Esq. The Littleton Lawyer. 7851 S. Elati Street #204, Littleton, CO 80120
As a Denver, Colorado family law lawyer and real estate attorney, people often ask me: where do I practice and why? The geographical area where I practice real estate and family law is basically the south side of town, and includes Denver, Jefferson, Arapahoe and Douglas Counties.
The area includes large cities such as Denver, Aurora, Centennial, and Lakewood, large unincorporated areas such as South Jeffco and Highlands Ranch, and smaller cities like Littleton, Lone Tree, Englewood, Cherry Hills and Greenwood Village.
The area known as Littleton, which includes the City of Littleton, Highlands Ranch, and unincorporated South Jefferson County, is spread out over three counties: Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Douglas County. As a lawyer in Littleton, my family law and real estate law practice includes the zip codes of 80120, 80121, 80122, 80123, 80124, 80125, 80126, 80127, 80128, 80129, and 80130.
The reason for this location is in 1998 I moved into the Chatfield, Columbine and Ken Caryl area. I had four young children and my family needed a home with more space than I could afford in Southeast Denver. I bought a home in a beautiful area close to a park, school and walking trail. My children went to Chatfield and Columbine. My office is located near Mineral and Broadway, in Littleton, just North of Highlands Ranch.
I actually practice law in all Denver area metro jurisdictions. But I have found that you, the client, are usually better served by finding an attorney who frequently appears in the courts where your case is filed.
This is true for several reasons, First, lawyers charge by the hour. What you are purchasing when you hire an attorney is the attorney's professionalism, time and concern. If a lawyer has to drive an hour to go to and from court in Broomfield or Brighton, that's extra hours and costs to you.
Second, each Court has its own culture and personality. Judges are human beings after all, they have quirks and pet peeves. They have predispositions towards ruling one way or another on issues depending in their own backgrounds and life experiences. It is also important to have rapport with the clerks and bailiffs who assist the judges.
As a lawyer who frequently appears in Jefferson, Arapahoe, Douglas, and Denver courts, you develop a reputation for integrity and professionalism with each particular judge. This credibility builds over time. Each court has its own Case Management Order applicable to your type of case, and each court is managed differently.
I have gone to court for clients in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Fairplay. In retrospect, I think this was a mistake. You are best-served by finding a lawyer who is familiar and experienced with your type of case and who is familiar and experienced with the culture, nuances, and personalities of the court where your case is filed. And that comes from trying cases time and again in the same jurisdictions.
