Experience

Rating: 10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2021

Colorado Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2021

Denver's Top Lawyers - Insurance Law, 5280 Magazine

2021

Best Law Firms for Colorado Litigation - Insurance, U.S. News & World Report

2021

Best Law Firms for Colorado Insurance Law, U.S. News & World Report

2021

Litigation: Insurance, Best Lawyers in America

2021

Insurance Law, Best Lawyers in America

2020

Barrister’s Best Insurance Lawyer for Plaintiffs, Law Week Colorado

2020

Litigation: Insurance, Best Lawyers in America

2020

International Advisory Experts Award: Insurance (Colorado), International Advisory Experts

2020

Colorado Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2020

Insurance Law, Best Lawyers in America

2019

Insurance Law, Best Lawyers in America

2019

Litigation: Insurance, Best Lawyers in America

2019

Colorado Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2018

Colorado Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine

2018

Top Latino Lawyers, Latino Leaders Magazine

2018

Insurance Law, Best Lawyers in America

2018

AV Preeminent Rated (4.9 out of 5.0), since 2014, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Litigation: Insurance, Best Lawyers in America

2017

2017 Barrister’s Best Insurance Lawyer for Plaintiffs, Law Week Colorado

2017

Top Latino Lawyers, Latino Leaders Magazine

2014

Rising Star, Insurance Coverage Litigation, Colorado Super Lawyers

2013

Rising Star, Insurance Coverage Litigation, Colorado Super Lawyers

2008

Trial Skills, National Institute for Trial Advocacy

2005

Depositions, National Institute for Trial Advocacy

2004

Chancellor's Scholar, University of Denver Sturm College of Law

2004

Academic Achievement Awards: Lawyering Process I & II, University of Denver Sturm College of Law

2004

Senior Staff Editor, Denver University Law Review, University of Denver Sturm College of Law

2004

Academic Achievement Awards: Family Law, Mining Law, University of Denver Sturm College of Law

2004

Academic Achievement Awards: Hazardous Waste & Insurance, University of Denver Sturm College of Law

2004

Finalist, Hartje Objective Writing Award, University of Denver Sturm College of Law

2004

Finalist, Reese Persuasive Writing Award, University of Denver Sturm College of Law

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Work Experience

2020 - Present

Adjunct Professor of Law, University of Colorado School of Law

2018 - Present

Adjunct Professor of Law, University of Denver Sturm College of Law

2018 - Present

Managing Partner, Colorado Insurance Law Center

2016 - Present

Of Counsel, Levin Sitcoff PC

2009 - Present

Instructor, Errors & Omissions Risk Management, Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Colorado

2006 - Present

Guest Instructor, Insurance, University of Denver Sturm College Of Law

2013 - 2014

Instructor, Error & Omissions Risk Management, Ethics, Education in Progress

2012 - 2016

Partner, Davis Graham & Stubbs, LLP

2005 - 2008

Faculty Member, National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research

2004 - 2011

Associate, Davis Graham & Stubbs, LLP

2003 - 2003

Research Assistant to Professor George "Rock" Pring, University of Denver Sturm College of Law

2003 - 2004

Summer Associate/ Law Clerk, Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP

2001 - 2002

Legal Intern, Latin American Research & Service Agency

1995 - 2003

Errors & Omissions Coordinator and Claims Manager, Talbot Agency, Inc.

1994 - 1995

Claims Reengineering Team Member, CNA Insurance Companies

1992 - 1995

Senior Claims Representative, Workers' Compensation, CNA Insurance Companies

1991 - 1992

Multi-Line Claims Adjuster, Crawford & Company

1987 - 1991

Administrative Assistant, Greengard Senter Goldfarb & Rice

1986 - 1986

Underwriting & Rating Office Assistant, CNA Insurance Companies

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Associations

2021 - Present

Colorado Bar Association

Policyholder At-Large Representative, Insurance Law Committee

2020 - Present

Colorado Lawyer, Publication of the Colorado Bar Association

Board Member

2019 - Present

American Association of Insurance Management Consultants (AAIMC)

Member

2017 - Present

Westminster Chamber of Commerce

Member

2017 - Present

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce

Member

2017 - Present

Trusted Choice

Member

2017 - Present

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Denver

Member

2016 - Present

Colorado Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2015 - Present

Daniels College of Business Alumni Advisory Board

Board Member

2015 - Present

Denver Urban Debate League Board of Directors

Board Member

2014 - Present

Law School Si Se Puede Mentorship Program

Mentor

2011 - Present

Risk & Insurance Management Society - Rocky Mountain Chapter

Associate Member

2009 - Present

Hispanic National Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

Metro Volunteer Lawyers

Pro Bono Attorney

Denver Bar Association

Member

Colorado Hispanic Bar Association

Member

American Bar Association

Tort, Trial & Insurance Section

American Bar Association

Environmental & Natural Resources Section

American Bar Association

Taxation Section

Colorado Bar Association

Member

2014 - 2014

Colorado Hispanic Bar Association

Board of Directors

2014 - 2015

Colorado Lawyers Committee School Discipline Taskforce

Volunteer

2014 - 2014

Colorado Lawyers Committee

Election Protection Volunteer

2012 - 2014

A Walk to Remember (nonprofit)

Professional Advisor

2010 - 2015

Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Colorado

Associate Member

2010 - 2010

Colorado Hispanic Bar Association

President

2008 - 2009

Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center

Volunteer Attorney

2008 - 2008

Adams County, Colorado

Election Judge

2008 - 2012

March of Dimes of Colorado

Public Policy Committee Member

2008 - 2013

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Denver

Public Policy Committee Member

2007 - 2009

Denver Bar Association

Board of Trustees

2007 - 2009

Colorado Bar Association

Board of Governors

2007 - 2009

Colorado Hispanic Bar Association

Treasurer

2005 - 2007

Colorado Bar Association

Co-Chair, Diversity in the Legal Profession Committee

2004 - 2014

University of Denver Sturm College of Law Professional Mentorship Program

Mentor

2004 - 2007

Net Results Junior Tennis

Board Member

2004 - 2012

Colorado Hispanic Bar Association

Board of Directors

2003 - 2004

American Civil Liberties Union

Intake Volunteer

2002 - 2012

Society of Certified Insurance Counselor

Member

2001 - 2001

Big Brothers of Colorado

Big Brother

2000 - 2004

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Denver

Education Committee Member

2000 - 2001

Colorado Soccer Referee Association

Referee

2000 - 2002

Project Safeguard

Courtwatch Volunteer, Pro Se Divorce Guidance

1998 - 2000

New Mexico Soccer Referee Association

Referee

1995 - 1999

Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce

Education Committee Member

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Sample of Legal Cases

Successful Reversal of Ten-Figure Insurance Claim Denial

Reversal of denial in client's favor.

Successful in Securing a Defense in Environmental Contamination Case

Successful in securing a defense for clients.

Secured Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in Coverage for Major Corporation through Partial Summary Judgment

Successful partial summary judgment.

Representation of Insured Against Auto Insurance Company's Claim of Faked Car Theft

Claim defeated.

Secured Defense from D&O/EPLI Insurer of Former CEO

Defense secured.

Forced Energy Company Insurer to Offer Settlement of $1 Million Policy Limit

Insurance Company offered settle the case for $1 million policy limit.

Trial Victory against Several Insurance Companies

Successful trial outcome

See More Legal Cases

Education

2004

University of Denver Sturm College of Law

2002

Certified Insurance Counselor

1996

Insurance Institute of America

Associate in Risk Management

1990

University of Denver Daniels College of Business

B.S.B.A. (with honors)

See All Education See Less Education

Speaking Engagements

2020

Lunch with LawBank

"Independent Coverage Counsel aka Personal Counsel in Litigation Matters"

2020

CBA-CLE Colorado Solo-Small Firm Institute "Protecting Your Client's Business Income" (On Demand)

2020

Better Business Boost Webinar Series

"An Overview of Business Interruption Insurance Coverage for COVID-19 Losses"

2020

14th Annual Colorado ADR Conference - Virtual Implications of the Differing Roles of Insurer-Assigned Defense Counsel and a Policyholder's Personal Counsel in Mediation

2019

CHBA 2019 March Lunchtime Membership Meeting "The Red-Headed Stepchild: The Crucial but Overlooked Role of Insurance Contracts in Business"

2018

Colorado Bar Association, Environmental Law Section

"Overcoming Hurdles to Insurance Recovery for Legacy Environmental Site Clean-ups"

2017

Panel Moderator at the American Bar Association's Midyear Meeting of the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS)

"The Ethical and Insurance Coverage Implications for Marijuana-Related Operations"

2017

Consolidated Agencies

"To Err Is Human – But Actionable: Legal Issues for Producers in Achieving Effect Contractual Risk Transfers"

2017

Clear Law Institute Webinar

"Drafting Insurance Requirement Provisions"

2016

Online Continuing Legal Education "Drafting Insurance Requirement Provisions"

2016

American Bar Association Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee Midyear Meeting "Double Agents, Order-Takers, and Special Advisors—The Producer’s Intriguing Role in Coverage Disputes"

2015

Strafford Publications Webinar

"Drafting Insurance Requirement Provisions in Commercial Contracts – Mitigating Risk and Maximizing Coverage for Losses, Navigating Interplay With Contractual Indemnification"

2015

Rocky Mountain Intellectual Property & Technology Institute "Data Security: Fiduciary Duties & Risk Management"

2015

Online Continuing Legal Education "Drafting Insurance Requirement Provisions"

2015

Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP "Cybersecurity: Guidance for the Entire Enterprise"

2015

Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP

"Oilfield Master Service Agreement Fundamentals"

2015

Association of Corporate Counsel Colorado Chapter "Cybersecurity Contracting and Liability: The In-House Perspective"

2015

American Bar Association Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee Midyear Meeting "Berkshire Hathaway’s 'Retroactive Reinsurance' – Systematic Bad Faith or Simple Risk Transfer?"

2015

2015 Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Colorado Leadership Conference

"Key Legal Developments"

2014

Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Colorado Leadership Conference

"Errors & Omissions – A Mock Trial"

2014

Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP

"Ins and Outs of Environmental Insurance in Brownfields Development"

2014

American Bar Association Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee Midyear Meeting

"Voices Crying in the Wilderness: Make Ye Straight the Path to Ethics and Reduced Legal Fees"

2013

American Bar Association Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee Midyear Meeting

"The Duties and Liabilities of the Insurance Broker in Coverage Litigation: Persistent Challenges, Emerging Issues, and Responsive Strategies for Agents, Brokers, Policyholders"

2013

2013 Hispanic National Bar Association Annual Convention

"Cyber Crimes, Ethics & Social Media: What You Need to Know"

2012

American Bar Association Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee Midyear Meeting

"Intermediary Issues – Brokers and Agents in Coverage Disputes"

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Publications

2019

Law Week Colorado Author, "Insurance Coverage for Cryptocurrency Risks."

2018

Law Week Colorado "Yours or Mine? The Interplay Between Indemnity Clauses and Additional Insured Coverages."

2018

Law Week Colorado "Colorado Supreme Court: Prejudgment Interest Applies to Garnishment Awards.”

2017

The Docket, Denver Bar Association, August/September 2017 "Solo Not Alone - Consulting Lawyers and Other Professionals When Starting Your Own Firm"

2017

Law Week Colorado "New Law Firm Aims to Fill Colorado's 'Coverage Gap"

2016

Law Week Colorado "Certificates of Insurance: Five Things Construction Lawyers Should Know"

2016

ABA Tort, Trial & Insurance Practice Section Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee Newsletter “Double Agents, Order-Takers, and Special Advisors—The Producer’s Intriguing Role in Coverage Disputes”

2015

Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP Client Alert “Transferring Insurance Benefits In Corporate Transactions May Have Just Gotten A Little Easier, But It's Still A Tricky Task”

2015

Colorado Insurance News “Legal Lowdown – Quarterly Summary of Recent Colorado Insurance Cases”

2015

Colorado Insurance News “Non-Opinion by Colorado Supreme Court Could Increase Agents’ Liability”

2012

The SIRMon: News From the ABA Self- Insurers and Risk Managers Committee “Yours, Mine, Ours. Just Whose Agent is it Anyway?”

2012

Denver Business Journal “Insurance Provisions of a Contract May be Fraught with Problems”

2009

Colorado Insurance News “Don’t Count on Predecessors’ Liability Policy”

2009

Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP Client Alert “Corporate Successors Barred from Tapping Policies for Historic Liabilities?”

2008

Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP Client Alert “AIG’s Financial Troubles: What Do They Mean For Me?"

2006

The Colorado Lawyer “Liability Insurance: Notice-Prejudice After Friedland”

2005

Resources Magazine “How to Deal with Mass-Tort Litigation and Stay Out of Hot Water Yourself!”

2002

Denver University Law Review  “Twenty Years in Tahoe-Sierra – Why It’s Right and Why It’s Not a Satisfactory Solution"

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Languages

English

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