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Jonathan S. Willett was born and raised in New York City. He attended college in Colorado, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from the University of Colorado in 1982. After graduation, Mr. Willett returned to New York City to work as a writer, but found himself longing for the Colorado Mountains. In 1983, he enrolled in the University of Denver College of Law.
At the University of Denver College of Law, Mr. Willett was the Articles Editor of the Denver University Law Review. Mr. Willett published a Note, Evolving Standards for Duty of Fair Representation Cases Under Section 301, 62 Den. U. L. Rev. 627 (1985). Mr. Willett graduated from the College of Law with a Juris Doctor degree in 1986.
Mr. Willett was employed as an attorney in the Appellate Division of the Colorado State Public Defender in Denver from 1986 to 1989. In 1989, Mr. Willett became a trial deputy with the Jefferson County trial office of the Colorado State Public Defender located in Golden, Colorado.
In mid 1992, he then began working for the law firm of Chalat & Company. Mr. Willett became a sole proprietor in 1994. As a private attorney, Mr. Willett has handled medical and legal malpractice cases, civil rights cases, family matters including child custody, employment cases, personal injury matters, ski litigation, and every type of criminal case ranging from the death penalty to white collar crime and juvenile delinquency. Mr. Willett has been attorney of record in over 60 jury trials and 125 appeals. Mr. Willett appears as counsel of record in 25 published opinions of the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Colorado Supreme Court and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Mr. Willett has lectured on a variety of criminal law, appellate practice, trial advocacy and juvenile law topics, publishing written materials as well. Mr. Willett has been accepted as an expert witness in criminal law at least fifteen times. Mr. Willett is admitted to practice in all Courts in the State of Colorado and the State of New York, as well as the United States District Court for Colorado, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
When he is not working, Mr. Willett enjoys spending time with his family and staying active by skiing, snowboarding, cycling, running and playing frisbee.
9
Practice Areas
15 years
15 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
State: Idaho
Acquired: 2022
No misconduct found
State: New York
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
State: Colorado
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
1775 Sherman Street, Suite 1650, Denver, CO, 80203
willettlaw.net/255 Canyon Boulevard, Suite 100, Boulder, CO, 80302
willettlaw.net/1775 Sherman Street, Suite 1650, Denver, CO, 80203
willettlaw.net/Showing 1 - 5 of 23 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | September 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Case: DHS founded finding appeal. Result: The finding was overturned. John won the case. I had an appeal of a DHS founded finding and John represented me after I consulted him. Over the course of several months John and I were in frequent communication about the case. This communication was in ...
Posted by anonymous | July 12, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Jonathan Willett represented our son in a juvenile misdemeanor sexual contact case. His expertise, years of experience, and reputation helped tremendously. He is well known and well respected throughout the legal system. Jonathan presented us with several options to resolve the case, and then wor...
Posted by Michael | March 9, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Mr Willett is incredibly knowledgeable about many aspects of the law and an incredibly effective litigator and negotiator. His vast experience over many decades of practicing is evident in every piece of advice he gives and decision he recommends. His word can be trusted.
Posted by anonymous | March 8, 2024 | Hired Attorney
I am very happy with my outcome. Jonathan was able to get my what I wanted and was able to communicate me throughout the process.
Posted by L Marie | May 15, 2022 | Hired Attorney
We hired Jonathan to handle our case and have been so touched by his dedication and the efforts he made to go out of his way to reach the best possible outcome. He is professional, attentive, knowledgeable, well prepared, a great communicator, and explains everything in detail so you understand wha...
"I endorse this lawyer. Jonathon is an experienced and well respected criminal defense and appellate attorney in the state of Colorado. I would highly recommend him."
"I endorse Jonathan. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Jonathan is a smart, aggressive, caring, practical, and cost-effective lawyer who has effectively assisted several people who I have referred to him."
"I endorse this lawyer. jonathan is an outstanding lawyer. he cares about his clients and goes the extra mile to see that their needs are taken care of. He is experienced, well versed in the law and wel respected by the bench."
"It is my pleasure to write briefly on behalf of Jonathan Willett, who I have known and worked along side for much of my legal career as Deputy State Public Defender, federal Criminal Justice Attorney, and civil practitioner. Although a skilled advocate and trial lawyer, Jonathan is equally accomplished in legal research and writing and has extensive experience practicing in both state and federal appellate courts. Apart from criminal defense, Jonathan is a very successful civil litigation attorney and admired by colleagues and Judges for his legal knowledge and his personal attributes."
Criminal defense lawyer
2025
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2025
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Best DUI Lawyer in Boulder, Expertise
2021
Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Longmont, Expertise
2018
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated Since 2000, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top 100, Top 100 Trial Lawyers
2013
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2005 - Present
Sole Practitioner, Law Offices of Jonathan S. Willett
2000 - 2005
Partner, Willett & Mestas, LLC Denver
2000 - 2000
Partner, Adkins, Smart, Willett & Mestas
1993 - 2000
Sole Practictioner, Law Offices of Jonathan S. Willett
1992 - 1993
Attorney, Chalat and Co., P.C.
1989 - 1992
Attorney, Colorado State Public Defender's Office
1986 - 1989
Attorney, Colorado State Public Defender's Office (Appellate Division)
2007 - Present
CJA Panel Attorney for the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth CircuitPanel Attorney
2000 - Present
Colorado Bar AssociationMember
1995 - Present
CJA Panel Attorney for the United States District Court of ColoradoCJA Panel Attorney
1986
JD - Juris Doctor
1982
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2008
Criminal Trial
2002
Post-conviction remedies
2001
Legal Writing
1998
Juvenile Justice
1991
Juvenile Delinquency
1989
Child Sex Assault
1989
1985
English
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Jonathan earned significant contribution points in 2012.
What advice can I get, my son (underage 16yrs) was accused of sexual assault/abuse at his workplace?
29 Nov 2018
Are probation records confidential?
29 Nov 2018
What do I do if I can't afford an attorney, but the public defenders office says they can't represent me due to conflict of inte
28 Aug 2018