$ 450-495 per hour
Thomas John Nellessen
About Thomas
Biography
Thomas J. Nellessen
Senior Attorney | Johnson Law Group | Colorado Family Law Attorney
I am Thomas J. Nellessen, a Colorado attorney and Senior Attorney with Johnson Law Group, where I focus on helping individuals and families navigate some of life's most challenging legal circumstances.
My practice emphasizes divorce, complex marital property division, high-asset divorce, child custody and parenting time disputes, child support, spousal maintenance, post-decree modifications, and other contested family law matters.
Throughout my legal career, I have represented clients facing emotionally difficult and financially significant legal disputes. I understand that divorce and family law litigation involve much more than legal documents and courtroom proceedings. These cases affect families, children, financial security, and the future.
My approach combines careful legal analysis, strategic preparation, practical problem-solving, and strong advocacy. I believe clients deserve an attorney who listens, communicates clearly, explains their options, and develops a legal strategy tailored to their individual circumstances.
I have a particular interest in complex divorce litigation involving business interests, substantial marital assets, retirement accounts, real estate holdings, disputed financial disclosures, and difficult parenting disputes. Whether a case can be resolved through negotiation and mediation or requires contested litigation, my objective is to protect my client's interests while pursuing a practical and legally sound resolution.
Having returned to Johnson Law Group as a Senior Attorney, I am pleased to continue serving Colorado families with the resources of an established family law firm and a commitment to personalized legal representation.
I represent clients throughout the Denver metropolitan area and surrounding Colorado communities, including Douglas, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Denver, Adams, Boulder, Broomfield, and other Front Range counties.
My philosophy is straightforward: every client deserves preparation, honest communication, thoughtful legal strategy, and an attorney who takes their concerns seriously.
If you are facing divorce, a complex property dispute, a child custody disagreement, or another family law matter, I welcome the opportunity to discuss your circumstances and help you understand your legal options.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
80%
35 years | 275 cases
DUI and DWI
10%
35 years | 2,000 cases
Violent Crime
10%
35 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Colorado for 35 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Johnson Law Group, LLC
3773 Cherry Creek Drive North, Suite 801, East Tower, Denver, CO, 80209
Johnson Law Group, LLC
2139 Chuckwagon Road, Suite 210, Colorado Springs, CO, 80919
Johnson Law Group, LLC
13599 East 104th Avenue, Suite 300, Commerce City, CO, 80022
Johnson Law Group, LLC
385 Inverness Parkway, Suite 250, Englewood, CO, 80112
Johnson Law Group, LLC
2580 East Harmony Road, Suite 201, Fort Collins, CO, 80528
Johnson Law Group, LLC
3838 North Ravenswood Avenue, Office 231, Chicago, IL, 60613
Johnson Law Group, LLC
109 East 17th Street, Suite 6167, Cheyenne, WY, 82001
Gallery
Thomas John Nellessen's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
16 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Cost of Services
Posted by Rosella | October 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney
My child safety was in this man’s hands and I was overcharged as if I would never realize and with no explanation or correction
I was handed over to Thomas at Johnson’s Law Group, where I was overcharged and billed for things that had nothing to do with my case. The invoices included wrong names and dates, and I never received any correction or explanation despite asking multiple times. After the original attorney left, I was...
Posted by Jessie | August 03, 2016
Recommendation for my attorney Tom Nellessen
Mr. Nellessen is GREAT. After being stopped by the police, I was charged with a DUI. After being told by other attorneys that it would cost me $4,000.00 upfront, I felt like like no one would help me. Mr. Nellessen was there for me. The other attorneys said I would be serving some jail. I was sc...
Thomas Nellessen
Replied last August 03, 2016I am so glad that I could be of service to you. It worked out very well. Thank you for taking the time to write a review on me and my services. It is greatly appreciated.
Posted by Gerry | August 03, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Incredible Attorney and Affordable
I hired Tom Nellessen to represent my granddaughter. I found Tom to be very knowledgeable in criminal matters and very skilled. His ability to guide his clients through the legal process was incredible. Not only is Tom a great attorney, he has reasonable prices that make him affordable to everyone. A...
Thomas Nellessen
Replied last August 03, 2016Gerry, you know I am always here for you and your family. Thank you for taking the time to write your review and for the kind words.
Posted by Doug | May 05, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Execelent Attorney Execelent Value
Tom is extremely knowledgeable and helped me tremendously in achieving the best possible results in my case. He clearly personally cared about me and my case. He went out of his way in helping on several occasions. In looking for representation, Tom also worked with me from a financial perspective...
Thomas Nellessen
Replied last August 03, 2016Thank you Doug. I try to be as helpful as possible. I know that people are struggling right now; so, I try to be as flexible as possible with financial arrangements. I am here to help people, not to put them into further stress due to finances. Thank you for the kind words and I am glad I could be of assistance.
Posted by Alam | December 09, 2014
Incredible Denver DUI Attorney
Mr. Nellessen is the a Denver dUI attorney who gives you exceptionally high quality representation at very affordable costs. Tom handled my case with the professionalism and skill of a seasoned attorney. My case was dismissed when Mr. Nellessen showed the flaws in the investigation and in the testi...
Thomas Nellessen
Replied last October 29, 2015Some cases take a little more time than others. But when you have flaws that can be focused on, the case usually goes away. Thank you for your kind words and allowing me to assist you with your matter.
Thomas John Nellessen's Lawyer Endorsements
"There’s a reason clients come back to Attorney Nellessen, he doesn’t just handle cases, he builds trust. His sharp thinking and measured approach make every case stronger. A cornerstone of our litigation team at Johnson Law Group."
"Tom is an extremely passionate about helping people both in his career and on his own free time. He is very knowledgeable, level headed, and takes the time to listen to his clients. Tom analyzes cases from the other prospective, looking at all sides of a case to avoid any surprises and holes in his theory. These attributes makes his advice and recommendations trustworthy and solid. It has been a pleasure working with Tom."
"I have had the pleasure of working with Tom Nellessen. He is Of Counsel in the same firm where I work in a similar capacity. I have had many occasions to review cases with him. Tom has many years of experience and a really good feel for how to handle cases. He is well regarded by prosecutors, judges and other members of the defense bar. He works his cases to obtain just outcomes for his clients."
"I have spent much time over the years speaking to Mr. Nellessen about many legal issues. He is a knowledgable, confident, experienced attorney worthy of the respect and esteem he commands in the legal community."
"I've known Tom professionally for 28 years, having first met him when I was a young DA in Douglas County. Tom was then and is today an extremely gifted advocate and leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for his client. He has my highest endorsement."
"If your in trouble with the law you need a lawyer with knowledge, experience and the know how to get things done. You can find many lawyers to take your case but if you need to Win you only have one choice Thomas J. Nellessen, Esq. I endorse him."
"I am honored to endorse Mr. Nellessen. He is one of the most professional, committed, and talented attorneys in our community. He is dedicated to forging strong client relationships and is committed to going above and beyond in representing his clients. He is highly respected for his litigations skills and I highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tom know criminal law! He is honest, aggressive, and hard working. I've worked cases with him, and even after representing over 3500 clients, Tom taught me a few things about bettering myself as an attorney! I'd hire Tom for myself!"
"Few individuals come close to approaching the kind of intelligence and integrity in the practice of Colorado criminal law than Tom Nellessen. Tom is well known and well respected for the lengths he will go to aggressively advocate for his clients. He is not only admired by his colleagues in his field - he is admired and respected by the many Colorado judges in the criminal courts all over Colorado. Tom is the man I choose to consult when I have a particularly difficult criminal question - his thinking is clear - his advice sound - his counsel wise. I wholly endorse Tom as a man of unquestionable character - and I endorse him without reservation.. H. Michael Steinberg"
"Tom is a stellar courtroom attorney, blessed with skill, talent and personality which make him uniquely qualified for criminal defense. Importantly, I also know Tom to be a person of unassailable character. I would not hesitate to refer friends and family members to Tom, and I endorse him in the highest possible terms."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known and watched Tom represent clients sucessfully for 25 years. He is respected within the legal community by Judges, district attorneys and lawyers. His dedication to acheiving justice is always his focus. Tom gives his all helping people in need, and they are fortunate to have hired Tom to represent them."
"Attorney Thomas Nellessen is a dedicated professional who will aggressively fight for his clients. He is highly respected by his colleagues as well as current and former clients. He is an asset to our legal profession."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tom is an experienced and well regarded trial lawyer who will both listen to you and work hard to achieve your goals as a client."
"I endorse this lawyer. From Mr. Nellessen's detailed and thoughtful answers, he proves that he is an excellent attorney and that you would be well-served with his representation."
Robert Barlow
Insurance lawyer
Maren Skulborstad
Family lawyer
Mark Solomon
Criminal defense lawyer
Malcolm Seawell
Criminal defense lawyer
Chris Halsor
Criminal defense lawyer
H. Aalsberg
Criminal defense lawyer
Robert Biondino
Criminal defense lawyer
Benjamin Hartford
Criminal defense lawyer
H. Steinberg
Criminal defense lawyer
Molly Jansen
Criminal defense lawyer
Craig Mastro
Criminal defense lawyer
Robert Grossman
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2020
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2017
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Notable, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Notable, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
1991 - 2024
Owner, Nellessen Law Office
Associations
2014 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Douglas/Elbert County Bar AssociationMember
1991 - Present
Colorado Bar AssociationMember
1991 - Present
Colorado Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember
2019 - 2020
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People V. Adrian V.
Not Guilty
People vs. Tracy E.
Not Guilty DUI, Not Guilty DWAI, Guilty Careless Driving
.366 BAC Dismissed
Cased Dismissed
People vs. Jason T.
Case Dismissed
People v. Daniel D.
Not Guilty on All Charges
Education
1990
Northern Illinois University of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
N/A
Looking for Conference
None at this time.
Publications
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Ex wife denied visitation, If I see him later this summer, is it still a violation?
08 Jun 2025
Q&A
My parenting time start the second week of summer break. It's confusing to me
24 Apr 2025
Q&A
What will happen if my wife forges my signature on an insurance claim check during a divorce?
20 Apr 2025