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Gregory Bruce Cairns

Workers compensation Attorney at Denver, CO

4.7   27 reviews
  • Licensed for 40 years
    State CO
    Acquired 1982
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Gregory

Learn Gregory’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. Workers compensation
    85%
    I handle workers' compensation matters of all levels of complexity. I have a special expertise in fitness for duty tests, interaction of medical marijuana law with workers' compensation, and the special issues of aging workers. In addition, I accept non-insured employer cases.

    41 years

  2. Defective and dangerous products
    15%
    Vaccine Injury Specialist. Including flu & Covid 19 Vaccine injuries.

Mr. Cairns’ practice focuses on workers’ compensation litigation and related employment law. Mr. Cairns attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in Psychology in 1975. He also attended the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee where he pursued a Master’s in industrial psychology. Following graduate school, he obtained his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1982. Mr. Cairns has been licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado since 1982.

Mr. Cairns has thirty-seven years of experience as an attorney in matters relating to workers’ compensation and employment law. He has published several articles in The Colorado Lawyer concerning employment issues, and has been a frequent speaker concerning workers’ compensation, fitness for duty testing, medical marijuana, and the special needs of older workers with injuries.  He has taught basic legal research in the paralegal training programs for Metropolitan State College in Denver and the Denver Paralegal Institute. In addition, he is the founder and principal instructor for The Center for Workers’ Compensation Training, a private occupational school.

Mr. Cairns, who hails from Wisconsin, currently serves as president of Cairns & Associates, P.C. in Denver, Colorado. In 2003 he was named an “Outstanding Lawyer in America.” In 2010, he received the Lance Butler Award for service to the Colorado workers’ compensation community. He has served as President of Professionals in Workers’ Compensation and the Denver Law Club.

An avid bicyclist and hiker, Mr. Cairns was also a regular parody song writer and actor for the Denver Law Club. 

 

He is grateful to have enjoyed a wide and varied experience in the world of Colorado worker’s compensation.

Learn more about our specialized services in workers’ compensation training and medical testing of employees.

 

 

Photos and videos

Contact Gregory

Similar lawyers nearby

Cairns & Associates, P.C.
3900 E Mexico Ave Ste 300
Denver, CO, 80210-3940

Reviews

4.7 / 5.0
  27 customer reviews
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7%
Posted by anonymous | September 10, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honest, Knowledgeable, Hard Working, and Kind
Greg is honest, knowledgeable, hard working, and kind. I appreciate that throughout the duration of my case he and his paralegal, Andrea, kept me updated and were always quick to respond via email or phone. I found my work comp case made me feel vulnerable and exposed. Greg asked me how I was and helped me to feel human through the experience as well. He fought for my rights and for the best for me and my future. He acknowledged the toll I was under with my profession being taken from me with my injury. He also encouraged my professional understanding of my case as a nurse and always greeted me with the utmost respect. Greg's understanding of the law and case law was reassuring. He is a person I am thankful I had on my side throughout my case.
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Posted by Julie | July 22, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Kind, Candid, & Direct
Greg helped navigate the BS of the work comp system. I really appreciated his 'give it to you straight' approach and his patience/guidance in making difficult decisions related to healthcare and career. He listens, follows through, and has a kind, candid, direct demeanor that is very refreshing. I'm incredibly grateful for Greg and Andrea's help.
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Posted by Cassandra | April 21, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Attorney review
Greg and his paralegal Andrea are very professional and very assertive. I can't thank them enough for all of their hard work. I'm truly grateful for them both. Thank you so much Greg and Andrea
Posted by Chad | February 1, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Legal Eagle
Mr Cairns took my case when others would not. He helped me in getting my medical bills paid in my workers comp case where I was unsuccessful in getting that negotiated with opposing counsel. My case was not a big money case, but Mr Cairns saw the value in my claim and was the driving force in getting a successful settlement
Posted by Brenda | May 18, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Gratitude
I went in with very little expectation because most companies fight hard against what's right and rightfully due to their employees. I hired Gregory Carins and he fought my battle for me, he and his team kept me informed on everything. they were caring and sensitive throughout my whole ordeal and settled my case with grace. thank you for all your help
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Posted by Valerie | January 24, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thorough, respectful and dedicated
Gregory Cairns, Esq P.C. of Cairns & Associates, P.C. Attorneys at Law 3900 E. Mexico Avenue, Suite 700 Denver, CO. 80210 Greg handled a very difficult injury case for me in which I believed he did an excellent job proving and defending me in a truthful and just way with sufficient evidence to have won our case. We however I feel were not given fair recognition of the validation of presented evidence. Regardless Greg did all he could to fight for me in the effort to get the justice I believe I deserved. He was knowledgeable, informative and fought for me until we could not get the justice we deserved within judicial means. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking help in a work related injury law case.
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Posted by Bobbi | May 22, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
5+ Stars for Mr. Cairns and Staff from a Covid Long Hauler
I am a Long COVID/ COVID Long Hauler who got sick from a fellow worker. I felt liked no one cared and that the world threw me away along with their masks. Greg Cairns took my long hauler COVID case and fought with unwavering tenacity and tough love. He worked hard to right the wrongs- and he did! I am grateful to him and his team for believing in me and my case.
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Posted by Alejandro Rodriguez | May 13, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
En mi opinión el Abogado Greg es el mejor abogado del Estado de Colorado.
El abogado Greg para mi es el mejor abogado de compensación laboral del estado de Colorado, agradezco muchísimo a el y a la licenciada Alejandra Campos, heyos son un equipo estupendo y muy profesional con heyos usted puede alcanzar justicia y obtener los mejores beneficios , que Dios bendiga muchísimo a este equipo de abogados que su humanismo y entrega supera cualquier tipo de expectativas. Bendiciones y gracias
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Posted by Xavier | May 13, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
settled
My experience with this lawyer was phenomenal. His expertise and professionalism settled my case within months. If anyone has a workman's compensation case and needs an aggressive attorney to fight for your rights Mr. Cairns is the man!! I'm satisfied with my case.
Posted by Alejandra Campos | December 14, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Greg es un abogado excepcional
He tenido el placer de conocer al abogado Gregory Bruce Cairns por más de 10 años y durante este tiempo he adquirido mucha admiración por él porque es una persona que tiene no solo conocimiento de su área profesional sino también mucha ética profesional. Greg es un abogado que siempre va a buscar el mayor beneficio para el cliente, incluso cuando eso no implique un beneficio para su firma. Para Greg el cliente es la prioridad y siempre está en primer lugar. He trabajado en conjunto con Greg en muchos casos y me consta que hace muy bien su trabajo. Sabe como negociar y busca conseguir la mayor remuneración monetaria para sus clientes, mucho mejor a la que pudieran conseguir otros abogados. Además, de acuerdo con “Attorney and Practice Magazine’s” Greg es considerado uno de los 10 mejores abogados en el estado de Colorado en cuanto a accidentes de trabajadores se refiere. Trabajar junto a Greg ha sido muy enriquecedor para mí, confío plenamente en su competencia como profesional y sé que cualquier cliente que lo elija como abogado va a quedar muy satisfecho con su servicio. Alejandra Campos
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Posted by Ken | December 2, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Successful & Knows How To Win
Many attorneys can read the law but very few know how to work with it to help their client receive the medical and financial benefits that they deserve. I have served as an Administrative Law Judge, the top state administrator for Colorado’s workers compensation system and a practicing attorney for 45 years specializing in Workers compensation law. I know of no other attorney who can match Greg’s intelligence, knowledge of the law, and his excellent ability to strategize his way though difficult cases and succeed. He has earned the respect of judges, attorneys and the hundreds of injured workers he has helped when they needed help. I have seen his total commitment to his clients. You could not have a better attorney on your side.
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Posted by Eddy | May 14, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Helped when I was down and out
I had an unfortunate occurrence happen and felt like lawyers kept bouncing me around. I had another Lawyer coming at me like a fire breathing dragon and it felt like he was set on ruining me. I was referred to Mr Cairns and he saved my life and business. If you need a lawyer, you can tell Greg cares about you. He wanted to save me money but also provide me with excellent service. He did both of those successfully. I can now move on with my life and without his assistance I would probably not have the luxury of saying that.
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Posted by Gloria | December 18, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Gloria Moore
Gregory is the best this was my first time working with something like this so I didn't know anything about it Gregory worked me thow every step of the way.
Posted by Mark | December 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Over 250,000
Greg is a great Lawyer. He helped me take on Liberty Mutual. My case was so hard and messed up. He made the insurance company do what they were supposed do. Even after my MMI Greg kept fighting for me. If you need a proven and caring lawyer? Hire Greg.!!!!!! He's not scared and will fight for you like a big gray wolf. He will get you the medical and money for you. God Bless Gregory Cairns and his staff. They truly kick butt. Nicole and Greg are proven. Need the Best Workers Comp? Hire Greg and his team. Thankfully Mark Osborne
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Posted by Jocelyn | August 7, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
He is one best lawyers
He the best lawyer I ever had.he honestl care about his clients and he fair. I was really satisfied with everything . He really fights for everything you need. Greg and paralegal Nicole work always have good contacts and always answers my questions. He’s number one lawyer for work Comp case. If I could I would give him 10 stars.
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Posted by Jay | July 3, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Out of state client satisfied
I hired Greg and his wonderful staff after a long battle on my own with the insurance company. Greg and his staff were more than what you would expect in an attorneys office. I live in California and Greg traveled here specifically to meet with me. Compassionate & understanding, knowledgeable are only 3 words to describe the people who went out of their way to help me. Yes they got me a cash large settlement but more importantly, they made sure my medical was covered for the rest of my life and that to me is more important than the settlement. Thank you Greg, Nicole, and everyone on staff at Cairns and Associates
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Posted by anonymous | November 12, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Helped an injured nurse
I was injured on the job, by no fault of my own, and was getting jerked around by the workers compensation department- both my adjuster and doctor. Let's just say I had nearly 5 years dealing with my case and never ever received a phone call back from my adjuster and had one appointment after another where no one even examined me, to be clear I was the model patient, very knowledgeable as and I'm an ICU nurse, and being treated like a noncompliant idiot. After a few years and being transferred to the worst work comp doctor you can imagine I got fed up and hired Greg and his team. Immediately they put in demands and things started happening. I was seeing specialists, getting treatments, getting answers to my questions, getting reimbursed for my miles and medical devices I had to purchase out of pocket. They even got me approved not only to see the surgeon I'd been denied but also got my surgery and follow up care approved! Now I'm not healed but I at least got all the care I needed, I know everything was done that could be, and I received money owed to me for impairment. After everything (with significant life long impairment) my work comp doctor said I was 100%, which meant after 5 years of hell and hundreds of appointments I got nothing to compensate for injury and ongoing therapy I need. Greg and his team worked quickly to oppose this and an independent examiner actually assessed me and I received financial compensation for my injury. Greg and his paralegal Nicole were always was quick to respond to my questions/concerns. When I would make 15 phone calls and emails to address one thing and never hear back they only had to contact my insurance/lawyer once and got results. They only took their compensation when I received mine so there was no financial burden which took a lot of stress out of hiring a lawyer. They were worth every penny! I would have spent money rather than received any if it weren't for them. If you are hurt at work save yourself the stress and time and hire them- don't wait 3 years like I did.
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Posted by Gerry | September 21, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
BETTER THAN BEST
Mr.Cairns took my case,and genuinely cared about me and my case.He went above and beyond in all phases of my case.I know,without ALL that Mr.Cairns and his team,has done the ins. Company would have kicked me to the curb. The legal fees for his hard work dont compare with the fact,I owe him and his team,my life.Thank you Mr.Cairns.
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Posted by Paul and Rebekah Steele | April 17, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledgable, honest, kind, smart, experienced---you're in good hands
Luckily, we hired Mr. Cairns after my husband was injured at work. After he was injured, his company never called, emailed or spoke to him again. It was as if he never existed just because he was injured and needed emergency surgery. Mr. Cairns saved us. He kindly and knowledgably guided us through the process of Worker's Compensation. He never gave up, forged ahead and gave us great advice with the clear intention that whatever decisions we made, we made them for ourselves. Fair and thoughtful, intelligent and experienced--we couldn't have found a better attorney to represent us.
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Posted by Tateeyoun | August 30, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Game Changer
I was involved in a work place lifting accident, in a warehouse. After that, I went to the Dr. where it was shown I had A few Bulged Disc as well as Congenital moderate stenosis. I went through the Worker comp process, where it was very difficult. I was refused physical therapy through the whole process and dismissed by a Dr at 0% disability. It was apparent to everyone that I was injured and I could not work yet. The logical thing to do was to get an attorney. I did, Chadwick Calvert. He was experienced, but said he knew one of the best worker comp lawyers, and would be great in a tight spot. This is when I was introduced to Mr. Cairns. Mr. Cairns looked at my case, nodded and smiled and next thing I know, I was getting A DIME (Independent medical examination). My Dr. was great, best I could have hoped for honest and funny. He said he could not believe I was released in the condition that I was, and said Surgery may be the best candidate. He said in any case, his rating would be 20%. He also would rate me at not at MMI yet. Just like that, a fighting chance for Justice. Mr. Cairns had already changed the game with his first move. I was sent to a new Independent treating Dr. not associated with the Insurance company. I was treated fairly and humanely. After going through everything the Dr. thought he could do, he agreed with the Prior Dr 20% rating. 0 to 20%. I got a very fair settlement, one I could most certainly not complain about. I feel it is worth mentioning that he does respond when contacted and does not leave you hanging there. His office/Crew is very orderly and polite as well as punctual. If you go with Them, its the move you wont regret. Sincerely, Very satisfied client
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • President
  • Cairns & Associates, P.C.
  • 2011 - Present
  • Special Counsel
  • Ruegsegger Simons Smith & Stern, LLC
  • 2009 - 2011
  • Member
  • Cairns Nemechek & Magruder, LLC (formerly Cairns Nemechek & Sweeney, LLC)
  • 2004 - 2009
  • Special Counsel
  • Hall & Evans
  • 2000 - 2004
  • President
  • Cairns & Associates, P.C.
  • 1999 - 2000
  • Member
  • Cairns, Dworkin & Chambers, P.C.
  • 1991 - 1999
  • Special Counsel
  • Law Offices of John M. Connell
  • 1991 - 1991
  • Shareholder and Vice President
  • Lavinder & Cairns, P.C.
  • 1986 - 1990
  • Associate
  • Clifton & Associates, P.C. (Now Clifton Hook & Bovarnick, P.C)
  • 1984 - 1986
  • Associate
  • Holland & Hart
  • 1982 - 1984
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Texas System, Austin
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1982
  • University of Wisconsin, Madison
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1975

Associations

  • Colorado Defense Lawyers Association, Workers' Compensation Committee
  • Member
  • N/A
  • American Bar Association
  • N/A
  • Colorado Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Denver Bar Association
  • N/A
  • Colorado Self Insurers' Association
  • N/A
  • The Denver Law Club
  • Vice President (2009-2010), President (2010-2011)
  • 2009 - 2011
  • Professionals in Workers' Compensation
  • Board of Directors and President
  • 1997 - 2004
  • Medical Case Management/Managed Care Task Force, sponsored by Division of Workers' Compensation
  • 1992 - 1993
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2022
  • Best Lawyer
  • Expertise
  • 2020
  • Preeminent 5.0 out of 5
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019
  • Lansford F. Butler Award
  • Workers’ Compensation Section of the Colorado Bar Association
  • 2009
  • Outstanding Respondent Attorney
  • Professionals in Workers’ Compensation
  • 2005
  • Outstanding Lawyers of America in 2003
  • Outstanding Lawyers of America
  • 2003
View all awards

Publications

  • Chapter 10, Senior Law Handbook, A joint project of the Elder Law and Trust and Estate Sections of the Colorado Bar Association, Continuing Legal Education Colorado, Inc.
  • Workers’ Compensation and the Aging Worker
  • 2008
  • The Healthcare Savings Chronicle
  • The Ten Ingredients of a Superlative Workers’ Compensation Program
  • 2006
  • Risk Management Magazine
  • Background Checking: Reducing Workers’ Compensation Claims
  • 1996
  • The Colorado Lawyer
  • Workers’ Compensation, ADA and the FMLA: The Ten Questions Most Commonly Asked by Colorado Employers
  • 1996
  • Prevent: Loss Control Newsletter published by Colorado Compensation Insurance Authority
  • Alcohol and Drug Testing in the Work Place: What Private Employers Need To Know
  • 1993
  • The Colorado Lawyer
  • The Colorado Prejudgment Interest Statute: Potential For Market Rate Interest
  • 1986
  • The Colorado Lawyer
  • Collecting Pre- and Post-Judgment Interest in Colorado: A Primer
  • 1986
  • The Colorado Lawyer
  • An Update of Appendices From Collecting Pre- and Post-Judgment Interest in Colorado
  • 1986
  • Texas International Law Journal
  • Recent Developments: Verlinden B. v. Central Bank of Nigeria
  • 1981
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Legalization of Marijuana: Impact on Public Entities and Pools
  • Legalization of Marijuana
  • 2015
  • "Legalities of Screening at the Three Stages of Employment"
  • Employment & Labor
  • 2015
  • "Top Twelve Questions Insurers Ask About Medical Marijuana"
  • Medical Marijuana
  • 2015
  • Twelve Things Supervisors Should Know About Workers' Compensation
  • Workers' Compensation
  • 2015
  • "Denver Law Club Ethics Revue 2014"
  • Ethics
  • 2014
  • "Hiring Right"
  • Workers Compensation
  • 2014
  • "Ethics Review"
  • Ethics
  • 2013
  • "The Dever Law Club Ethics Revue 2013"
  • Ethics
  • 2013
  • "Medical Marijuana"
  • Medical Marijuana
  • 2012
  • "The Denver Law Club Ethics Revue 2012"
  • Ethics
  • 2012
  • "Bury the Hatchet Show"
  • Workers Compensation
  • 2012
  • "Medical Marijuana"
  • Medical Marijuana
  • 2011
  • "The Denver Law Club Ethics Review 2011"
  • Ethics
  • 2011
  • "The Denver Law Club Annual Meeting"
  • Workers Compensation
  • 2011
  • "Workers Compensation Update - 2010"
  • Workers Compensation
  • 2010
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (1)
Endorse Gregory
Unknown Attorney | Nov 23
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Greg is an excellent attorney. He adheres to high ethical standards, and he truly empathizes with his clients, which allows Greg to creatively advocate on their behalf so that he can obtain a just outcome for them. This is fundamental to his philosophy of representing claimants in workers' compensation cases. And not only is he experienced, responsible, and extremely knowledgeable, Greg is also personable and humorous. He is an attorney who his clients, colleagues, and judges can trust, and I fully endorse him."
Workers compensation Attorney | Oct 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Gregory is an accomplished lawyer and very talented. Each year he transforms dry legal concepts into skits and songs teaching legal ethics. He works hard for his clients."
Workers compensation Attorney | Oct 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have the highest respect for Greg both as a lawyer and as a person. He treats both his clients and opposing parties with respect. In determining whether to take a certain action in a case, he considers not just the legal ability to do so and the possible ramifications, but also considers the moral ramifications of taking that path. He is a mentor whose wisdom and experience are beyond value."
Workers compensation Attorney | Jul 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly endorse Gregory Cairns without hesitation. I have known Mr. Cairns for over 25 years. He is incredibly knowledgable in the field of worker's compensation, and he always thoroughly prepares his cases. As a result, he often achieves results for his clients that are quite favorable. He tries to settle cases out of court, if possible, but if the case cannot be settled, then Mr. Cairns is not afraid to take the case to trial. He is well liked and respected by his colleagues and by the judges before whom he practices. Unlike many attorneys, he truly cares about his clients, and he always works hard to achieve for them the best results possible. He keeps his clients well informed concerning the progress of their case, and he will answer questions so that the client understands what is happening in the case. As a former WC judge, I have seen many attorneys in court, and I can tell you that there are no better attorneys than Mr. Cairns. Again, I wholeheartedly endorse him."
Wrongful termination Attorney | Jul 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Greg is an extremely knowledgeable, experienced, professional, and above all effective Workers' Compensation lawyer. He has lectured on the subject and has the unusual perspective of having worked on both the defense and the injured worker's side. I heartily recommend him."
Workers compensation Attorney | Jun 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Workers compensation Attorney | Nov 19
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Greg for many years and have left my own blood in the court room having been on the other side of work comp cases. Total mastery of the law and a stinging wit in court. HE is one of the best"
View more endorsements
Workers compensation
Denver Workers compensation Lawyer Gregory Bruce Cairns
Gregory Bruce Cairns
Workers compensation Attorney
Denver, CO
Licensed for 40 years
Free Consultation