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Claire Elster
also known as Claire M. Dawson
About Claire
Biography
Claire M. Elster (previously Claire M. Dawson) is an experienced trial attorney with an excellent litigation track record. Ms. Elster has 15 years of experience litigating in the area of criminal defense. She has extensive knowledge and experience handling all aspects of criminal defense and has practiced at Appellate and Federal levels.
Ms. Elster effectively and competently represents all manner of criminal defense clients, ranging from traffic tickets to domestic violence charges, on up to sexual assaults and murder charges. Ms. Elster has a particularized expertise in the area of DUI defense. She has the exceptional knowledge and experience necessary to defend any type or circumstance surrounding a DUI charge. In 2018 Ms. Elster noticed a gap in the legal market. Many defendants don't qualify for a public defender, but still deserve excellent legal representation at an affordable rate. That's why Ms. Elster opened her own law firm, to provide zelous advocacy at affordable prices.
Ms. Elster graduated with a Certificate of Dispute Resolution from University of Missouri School of Law, one of the top 2 dispute resolution law schools in the country. Claire's education, knowledge, trial skills and experience allow her to effectively and efficiently represent her clients.
Excellence in Legal Defense.
The Elster Law Office provides zealous criminal defense representation across the State of Colorado. Ms. Elster has been nationally recognized for her legal services and her legal knowledge. Her law firm was recently recognized as one of the top law firms in Westminster, Colorado.
If you’ve been charged with a crime, contact the Elster Law Office today to schedule a free consultation and discuss our variety of payment options.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Colorado for 16 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
ELSTER LAW OFFICE
1499 W. 120th Ave., Suite 110, Westminster, CO, 80234
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Claire Elster's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 19 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Abdulwahab | September 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart
Worked every day diligently and made me feel like I was the only case she had unlike other lawyers and she is a miracle worker I was facing 16 years plus on multiple felony charges and got probation
Posted by Jerry | September 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
DUI Charge
Attorney Claiee Elster provided excellent service throughout my court proceedings. I was able to ask questions and receive prompt feedback that assured my understanding, as I navigated through the court process If you are looking for professional representation and a high level of integrity, I would ...
Posted by Jason | September 12, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Call her if you need backup!
She was great. Fought for me until we got what we needed. I will be recommending her to all my friends and family. I will likely need her again. She will be the first person I call.
Posted by Peter | September 12, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Great Lawyer!
I've worked with Ms. Elster and I can say without a doubt, she is an excellent attorney. Her attention to detail is unsurpassed. She works diligently toward client goals and she was always available 24/7 to answer questions and give me guidance on my case. I highly recommend Ms. Elster.
Posted by Addison | September 12, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Amazing
She was the best defense attorney I’ve met she help me through my entire case and was willing to offer as much help as she could give would definitely recommend
Claire Elster's Lawyer Endorsements
"Claire worked with me several years ago on a very serious criminal case in Adams County. She demonstrated herself to be knowledgeable of the law and very zealous in her defense of those accused of crimes. My firm later hired her as an associate because of how impressed that we were with Claire. Unfortunately, I left before getting to work with her any further. I have worked with quite a few new attorneys over the years and I can say, without a doubt, that Claire was one of the best as that stage of her career. I have no doubt that she has only gotten better and hope to get to work with her again someday. I fully endorse her and would have no hesitation referring a client to her."
"Claire is a very knowledgeable and skilled criminal attorney. She knows the law and the knows how to help her clients. I have no problem highly recommending her to anyone in need of a great criminal attorney. She has the courtroom skills and juries really like her!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Many great client reviews and peer endorsements. Call Claire before hiring someone else."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Claire is a brilliant criminal defense attorney. Her commitment to her clients and fearless pursuit of justice are unmatched. Claire brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to help each client obtain the best result."
"Claire is extremely dedicated and knowledgeable, and I would like to endorse her as a top criminal defense attorney. With a vast understanding of the law, she is a fierce advocate for her clients."
"Claire is a very intelligent attorney. She is dedicated to fighting for her clients. She is very easy to talk to, and does a great job of telling her clients what to expect throughout the process."
"Claire embodies all the necessary qualities of a criminal defense advocate. Her passion for her clients and skill as an attorney are second to none. I endorse this lawyer."
"Claire is a fantastic attorney. She id dedicated to her clients. She is extremely thorough and will fight to the end for her clients."
"Claire is the baddest criminal defense lawyer I know, which is why I hired her. DUI defense in particular...nobody knows more...high end lawyer and hard core litigator."
"Claire is an extremely passionate and knowledgable criminal defense attorney and will ensure your case is taken care of from beginning to end. You are in good hands with Claire."
"Claire is a skilled and effective advocate in matters pertaining to both domestic and criminal law. Her talent is exceeded only by the passion and commitment she devotes to her cases, and to her clients."
"Claire is a experienced litigator and equally accomplished advocate. She handles all of her cases with the perfect balance of strength and strategy. I endorse this lawyer."
"Claire has so much experience and gets the job done for all of her clients. She is knowledgable and effective."
"Claire is very knowledgable and impressive in her handling of criminal defense matters."
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Experience
Honors
2015
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2009
National Arbitration Competition Finalist - 2nd Place, ABA Board of Advocates
2008
Excellence for the future - Conflict Theory Top Honor, CALI
2008
Regional Arbitration Competition Finalist, ABA
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Owner/Operator, C. McGuire Law, LLC
2018 - Present
Contract Attorney, Town & Town LLC
2015 - Present
Contract Attorney, M. Trent Trani and Associates, P.C.
2015 - 2018
Associate Attorney, Cantafio Hammond, PC
2014 - 2015
Associate Attorney, The Burnham Law Firm
2011 - 2014
Associate Attorney, Frankfurt Law Office
2009 - 2011
Associate Attorney, The Reisch Law Firm, LLC
2009 - 2009
Legal Assistant/Clerk, Frankfurt and Trani PC
2006 - 2009
Legal Intern, Ford, Parshall & Baker, LLC
Associations
2009 - Present
Colorado Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Colorado Criminal Defense BarMember
Sample of Legal Cases
DMV Dismissal for DUI
Case Dismissed. No license revocation.
DUI to Reckless
Domestic Violence Dismissal
dismissed
Education
2009
University of Missouri School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2006
University of Missouri, Columbia
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2015
Denver Veteran Homeless Stand-down
Client Representation
Publications
2015
2008
JOURNAL OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION, Number 2 (2008): 515
"State Legislative Update."
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Am I going to be in trouble
27 Oct 2020
Q&A
How can I avoid jail time for driving with no insurance?
27 Mar 2019
Q&A
Lost my license. Can I drive a tractor?
22 Sep 2015