Name: Stephen Harkess
Rating: 4.6

Stephen Clark Harkess

Litigation Attorney

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Reviews
Cost
Resume

Libel/Slander answer

A+ Fast response well thought out

About Stephen

Learn Stephen’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Litigation

50%

The FDCPA is a consumer protection statute which protects you as a consumer from harassing, oppressive or abusive debt collection tactics by a debt collector in the course of collecting a consumer debt. You have a right to be treated with truth,fairness, dignity, and respect in all your dealings with a debt collector. If you’re not, you have a right to sue them.
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24 years
Mediation

20%

I handle mediation of a variety of disputes ranging from debt collection to complex family law matters.

17 years
Bankruptcy and debt

10%

We have been successful in stopping garnishments, ending creditor harassment, removing second or third mortgages from houses, saving homes from foreclosure, and giving people the peace of mind and fresh start that the bankruptcy code was created to provide.
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18 years
Criminal defense

10%

I have handled felony and misdemeanor criminal defense as well as civil litigation at all levels of the state and federal courts of Colorado. I have tried cases to a jury involving as little as $2 and as much as $2 million.
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24 years
Family

10%

The most important legal issues most people face involve their family. The family court is the only contact many people have with the court system. Issues such as divorce, separation, child custody and adoption will impact your life more than any other area of law. You need an experienced attorney on your side.
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24 years

I am a general practice attorney and have represented clients at all levels of the state and federal courts in Colorado. I have handled jury trials dealing with claims involving as little as $2 and claims in excess of $2 million.

I specialize in consumer bankruptcy (Ch 7 and Ch 13) and family law. I offer a free initial consultation by phone or email for bankruptcy and family law matters.

I have been practicing law for over twelve years. I helped hundreds of people and have been successful in stopping garnishments, ending creditor harassment, removing second or third mortgages from houses, saving homes from foreclosure, and giving people the peace of mind and fresh start that the bankruptcy code was created to provide.

Licensed for 23 years

State WI

Status Good Standing

Acquired 2019

Updated 03/05/2023

State CO

Status Active

Acquired 1999

Updated 01/13/2023

State MA

Status Retired

Acquired 2014

Updated 09/15/2019

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

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Reviews

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4.6 / 5.0

28 customer reviews

2 Star

Posted by Stephen | January 25, 2023

Libel/Slander answer

Very useful answer on how to prioritize the action steps. 1. Get the crazy housemate out first! I'll look into lawsuit later. Thank you for your input Stephen!! Have a great evening!!!

Posted by Michael | May 4, 2022

A+ Fast response well thought out

Well thought out response even went outside of my question and addressed important issues that were overlooked A+

Posted by anonymous | February 18, 2022

Brilliant lawyer.

I was so confused about the law and my rights. He explained it so clear and concise.

Posted by anonymous | February 12, 2022

Very knowledgeable and responsive!

I appreciate Lawyers like Mr. Stephen! He goes out of his way to simply just HELP people in their situations. God blessed him with a gift and he's willing to use his knowledge to answer questions and get people through whatever they are going through. He responds fast, is reliable, a straight shooter and an over all amazing attorney.

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Posted by Niccole | November 22, 2021

Quick and straight to the point

This is my first time here and I couldn't express how pleased I am that I came. I needed advice on my will and Mr. Harkess came straight in and suggested that I will need to go to an attorney with my concerns so that my wishes will be met legally and confidently. Thank you!

Posted by anonymous | October 13, 2021

Very Helpful

Answered my messages very quickly. He gave me honest and helpful information. He explained things clearly so I could understand them. I would recommend him to anyone.

Posted by Valerie | June 10, 2021

Helpful and Thorough

Explained some confusing aspects of a legal situation I was in. Very compassionate and knowledgable. Highly recommend.

Posted by Jenny | May 3, 2021

Complete and Concise

Mr. Clark not only was kind enough to answer my question, he explained the legal issue to me. He made a real difference for me and my case. Invaluable!

Posted by Chad | April 23, 2021

Great Help

This attorney was quick to answer and gave sound advice I think with his insight I can solve my issue. Thank you

Posted by anonymous | April 8, 2021

He is the man

Stephen is the man. He left a long review on my question, which I was waiting for a lawyer to do. His comment was well thought out and help me ease my anxiety with a stupid mistake I did. Again Stephen is the man and responded to my follow up message in a timely manner. Thanks for all you have done.

Posted by anonymous | November 3, 2020

Exactly what I needed

He answered my question without judgement and clearly. I was in circles and now I have a clear path from his knowledge.

Posted by Misty | October 3, 2019

Incredibly helpful!

Mr. Harkess not only responded to my questions in a timely manner, and with clear, concise information, but he also continued to patiently answer my subsequent questions. He helped me to understand how two child custody issues are completely separate, and some of my options. I am very grateful, because many of us cannot afford legal help, and Mr. Harkess is kindly expending his time to help people on here. Thank you Mr. Harkess!

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Posted by anonymous | June 4, 2018

Precise

Quickly answered my questions with sound advice and provided some much needed court process instructions. Mr. Harkess is on point and it's very much appreciated.

Posted by anonymous | April 5, 2018

Fast

Told me what I needed to know, Fast and to the point. Thank you, Mr. Harkess Sincerely, Brandonlyn Nunley Dads name Kyle.

Posted by Maggie | February 15, 2018

star only review

Given the information I needed to make an informed decision re: tenant/landlord situation. Thank you.

Posted by anonymous | October 19, 2017

Excellent and Fast

Very fast response. This was my first time asking and I was thrilled. Not only was my question answered promptly but helped to know where to go from here. Thank you Sincerely

Posted by anonymous | July 11, 2017

Very satisfied

Prompt and accurate with answer to first question, as well as to follow-up question. Thank you for your pro bono service here.

Posted by Delia Dee | May 22, 2017

Awesome❣️

I am thankful for your quick response and even more thankful for your time and free advice.

Posted by Bradley Allen Wolff | January 10, 2017

Accurate and timely information

Specific, precise, careful and measured. I couldn't imagine better qualities in an attorney. I wish my case was within his wheel-house or within the statute of limitations. If I had a case within his perview, He would certainly be my choice!

Posted by gmeades | April 25, 2015

Thorough, Accurate, and Informative....

Stephen answered my initial question promptly, and provided good information I could move forward with. I followed up with some additional details, and again he responded promptly with a confirmation of my intended course of action. If he were local, I would retain him to handle this matter for me, so, obviously I rate him and recommend him very highly....!

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.2 (Superb)

Work Experience

Contract Attorney
Law Office of Michael P. Medved, PC
2007 - 2009

Managing Partner
Colorado Legal Solutions
2006 - 2017

Attorney
Stephen C Harkess, Attorney at Law
2002 - 2006

Associate
Fowler, Schimberg & Flanagan P.C.
2000 - 2002

Judicial Law Clerk
Arapahoe County District Court
1998 - 2000

Pro Se Resource Center Coordinator
Arapahoe County District Court
1997 - 1998

View all work experience

Education

University of Denver Sturm College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1999

University of Colorado - Boulder
BS - Bachelor of Science
1994

Associations

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
Member
2009 - Present

National Crime Victim Bar Association
Member
2012 - 2014

Phi Delta Phi
Secretary
1998 - 1999

Preventive Law Reporter, University of Denver
Member
1998 - 1998

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Top 10 Attorney Award
National Academy for Bankruptcy Attorneys
2014

Rising Star
Colorado Super Lawyers
2012

Speaking Engagements

Real Estate Radio Denver
Debt, Bankruptcy and Credit - Regular Guest
2012

Attorney endorsements

Received (54)

Given (11)

Endorse Stephen

Andrew Jaffe

General practice Attorney | Aug 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have read many answers on avvo from Attorney Harkess. His answers are always thorough and spot on. I endorse this lawyer."

Clark Dray

Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Feb 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Stephen has been an asset to the Colorado legal community for years. He knows what he's talking about and has never been hesitant to teach and share, as you can see from his many responses to questions posted here."

Aneeta Mishra

Unknown Attorney | May 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse and recommend Attorney Harkess."

Jose Utzurrum

Libel and slander Attorney | May 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Harkess provides excellent guidance in the law in the legal community."

Richard Granvold

Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney | Dec 21
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Why? I endorse this lawyer. Why? If all attorneys providing answers on AVVO took the time to completely try and answer a question in detail showing like Mr. Harkess does, their knowledge, accurate and complete and thorough advice, then AVVO would have the cream of the crop. Look at some of his answers to questions and you can see why John is entitled to such a great endorsement. Great job and appreciated by a peer in another state (Washington State) but who has seen many of his over 18,000 answers on AVVO. I highly recommend this attorney for any bankruptcy-related work."

Victor Feraru

Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Oct 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. It is clear from his interactions with the public that he is an outstanding attorney. He answers questions with depth, concern, knowledge and passionate. Those are all qualities that make for an exceptional attorney."

Dallas Norton

Family Attorney | Aug 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. It is nice to have someone who understands multiple areas of the law like Mr. Harkess. I would recommend that you speak to him if you are considering a divorce and have substantial bills in the marriage. If bankruptcy is on the horizon, you should discuss a strategy with Mr. Harkess about whether it would be best to file bankruptcy before or after a divorce. It is nice that Mr. Harkess offers free initial consultations."

Michael Doland

Litigation Attorney | Feb 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"It has been an oversight not to endorse Mr. Harkess before now. His Avvo answers are consistently accurate, analytic and customized to the needs of the Avvo askers. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney."

Benjamin Goldman

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 11
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Stephen's answers on this form reveals he is a highly capable attorney with extensive knowledge of criminal defense. law."

H. Aalsberg

Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Aug 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Simply said Attorney Stephen C. Harkess, Esq., is one of America's Top Lawyers. No matter what your problem is, he has a solution. Fix your problem - Call him. I endorse him!"

William Fitch

Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Mar 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this attorney, who generously gives time to the AVVO community and provides solid legal advice."

Trayson Stephany

Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Harkess has a command of the law. Diligently works for the best interests of his clients."

Channika Desilva

Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Mar 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Harkess is a highly skilled, diligent and knowledgeable attorney who is well-known in the legal community for his outstanding professionalism. He was able to obtain satisfactory results even for clients whose cases were incredibly difficult by dedicating his time and effort to achieve the best results. I certainly endorse this lawyer and have no doubt he will be of great help to anyone seeking legal advice or representation within his main areas of practice."

David Meretta

Unknown Attorney | Feb 17
Relationship: Other

"I endorse Attorney Harkess. His answers to posted questions from Avvo users are thoughtful, well-reasoned and to the point."

Gregory Cade

Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Jan 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this attorney. His professionalism, remarkable knowledge and vast experience place Mr. Stephen among the top notch lawyers in his areas of practice. With utmost dedication and quick critical thinking, he has successfully resolved an impressive number of cases over the course of his career. I highly recommend this lawyer to anyone who needs quality legal representation."

Roger Lucas

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Harkess is a major contributor to the legal advice given on the Avvo site. His answers are always spot on, giving sound legal advice to countless people in need of help. Definitely an asset to the legal community."