litigation

Commercial Litigation and Arbitration

Your Trusted Partners in Resolving Complex Business Disputes

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Fighting For Your Business

At Cambridge Law Colorado, we understand that disputes within the business world are an inevitable reality. When these disputes escalate to the point where legal intervention is necessary, you need seasoned attorneys who can skillfully navigate the complexities of commercial litigation and arbitration. Our firm is committed to providing effective and strategic legal solutions that protect your business interests.

Why Choose Our Commercial Litigation and Arbitration Services?

Our extensive experience and dedicated team of attorneys set us apart. When you choose Cambridge Law Colorado, you benefit from:

1- Proven Expertise:

Our attorneys have a track record of successfully representing businesses in a wide range of industries.

2- Customized Solutions:

We understand that no two cases are alike, and we tailor our approach to your specific needs.

3- Effective Communication:

Our commitment to keeping clients informed and involved in the decision-making process sets us apart.

4- Alternative Dispute Resolution:

In addition to litigation, we explore alternative dispute resolution methods, including arbitration and mediation, to minimize the impact on your business.

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Request a Free Consultation

Commercial Litigation Services

  • Contract Disputes
  • Intellectual Property Litigation
  • Employment Disputes
  • Securities Litigation
  • Shareholder Disputes

We work tirelessly to protect your business’s rights and interests, offering creative solutions to resolve even the most complex disputes.

Commercial Litigation Services

Arbitration Services

Our arbitration services include:

  • Commercial Arbitration
  • International Arbitration
  • Drafting and Enforcing Arbitration Clauses
  • Enforcing Arbitration Awards

Arbitration can be a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional litigation. We guide you through the arbitration process with expertise and dedication.

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success stories

Client Reviews

comma

It gives me great pleasure to share my first-hand experience of attorney Doug Marsh of Cambridge Law. From the first contact to filing a motion and responses, Doug has been punctual, detailed, and well-prepared. He gives a balanced and realistic view of what litigation may entail so that the client can make an informed decision at every point. Doug also has the gift of being able to communicate legal concepts in layman’s terms. I always feel that he cares about the quality of his work and has the best interests of his clients. I would recommend this firm highly, and Doug Marsh in particular.

— SoYoung Lee

Testimonial from “George W. Dempsey”

Doug Marsh and team have done an outstanding job for my company.  They bring real world experience to business situations that reach beyond the court room. Their consultation has helped us avoid costly litigation by taking a proactive balanced approach to bring parties closer together instead of speeding into a costly court battle. A good law firm to me is one that brings wisdom and knowledge, not just legal technical proficiency, and Cambridge Law delivers just that.   In a world where business is happening fast, responsiveness is paramount to success; Cambridge Law is always quick to jump on the most demanding needs helping us meet our customers’ needs quickly or resolve potential problems before they escalate.

— George W. Dempsey

CEO, KCooper Brands Inc.

Testimonial from “Robert Miller”

A longtime friend and business partner sabotaged our company and stole large amounts of revenue and property. Faced with the reality of commercial litigation against a defendant with deep pockets and a personal vendetta, we questioned whether or not it made sense to pursue what we knew to be right and fair. Luckily we found Cambridge Law. Our litigation lasted nearly 18 months. The opposing counsel billed top dollar from one of the biggest firms in the nation. We had to deal with a borderline unethical, shrewd and intelligent legal team that challenged every step. Reid and Jared could not have done a better job.

They were able to deal with a continuous stream of minutiae and complex legal arguments simultaneously. In the end, we prevailed. It wasn’t a fluke. Reid and Jared won almost 100% of the individual battles and ultimately the case. And all along they did a great job of keeping the court’s attention on both the facts of the case and the shortcomings of the defendant’s claims. The defendant settled less than a week before trial. Up to the last minute the big firm tried to strong arm us, but Reid was able to negotiate a settlement that exceeded our expectations.

I have worked with a fair amount of lawyers over the past 30 years. Although I was sure we were in the right on this case, I am not so sure most attorneys would have prevailed against the opposing counsel. Cambridge Law did. Reid and Jared make a great team.

— Robert Miller

River Glen Marketing

Testimonial from “Amber Rubie”

Thank you so much for all you did throughout this process, I can’t thank you enough! I definitely made the right choice in selecting you to handle this project. It was a pleasure working with you as well. You have earned both a raving testimonial from me for every part of my experience with you and your firm as well as a client for life, if ever I need legal assistance in the future you will definitely be the one I call. Thank you for helping make this opportunity come to fruition and here’s to many more opportunities to come!

— Amber Rubie

Owner, Bookkeeping That Counts LLC

Testimonial from “Kevin Gallacher”

Our firm has had the opportunity to have a great working relationship with Cambridge Law for over 5 years now. We’ve used their services for ongoing business organizational documents and have found their advice to be most helpful and insightful. They have a unique skillset, having worked on solving complex business issues, which has helped us on the “front-end” to anticipate potential pitfalls in our own agreements. Additionally, as we’ve expanded our business into syndicated real estate projects, Cambridge Law has been a skillful partner in drafting multiple offering documents and reviewing loan documents. It certainly doesn’t hurt they have vast experience in defense litigation, which has come in handy at various times through the growth of our firm. We have not hesitated to refer Cambridge to many of our business associates and appreciate the professional manner in which they handle those referrals.

— Kevin Gallacher

Testimonial By “Mahmoud Esmaili”

It’s been said that there are two things that are for sure: Death and Taxes. I would add dealing with the law as another.

Anyone who’s owned a business can attest that managing it is hard enough, let alone navigating the rules and regulations that come with running a business. This is when you need a trusted advisor and advocate who you can truly rely on. For us it is Reid Allred and Cambridge Law. You can trust that Reid and his team will fight for you with everything they got and, when it’s appropriate, to tell you the truth when it’s hard to hear. You know your lawyer is truly on your side when he advises you on the route that clearly least benefits him but that he knows will be the most beneficial to you. We had this very situation with a lawsuit, and it was the wise counsel of Reid Allred who helped us see the bigger picture. This quality alone is the reason we have this firm on retainer for our business as we know exactly who to call to fight for us when we need it.

— Mahmoud Esmaili

Shondiz

Testimonial By “NicK Fox”

Not having ever been through a lawsuit before, Reid and his team at Cambridge Law were incredible through every step of the process. They gave me the knowledge and options, which allowed me to make the best decisions for a great outcome. They understood my budget and kept the cost vs results in the forefront for me. It felt as though I had a family member fighting my case for me. Thanks Reid and Cambridge Law! You have my trust and future business.

— Nick Fox

Firefighter

Testimonial By “Cardom Holdings of Colorado, Inc.”

It has been our pleasure to work with Reid Allred and Cambridge Law for the legal needs of our company. Reid has been efficient in his work and has made us feel that our account is important. We highly recommend Reid and Cambridge Law.

— Cardom Holdings of Colorado, Inc.

Testimonial from “Mike Radermacher”

I’m a very private person; no nonsense type of businessman. I have never given a formal testimony to anyone; just do your job and follow through on commitment. However, Reid Allred and Cambridge Law have earned my full trust and respect, outperforming expectations in ways few others have ever done for me since he established his new law firm back in 2017. We were a small real estate company, with common partnership disputes that can often develop into endless chaotic personal civil wars. Defensive positions can, at times, lead to unintended discoveries and offensive counter claims, and such was our trail of tears. The ordeal required years of patience and perseverance. Reid and his staff at Cambridge Law exercised their expertise, experience and knowledge of the law to navigate the countless motions, responses, appeals and courtroom drama that marked our case. They were tenacious in the pursuit of justice for us as our circumstances necessitated that we play the long game. Reid was always open and honest about our chances to prevail and our strategies for success. He kept me out of trouble by controlling my communications more often than I care to admit. The opposition was no match for his Harvard education and courtroom experience, even in the face of dishonest opposition and, on occasion, a corrupt judicial system. He’s quick on his feet and a skilled orator with a sharp wit. I would also be remiss if not mentioning his partner, Jared Haynie, who is one the best appeal attorneys in the business, as we were compelled to bring matters before both the Appellate bench and the State Supreme Court. Reid and Jared handled our case with the utmost grace, humility and integrity. Although I am convinced that God was in control at all times, these guys were safely steering the ship. I will be forever grateful for their work ethic, moral compass and their friendship. I should also mention that they have a great sense of humor and understand when the time is right to keep it light.

I have used Reid for many other personal legal matters since the successful outcome of our case. His expertise in contact law is second to none. I’ve recommended Cambridge Law to others whose experiences with the firm have been similar to mine. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Cambridge Law for your legal matters.

— Mike Radermacher

Lone Star Investments, LLC

your questions answered

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a trial?

A trial is the culminating event of a lawsuit. Just like in the television shows, a trial is presided over by a judge. The verdict can be decided by either a judge or a jury. A trial generally lasts several days.

What is a lawsuit?

A lawsuit is the legal process that allows one person to enforce his or her rights against another person who is refusing to comply with his or her legal obligations. If you believe someone owes you money—or should be “forced” to do (or not do) something—the only way you can (lawfully) “force” that person to comply with his or her legal obligations is to bring a lawsuit. Unlike private individuals, a court has the legal authority to issue orders that have the force of law. A lawsuit essentially asks the court to issue an order or “judgment” that will be binding on the other party.

How is a lawsuit started?

A lawsuit is started by the filing of a document called a “complaint.” The complaint describes the basic facts of the case and asserts the legal “claims” and “relief” a party is seeking. The person that files the complaint is called the “plaintiff.” The person against whom the complaint is filed is called the “defendant.”

Is there a deadline to file a lawsuit?

Yes—and if you miss the deadline, you will lose the chance to enforce your rights (i.e., to bring a lawsuit). Deadlines vary depending on what kind of claim you are seeking. For example, a claim for breach of contract has a different deadline than a claim for fraud or defamation. These deadlines are set by laws called “statutes of limitation.” Private contracts sometimes also set limitation periods; these are typically shorter than the deadlines set by statute. In short, calculating the deadline can be a complicated exercise. Consult with your attorney to help you determine the applicable deadline(s) in your case.

I just received a complaint that named me as a defendant. What should I do?

You need to respond to the complaint—and soon. In most cases, a defendant who resides in Colorado has only 21 days to respond to a complaint. Generally, a response consists of some combination of an “answer,” a statement of “affirmative defenses,” or a “motion to dismiss.” In every case, a response to a complaint has significant legal ramifications. Talk with your lawyer to determine which course is best in your case.

I have been named as a defendant in a lawsuit. Can I raise my own claims against the plaintiff?

Yes. And again, time is of the essence. In most cases, a defendant has 21 days (after receiving service of the complaint) to file a counterclaim. Depending on the nature of your counterclaim, it is possible that if you don’t raise your counterclaim within the allotted time, you will lose your claim forever.

I just received a subpoena. What is a subpoena? What should I do?

Subpoenas are used by the parties in a lawsuit to obtain information from individuals and companies that are not parties to the lawsuit. Sometimes, subpoenas require the production of documents. Sometimes, subpoenas require a person (or a company representative) to show up and give testimony. Often, they require both. In any event, responding to a subpoena involves a number of significant legal considerations. You should promptly seek legal advice to help you understand how you should respond.

What is the difference between state court and federal court? Do you practice in both courts?

We practice in both state and federal courts. State courts are established under the authority of the state Constitution; federal courts are established under the authority of the federal Constitution. Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction (meaning, there is limited access to federal courts). Therefore, most disputes must be filed in state court. The rules and process are very similar in both courts. Your lawyer will be able to help you decide whether your case should be filed in state court or federal court.

What is the difference between small claims court, county court, and district court?

The Colorado state-court system has three tiers of trial courts. At the lowest level is small claims court. Small claims court is meant to be simple and streamlined (although sometimes it is more expensive and complex than it should be). A plaintiff may not obtain a judgment of more than $7,500 in small claims court (although an award of costs and attorney fees does not count toward the limit). Generally, attorneys are not permitted to assist plaintiffs in small claims court, although a defendant may choose to be represented by counsel. The next level is county court. A plaintiff may not obtain a judgment of more than $25,000 in county court (again, excluding costs and attorney fees). The third level is district court. Generally, a district court may hear cases of all types and there is no limit to the amount of a judgment that may be obtained. Federal court has only one level of trial courts; they are called district courts.

How long does a lawsuit take, from start to finish?

It varies widely. But typically, from the time the complaint is filed to the time the final verdict is entered is between 12 to 24 months. (Cases filed in small claims court and county court are resolved more quickly.)

Why does it take so long?

There are a number of factors. Just getting through the initial stage of the lawsuit (called the “pleadings” stage) can take several months. For example, if the defendant files a motion to dismiss, the case generally will not proceed until the motion to dismiss is resolved. After the pleadings stage, the case moves into what is called the “discovery” stage. This is the stage of the case that takes the longest. “Discovery” is the legal process whereby both sides are able to obtain relevant documents and information from the other side (and from third parties). Frequently, discovery will include, among other things, interrogatories (written questions posed to the other side), requests for documents, expert witness disclosures, subpoenas for documents (sent to third parties), and depositions (testimony under oath that is recorded and transcribed). Although discovery may sound simple on its face, it requires a significant amount of tedious work focused on the details of the case. The discovery phase will generally last at least four to six months and is often much longer. After the discovery phase, parties often file motions for summary judgment (asking the court to decide the case without any trial). The resolution of these motions can take several months. Finally, if the motions for summary judgment are not successful, the case proceeds to trial.

How much does a lawsuit cost?

A lot. Conducting a complex and contested lawsuit from the first complaint to the final verdict can easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in attorney fees and other litigation expenses. It’s not something to be undertaken lightly. We make every effort to keep the cost down, but even accounting for these efforts, litigation is expensive.

If I want your law firm to represent me or my company in a lawsuit, will I need to pay a retainer to get started?

Yes. Because of the cost of litigation, we require a $15,000retainer for all litigation matters. The retainer must be received before we commence our representation. The retainer is deposited into our trust bank account (not our operating account) and, at the conclusion of our representation, will be applied against your final invoice. Any unused portion of the retainer will, of course, be refunded to you.

I’m involved in a dispute, but I don’t think I want to file a lawsuit. Can you still help me?

Of course. On a daily basis, we help individuals and small businesses with disputes that in all likelihood will be resolved without litigation. For a modest fee, we can write a letter to the other side. Sometimes a letter alone is enough to resolve the dispute; other times further negotiation is required. Our expertise includes negotiation of disputes of all kinds, whether such disputes are subject to litigation or not.

Do you require a retainer if I want to engage you in a non-litigation matter?

Yes, but the retainer likely will be much smaller than a litigation retainer. Typically, our non-litigation retainers are $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the legal matter at issue. On a case-by-case basis, we may agree to an even smaller retainer if the legal matter is particularly simple and straight-forward, and our fees are not likely to reach $3,000.

I’ve heard that mediation is a good way to resolve disputes. Can you help me with a mediation?

Yes, we can. Mediation is just a fancy word to describe a situation when two (or more) parties agree to sit down and try to resolve their dispute with the help of a third-party neutral. Often, the mediator is a professional (sometimes a former judge) who has experience in assisting parties to resolve disputes. Mediation can be conducted at any time (subject, of course, to everyone’s agreement to participate). Sometimes, it makes sense to engage in mediation before initiating litigation. But even after a lawsuit has been filed, mediation is always an option to facilitate settlement.

If I agree to mediate the dispute, does that mean I have to settle?

No. The parties have no obligation to settle, even if they agree to mediate. The mediator has no power to “force” either party to settle.

I signed a contract that has an arbitration clause. What is arbitration? Can you handle an arbitration?

Yes, we do handle arbitrations. An arbitration is essentially a trial that is run by a private company (e.g., AAA, JAG, JAMS) instead of by the public court system. Instead of a judge, an arbitrator (or a panel of arbitrators) presides. Generally, the arbitration rules and process are roughly analogous to the court rules and process. Arbitration awards are the equivalent of the court verdict. Unlike a court verdict, however, typically arbitration awards are private and cannot be appealed.