Frequently asked questions
Denver Lawyer FAQ
Ten questions Denver residents ask most often before hiring an attorney.
Do I need a lawyer, or can I handle this myself?
You can handle small-claims disputes (under $7,500 in Colorado), simple traffic infractions, and uncontested paperwork on your own. You should hire an attorney for anything involving criminal charges, custody, six-figure exposure, a lawsuit, or an insurance company denying a legitimate claim. If you are unsure, a paid one-hour consultation ($100–$300) will usually tell you.
How much do lawyers cost in Denver?
It depends on the practice area. Personal injury is contingency (33–40% of recovery). Estate planning is flat-fee ($500–$6,000). Criminal defense is flat-fee or hourly ($1,500–$150,000 depending on charge). Family law is hourly ($275–$450) with a retainer. Business law is hourly ($325–$650). Every practice-area page on this site includes a detailed cost breakdown.
Are consultations free?
Personal injury and some employment consultations are almost always free. Family, business, criminal, and estate planning consultations are commonly $100–$300 for 30–60 minutes, though many attorneys offer a free initial 15-minute call. Ask when you schedule.
How do I know if a Denver lawyer is licensed?
Search the attorney's name on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation website. It will show license status, the date admitted, and any public discipline. If nothing comes up, they are not licensed in Colorado.
What is a contingency fee?
A contingency fee means the lawyer earns a percentage of any money you recover, and nothing if you lose. Standard Denver personal injury contingency is 33⅓% pre-suit, 40% after a lawsuit is filed. Case costs (experts, filing fees, records) are usually separate.
Can I fire my lawyer?
Yes. You can end an attorney-client relationship at any time and for any reason. You will owe the lawyer for work already done. Contingency-fee lawyers may claim a lien on future recovery for the reasonable value of their work. Read your engagement letter's termination clause before hiring.
How long will my case take?
A rough guide for Denver: uncontested divorce, 3–6 months; contested divorce, 9–18 months; personal injury settlement, 6–24 months; jury trial (any type), 12–24 months from filing; simple probate, 6–12 months; misdemeanor plea, 2–5 months; felony jury trial, 12–24 months.
What is the difference between a paralegal and a lawyer?
A paralegal cannot give legal advice, sign court documents, or represent you in court. They can (and do) prepare drafts, gather documents, and communicate on the attorney's behalf. Every substantive decision on your case must be made by a licensed attorney. If a Denver firm hands your entire file to a paralegal you never meet, that is a red flag.
Should I hire a big firm or a solo attorney?
Neither is automatically better. Big firms bring deeper resources — associates, paralegals, subject-matter specialists — which matters in complex litigation and large transactions. Solo and boutique firms often give more attention and predictable pricing. Match the firm size to the complexity of your matter.
What if I can't afford a lawyer?
For criminal cases, the Colorado Office of the State Public Defender represents indigent defendants at no cost. For civil matters, Colorado Legal Services provides free help to low-income Coloradans. The Denver Bar Association operates a reduced-fee referral panel, and many personal injury and employment lawyers work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.