Christopher Hooyman

Overview

Christopher Hooyman is an associate attorney at Lyons Gaddis supporting the firm’s civil litigation and family law practice groups. Drawing on his dual background as an educator and a legal advocate, Chris brings a unique, ground-level perspective to the challenges Colorado’s schools and public institutions face. His approach is grounded in collaboration, research-driven insight, and a strong commitment to equity in educational opportunities.

Prior to pursuing law, Chris served as an elementary school teacher in Denver Public Schools for four years, helping him understand the complexities of teaching children from diverse backgrounds, importance of using trauma-informed teaching practices, and value of developing children’s social and emotional skills.

During law school, Chris served as a Legal Fellow with the Donnell-Kay Foundation, where he played a role in developing HB 24-1216, legislation expanding student access to public education following juvenile justice involvement. He also worked in the Juvenile and Family Law Clinical Program at the University of Colorado, where he gained valuable insight into the complexities of dependency and neglect proceedings, the adoption process, allocation of parental rights, and juvenile law.

He also completed externships with the Denver Public Schools Office of General Counsel, working on matters including special education and student-run enterprises, and with the Transformative Justice Project of Colorado, contributing to juvenile justice reform and disability rights cases.

Practices

Family Law
Civil Litigation