Associate

Overview

Chris works with the Government Practice Group where his practice focuses on supporting local governments, schools, and special districts. Before joining Lyons Gaddis, Chris provided legal support to local governments on a wide range of matters including labor and employment, records requests, policy development and compliance, contracting, civil right and constitutional issues, and provided direct counsel to Boards of Education. Chris’ years of experience as in-house counsel to both healthcare and education entities enables him to readily understand the needs of our clients and provide them with trusted counsel.

• Education & Past Positions

  Chris graduated with honors from the University of Iowa and went on to earn his JD from the University of Denver. While in law school, Chris was an awarded trial advocate and member of the national trial team. He leveraged that experience to provide criminal defense to indigent defendants before transition to government practice. In 2013, Chris provided legal consultation for UCHealth and spearheaded the centralization of their Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) program. Chris was later recruited to Jeffco Public Schools where he served as Staff Attorney and Director of Employee Relations before ultimately being promoted to the Chief Legal Officer for the district. After nearly 7 years serving as in-house counsel for the school district, Chris joined Lyons Gaddis in 2022.

• Organizations & Community Involvement

  Chris is a member of the Colorado and Boulder County Bar Associations, the Colorado Special Districts Association, and the Colorado Council of School Board Attorneys (CCSBA). Chris served as the President of the CCSBA in 2020-21 and remains an engaged member currently serving on the Colorado School Board Association’s Legislative Council.

  Outside of his legal practice, Chris is actively engaged in the education of his daughters serving on the PTA and regularly volunteering in their school. Chris also tries to enjoy all that the Colorado outdoors have to offer with his family and friends and can be regularly found on the hiking, skiing, and biking trails.