Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Colorado Legal Partner Since 1975
Garfield & Hecht has been a trusted legal partner in Colorado since 1975, combining big-city legal expertise with personalized service rooted in Western Slope values. Our firm has grown to become the largest law practice in Western Colorado, serving individuals, businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits across six strategically located offices. With deep expertise in real estate law, litigation, banking, municipal law, and more, we deliver tailored solutions backed by decades of experience and a commitment to client success. Our attorneys, many of whom trained at top national firms, bring cutting-edge legal strategies while maintaining the accessibility and community focus that define our practice. Recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell, we combine rigorous legal acumen with a dedication to ethical standards and client satisfaction.From complex commercial transactions to family law matters, we provide comprehensive legal counsel designed to mitigate risks and achieve measurable outcomes. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures clients receive cohesive support across all stages of legal challenges, supported by advanced technology and a team of seasoned paralegals. As active members of the Colorado Municipal League and Special District Association, we maintain strong institutional knowledge of local governance frameworks. Whether representing Fortune 500 companies in product liability cases or guiding families through estate planning, our practice remains anchored in the principles of excellence and client-centric service established at our founding.
Services
Litigation
Real Estate Law
Banking & Lending
Municipal Law
Estate Planning
Family Law
Construction Law
Water Rights
Foreclosures
Community Associations
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of Colorado-specific legal expertise across multiple practice areas
- Multidisciplinary team includes former attorneys from top national law firms
- Recognized by Martindale-Hubbell with AV preeminent peer rating
- Proven track record in complex litigation and real estate transactions
- Deep institutional knowledge of Colorado municipal and special district law
Associations and certifications
- Super Lawyers
- U.S. News and World Report
- Best Lawyers Best Firms
- Martindale-Hubbell
- Pre-Eminent Lawyers
What people say
Preeminent law firm
Highly sought-after attorneys
Proven track record
Recognized by industry groups
Experienced legal teams
Services
Real Estate Law
Our real estate practice handles complex transactions, development projects, and disputes across Colorado. Services include property acquisitions, zoning negotiations, construction contracts, and title insurance analysis. We represent developers, lenders, and property owners in both residential and commercial matters, with specialized expertise in resort development and historic preservation. Our team combines transactional proficiency with litigation readiness to address all aspects of real estate law.
Litigation
We provide comprehensive litigation services for commercial, real estate, and construction disputes. Our attorneys handle cases in state and federal courts, including appellate representation. Specialized practices include product liability defense, construction defect claims, and bankruptcy litigation. With experience in both plaintiff and defense roles, we offer balanced perspectives that enhance case strategy and client outcomes.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create customized solutions for asset protection and transfer. We develop revocable trusts, wills, and advanced directives while addressing tax implications and family needs. The practice includes probate administration and guidance on memorial arrangements, ensuring clients' wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable through tailored estate plans.
Municipal Law
We represent Colorado municipalities and special districts in governance, land use, and regulatory matters. Services include election law compliance, TABOR regulations, and water rights management. Our attorneys provide both general counsel and specialized litigation support, maintaining deep knowledge of local government operations and state-specific legal frameworks.
Community Associations
This practice serves over 150 community associations with governance, dispute resolution, and compliance matters. We handle CCIOA regulations, construction defect claims, and collection actions while providing proactive legal guidance on association management. Our team combines transactional support with litigation capabilities to protect association interests across Western Colorado.
People
David McConaughy
Managing Shareholder
With decades of Colorado legal experience, David McConaughy leads Garfield & Hecht's strategic direction while maintaining active practice in municipal law and special district representation. His expertise spans local government operations and complex legal negotiations.
Kristen Balcom
Associate
Kristen Balcom focuses on real estate transactions and community association law, leveraging her Colorado-specific legal knowledge to guide clients through property acquisitions and HOA governance issues.
Nicole Garrimone-Campagna
Senior Counsel
Specializing in water rights and environmental law, Nicole Garrimone-Campagna represents public and private clients in complex resource management matters across multiple Colorado watersheds.
Haley Carmer
Shareholder
Haley Carmer concentrates on municipal law and land use, with significant experience in local government representation and regulatory compliance matters affecting Colorado communities.
Christopher L. Silversmith
Of Counsel
Bringing extensive litigation experience, Christopher Silversmith specializes in appellate practice and complex commercial disputes, maintaining a track record of successful outcomes in state and federal courts.
Questions
What areas of law does Garfield & Hecht specialize in?
We focus on real estate law, litigation, municipal law, estate planning, community associations, and construction law, serving both individual and corporate clients across Colorado.
How long has Garfield & Hecht been in practice?
Since 1975, we've provided legal services across Colorado, growing to become the largest law firm in Western Colorado with six office locations.
Do you represent clients outside Colorado?
While our offices are in Colorado, we handle cases with national implications and have represented clients in multi-state transactions and federal court proceedings.
What makes your real estate practice unique?
Our team combines transactional expertise with litigation capabilities, offering comprehensive support for complex real estate matters including development, financing, and dispute resolution.
How does the firm handle municipal law matters?
We provide both general counsel services and specialized litigation support for municipalities, maintaining deep knowledge of Colorado's local government frameworks and regulations.
Are your attorneys recognized in their fields?
Yes, our lawyers consistently earn recognition from Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell, with multiple attorneys holding AV preeminent peer ratings.
