Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Steamboat Springs
Established in 1975, Sharp Steinke Sherman & Engle LLC has served as Northwest Colorado's premier legal resource for over 45 years. Our firm combines deep local knowledge with comprehensive legal expertise to represent individuals, businesses, and municipalities across diverse practice areas. With a collective 140+ years of legal experience, our attorneys specialize in complex fields including water rights, real estate development, business law, and estate planning. We maintain a client-centered approach that balances technical proficiency with personalized service, ensuring tailored solutions for each matter.Our team's extensive involvement in regional water conservation boards and community organizations demonstrates our commitment to the communities we serve. Recognized for our trial experience and appellate practice, we provide strategic counsel for both litigation and transactional needs. Our attorneys hold leadership roles in state and national legal associations while maintaining active participation in local governance and civic initiatives. This combination of professional excellence and community engagement positions us to deliver exceptional legal services with a personal touch.
Services
Real Estate Law
Estate Planning
Water Rights
Business Law
Municipal Representation
Construction Defect
Probate Law
Environmental Law
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of combined legal experience in Colorado's unique regulatory environment
- Our attorneys hold leadership positions in state water conservation and bar associations
- We provide tailored legal solutions with personalized client communication
- We maintain deep community ties through local governance and civic involvement
- We combine trial experience with transactional expertise across 15+ practice areas
What people say
Exceptional legal expertise
Personalized service
Deep local knowledge
Responsive communication
Proven track record
Services
Real Estate Law
Our real estate practice handles complex transactions, zoning disputes, and development projects. We represent clients in residential and commercial property matters, including title issues, land use regulations, and eminent domain cases. Our attorneys' deep understanding of Colorado's unique property laws ensures effective representation for buyers, sellers, and developers.
Water Rights
We provide comprehensive water law services including rights acquisition, augmentation plans, and court litigation. Our attorneys have decades of experience in water court proceedings, representing agricultural, municipal, and industrial clients. We handle both surface and groundwater rights matters across Colorado's river basins.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create customized solutions for asset protection and wealth transfer. We draft wills, trusts, and advanced directives while advising on tax implications. The practice includes probate administration and trust litigation, ensuring clients' wishes are honored through comprehensive estate strategies.
Business Law
We support businesses from formation through growth and succession planning. Services include entity selection, contract drafting, and regulatory compliance. Our attorneys represent clients in mergers, acquisitions, and commercial disputes, providing both transactional and litigation services for local and national companies.
Municipal Representation
The firm provides legal counsel to municipalities, special districts, and government entities. We handle zoning regulations, public finance, and land use planning while representing clients in state and federal regulatory matters. Our team's experience includes advising on Colorado's unique municipal governance structures.
People
Thomas R. Sharp
Of Counsel
With 48+ years of practice, Tom Sharp specializes in real property, business law, and water rights. He has held leadership roles in multiple state water conservation authorities and serves on the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Recognized as a Life Fellow by national bar foundations.
Melinda H. Sherman
Attorney
Melinda Sherman brings 28+ years of experience in real estate, zoning, and municipal law. She serves on the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Foundation and actively participates in community service initiatives while maintaining a national client base.
Gary S. Engle
Attorney
Gary Engle has practiced law for over 45 years, specializing in business formation and litigation. He previously served as Routt County Bar Association President and brings extensive experience in Colorado judicial processes to his practice.
Bryce K. Hinchman
Attorney
Bryce Hinchman focuses on real property transactions and water law. His practice includes commercial transactions and business formation, providing comprehensive legal services for property owners and developers in Northwest Colorado.
Holly K. Strablizky
Of Counsel
Holly Strablizky serves as Division 5 Water Referee and former Assistant County Attorney. She specializes in water court litigation and land use planning, with prior experience in Denver's urban development and Montana water law adjudication.
Questions
What areas of law does Sharp, Sherman & Engle specialize in?
We specialize in real estate law, water rights, business law, estate planning, municipal representation, construction defect litigation, and environmental law.
How long has the firm been serving Steamboat Springs?
Our attorneys have provided legal services in Steamboat Springs since 1975, with multiple attorneys maintaining 25+ year tenures.
What makes your firm different from other Colorado law practices?
Our unique combination of water rights expertise, local government experience, and multi-generational community involvement distinguishes our practice.
Do you handle both litigation and transactional matters?
Yes, our firm maintains both a robust litigation practice and transactional services across all our practice areas.
