Reed Morris Case Experience

Selected cases and disputes:

• 2023: Represented business seller at trial accused of fraud in sale of business. Secured complete defense verdict against business purchaser.  Trial: 4 day bench trial.
• 2023: Represented lodging company in 5-day jury trial in case involving breach of contract and construction defects. Trial: 5 day jury trial:
• 2023: Represented and prevailed as Appellee/Defendant in an appellate matter upholding verdict and judgment obtained in prior two-day bench trial.
• 2023: Represented and prevailed as Appellee/Plaintiff in an appellate matter upholding jury verdict obtained in a six-day jury trial in a commercial breach of contract dispute.
• 2021: On final day of three-day jury trial, settled securities dispute representing Plaintiff as minority investor against principal owner. Trial: 3 day jury trial under COVID protocols.
• 2021: Successfully represented commercial property tenant in breach of contract / lease dispute with landlord in case involving medical practice. Jury verdict in favor of client for $200,000 in economic damages and against landlord on all claims involving lease including denial landlord’s eviction and breach of lease counterclaim. Tenant awarded over $35,000 in costs post judgement. Trial: 5 day jury trial under COVID protocols.
• 2021: Successfully represented mountain property owner in breach of lease / contract dispute with a public utility in a case involving communications tower site; judgment for client including court-ordered specific performance and monetary damages. Trial: 2 day remote bench trial under COVID protocols. 
• 2020: Successfully represented property owner in claim to reform deed resulting from a prior real estate partition action seeking to move property line and vacate client’s access easement. Trial: 3 day hybrid/remote bench trial under COVID protocols. 
• 2019: Successfully represented employers in wage (FLSA misclassification class), discrimination (sexual orientation and gender), and other matters. Most recently secured a settlement and full dismissal of case for $0 after taking Plaintiff’s deposition in case alleging employment discrimination and retaliation.
• 2017: Successful jury trial representation of business owner in case involving alleged equity interest of a third-party, unfair competition, outrageous conduct, and award of damages for civil theft.  Trial: 4 day jury trial verdict in favor of client, plus award of pre-judgment interest, attorney fees and 3-times monetary damages for amounts defendant took from client’s bank account. Client awarded attorney fees and costs in subsequent post-trial litigation.
• 2017: Successful trial representation of business sellers in post-closing M&A litigation.  Case involved representation of plaintiff against purchasers for breach payment obligation defendant alleged was “canceled” while successfully defending fraudulent inducement defense and counterclaims in excess of $500,000 (resulting in a net set-off of $65,000).  Case consisted of 4 day bench trial with successful defeat of all post-trial motions seeking to amend the verdict, and successful in obtaining additional judgment for attorney fees in favor of client.
• 2017: Successfully represented individual in real estate title dispute in Denver Probate Court involving allegations of forged signature (2 day bench trial).
• 2016: Represented real estate property claimant on lease option in two day bench trial (2 day bench trial).
• 2015: Plaintiffs’ verdict in real estate contract case involving an earnest money dispute and counterclaims of misrepresentation. Secured post-judgment award of attorney’s fees and costs in favor of clients pursuant to prevailing party fee-shifting provision in contract. (2 day bench trial)
• 2017: Negotiated early dismissal of client (defendant) in claims of tortious interference and trade secret misappropriation prior to commencement of discovery.
• Represented residential real estate seller involving claims of negligent handling of transaction by Seller’s real estate broker.
• Advise Colorado real estate companies in day-to-day needs involving contract handling, broker relations and client issues.
• As Plaintiff’s counsel at conclusion of construction defect trial, secured settlement amount to Plaintiff equal to the cost to repair defective installation of concrete plaza at base of Steamboat Springs ski area (10 day jury trial).
• Obtained dismissal of tortious interference with contract claims on motion to dismiss.
• Obtained pre-trial release of wrongful lis pendens recorded against commercial property.
• Successfully represented commercial real estate owners involving exercise of option to purchase.  Secured post-judgment award of attorney’s fees and costs to client pursuant to prevailing party fee-shifting provision in contract.
• Selected by general counsel to represent fortune 500 company in Colorado-related commercial litigation (plaintiff and defense work).
• Hired by out of state counsel to defend state and federal breach of contract claims against outdoor industry manufacturer.
• Hired by out of state counsel to defend construction payment dispute, securing dismissal of case wrongfully filed in Colorado by in-state Plaintiff.
• Plaintiff’s verdict in landslide case in state district court jury trial involving claim of property damage and negligent operation. (7 day jury trial)
• Jury trial verdict in defense case involving emotional distress damages below early statutory offer of settlement, entitling client to award of costs. (5 day jury trial)