Werge Law Prevails in Successive Spurious Lien Actions

Sometimes overly aggressive parties file documents with the county clerk and recorder to either prevent real property from being sold or to transfer interests to themselves. But in 1997, the Colorado legislature passed a law to deal with just this type of situation. The Spurious Lien Statute provides an expedited procedure to remove invalid liens and documents. See C.R.S. sec. 38-35-201 et seq.

Werge Law represented a limited liability company that owns agricultural property in Southeastern Colorado. Following a dispute over a related cannabis business, a disgruntled former associate filed a certificate of authority and a quitclaim deed purporting to transfer the property to himself. Werge Law filed a spurious lien petition on behalf of its client, and following a hearing, obtained a decree nullifying the deed, and transferring title back to its client with an award of attorney fees. See Sunlife AG v. Peterson, No. 2019CV30000 (Colo. Dist. Crowley, Jan. 24, 2019).

Separately, Werge Law represented the owner of land and gold mining interests in and around Cripple Creek, Colorado. The client entered into an agreement to sell the land and to share in the proceeds with a debt collection company. However, when the client finally found a buyer, the debt collection company decided it wanted the property itself and filed a lis pendens to prevent the third-party sale. Werge Law filed a spurious lien petition on behalf of its client, and following an evidentiary hearing, the Court directed the debt collection company to release the lis pendens, and entered an award of attorney fees against it. See High Country Dreams v. New Falls Corporation, No. 2019CV30064 (Colo. Dist. Teller, Sep. 13, 2019).

Fraudsters beware: filing invalid documents impacting real property rights can result in serious consequences against you. And if you are dealing with a situation involving an allegedly improperly liened property, or any other matter involving disputes between small businesses or individuals, Werge Law is here to assist.

Werge Receives AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell

Werge Law attorney Tom Werge has been awarded the AV Preeminent Rating from Matindale-Hubbell, given for the highest level of professional excellence and legal ethics for attorneys. Martindale-Hubbell’s ratings take into consideration attorney-peer reviews to develop a comprehensive rating of an attorney. Reviews are submitted anonymously when individuals are asked to rate attorney based off of a new of categories including communication ability, responsiveness, quality of service and value for money. These ratings are intended to allow clients to asses attorneys with honest reviews received by attorneys and clients. Tom is honored to be A/V peer rated, and looks forward to continuing to provide the clients of Werge Law with outstanding legal services.

Cheers to Four Years!

The Werge Law team recently got together outside of the office for an end-of-the-summer barbecue. We celebrated a successful season with summer associate Bri Champ, who is now returning to CU Law to finish her final year of law school. And this time of year also marks the fourth anniversary of the date Tom Werge started his independent legal practice, after leaving Denver’s largest litigation-only firm. We are proud to continue our practice, focused on representing small businesses and individuals, especially in navigating disputes and litigation-related matters. We look forward to continuing to help our clients achieve their goals for years to come.

Werge Law Takes on the Colorado Bar Association!

Thomas Werge

Daniel Williams

On July 1, 2019, Werge Law attorneys Tom Werge and Dan Williams assumed new leadership roles within the Colorado Bar Association. Tom is the new chair of the Solo Small Firm Practice section. While Dan Williams is on the executive council for the Entertainment & Sports Law section. We are excited to see all that Tom and Dan will accomplish for the bar in their new positions.

Werge Law Welcomes Summer Associate Brianna Champ

Werge Law is excited to welcome Summer Associate Brianna Champ!

Bri just completed her second year of law school at the University of Colorado Law School. She spent last summer a few blocks away, as a law clerk at the Office of Administrative Courts. She brings a wide variety of legal and life experiences to the firm, including work as a student attorney for the Colorado Law Criminal Defense Clinic and the Acequia Project (working in water law in the San Luis valley). Bri grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado and attended University of Colorado for undergraduate where she majored in International Affairs and Spanish & Portuguese Language. In her free time, Bri enjoys rock climbing and reading books unrelated to the practice of law.

We look forward to continuing to serve our clients this summer, with Bri’s help!

Colorado Supreme Court Recognizes Werge Law for Pro Bono Work

The Colorado Supreme Court recently recognized 100 lawyers and law firms, including Werge Law, for participation in, and satisfaction of, the Pro Bono Pledge. The program encourages the provision of legal assistance to individuals and organizations of limited means at no charge. Each year, Werge Law commits itself to providing at least 50 hours of pro bono work to qualifying individuals and organizations. The firm's dedication to pro bono work is consistent with its mission to provide small businesses and individuals with access to high quality legal services.

Werge Moderates Denver Mayoral Debate

Seven candidates running for mayor of Denver appeared in the Manual High School auditorium for the Denver mayoral forum hosted by the City Park West Registered Neighborhood Association (RNO). Tom Werge, a board member for the RNO, asked the candidates a series of questions on issues ranging from development, crime, waste management, neighborhood preservation, and homelessness. More information on the forum, including a list of the seven candidates that participated, and a link to view video from the event is available HERE. Ballots for Denver’s municipal election go out to voters the week of April 15, and voting continues though May 7, 2019. If no single candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election will be held on June 4, 2019. Now get out there and vote!

Werge Selected as Super Lawyers Rising Star for Fifth Consecutive Year

Super Lawyers Colorado has selected Tom Werge as a 2019 Rising Star. This is the fifth consecutive year Tom has been recognized. Super Lawyers is a research-driven, peer influenced, rating system for outstanding lawyers. Selected lawyers have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Rising Stars acknowledges no more than 2.5% of lawyers in Colorado. Werge Law is honored to be included. We look forward to continuing to provide high-quality and efficient legal services to our clients.