Carrie S. Bernstein, Zoning Attorney in Denver, Colorado
Denver, CO
Trusted zoning attorney serving Denver.
Practices in
Are you Carrie S. Bernstein?
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Quick answer
Carrie S. Bernstein is an attorney based in Denver, COLORADO. The practice focuses on Zoning. Currently practicing at Alderman Bernstein LLC.
- Based in
- Denver, COLORADO
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Zoning
- Handles Zoning matters from Denver, COLORADO.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law (2026).
About Carrie S. Bernstein: Carrie S. Bernstein is an attorney based in Denver, COLORADO. The practice focuses on Zoning. Currently practicing at Alderman Bernstein LLC.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Carrie takes on
Carrie concentrates on zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Carrie handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Zoning cases in Denver, Colorado
Carrie takes zoning matters in Denver, Colorado. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Carrie agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Carrie S. Bernstein — zoning lawyer in Denver
Carrie S. Bernstein is an attorney based in Denver, COLORADO. The practice focuses on Zoning. Currently practicing at Alderman Bernstein LLC.
For twenty years, Carrie Bernstein has used her experience and expertise in the areas of eminent domain law and real estate litigation to advocate for her clients. Without excess drama, Carrie has a no-nonsense approach to helping her clients that people appreciate. At Alderman Bernstein, Carrie represents private landowners, quasi-municipal corporations, and public entities in eminent domain in both litigation and appeals. She has been designated as one of the Best Lawyers in America for Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law each year since 2016 and named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2013. Carrie has been a presenter at many continuing education programs regarding eminent domain topics. She has litigated numerous eminent domain, inverse condemnation, and takings cases. She represents clients in every stage of a condemnation case, including negotiating for the acquisition of property and commencing condemnation proceedings, immediate possession hearings, valuation trials, and appeals. Carrie has argued several cases to the Colorado Court of Appeals and Colorado Supreme Court.
After getting her bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies and International Studies from Northwestern University, Carrie taught English in China for a year before returning to Denver to work in the foreign language translation industry. After five years she craved more intellectual challenge and subsequently enrolled in law school at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. During her time there, she served on the law review for two years, including on the board of editors. Upon graduation she clerked for Judge Arthur P. Roy at the Colorado Court of Appeals for a year, which gave her invaluable insight into the inner workings of the judicial system and appellate process. She started at the Denver law firm Grimshaw & Harring (now called Spencer Fane) in 2004, where she worked in eminent domain law; civil, commercial and real estate litigation; and water law.Carrie worked at Grimshaw & Harring until 2009, when she and Jody Alderman left to start Alderman Bernstein. As a married mother of two girls, Carrie wanted to nurture her professional ambitions while being available and fully engaged with her family.
Carrie is a native of Vail, Colorado, and was raised in both Denver and Vail. Her knowledge and familiarity with Colorado’s resort communities has drawn clients from smaller communities around the state to the firm.
Outside of her practice of law, Carrie is involved in her daughters’ schools and activities. During the winter, Carrie coaches her daughter’s recreational ski racing team. When she isn’t working hard for her clients, she enjoys traveling as well as spending time with her family and sharing her love of the mountains with her children.Carrie's approach to zoning cases
For twenty years, Carrie Bernstein has used her experience and expertise in the areas of eminent domain law and real estate litigation to advocate for her clients. Without excess drama, Carrie has a no-nonsense approach to helping her clients that people appreciate. At Alderman Bernstein, Carrie represents private landowners, quasi-municipal corporations, and public entities in eminent domain in…
The kind of cases Carrie takes
Carrie reviews new inquiries case-by-case for zoning matters in Denver and the surrounding Colorado area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Denver
J.D. · 2003
Carrie studied at J.D. in University of Denver.
Law school and academic background
Carrie completed J.D. in University of Denver. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Carrie runs in Colorado is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Carrie has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law (2026).
Locations
Carrie S. Bernstein's office in Denver
Carrie's primary office is at 101 University Boulevard, Suite 350, Denver, Colorado, 80206. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Alderman Bernstein LLC
101 University Boulevard, Suite 350
Denver, Colorado 80206
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Carrie S. Bernstein — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new zoning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Carrie usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Carrie charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Carrie's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Carrie will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a zoning attorney in Denver, Colorado
A short list to run through before you commit: How many zoning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Carrie
Carrie discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in zoning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every zoning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Carrie confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Carrie's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many zoning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Carrie S. Bernstein
How much does it cost to hire Carrie for a zoning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Carrie walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Carrie offer a free consultation?
Carrie charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Carrie's office. Some zoning attorneys offer free consults — check Carrie's current terms during booking.
How long do zoning cases in Colorado typically take?
Simple zoning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Carrie gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Carrie take my case if I'm outside Denver?
Carrie is licensed in Colorado. Matters governed by Colorado law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Carrie will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Carrie?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Carrie will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Carrie accepting new zoning clients right now?
Carrie's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Zoning attorneys serving Denver, Colorado Springs and Boulder in Colorado
Carrie handles zoning matters throughout Colorado. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified zoning attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated zoning attorneys in Colorado
If Carrie's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these zoning attorneys in Denver handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
