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Dean E. Richardson, Business Attorney in Denver, Colorado

Over 22 years of legal practice · focused on Business and Litigation

Gould & Ratner

Denver, CO

Practicing business in Denver since 2004.

22+
Years practicing
2
Bar admissions

Practices in

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Quick answer

Dean E. Richardson is an attorney based in Denver, COLORADO. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation. Dean has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gould & Ratner.

Based in
Denver, COLORADO
Experience
over 22 years
Known for
Business · Litigation
  • Handles Business and Litigation matters from Denver, COLORADO.
  • Over 22 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).

About Dean E. Richardson: Dean E. Richardson is an attorney based in Denver, COLORADO. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation. Dean has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gould & Ratner.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Dean takes on

Dean concentrates on business and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Dean handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Denver, Colorado

Dean takes business 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 Dean agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Denver, Colorado

Dean takes litigation 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 Dean agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Dean E. Richardson — business lawyer in Denver

Dean E. Richardson is an attorney based in Denver, COLORADO. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation. Dean has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gould & Ratner.

Whether navigating a high-stakes dispute or advising on litigation risks tied to a business decision, Dean Richardson focuses on helping clients resolve legal issues efficiently—so they can get back to running their business. He works with companies of all sizes, across a wide range of industries, and tailors his approach to each client’s goals, risk tolerance, and long-term objectives.

Dean represents clients in complex commercial litigation, with experience spanning across cannabis, hemp, title insurance, technology, real estate, and a wide variety of commercial disputes. A generalist by design, he’s built a practice around solving virtually any legal problem a business might face—from shareholder disputes and breach of fiduciary duty claims to trade secret matters and real estate conflicts involving ownership, easements, and title insurance defense. He thrives in the adversarial process and takes pride in crafting sound strategies that drive successful resolution.

Dean is also a frequent speaker on topics related to commercial litigation, cannabis law, and emerging legal issues in real estate and regulated industries. He regularly presents to legal, business, and industry groups, offering insight on evolving trends and practical strategies for navigating complex disputes.

Recognized nationally for his work, Dean has been ranked by Chambers USA since 2021 as a leading nationwide Cannabis Law attorney, Band 2. He has been named a Benchmark Litigation Local Litigation Star in both General Commercial and Real Estate Litigation (2021–2025), recognized by Best Lawyers in Commercial Litigation (2022–2025), and selected for Colorado Super Lawyers in Business Litigation (2020–2025), after appearing as a Rising Star from 2012 to 2016. He also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and was named a National Law Journal Trailblazer in Cannabis Law in 2018.

Before joining Gould & Ratner, Dean was a partner at an Am Law 200 firm.

Dean's approach to business cases

Whether navigating a high-stakes dispute or advising on litigation risks tied to a business decision, Dean Richardson focuses on helping clients resolve legal issues efficiently—so they can get back to running their business. He works with companies of all sizes, across a wide range of industries, and tailors his approach to each client’s goals, risk tolerance, and long-term objectives. Dean…

Clients Dean works with

Dean reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and litigation matters in Denver and the surrounding Colorado area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Denver

    J.D. · 2003

  • George Washington University

    B.A. · 1998

Jurisdictions

Dean's state bar admissions

  • Maryland

    2005 · ACTIVE

  • Colorado

    2004 · ACTIVE

Dean studied at J.D. in University of Denver and B.A. in George Washington University.

Law school and academic background

Dean completed J.D. in University of Denver and B.A. in George Washington University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Dean runs in Colorado is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Dean has received 14 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Cannabis Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Franchise Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Real Estate

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Benchmark Litigation: Local Litigation Star, 2021 - 2022

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — National Law Journal

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Trailblazers in Cannabis 2018

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA: Cannabis Law - Western United States, 2021

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Colorado Super Lawyer Rising Star: Business Litigation, 2012 - 2016

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Colorado Super Lawyer: Business Litigation, 2020-2021

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell Rating: AV Preeminent™ (highest)

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Cannabis Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Franchise Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Real Estate (2026).

Locations

Dean E. Richardson's office in Denver

Dean's primary office is at 1801 Wewatta Street, 11th Floor, Denver, Colorado, 80202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Gould & Ratner

1801 Wewatta Street, 11th Floor

Denver, Colorado 80202

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Dean E. Richardson

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Hiring guide

How to hire Dean E. Richardson — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Dean usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Dean charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dean'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; Dean will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Denver, Colorado

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Dean

Dean discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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. Dean confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Dean's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Dean E. Richardson

  • How much does it cost to hire Dean for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Dean walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Dean offer a free consultation?

    Dean charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dean's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Dean's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in Colorado typically take?

    Simple business 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. Dean gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Dean take my case if I'm outside Denver?

    Dean 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 — Dean 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 Dean?

    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. Dean will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Dean accepting new business clients right now?

    Dean's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Denver, Colorado Springs and Boulder in Colorado

Dean handles business matters throughout Colorado. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

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