Michael P. Smith, Energy Attorney in Denver, Colorado
Denver, CO
Trusted energy attorney serving Denver.
Practices in
Are you Michael P. Smith?
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Quick answer
Michael P. Smith is an attorney based in Denver, COLORADO. The practice focuses on Energy.
- Based in
- Denver, COLORADO
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Energy
- Handles Energy matters from Denver, COLORADO.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law (2026).
About Michael P. Smith: Michael P. Smith is an attorney based in Denver, COLORADO. The practice focuses on Energy.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael P. Smith
Michael concentrates on energy. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Energy cases in Denver, Colorado
Michael takes energy 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michael P. Smith — Attorney of Colorado energy experience
Michael P. Smith is an attorney based in Denver, COLORADO. The practice focuses on Energy.
Strategic thinker skilled in navigating complex environmental, land, and water issues. Known by clients for insightful solutions and negotiating skills.
Mike Smith helps clients untangle increasingly complex regulatory regimes and resolve disputes. Clients turn to Mike for help navigating a range of challenging natural resources matters, often involving water rights, water quality, solid and hazardous waste, protected species, land use, floodplains, and oil and gas royalty disputes. His diverse practice spans regulatory compliance, rulemaking, enforcement actions, transactions, and litigation. Representative clients include water and wastewater utilities, project developers, mining companies, oil and gas companies, lenders, and investors.
Mike maintains a diverse pro bono practice that includes representing veterans and military service members in litigation and representing nonprofit entities in formation, operations, and litigation, among other matters. He also volunteers as a board member for the Mile High Youth Corps to support youth development in land, energy, and water conservation; construction; and healthcare career pathways across 23 Colorado counties.
Mike is a former infantry captain in the U.S. Army, where he served two combat tours in Iraq. Using his fluency in French, Mike also briefly served as a peace support operations trainer in two African countries to support peacekeeping missions in Somalia.
Michael's approach to energy cases
Strategic thinker skilled in navigating complex environmental, land, and water issues. Known by clients for insightful solutions and negotiating skills. Mike Smith helps clients untangle increasingly complex regulatory regimes and resolve disputes. Clients turn to Mike for help navigating a range of challenging natural resources matters, often involving water rights, water quality, solid and…
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for energy matters in Denver and the surrounding Colorado area.
Credentials
Michael P. Smith's legal education and bar admissions
Georgetown University
J.D. · 2015
Michael studied at J.D. in Georgetown University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Georgetown University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Colorado is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael P. Smith
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law (2026).
Locations
Michael P. Smith's office in Denver
Michael's primary office is at 675 Fifteenth Street, Suite 2900, Denver, Colorado, 80202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael P. Smith
Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael P. Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new energy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a energy attorney in Denver, Colorado
A short list to run through before you commit: How many energy 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 Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in energy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every energy 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many energy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael P. Smith
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a energy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some energy attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do energy cases in Colorado typically take?
Simple energy 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Denver?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new energy clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Energy attorneys serving Denver, Colorado Springs and Boulder in Colorado
Michael handles energy matters throughout Colorado. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified energy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated energy attorneys in Colorado
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these energy attorneys in Denver handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





