Elizabeth K. Olson

Member

Ms. Olson has a diverse practice, including construction and design, premises liability, general casualty, contract disputes, commercial matters, product liability, and professional liability. She brings a unique perspective because of the wide range of disciplines in which she practices. Ms. Olson is responsible for developing the strategy for and handling cases from inception through trial. She has litigated cases in both state and federal courts in Colorado and Arizona and has brought successful resolution to cases through mediation, arbitration, trial, and appeals.  She is dedicated to providing the best service and achieving the best outcomes for her clients.

Practice Areas

Bar Admissions

  • Arizona, 2008
  • Colorado, 2009
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado

Location

Denver Office
1001 17th Street
Suite 300
Denver, CO 80202

Education

JD: Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, 2008
BA: Rice University, 2002, Economics and Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations

Contact

olsone@hallevans.com

More About
Elizabeth

Resume

Linkedin

 

Decisions

In addition to negotiating many favorable settlements, Ms. Olson’s accomplishments include:

  • Won summary judgment on behalf of tourist railroad as to personal injury claim based on back of ticket waiver.
  • Obtained full payment on mechanic’s lien claim for landscaping contractor.
  • Obtained a defense verdict in a jury trial representing apartment complex owner and manager in case involving alleged slip and fall on ice.
  • Won motion for determination of question of law on behalf of civil engineer limiting damages to $50,000 as to all claims in multimillion dollar construction defect case involving elementary school.
  • Won summary judgment on behalf of an apartment complex owner in premises liability case involving alleged slip and fall on hot tub stairs.
  • Won motions to dismiss on claims for unlawful detention; malicious prosecution; alleged violation of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act; negligence; intentional infliction of emotional distress; RICO violations pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1961-68; over serving resulting in liability; defamation; and slander.
Blog Posts About Elizabeth
Career Distinctions & Honors
  • Colorado Super Lawyers®, “Rising Star,” Civil Litigation: Defense, 2017-2020
  • CALI Award of Excellence in Philosophy of the Law
Appeals
  • Nasious v. Colo., 495 Fed. Appx. 899 (10th Cir. 2012)
  • Wagner v. Am. Family Mut. Ins. Co., 569 Fed. Appx. 574 (10th Cir. 2014)
Articles & Publications // Presentations // Webinars
  • Speaker, “Shaping the Independent Tort Duty: When and to Whom Is One Owed?” Colorado Defense Lawyers Association Summer Conference, July 2016
  • Co-Author, “2015 Notable State and Municipal construction Defect Claim Reforms Aimed at Reducing Litigation and Promoting New Construction,” Under Construction the Newsletter of the ABA Forum on Construction Law, Vol. 17 No. 4
Professional Associations
  • Colorado Bar Association
  • Denver Bar Association
  • Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
Business & Community Service
  • Reading tutor with “Reading Partners” in the Denver Public Schools
  • Volunteer, Constitution Day, 2014

Matthew J. Ninneman

Member

Mr. Ninneman litigates complex commercial and construction disputes in state and federal court and arbitration, representing owner/developers, general contractors, design-builders, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and suppliers on private, public and hybrid projects, including heavy civil infrastructure, sports arenas, schools, hotels, hospitals, mass transit, roadways, industrial warehousing, and renovation and development of apartments, multi-family, mixed-use and single family residences.  He focuses on resolving disputes over contract scope, payment, schedule/delay, construction and design defects, and performance claims for all types of vertical construction and infrastructure projects. In addition to litigating, Mr. Ninneman advises design and construction professionals on day-to-day risk management issues, drafting and negotiation of custom and form contracts, including AIA, DBIA, EJCDC and ConsensusDOCS, licensing and administrative reporting, bid protests, payment disputes including mechanic’s liens, verified claims, performance and payment bond claims, and pre-litigation dispute resolution/mediation. Mr. Ninneman is also a frequent author and lecturer on issues concerning construction claims, contract drafting, design licensure, liability mitigation, and current issues impacting the construction industry.

Mr. Ninneman serves as the Co-Chair for the firm’s Construction and Design Practice Group.  He is also a member of the Board of Directors and serves as the firm’s General Counsel.

Practice Areas

Bar Admissions

  • Colorado, 2002
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims

Location

Denver Office
1001 17th Street
Suite 300
Denver, CO 80202

Education

JD: William Mitchell College of Law, 2002
BA: University of Minnesota, 1999, History and Political Science

Contact

ninnemanm@hallevans.com

More About
Matthew

Resume

Linkedin

 

Career Distinctions & Honors
  • 5280 Magazine, “Top Lawyers,” Construction, 2021-2025
  • The Best Lawyers in America®; Litigation – Construction, 2020 – 2025; Construction Law, 2022-2025; Litigation – Insurance, 2022-2025
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, “Lawyer of The Year” in Denver for Construction Law, 2024
  • Colorado Super Lawyers®, Construction Litigation, 2017-2025
  • Colorado Super Lawyers®, “Rising Star,” Construction Litigation, 2016
  • First Place Recipient of Nathan Burken Memorial Competition on Copyright Law
  • Recipient of the Law School Public Service Award
  • Commendations from Wisconsin Governor and State Senator for receiving Nathan Burken Award
Decisions
  • Namaste Solar Elec., Inc. v. HB Solar of S. California, 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 118797 (D. Colo. Aug. 26, 2014)
  • Zehren and Associates, Inc. v. Braebum Real Estate Development, LLC, 2009 U.S. Dsit. LEXIS 601 (D. Colo., Jan. 7, 2009)
  • Phase One Landscapes, Inc. v. M. Julia Hook, 2007 Bankr. LEXIS 3954 (10th Cir., Dec. 3, 2007)
Professional Associations
  • Colorado Bar Association
    • Construction Section Committee, Chair, 2022-present; Executive Council, 2018-present
    • Litigation Section
    • CBA Young Lawyers Division, Executive Board Member, 2005-2010
  • Association of General Contractors of Colorado, Professional Associate
  • American Bar Association
    • ABA Forum on Construction Law
      • Steering Committee, Subcommittee on Presentations, and Working Group for Division 3 – Design
      • Division 2 – Contract Documents
      • Committee on Special Programing and Education, Liaison
      • Distance Learning Subcommittee
  • Denver Bar Association
    • Community Action Network Committee
  • Colorado Bar Foundation, Fellow
Articles & Publications // Presentations // Webinars
  • Panelist, “Leave it to the Professionals: Why Construction Administration Services Should Not Be Optional,” ABA Forum on Construction Law Fall Meeting, 2024
  • Presenter, “Colorado Construction Law: An All-Encompassing Experience,” Colorado Bar Association CLE, 2024
  • Co-Author, “Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law,” Colorado Bar Association CLE, Third Edition, 2024
  • Panelist, “Learning to Fly (Without Falling): Assessing Risk in Project Pursuits,” Van Oppen & Co. 2 Risk Control Seminar, 2023
  • Presenter, “Emerging Trends in a Post-Pandemic World,” Client Conference, 2022
  • Podcast Guest, “Episode 22: Design Professionals Guide to Construction Law,” Construction Law Today, ABA Forum on Construction Law, 2021
  • Presenter, “The Players – Owner, Design Professionals, and the General Contractor,” ABA Forum on Construction Law CLE, 2021
  • Presenter, “Protecting the Design Professional: Exploring Recent Construction Law Issues Impacting Risk-Shifting,” ABA Forum on Construction Law, 2021
  • Executive Editor & Co-Author, “Design Professional’s Guide to Construction Law,” ABA Forum on Construction Law, Second Edition, 2021
  • Presenter, “Understanding the Investigatory and Disciplinary Practices of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies,” Colorado Engineering Law Seminar, Halfmoon Education, Inc., 2021
  • Speaker, “The Players – Owner, Design Professionals, and the General Contractor,” ABA Forum on Construction Law Virtual Construction Conference, 2021
  • Panelist, “It’s So Hot Right Now: Recent Trends in Construction and Design Risk Management,” ABA Forum on Construction Law Midwinter Meeting, 2020
  • Panelist, “Construction Law in Colorado,” Colorado Bar Association CLE, 2019
  • Co-Author, “The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law,” Colorado Bar Association CLE, Second Edition, 2018
  • Program Co-Chair, ABA Forum on Construction Law, Regional Program – Insurance, 2018
  • Author, “New 50-State Survey of Licensed Design Professional’s Stamping and Sealing Obligations,” Under Construction, ABA Forum on Construction Law’s Newsletter, 2018
  • Co-Author/Co-Editor, “50-State Survey of Licensed Design Professional Stamping and Sealing Obligations,” ABA Forum on Construction Law, Division 3, 2018
  • Panelist, “Legislative and Ethics Update: Construction Law in Colorado,” Colorado Bar Association CLE, 2018
  • Speaker, “On the Defense,” Construction Law Institute Conference, April 2018
  • Co-Author, “The 2017 A201 Deskbook,” ABA Forum on Construction Law, 2017
  • Co-Author, “State and Local Construction Projects: An Attorney’s Handbook,” ABA Forum on Construction Law, Chapter 12 – Design Services and Design Issues, 2017
  • Panelist, “Construction Administration 101,” Housing Colorado NOW! Annual Conference, October 2017
  • Author, “The Times They Are A Changin’,” Law Week Colorado, September 2017
  • Speaker, “Agreements between Owner, Architect and Contractor,” AIA Document Workshop, December 2016
  • Program Coordinator, “The Construction Lawyer’s Bucket List,” ABA Forum on Construction Law, Plenary 2 0 When Bad Things Happen to Good People – Defending Design Professionals in Disciplinary Proceedings, 2015
  • Co-Author/Co-Editor, “50-State Survey of Firm Licensure Requirements for Architectural and Engineering Firms,” ABA Forum on Construction Law, Division 3, 2015
  • Lecturer, “Fundamentals of Construction Contracts – Understanding the Issues in Colorado,” Warranties and Guarantees in Construction, Lorman Education Services, 2013, 2014
  • Co-Author, “Construction Subcontracting – A Comprehensive Practical and Legal Guide,” ABA Forum on Construction Law, Chapter 21 – Subconsulting Design Contracts and Design Issues, 2014
  • Co-Author, “Fundamentals of Construction Law,” 2nd ED., ABA Forum on Construction Law, Chapter 2 – Design, 2013
  • Co-Author, “Hard Hat Case Notes, ” The Construction Lawyer, ABA Forum on construction Law’s national publication, 2013-present
  • Lecturer, “Assignment of Contracts to Lenders,” ABA Forum on Construction Law, Division 2 and 3 Fall Forum 2013
  • Program Coordinator, “Surfing the Next Wave: The Future of Construction Law and Practice,” ABA Forum on Construction Law, Plenary 9 – The Trial Time Machine: Where We Are Going Tomorrow and How to Plan for it – The Future of Preserving, Finding, and Presenting Construction Project Data at Trial, Annual Meeting 2013
  • Program Chair/ Moderator, “Boston’s Big Dig, Designing for Success,” ABA Forum on Construction Law, Fall Meeting 2012
  • Author/Lecturer, “On the Defense – ‘Mitigating Exposure in Construction Defect Litigation,” Knott Laboratory, 2012 Claims Seminar
  • Contributing Editor, “The Construction Lawyer,” ABA Forum on Construction law national publication, 2011-present
  • Author/Lecturer, “Avoiding Liability for the Design Professional,” CLE in Colorado, Inc., 2011
  • Program Coordinator, “The Age of Turbulence: Managing Money Issues in Construction,” ABA Forum on Construction Law, Annual Meeting 2010
  • Contributing author, “2008-2009 Construction Law Update: Case Law & Legislation Affecting the Construction Industry,” ABA Forum on Construction Law – Division 10 Legislation and Environment, 2009
  • Program Coordinator, “Coverages, Disputes and Tactics for Survival: Critical Insurance and Litigation Issues and Insights,” ABA Forum on Construction Law, Mid-Winter Form 2009
  • Cited Authority, “False Claims in Construction Contracts-Federal, State and Local,” Sink, Charles M. and Krista L. Pages, ABA Forum on Construction law, p. 268, 2009
  • Contributing Author, “2007-2008 Construction law Update: Case Law & Legislation Affecting the Construction Industry,” ABA Forum on Construction Law – Division 10, Legislation and Environment, 2008
  • Contributing Author, “Recent Legislation Affecting the Construction Industry,” The Construction Lawyer, Vol. 27, No. 4, 2004
  • Co-Author, “Building code Adoption, Compliance and Enforcement,” CLE in Colorado, Inc., 2007
  • Program Chair/Moderator “Avoiding Mistakes In All the Right Places,” Colorado Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division Seminar, University of Colorado Law School, 2007
  • Research Contributor, “Sale of Goods: Reading and Applying the Code,” Chomsky & Kunz, West Group, 2002
  • Research Contributor, “Click-Through Agreements: Strategies for Avoiding Disputes on Validity of Assent,” 57 Bus. Law. 401, 401 n.*, 2001
  • Author, “‘Time Out That’s My Move’ – Applying Copyright Law to Athletic Maneuvers,” American Society Of Composers, Artists And Publishers (ASCAP), 2002
Business & Community Service
  • Lorman Education Services and CLE in Colorado, Inc., Faculty Member, 2010-present
  • First Descent, Fundraising Coordinator, 2009-present
  • Re-Discovery, Officer of Board of Directors, 2015-present
Professional Experience

Prior to joining Hall & Evans, Mr. Ninneman was a Partner at Godin & Baity, LLC.

Other Activities

Mr. Ninneman enjoys spending time with his wife, daughters, and son (and 2 dogs). His interest include hiking, skiing, fishing, camping, and photography.

Blog Posts About Matthew

Richard L. Murray, Jr.

Of Counsel

Mr. Murray practices as a civil litigator. He has extensive experience in the field of insurance defense litigation but concentrates his practice on the defense of professional liability claims. He has defended many physicians, dentists, hospitals, nurses, and other health care providers in malpractice lawsuits. He has defended hospitals in actions involving physicians objecting to the modification or revocation of their staff privileges, and has represented physicians and nurses in administrative proceedings before regulatory boards.

His practice is diversified. For example, he defended one of the nation’s largest oil companies in an action by landowners claiming they suffered injuries and damages as a result of groundwater contamination. He also defended a general contractor in actions by property owners alleging negligence in the design, construction, and maintenance of a large apartment complex.

Practice Areas

Bar Admissions

  • Colorado, 1978
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit

Location

Denver Office
1001 17th Street
Suite 300
Denver, CO 80202

Education

JD: Wake Forest University School of Law, 1978
BA: Bucknell University, 1974, History and Economics, cum laude

Contact

murrayr@hallevans.com

More About
Richard

Resume

Career Distinctions & Honors
  • Martindale-Hubbell®, AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
  • Colorado Super Lawyers®, Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense, 2007-2020
  • American Board of Trial Advocates
Articles & Publications // Presentations // Webinars
  • Guest Lecturer, “Expert Witnesses, Health Law II,” University of Colorado School of Law, 2010 and 2012
  • Speaker, “Ethical Issues in Cross-Examining a Former Client,” Colorado Defense Lawyer Association, July, 2012, Crested Butte, CO
  • Speaker, “Trial Problems, Dentists Professional Liability Trust,” Fall Retreat, 2010-2011
  • Presenter, Trial Seminar Presented to Neonatal Nurses, The Children’s Hospital, 2009-2010
  • Presenter, “Closing Arguments,” Colorado Defense Lawyers Association Annual Conference, August, 2007
  • Presenter, Mock Trial, CHARM, May 3, 2007
  • Presenter, Mock Trial, “Desoto v. LaQuinta,” Dental Liability Trust, 2004
  • Speaker, Medical Liability and Health Care Law, “Cross-examination of Parties and Experts,” CLECI, 2004
  • Speaker, “HIPAA: Privacy & Security – Beyond the Basics,” Medical Educational Services, Inc., 2002
  • Presentation, Nurses Day, Platte Valley Medical Center, Medical Malpractice Overview, 2002
  • Speaker, Obstetrical Malpractice Seminar, “View From the Trench: Nuts and Bolts of Obstetrical Malpractice Litigation,” Seminar sponsored by Farmers Insurance Group, 2002
  • Author, “Confidentiality of Medical Records and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996,” The Colorado Lawyer, March, 2001, vol. 30, no. 3
Professional Experience
  • Arbitrator, Nursing Home Professional Liability Matter, 2012
  • Hearing Officer, Northern Colorado Medical Center Physician, Professional Review Hearing, 2010
  • General Counsel to the Colorado Medical Society, 2006-2008
  • Provided drafting and testimonial support before Colorado Legislature for C.R.S. §§ 25-38-101 et seq., Physician Designation Act, 2008
  • Provided drafting and testimonial support before Colorado Legislature for C.R.S. §§ 25-37-101, et seq., Contracting with Health Care Professionals, 2007
Blog Posts About Richard

Brian P. Molzahn

Member

As a member of the firm’s Construction & Design Practice Group and as chair of the firm’s Professional Liability Practice Group, Brian has over 20 years of experience representing business owners, public entities, developers, architects, engineers, construction managers, general contractors, surveyors, subcontractors, suppliers, insurers, insurance agents/brokers/adjusters, real estate agents/brokers, community association and property managers, allied healthcare providers, financial planners, mortgage lenders/mortgage loan originators and other various professionals.

Brian is also the chair of the firm’s Appellate Practice Group and, with over six years of broad and varied experience as a research staff attorney, liaison and senior law clerk for two chief justices in one of the busiest state appellate courts in the nation, Brian has delivered numerous appellate victories for his clients, many of which have translated into favorable law for design, construction and other professionals.

Brian is often asked to share his knowledge and insights by way of larger seminar and conference presentations as well as smaller talks and roundtables. In that same vein, Brian has co-authored a chapter in the Colorado Appellate Handbook and has rewritten the subject of design professional liability within The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law, the state’s preeminent construction law treatise.

Practice Areas

Bar Admissions

  • Colorado, 2002
  • Illinois (inactive), 1994
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit

Location

Denver Office
1001 17th Street
Suite 300
Denver, CO 80202

Education

JD: DePaul University College of Law, 1994
BA: Wheaton College, 1990, Political Science and Economics

Contact

molzahnb@hallevans.com

More About
Brian

Resume

Linkedin

 

Career Distinctions & Honors
  • Martindale-Hubbell®, AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
  • American Jurisprudence Award Recipient (multiple)
  • Staff Attorney, Illinois Appellate Court, First Judicial District
  • Senior Law Clerk to the Honorable John N. Hourihane, Chief Justice, Illinois Appellate Court, First Judicial District
  • Senior Law Clerk to the Honorable Mary Jane Theis, Chief Justice, Illinois Appellate Court, First Judicial District
Professional Associations
  • Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
  • Professional Liability Defense Federation
  • ALFA International
Decisions
  • Layton Construction Co., Inc. v. Shaw Contract Flooring Services, Inc., 2016 COA 155
  • Stan Clauson Associates, Inc. v. Coleman Brothers Construction, LLC, 2013 COA 7
  • Martin v. Essrig, 277 P.3d 857 (Colo. App. 2012)
  • Hamon Contractors, Inc. v. Carter & Burgess, Inc., 229 P. 3d 282 (Colo. App. 2008)
  • US Fire Insurance Co. v. Sonitrol Management Corp., 192 P. 3d 543 (Colo. App. 2008)
  • Western Innovations, Inc. v. Sonitrol Corp., 187 P. 3d 1155 (Colo. App. 2008)
  • Weiss v. Waterhouse Securities, Inc., 335 III. App. 3d 875, 781 N.E.2d 1105 (2001), aff’d, 208 III. 2d 439, 804 N.E.2d 536
Articles & Publications // Presentations // Webinars
  • Speaker, “Appellate Practice Update 2016,” Colorado Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2016
  • Speaker, “Rebuilding America: Constructing the Road to Recovery,” ALFA International Construction Law Practice Group Seminar, 2012
  • Speaker, Professional Liability Defense Federation Annual Meeting & CLE Presentation, 2011
  • Author/Editor, “Colorado Construction Defect Litigation and Coverage,” Hall & Evans, 2010
Blog Posts About Brian

Gary L. Kuhn

Member

Gary Kuhn’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation where he handles professional and product liability defense in state and federal courts, as well as mediation and arbitration. Gary has substantial experience defending against construction claims in his representation of developers, contractors, architects, engineers, surveyors, and subcontractors. He has represented clients with contract disputes, mechanic’s lien claims, defective design and/or construction and land use issues including public and private easements and trespass claims.

Gary’s products liability practice centers on the defense of claims brought against product designers, manufacturers and suppliers related to the design and manufacturing of industrial, recreational, and outdoor equipment. Gary also serves as local counsel to out-of-state law firms seeking guidance and assistance litigating in Colorado courts.

Practice Areas

Bar Admissions

  • Colorado, 2000
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit

Location

Denver Office
1001 17th Street
Suite 300
Denver, CO 80202

Education

JD: Vermont Law School, 1999
MSEL: Vermont Law School, 1999, Environmental Law
BS: Indiana University, 1995, Environmental Science

Contact

kuhng@hallevans.com

More About
Gary

Resume

Linkedin

Professional Associations
  • Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
  • Colorado Bar Association
    • Construction Law Section
    • Environmental Law Section
    • Litigation Section
    • Natural Resource and Energy Law Section
  • Denver Bar Association
Articles & Publications // Presentations // Webinars
  • Author, “The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Construction Law,” Section 8.4.12, 2013 Supplement
Blog Posts About Gary

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