Kim Ritter is an experienced litigator with a knack for seeing things from a business perspective…and a world traveler's broad ability to face a challenge. She is equally at ease navigating mountainous Italy on a motor scooter or facing high-powered opposing counsel in complex cases in Colorado's state and federal courts.
She also regularly appears before the state's administrative panels and resolves client disputes and claims through the arbitration and mediation process. As Kim says, "I don't rush a client into litigation."
Over the years, Kim's practice has involved virtually any kind of commercial dispute imaginable. She has, for example, resolved a shareholder dispute between owners of a family-run business, represented a real estate brokerage agency in a wrongful termination case, advised several medical practices on complex employment law issues, and much more.
Most of Kim's cases involve commercial disputes, business break-ups and contract-related issues as well as an overlap of the numerous laws affecting employment, including:
- Shareholder disputes
- Wrongful discharge
- Discrimination Defense
- Trade secrets/non-compete agreements/confidentiality agreements
- Wage and hour claims
Clients give Kim high marks for being responsive, practical and efficient. "Wherever possible, my role is to exhaust all non-litigation avenues before initiating litigation. If litigation is necessary, however, I'm prepared to and will aggressively try the case." Kim helps clients find ways to align their interests and to design solutions that are practical, legal and enforceable.
Kim is also an experienced and sought after trainer. She regularly trains corporate clients on issues of workplace diversity and harassment, and frequently speaks at seminars involving commercial and employment-related topics.
Experience
Case Study: Resolving an ownership dispute without litigation
Our Client’s Objective: A local, Denver-based business owned by two individuals was embroiled in a dispute involving the control of the business. The individual owners could not agree on their roles, responsibilities or compensation.
MB Approach: Kim met with the individuals and got the parties talking constructively about a possible buyout of the company by one of the owners – rather than litigating the dispute.
What’s Next? The case was resolved when one of the owners agreed to a buyout of the other owner, enabling a successful company to continue without the distraction of the shareholders’ dispute.
Case Study: Taking Care of a Popular Restaurant Chain against an Employment Claim
Our Client’s Objective: A national restaurant chain hired us to defend it when a former key employee alleged that he was wrongfully terminated.
MB Approach: We established that the plaintiff had become disabled and was unable to perform his duties as an employee.
What’s Next? Kim obtained a favorable settlement before the case went to trial.
Additional Experience
- Defended a national real estate brokerage firm in a trial concerning the wrongful termination of a senior executive.
- Successfully resolved a federal court case involving a disputed valuation of a business and the division of assets.
- Defended a national staffing firm against claims for class certification and unpaid travel time.
- Successfully pursued claims by a Colorado corporation against the manufacturer of a software system that was defective.
Professional and Civic Activities
- Active Member, Vistage, 2013 - Present
- Member of LawPact, 2004 - Present
- LawPact Board of Directors - 2015
Outside the Office
Travel is at the top of the list. Kim has seen Italy via scooter, enjoyed snorkeling in Mexico and is excited to attend one of the matches in the upcoming 2015 London Rugby World Cup.
Videos