
Ellen Kathleen O'Brien, General Attorney in Denver, Colorado
Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on General, Real Estate, and Tax · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratBallard Spahr LLP
Denver, CO
Practicing general in Denver since 1990.
- 36+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Ellen Kathleen O'Brien?
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Quick answer
Ellen Kathleen O'Brien is a partner based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on General, Real Estate, and Tax. Ellen has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ballard Spahr LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Denver, CO
- Experience
- over 36 years
- Known for
- General · Real Estate · Tax
- Handles General, Real Estate, and Tax matters from Denver, CO.
- Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Ellen Kathleen O'Brien: Ellen Kathleen O'Brien is a partner based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on General, Real Estate, and Tax. Ellen has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ballard Spahr LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Ellen's practice areas in Denver
Ellen concentrates on general, real estate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ellen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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Real Estate
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Tax
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General cases in Denver, Colorado
Ellen takes general 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 Ellen agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Denver, Colorado
Ellen takes real estate 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 Ellen agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Denver, Colorado
Ellen takes tax 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 Ellen agrees to represent you.
Biography
Ellen Kathleen O'Brien, general attorney serving Denver
Ellen Kathleen O'Brien is a partner based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on General, Real Estate, and Tax. Ellen has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ballard Spahr LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Ellen works from Denver, Colorado and takes on general matters across the region.
Ellen Kathleen O'Brien is a lawyer practicing real estate, housing, p3/infrastructure and 1 other area of law. Ellen received a B.A. degree from Colorado College in 1985, and has been licensed for 36 years. Ellen practices at Ballard Spahr LLP in Denver, CO.
How Ellen handles general matters
<p>Ellen Kathleen O'Brien is a lawyer practicing real estate, housing, p3/infrastructure and 1 other area of law. Ellen received a B.A. degree from Colorado College in 1985, and has been licensed for 36 years. Ellen practices at Ballard Spahr LLP in Denver, CO.</p>
The kind of cases Ellen takes
Ellen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, real estate, and tax matters in Denver and the surrounding Colorado area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Ellen studied and practices
Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
J.D. University · 1989
Colorado College
B.A. · 1985
Jurisdictions
Ellen's state bar admissions
U.S. Tax Court
1990 · ACTIVE
Colorado
1990 · ACTIVE
Ellen studied at J.D. University in Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology and B.A. in Colorado College.
Law school and academic background
Ellen completed J.D. University in Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology and B.A. in Colorado College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ellen runs in Colorado is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Ellen's legal honors and published work
Ellen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Ellen's professional memberships and bar associations
Denver Bar Association
membership
Locations
Ellen Kathleen O'Brien's office in Denver
Ellen's primary office is at 1225 17th St., Ste. 2300, Denver, CO, 80202-5596. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Ellen Kathleen O'Brien — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Ellen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Denver.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ellen Kathleen O'Brien claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Ellen Kathleen O'Brien — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Ellen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Ellen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ellen'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; Ellen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in Denver, Colorado
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 Ellen
Ellen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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. Ellen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Ellen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Ellen Kathleen O'Brien
How much does it cost to hire Ellen for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ellen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ellen offer a free consultation?
Ellen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ellen's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Ellen's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Colorado typically take?
Simple general 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. Ellen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ellen take my case if I'm outside Denver?
Ellen 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 — Ellen 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 Ellen?
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. Ellen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ellen accepting new general clients right now?
Ellen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving Denver, Colorado Springs and Boulder in Colorado
Ellen handles general matters throughout Colorado. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
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