Our Team
When working on a client’s legal matter, either Esteban, James or Rich will take lead on it depending on the type of matter and the type of expertise required. Regardless of who takes lead on a matter, we always work as a team and consult with each other frequently and without additional expense to clients. We work this way because it helps us consistently achieve client goals, the reason we practice law.
Esteban A. Martinez
During his 20+ years as an attorney, Esteban has fought for the rights and lives of persons in difficult and sometimes unexpected legal situations.
His legal career includes working as an Assistant Colorado Attorney General to suing insurance companies to providing defense of those accused of crimes.
He has successfully represented clients facing serious felonies and misdemeanors, including persons facing charges of murder, sexual assault, drug use and distribution, fraud, theft, child abuse, domestic violence and DUI.
He has also successfully represented clients in civil matters including breach of contract, domestic relations, auto-accident litigation, wrongful death and business litigation.
During his career, Esteban has also represented 300+ litigants on appeal often reversing criminal convictions and, in civil matters, achieving winning results.
If you find yourself in a tough situation, you should call him. He can and wants to help.
Currently, he’s accepting clients in the areas of business formation (e.g., partnership agreements, operating agreements), business litigation, wrongful death, police brutality, criminal defense, civil rights and civil and criminal appeals.
James West
James West is a Colorado native and has recently returned home to practice. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver with a bachelor’s degree in political science and completed his J.D. at the University of Virginia School of Law.
Prior to law school, Mr. West had a career in negotiations and mediation in addition to having several small businesses in various fields. He continued to pursue his passion for justice and problem solving during law school, participating in multiple clinics and pro-bono projects ranging from working with the Just Children project for the Charlottesville Legal Aid Justice Center, the Charlottesville Public Defender’s Office, and the civil rights organization the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression. Following law school, he worked with the Free Speech Clinic at UVA while a Robert F. Kennedy ’51 Public Service Fellow.
Since law school, Mr. West has focused on public-service oriented projects and working with small firms specializing in criminal defense, civil rights law, and appellate work that share his commitment to providing access to the legal system for low- and middle-income people in need.
Mr. West is proud to have served as an Adjunct Professor in the Community College of Denver’s Paralegal Studies Program teaching Civil Litigation, Legal Research, Legal Writing, and Administrative Law. He is also an active mediator and “problem solver” in his community.
Mr. West is admitted to practice in Colorado and Virginia.
Rich Walker, of Counsel
Rich Walker has practiced law in the Denver area since 1999. He also holds a license as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has provided CPA services in Colorado and California for forty years.
Rich provides legal counsel emphasizing tax law, business formation and estate planning, and has presented on numerous topics on marijuana business law, tax law, 280E, and Bank Secrecy Act compliance.
For over 40 years, Rich has represented businesses, professionals, farmers, wineries, and individuals in all variety of legal and business matters with an emphasis on taxation. Rich has helped clients start dozens of businesses and has provided advice on the sale of those businesses. Rich also represents clients with significant annual incomes and estates with millions of dollars in assets. In his capacity as a CPA, Rich has prepared hundreds of individual, business and trust and estate income tax returns.
In 2019, the National Law Journal honored Rich by awarding him with a Law Trailblazer award for 2019.
Rich brings substantial knowledge to the table. With his knowledge, he helps dispensaries, grow facilities, and other businesses navigate through complex legal mazes including Tax Court and IRS audits.
He is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court of Colorado, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, Federal District Court, District of New Mexico, United States Tax Court and US Supreme Court.