Atty. Steven M. Kelso
Steven M. Kelso is a commercial litigator that has tried more than 40 trials, agency actions, and arbitrations to verdict, decision, or award.
Profile Summary
About Steven M. Kelso at a glance
Steven M. Kelso is a Shareholder based in Denver, Colorado, practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. They have 29+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1997. Their practice focuses on litigation. Admitted to practice in Colorado U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado U.S. District Court for the Eastern Distri (1997). Educated at Notre Dame Law School (J.D., 1997) and University of Colorado at Boulder (B.S., 1994). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Active member of Professional & Community Involvement •Member, International Association of Defense Counsel. Serves clients in Denver, CO and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Steven M. Kelso is a commercial litigator that has tried more than 40 trials, agency actions, and arbitrations to verdict, decision, or award
- Steve focuses on defending franchisors and motor vehicle manufacturers/distributors in disputes with franchisees and dealers
- With deep experience in pre-litigation dealer network counseling, Steve also represents his clients in various state and federal courts, before administrative agencies, and on appeal
- He has delivered precedent-setting arguments that have shaped franchise and related commercial law throughout the country
- His appellate experience includes preserving motor vehicle manufacturers’ and distributors’ ability to enforce litigation waivers in the face of anti-waiver statutes
- His clients span a range of industries, including automotive, trucking, consumer services, and health care
- Steve develops litigation strategies with his clients’ legal and business goals in mind
- Steve goes beyond traditional representation to create tailored, innovative narratives to effectively demonstrate to judges and juries how his clients’ businesses work
- As a result, he has defended companies and franchisors against lawsuits attacking their business models
- Steve began his legal career by serving in the U.S
- Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps
- While in the Air Force, he served as lead trial counsel and supervising attorney on a range of complex jury trials
- Concentrations •Franchise matters •Dealer Network •Commercial disputes Recognition & Leadership Awards & Accolades •Listed, Benchmark Litigation, 'Litigation Star,' 2026 •Listed, Super Lawyers Magazine, 2009-2011, 2013-2026 •Selected, Top 100 Colorado Super Lawyers, 2024 •Selected, Colorado Super Lawyers - Litigation, 2021 •Selected, Colorado Super Lawyers - Franchise/Dealership, 2020, 2022-2024 •Selected, Colorado Super Lawyers - Civil Litigation Defense, 2013-2019 •Selected, Colorado Super Lawyers Rising Stars - Franchise/Dealership, 2010-2011 •Selected, Colorado Super Lawyers Rising Stars - Civil Litigation Defense, 2009-2011 •Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Franchise Law, 2018-2026 •Named, 'Lawyer of the Year,' Franchise Law, 2020 •Selected, Law Week Colorado, “Lawyer of the Year,” 2010
Practice Areas Explained
Steven M. Kelso's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Steven M. Kelso handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Steven M. Kelso is one of 409,070 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Colorado →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Colorado
Practicing law in Colorado. Legal matters in Colorado are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Denver are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Colorado state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Colorado brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Colorado courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Colorado attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Denver or all attorneys in Colorado.
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