A Distinguished Gentleman
Pete Thomas graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in English Literature, later receiving his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver College of Law. He was a member of the Board of Editors of the Journal of International & Comparative Law and received a distinguished appointment as an intern law clerk to the Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court, the Honorable Anthony F. Vollack (ret.). In 2000, Mr. Thomas was chosen to represent the State of Colorado as a Delegate at the annual convention of the American Bar Association in New York City.
And a Distinguished Career
Mr. Thomas' professional career has been punctuated by achievements impressive by any measure. In his almost ten year career, Mr. Thomas has built a reputation in the courtroom where he successfully has represented plaintiffs and defendants in a wide range of cases, several of which have received national recognition and press coverage.
Behind the scenes, Mr. Thomas also has amassed extensive experience in all facets of resort real estate, land use, construction and development. He is recognized for his instrumental role in the negotiation of hundreds of millions of dollars of complex transactions. Mr. Thomas' list of clients range from individuals to small businesses to Fortune 100 publicly traded companies.
Mr. Thomas is admitted to practice before all state courts in Colorado and also before the United States Federal District Court, Colorado and the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit. He is listed in the National Registry of Who's Who, 2000 Ed.
Skill, Stratagem and Solutions
Clients and even opposing counsel frequently ask Mr. Thomas how he has accomplished so much at such a relatively early stage of his career. His answer? "An unwavering commitment to the success of my clients." As he explains, "I am personally and professionally vested in the outcome of every client matter I handle. Their success is my success."
Mr. Thomas understands that each of his clients measure success in different terms. Obtaining a successful resolution to a litigation matter requires a different tact than reaching a successful negotiation of a transactional matter. Each requires a separate skill set employing fact specific strategies and solutions. Ultimately, however, the key to a successful resolution of any complex legal matter requires a keen analytical mind blended with diplomatic polish to both evaluate and communicate what needs to be done to solve any given problem. "Never be part of the problem, always be part of the solution," he says.
Giving Back to the Community
Mr. Thomas volunteers substantial time to the Denver and Aspen communities, as well as being an active member in a number of professional organizations, including the Colorado Trial Lawyer's Association and the American, Denver and Pitkin County Bar Associations. Mr. Thomas served four years as a Member of the Board of the Colorado Bar Association YLD Executive Committee.
Mr. Thomas presently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Pitkin County Planning & Zoning Commission to which he has devoted hundreds of hours of his time over his 6 year tenure with the board. Mr. Thomas also volunteered substantial time as a volunteer attorney for the American Trial Lawyers Association outreach program representing families of victims of the September 11 World Trade Center disaster. Finally, Mr. Thomas serves as the Board Legal Director for the Colorado Whitewater Association.
Home and Family
Although Mr. Thomas represents clients throughout Colorado and travels frequently to meet with clients in neighboring states, he fondly calls the mountain resort town of Snowmass Village his home. He is a devoted husband to his wife Natasha, an elementary school teacher, and their young daughter Devin Eliza.
Mr. Thomas is also an avid skier, whitewater kayaker, and musician. On a recent summer rafting trip, he invited several clients to attend with their families. As the group sat around a campfire that evening listening to Mr. Thomas strum guitar and recount the adventures of the day, one admiring client was heard to exclaim, "can you believe that's our lawyer!" Both in the office and out of the office, all clients agree: Pete Thomas is a steadfast friend and zealous advocate. "You've lost before you've even begun if he isn't on your side" notes a longstanding client.
