Elizabeth T. Hartsel

Liz provides counsel to individuals and companies of all sizes, from family-run businesses to multinational corporations. She regularly advises CBD, construction, and technology companies as well as individuals and companies in a wide range of other industries. She has served as counsel in bench and jury trials in Colorado and New York, arbitrations and administrative hearings.

Liz has extensive experience assisting clients in disputes concerning contract-based issues, securities, fraud and other business torts, breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of trade secrets, computer fraud, employment law, eviction law, and CBD law. In addition, she frequently helps homeowners and businesses manage and solve legal disputes involving construction defects and mechanics’ liens.

Liz is skilled in employment law and enjoys helping businesses and employees navigate labor and employment laws. She works with her clients to proactively mitigate the risk of future employment claims both on the front end with confidentiality, non-compete, and non-solicitation agreements and on the back end with separation and release agreements.

When litigation is unavoidable, Liz has experience representing both sides of disputes regarding discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims, wrongful termination, and wage and hour (FLSA) claims. In addition, her employment practice includes drafting employment and independent contractor agreements and advising employers on labor issues, such as collective bargaining and Department of Labor appeals.

Before joining Fortis, Liz practiced law in New York City, worked at another Denver law firm, and served as a law clerk to the Honorable William J. Martinez at the United States District Court for the District of Colorado.

Practice Areas

• Contract and Commercial Litigation
• Employment Litigation
• Government Investigations
• Construction Litigation

Bar Admissions

Colorado

New York

U.S. District Court, District of Colorado

U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York

Education

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, JD 2009

Pennsylvania State University, BA & BS 2004

Community Activities & Personal Interests

Liz currently serves as Vice-Chair for the Crescendo Society with the Colorado Symphony. She previously served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA). She also is a member of the CBCA Leadership Arts Alumni Association. Liz enjoys giving back to the community through her pro bono practice. She has represented asylum seekers and minors seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, assisted domestic violence victims in obtaining civil protection orders and represented nonprofit arts organizations in various legal disputes. In her free time, Liz enjoys running and cycling and is a running coach for the Colorado Harriers.