Spencer Kontnik
Partner—Attorney

Spencer is an experienced trial attorney who specializes in employment and disability law. His practice also includes contract and business litigation. While working for a prominent defense law firm in Colorado, Spencer litigated cases throughout the United States and was one of Chipotle’s trial attorneys in a high stakes, multi-million dollar lawsuit. His wide breadth of experience is valuable in advising his clients, developing strategies, and navigating lawsuits. Spencer is a fearless advocate who works tirelessly to ensure that his clients’ goals are met.

Spencer’s disability practice focuses primarily on working with Deaf, and deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Spencer’s employment practice focuses on discrimination claims involving age, race, gender, sex and disability discrimination. Spencer’s employment practice also includes wage and hour claims including claims for unpaid minimum wage, overtime, and rest/break periods. His litigation experience includes cases before juries, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD).

Spencer was born with a profound hearing loss. When Spencer was six, he lost his hearing in his left ear; thus, he has unmatched personal knowledge of the legal issues that are related to hearing loss. Nonetheless, through the use of a cochlear implant and hearing aids, Spencer has excelled as a trial attorney. He is one of three individuals, in the history of the DU Law School, to receive the prestigious “Directors Award” for his work as a leading member of the National Trial Team. He takes pride in ensuring that all of his clients have an opportunity to be heard.

Spencer is involved with several charities in the Denver area. He is the co-founder of The Smile and Nod Project, a non-profit that is dedicated to bridging communication barriers for those with hearing loss. He also a member of Denver Active 2030 Children’s Foundation, which donates over a million dollars per year to at-risk youth in the Colorado community.

Bar Admissions

·      U.S. District Court for the District Court of Colorado

·      Colorado

Education

·      University of Denver Sturm College of Law

·      University of Colorado

Notable Achievements and Awards

·      Academic Scholar – University of Denver Sturm College of Law

·      Best in Tournament – Golden Gate University: In Vino Veritas National Trial Invitation

·      Directors Award – Performance and Leadership Strum College of Law National Trial Team

·      Distinguished Service – U.S. Senator for Colorado

·      English Channel Swim – Raising over $150,000 for charity

·      2-Time All American Swimmer

Associations and Affiliations

·      Colorado Trial Lawyers Association

·      Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association

·      Deaf and Hard of Hearing Bar Association

·      Disability Rights Bar Association