Steven Gutierrez

About Steven Gutierrez

I work tirelessly as a trusted advisor to executives, managers, and human resources professionals on all matters affecting their workforce. From discrimination and wrongful terminations to non-compete agreements and union grievances, my diverse experience advising employers and litigating employment claims allows me to offer practical solutions to real-life workplace issues.For almost 25 years, I have had the pleasure of working with some of the finest companies in the world, from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies. I stand firm on several principals that guide my dedication and spirit in representing my client’s interests: responsiveness, superior client service, high quality legal work, and diligence in providing strategic and practical cost-effective advice. Working together to mitigate legal risks while securing reasonable and strategic business objectives serves my clients well. If you have traditional labor, employment, or other commercial litigation needs, please reach out to me. I will work with you to ensure that your interests are protected.For me, getting to know a client and their business is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. Developing and earning a client’s trust, so that I become integral as an advisor in the success and mission of my client is what drives me. I have found that earlier intervention and review of legal risks often resolves the issue and prevents the problem from escalating, dragging on, or becoming costly.Additionally, when a matter is unable to be resolved short of a lawsuit, I have the courtroom experience that a client can rely on. Having had more than 30 cases go to trial, arbitration, or hearing before state court, federal court, and other administrative bodies has allowed me to develop practical trial skills that have been refined through hours spent in the courtroom. I am comfortable with a jury, and can develop a relationship in trial to a fair and just determination of the matter.

Experience

1. Partner

   Holland & Hart LLP

   Sep 2002 — Present

   My trial litigation and advice experience is vast and very diverse. Clients have looked to me to assist them with a myriad of employee issues and commercial litigation, some of which include: • Claims concerning wrongful termination;• Breach of express or implied employment contracts;• Violation of covenants not to compete;• Contracts for the protection of trade secrets;• Employment discrimination, including discrimination collective actions;• Wage matters (including FLSA collective actions);• FMLA claims, ADA and workers compensation matters;• Defamation;• Torts Defense; • Claims of retaliatory discharge; and• Commercial Litigation.When companies have traditional labor issues, I can help them address everything from collective bargaining, avoiding union formation, dealing with grievances, handling arbitrations, or any other tough labor issue. I find keeping a client in compliance with the regulations and avoiding costly work stoppages particularly satisfying.

Education

• University of Denver - Sturm College of Law

  Doctor of Law (J.D.)

  1990 — 1993

• University of Northern Colorado

  Bachelor's degree, Political Science and Government

Skills

• Trials
• Retaliation
• Trial Practice
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Civil Rights
• Class Actions
• Mediation
• Defamation
• Employment Contracts
• Torts
• Trade Secrets
• Employment Discrimination
• Commercial Litigation
• Civil Litigation
• Legal Advice
• Appeals
• Arbitration
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Eeoc
• Discrimination
• Business Litigation
• Intellectual Property
• Employment Law
• Non-Compete Agreements
• Legal Research
• Hearings