Having worked in private practice, as a county attorney, and as a District Court Judge, Chris Seldin knows what excellence in the courtroom looks like and what it takes to achieve that on behalf of his clients.
Overview
Chris has over twenty-five years of experience in general civil litigation and appeals.
General Civil Litigation
As a Judge, Chris presided over a wide array of cases, including those involving complex commercial and business disputes. Prior to becoming a Judge, he worked as the Assistant County Attorney in the Pitkin County Attorney’s Office, providing trial and appellate counsel for the County. Chris now represents individuals, businesses, and public entities and employees in a variety of cases in state and federal court, including those concerning breach of contract, business disputes, real estate, probate, water, land use, local government law, civil rights, and employment.
Appeals
Chris has successfully represented clients in cases before the Colorado Court of Appeals, Colorado Supreme Court, and Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and has established Colorado law in matters of first impression. As a Judge, he presided over appeals from County Court, giving him a unique understanding of the appellate process and the types of arguments that are well received by appellate judges. Chris served alongside numerous appellate judges on the Colorado Appellate Rules Committee from 2022 to 2024.
Former District Court Judge
Chris served as a District Court Judge in Colorado’s Ninth Judicial District for nine years. During that time, he also acted as the Division 5 Water Court Judge, with jurisdiction over the Colorado River’s headwaters. His experience on the bench has given Chris a breadth of perspective and knowledge which allows him to provide his clients with insight and focused legal counsel designed around his knowledge of what works in the courtroom.
Leadership
Chris sits on the Board of Trustees of the Johnson Foundation of the Rockies, a philanthropic organization supporting human services organizations throughout Colorado, including those serving at-risk children.
Education + Admissions
Education
J.D., University of California at Berkeley
In law school, Chris served as an Articles Editor on the California Law Review, received American Jurisprudence awards in Constitutional Law and Water Law, and was awarded the Prosser Prize in Public Land Law.
B.A., Dartmouth College, cum laude with honors
Admissions
- Colorado
- U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit
Associations
Boulder Bar Association
Colorado Bar Association
Colorado Appellate Rules Committee, Member (2022-2024)
Pitkin County Bar Association
Published Cases
Department of Trans., State of Colo. v. Stapleton, 97 P.3d 938 (Colo. 2004).
People ex rel. Salazar v. Davidson, 79 P.3d 1221 (Colo. 2003).
Out + About
Chris grew up in Durango, Colorado and enjoys spending his free time outdoors. He is an avid road and gravel cyclist, as well as a back country, cross-country, and telemark skier. Chris also likes working with his hands as an amateur carpenter and bike mechanic.
