Bio

Few lawyers possess the unique combination of knowledge and experience in public sector and real estate law that Rita offers her clients as they navigate through the land entitlement and development processes. Rita’s collaborative approach to commercial, residential, and mixed-use real-estate development is rooted in her background as former in-house counsel and government lawyer handling complex legal matters. Her practice encompasses all aspects of land entitlement and real estate development, including zoning, purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, and the drafting of covenants, easements, and construction documents. Rita’s passion for her clients and her work is evident across the Front Range, where she has created and fostered multiple public-private partnerships aimed at improving local communities. She regularly works with land owners and developers during the land use process, working closely with federal, state, and local governments, mineral interest owners and neighborhood associations to secure support for and timely approval of residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. Regardless of the underlying matter, Rita shares her clients’ enthusiasm and vision for infusing local communities with sustainable, revitalizing developments that can offer jobs, homes, and entertainment to Colorado’s residents. Clients rely on Rita to efficiently navigate municipal and state codes, and entities like special districts and urban renewal authorities. Because of her decades of experience on both sides of real estate transactions, she adds value to every project. When needed, Rita works with the state legislature and elected officials to help facilitate progress. A deal-maker at heart, Rita also partners with clients throughout their projects, offering insights on legal, marketing, and business plans alike. Rita represents clients in local, state, federal, and administrative proceedings. She has successfully argued before both the Colorado Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court. Rita also regularly creates, represents, and manages special districts. She has provided day-to-day legal advice to elected officials and department directors on a full range of public sector law issues.