SPRINGER AND STEINBERG - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Key Member of the Team at Springer & Steinberg
- Special Counsel
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® and with 27 years of legal experience, Amy M. Springer is a key member of the team at Springer & Steinberg, P.C. She primarily focuses on divorce and family law matters and strives to provide the personalized attention and aggressive counsel her clients need in these sensitive, important issues.
"I graduated from DU in 1991, after finishing my undergraduate education at CU Leeds College of Business. I have experience in general litigation, bankruptcy law, and family law domestic matters. I also am an occasional guest columnist for the Glendale Chronicle. When I'm not practicing law, I am an avid tennis player, enjoy traveling and spending time with my family." - Amy M. Springer
Education
J.D., University of Denver, 1991
B.A., University of Colorado at Boulder, 1988
Job Titles:
- Distinguished Member of the Law Team
- Senior Litigator
Austin G. Miller is an attorney at Springer and Steinberg, P.C. who primarily focuses on representing clients in complex civil and criminal matters. Before attending the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, Austin received his degree in Business Economics from the University of Arizona where he was a manager for the Men's Basketball Team. During his time with the team, Austin was inspired to pursue a career that would allow him to help advocate for people facing difficult situations.
Practice Areas:
Criminal Defense
Job Titles:
- Civil Litigation Attorney
Job Titles:
- Senior Paralegal
- Senior Paralegal at Springer & Steinberg
Bio
Charleen Castro is a senior paralegal at Springer & Steinberg, P.C. in Denver. She brings years of legal and industry experience to each case she helps handle with our attorneys.
Growing up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Charleen would later attend Temple University to complete her BA in Communications. After a busy career as a regional sales manager for ferrous metal castings, she sought a change in professions, and the law caught her attention. She completed her paralegal certificate with the intention of assisting corporate law firms but found that she was drawn to cases for people in need, not corporations. She now assists our firm with family law, criminal defense, and personal injury cases, as well as appellate cases handled in local, state, and federal courts.
Education:
B.B. Temple University
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Special Counsel at Springer & Steinberg Law Firm
Bio
Charles J. Piechota, Esq., brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Special Counsel at Springer & Steinberg Law Firm, based in Denver, Colorado. With a multifaceted legal practice, Chuck is a distinguished professional specializing in mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, estate planning, trademarks and copyrights, and liquor licensing.
Bio
Chloe Bilodeau, practicing as an attorney at Springer Steinberg PC, brings a wealth of experience garnered from five years at the Colorado State Public Defender's office. Her professional journey includes two years in Montrose County, Colorado, and three years in Denver County, Colorado, following her graduation from Washington and Lee University School of Law.
Having earned honors in economics from the University of Florida, Chloe embarked on her legal career fueled by a dedication to criminal defense. Her passion lies in assisting others in navigating the complexities of our legal system and fervently advocating for their rights.
Within the firm, Chloe's practice is exclusively concentrated on criminal defense. Her commitment revolves around delivering effective legal representation and safeguarding the rights of individuals within the legal system.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Chloe finds joy in caring for her two adopted dogs. She relishes flaky croissants and an excellent Vanilla Latte while exploring the Colorado mountains through hiking and skiing.
Education:
Washington and Lee University School of Law, Lexington, VA
Juris Doctor 2018
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
BA Economics Cum Laude 2015
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Member of the Colorado
- Senior Litigator
Attorney Christopher Boeckx is an experienced civil litigator with extensive experience before Colorado's administrative, trial, and appellate courts. Chris prides himself on providing client-centered, resolution-focused legal services to a broad spectrum of individual and corporate clients.
Chris brings more than a decade of experience to his work for Springer & Steinberg, P.C. Most recently, Chris served as an Assistant Attorney General for the Colorado Attorney General's Office. In that capacity, he provided both litigation and general counsel services to various divisions of the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Personnel and Administration. Prior to that, Chris was a founding partner at a highly regarded family law firm, where he developed extensive experience and expertise in all manner of domestic relations cases. Chris also served as a Judge for the city of Englewood, Colorado, presiding over all manner of criminal and code enforcement proceedings.
Chris graduated with honors from the University of Denver, Strum College of Law. While there, he was a member of the National Trial Team, and President of the Land Use Law Society.
When not practicing law, Chris is an active member of the Colorado theater community. He can often be found on stage at theaters across the metro region. Chris is also the co-founder of the Denver Actors Fund, a non-profit dedicated to providing critical assistance to members of the Colorado theater community experiencing medical emergencies.
Job Titles:
- Lawyers Association Member, Board of Directors
Bio
Emily's practice is devoted to defending individuals in criminal cases in the state of Colorado. Emily's approach is client-centered and built around supporting clients during one of the most difficult and daunting periods in their lives. From successfully litigating constitutional motions to securing excellent results through negotiation, investigation, and mitigation, Emily fights relentlessly to obtain favorable outcomes for clients at the trial and pre-trial stages of criminal prosecution.
Emily began her legal career in criminal defense as a Colorado State Public Defender. She has extensive experience and has zealously defended clients who were facing criminal charges ranging from traffic and misdemeanor offenses to sex assaults and homicides. During her time as a public defender and after, Emily has handled hundreds of cases and tried dozens of cases to juries, obtaining favorable outcomes for her clients.
Evan Healey is a litigation attorney with broad experience across civil and criminal practice areas. His litigation experience includes cases in state and federal courts around the country, including Nevada, Georgia, Texas, California, and, of course, Colorado. Prior to joining Springer & Steinberg, P.C., he served as a law clerk to a district court judge in Jefferson County and interned at an Oregon-based nonprofit litigating groundbreaking cases in the highest courts of various jurisdictions, including the United States Supreme Court.
Evan's background in natural sciences provides him with the ability to analyze cases and interpret evidence in a way that few other attorneys can. His combination of legal and scientific expertise has resulted in favorable settlements in civil matters for both plaintiffs and defendants.
Evan has experience that includes a broad scope of civil litigation matters for both plaintiffs and defendants, including personal injury, business disputes, government contracting, municipal taxation, and employment. He is also quickly developing a reputation as a specialist in cases brought under Colorado's Dram Shop Act against bars, restaurants, and other liquor license holders. His criminal law experience is equally broad and ranges from minor traffic infractions to felony cases with charges of assault, menacing, and child abuse.
Evan was born and raised in the Denver metro area and is a lifelong lover of outdoor sports. He is an accomplished cyclist and runner and has competed in dozens of triathlons around the country, including national championships.
"It has been said that if there were no bad people, there would be no good lawyers. I've found this to be true because in law, as in life, power is too frequently given to people who abuse it. I enjoy practicing law because it allows me to give a voice to the voiceless and stand up in the face of overzealous insurance companies and prosecutors. My ultimate goal as an attorney is to equalize the balance of power and help my clients navigate through and successfully overcome what are often the most difficult times in their lives."
EDUCATION
J.D., University of Denver, 2019
M.S., Northern Arizona University, 2015
B.A., University of Colorado, 2013
Job Titles:
- Accountant
- Attorney
- Partner
Harvey A. Steinberg is AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale Hubbell®, selected for The Best Lawyers in America®, and is ranked in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers. After serving as a Deputy District Attorney in the 18th Judicial District, Colorado from 1978-1985, Mr. Steinberg and Mr. Springer joined forces to form Springer & Steinberg, P.C. and have been succeeding in the most complex and difficult cases ever since.
"I became a lawyer because I could talk my way out of anything. It is important that somebody stands up to the system otherwise the system will roll over everybody; The system demands that we hold it in check. I do it for the satisfaction that comes with making sure my clients get the best results possible." - Harvey A. Steinberg
Education
J.D., University of Colorado, 1978, with distinction
B.A., University of Colorado, 1975
Arizona University
Bio
Jarod joined Springer and Steinberg as the Accountant in February 2022. He brings over 14 years of accounting and finance experience to the firm, from a wide variety of industries. He was excited for the opportunity to join the firm and have more of a personal impact on the local community by helping to serve all the various clients of the firm.
Jarod grew up in the City of Thornton, graduated from Metropolitan State College of Denver with a degree in Finance, and currently lives in the Town of Parker with his wife and two daughters that happily take up any free time outside of work.
Mr. Springer is AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale Hubbell®, has been selected for The Best Lawyers in America® and "Super Lawyers," is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and is ranked in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers.
"I became a lawyer to pursue justice for my clients. We founded Springer and Steinberg so when someone is injured or needs the scales of justice to be balanced in their favor we use our considerable experience to get them the results they deserve. Over the years I've litigated hundreds of cases in the Denver area and throughout the country. I'm proud of what I accomplish for my clients and the tens of millions of dollars that I have recovered on their behalf." - Jeffrey A. Springer
Education:
J.D., University of Colorado at Boulder, 1975
A.B., Princeton University, 1972
Awards:
2024 Recognized by Best Lawyers for:
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
JoAnne is an experienced and respected litigator with over three decades of experience in Colorado courts and the Denver legal and non-profit communities. She began her legal career as an appellate law clerk at the Colorado Court of Appeals, after which she practiced with and became a partner at a 50 plus attorney litigation firm in Greenwood Village. Her practice in the insurance group focused on a wide range of insurance coverage issues and claims, including general liability, disability (individual and group), health, automobile/significant personal injury and life. This initial work experience with and for insurers provided extensive background into the day-to-day operations of the insurance industry, its' regulators and claims handling and remains a major focus of her continuing work
For the past 20 plus years JoAnne has focused her practice on representing insureds-assisting them in making and perfecting insurance claims and litigating claims after improper denial or delay by their insurer. She has also litigated hundreds of commercial, negligence (including legal malpractice), and education related claims in federal and state courts. Her knowledge of insurance law and bad faith, coupled with her extensive litigation experience has been pivotal in her representation as personal counsel of physicians, attorneys and other professionals and insureds, in assisting them in obtaining insurance benefits.
JoAnne appreciates that when making or pursuing a claim, clients often face multiple challenges beyond the insurance claim at issue. She is experienced in working cooperatively with other counsel, agencies and experts to maximize the potential success of each claim or case.
JoAnne is admitted to practice in Colorado, Wyoming, the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. She is rated "AV" by Martindale-Hubble. She is a member of the Colorado and Arapahoe Bar Associations, including the Insurance and Health Care Sections. She has served on several Colorado non-profit boards including the Colorado Ballet (2010-present), Developmental Pathways (2012-2021) and Adam's Camp ( 1999-2009); tutored and mentored at the University of Denver Bridge Project and Denver Public Schools truancy education and reduction program. She holds an MS in Special Education and Reading and a Type D Certificate in School Administration and previously taught in Littleton Public Schools.
Joel Richardson is a seasoned litigation attorney with experience across all manner of civil practice areas. Admitted to the State Bar of Colorado in 2005, he has litigated and tried cases on a variety of matters in state and federal courts in Colorado. In addition to trial court experience, Joel has argued and briefed numerous cases before the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Colorado Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
Bio
Attorney Keith Scranton is an experienced litigation attorney who has handled cases in various state and federal courts across the country, including the Colorado Supreme Court, Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Much of his work is focused on complex, commercial, appellate, and class action litigation.
Growing up in Montana, Keith gained an appreciation for both the outdoors and the importance of community. He was first introduced to the legal system in middle school where he volunteered for a Peer Court program as a student attorney. There, volunteers worked with first time youth offenders to take accountability for their actions and repay their debt to society. Keith's passion for law quickly grew, and he decided to become a lawyer, a profession that would allow him to stand up for people in need, which rang true with his core principles. He completed his undergraduate studies in New York and then headed to the University of Colorado School of Law, Boulder for his JD.
Keith's practice is primarily focused on representing plaintiffs. Throughout the years he has striven to give each client personalized attention and compassionate representation. By treating clients like friends, not case numbers, he helps them navigate the stressful world of litigation. This deliberate approach to casework also helps uncover truths behind each case and strengthens his ability to effectively represent and pursue each client's objectives.
There have been many defining moments in Attorney Scranton's legal career. He has presented oral arguments in front of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in a putative class action against an international tech company; he has secured an $11.5 million verdict for a brain injury client injured by a defective product; he helped a grieving mother find closure and financial stability by securing a confidential settlement after her 5-month-old was killed in a crash; and, he has gone head-to-head with major insurance companies and their attorney lobbyists in front of the Colorado Supreme Court in Calderon v. American Family Insurance.
In his free time, Keith often enjoys hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. For quieter recreation, he practices photography.
Education
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY - BS in Science, Technology, and Society with Minor in Technological Entrepreneurship - 2006
University of Colorado School of Law, Boulder, CO - JD - 2010
Job Titles:
- Denied over Judge's Fear He 's Like Tom Cruise
Bio
Lisa Ware is a seasoned paralegal with over 30 years of expertise in the legal field. After earning her Bachelor of Social Work from New Mexico State University, Lisa embarked on her professional journey in Houston, Texas. Despite a few years in the workforce, she felt a profound sense of dissatisfaction. Lisa's career took a transformative turn when she enrolled in classes at the Center for Advanced Legal Studies, where she discovered her true passion.
Dedicating herself to obtaining a paralegal certificate, Lisa left her full-time job and has been unwavering in her commitment ever since. In Houston, she contributed her skills to a prominent firm specializing in class-action litigation, aviation accidents, securities fraud, and personal injury. Subsequently, Lisa transitioned to a smaller firm focused on representing plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases. Here, she leveraged her social work degree to help clients seek justice and recover from life-changing injuries or supported their families in wrongful death actions.
Relocating to Denver in 1998, Lisa has worked for firms of varying sizes and in-house for a major insurance company, handling high-exposure personal injury claims. Her diverse roles encompassed motor vehicle accidents, premises and product liability actions, construction defect cases, experience in bankruptcy and real estate matters. Lisa also worked in reproductive law, and found assisting with the complex legal process of creating families extremely rewarding.
In January 2021, Lisa joined Springer and Steinberg, feeling a profound sense of being "back home." Her role involves supporting clients through all phases of the claims/litigation process, whether with individuals, families, or corporations. Recognized for her compassion and empathy, Lisa is dedicated to ensuring clients feel heard and supported from their initial contact with Springer & Steinberg through settlement or trial.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Lisa finds joy in crafting, volunteering, and sharing laughter with friends, siblings, and extended family. Her ultimate happiness is derived from traveling and exploring diverse cultures with her son and husband. Lisa Ware is not just an experienced paralegal; she is a dedicated professional committed to making a difference in the lives of those she serves at Springer & Steinberg in Denver.
Matthew Holycross is a tireless crusader for the average person. He believes that no single voice is more or less important than another and that everyone deserves to have their voice heard.
Matt came to Springer & Steinberg, P.C. from Ohio in 2009 and started his legal journey here in Colorado as an understudy to Jeff and Harvey-two of the brightest legal minds in the state. Nearly ten years later, Matt has established himself as a respected and revered member of the legal community and has become an integral part of continuing the firm's vision. Matt strives every day to right the wrongs that his clients have suffered and has been successful in doing so. When Matt is not pursuing his clients' cases, he spends his time in Colorado's wilderness skiing, hiking, fly-fishing, and backpacking, or in its many concert venues enjoying great music.
"Sometimes the average person can only be heard when someone strong and confident stands behind him and yells in unison. But, I don't always have to be the loudest voice in the room to help my clients to be heard. Respect-for myself, for my clients, and for my opponent-often break down communication barriers, opens eyes, ears, and hearts, and allows the other side to see my clients as human beings and not numbers on a page. If not, I won't hesitate to help the jury make that link for the other side at trial. I enjoy connecting with my clients professionally and personally because I have found that when I know my clients as people, I can better advocate their position and help them level the field to get them great results, even when they are at a disadvantage." - Matthew Holycross
Education
J.D., University of Akron, 2008
B.S.B.A., Bowling Green State University, 2004
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates
Mr. Giacomini is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an organization whose elected members are trial lawyers of high personal character and honorable reputation. Members must have first-chaired at least 10 civil jury trials. Matt has first-chaired many civil jury trials, as well as many criminal jury trials. Matthew R. Giacomini is a former Deputy District Attorney who has earned a stellar reputation as a civil and criminal trial lawyer. He has an AV Preeminent®️ Rating with Martindale-Hubbell®️ and has been selected for inclusion as a Super Lawyer. His trials include acquittals for clients charged with serious criminal offenses, including sexual assault on a child. In one high-profile sexual assault case, Mr. Giacomini's client, a principal of a school, was found not guilty by a Jefferson County jury.
His personal injury cases include 7-figure settlements as well as significant jury awards in motor vehicle accident and employment discrimination cases. Consistent with his experience in both criminal and civil law, Mr. Giacomini has successfully represented clients before licensing and other administrative agencies. His litigation and trial experience includes defending clients in civil actions facing allegations ranging from fraud and personal injury to business disputes, which makes him well-qualified to represent plaintiffs, the focus of his civil law practice.
"I'm a third-generation Colorado lawyer and my practice is both criminal defense and civil litigation. My criminal defense practice has allowed me to fight for folks who face criminal charges. On the civil side, I represent injured people whose lives have been changed by injury. My representation of these clients is enhanced by my experience having tried hundreds of cases both as a former prosecutor and as a former insurance defense attorney." - Matthew R. Giacomini
Education
J.D., University of Colorado, 1984
B.S., University of Colorado, 1980
M.S., University of Denver, 1981
Employment History
Deputy District Attorney, Adams County, Colorado, 1984-87
Bio
Mattson Smith is a passionate advocate who believes in working not just for the client, but with them, to find the best outcomes at each stage of the criminal process. Mattson was raised in a small town in South Carolina, where he learned early that our justice system cannot function without dedicated attorneys who will not only represent their clients, but passionately advocate on their behalf. This passion followed Mattson to college at Furman University where he interned with an International Human Rights Group in Brussels, Belgium, as well as at a legal non-profit in Columbia, South Carolina, dedicated to indigent rights. Following college, Mattson moved to Colorado to pursue his law degree at the University of Denver, where he focused his energy into criminal defense. He spent a year working in the criminal defense clinic at DU and interned with the Colorado Public Defender's Office.
As an attorney, Mattson hit the ground running, winning both his first trial and first appeal. Since then, Mattson has negotiated sex offenses to dismissal, and litigated assault cases to not guilty verdicts, securing numerous victories for his clients in between. Whether meeting with a client, negotiating with a district attorney, or duking it out in trial, Mattson fights for his client's rights, their liberty, and their intrinsic humanity.
Education:
Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, J.D., 1984
Colorado State University, M.A., 1981
State University of New York at Stony Brook, B.A., 1974
Sandy Rider has been a paralegal for nearly 20 years, making her one of the most experienced paralegals in Denver. We are proud to be able to call her a member of Springer & Steinberg, P.C., where she can put all of her talents to great use for clients in need.
While she was growing up in Washington and on a farm, she quickly learned the importance of working hard and being dependable. The lessons of her past are prominent in how she helps our clients and our attorneys today with difficult cases that require the utmost attention. She currently focuses on domestic and civil litigation, but she has experience with wills, personal injury claims, and criminal cases.
After moving to Colorado, Sandy met her husband. She has shared a life with him for almost 40 years. They have three children and seven grandchildren, and she can always count on them to visit regularly for fun. In the community, some might recognize her for her participation with local churches and children's ministries.
"I enjoy the challenges of each case and working together with our clients and attorneys to meet those challenges. I want our clients to know that I am available to answer their questions and assist them as they navigate the complexities of the legal process. I understand the emotional drain that comes with many of my cases and am compassionate and sensitive to our client's individual needs. I love the fact that there is always something new to learn and experience within the legal arena." - Sandy Rider
Practice Areas
PERSONAL INJURY
Sarah Miler recently relocated to Denver and joined Springer and Steinberg, P.C. in March 2018. Ms. Miler earned her Paralegal Certificate from New York University and worked as a personal injury paralegal in New York City for 13 years. She has extensive experience in personal injury litigation from initial case intake to trial preparation with a specialization in the identification, reduction, and resolution of Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicaid, ERISA, and FEHBA liens. At Springer & Steinberg, P.C., Ms. Miler provides paralegal support services for the civil division assisting with personal injury, malpractice, premises liability, contract disputes, and other civil matters.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal With Springer & Steinberg
Bio
Stacey Lopez is a paralegal with Springer & Steinberg, P.C. in Denver. When an attorney needs help managing intricate details of a case, Stacey is always there to lend her talents.
Before coming to our law firm, she completed her BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Texas at Arlington. This educational background helps her excel even further when assisting with a criminal defense case brought to our firm.
Outside of the law office, Stacey likes to spend time with her friends and family. She considers herself an avid concertgoer and a bit of a traveler as well.
Education:
The University of Texas at Arlington
Stephen M. Burstein is recognized as a Top 40 under 40 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers, included in America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, and is Lead Counsel Rated for Criminal Law - State Felony & Misdemeanor. Mr. Burstein focuses his practice primarily on criminal and DUI defense. He was a Deputy District Attorney in the 18 th Judicial District, serving both Arapahoe and Douglas counties. Mr. Burstein has argued over eighty trials to verdict and takes pride in his aggressive and effective litigation.
"The courtroom is a place where the individual is lost by the commotion and confusion of the system. My satisfaction comes from being a force and an advocate for my client's rights. I became a lawyer to inject creativity and ingenuity into the process, and to make the system view my client as a person - not just another case." - Stephen M. Burstein
Practice Areas
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Education
J.D., University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, 2011
B.A., The Ohio State University, 2007
Sussan M. Ameri, CRP™ was born and raised in Germany and moved to Colorado from Portland, Oregon in 2005. She received her paralegal certificate from Arapahoe Community College in December 2009 and Core Registered Paralegal, CRP™ credential in June 2011.
Prior to becoming a paralegal, Ms. Ameri graduated from Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and German, and earned her M.A. and Ph.D. from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, in German Literature and Cultural Studies with a minor in French. Ms. Ameri has taught at a variety of universities and colleges and has also worked in several start-ups as a content developer, project manager, and editor.
Ms. Ameri joined Springer & Steinberg, P.C. in August 2017 where she primarily, though not exclusively, provides paralegal support services in personal injury matters and cases spanning an array of other practice areas.
Education & Certifications