# Fort Collins Contract Lawyer You hired your first engineer out of CSU, had her sign the offer letter with a non-compete, and moved on. Two years later she's headed to a competitor in Loveland, and you learn that under Colorado law, that non-compete was likely void the day she signed it. Most business owners find out what their contracts actually say only when they need them to work. Sequoia Legal drafts, reviews, and negotiates agreements for Fort Collins businesses, from breweries and AgTech companies to construction firms and CSU spinouts. We build contracts around Colorado law and the way your business actually runs, so the protections you're counting on are still there when it matters. When a Fort Collins contract lawyer from our team represents your interests, you get clear terms and a stronger position at the table. We serve companies throughout Larimer County, with counsel built around how founders and owners actually run their businesses. [Schedule Free Consultation](https://sequoialegal.com/contact-us) 25+ Years Serving Businesses 500+ Successful Business Transactions Closed ## Your Skilled Business Contract Attorneys in Fort Collins, CO Fort Collins runs on relationships that depend on paper holding up: a brewery's distribution deal, a CSU spinout's founder agreement, a construction firm's subcontractor terms, a manufacturer's supply contract. Along the I-25 corridor and throughout Larimer County, generic templates tend to miss the details that matter. **Contractual gaps carry real consequences.** A software agreement without clear code ownership can cost months of work. A lease with no escalation cap can turn a good location into a losing one. A misclassified 1099 contractor can trigger back taxes and penalties under IRS rules and Colorado wage law. Our comprehensive contract legal services include: - **Custom drafting.** We build agreements around Colorado law and your specific deal, not recycled boilerplate that may not hold up when it matters most. - **In-depth review and redlining.** We read every clause to surface hidden obligations, one-sided terms, and missing protections before you sign. - **Negotiation support.** We push back on terms when a vendor, landlord, or larger company controls the first draft. - **Pre-litigation resolution.** We prepare demand letters and pursue negotiated settlements to resolve contract problems before they reach a courtroom. Our experienced contract lawyers also help with: - Independent contractor (1099) agreements drafted to support proper classification under IRS and Colorado standards. - LLC operating agreements and partnership terms that protect ownership and control. - NDAs and restrictive covenants that account for Colorado's strict limits on non-competes. - Vendor, supply chain, and master service agreements built around scope, pricing, and performance standards. - Documenting breach issues and pursuing resolution, bringing in litigation counsel only if a dispute reaches court. ## Common Types of Business Contracts We Help With Different agreements carry different risks, so we draft and review each one for the specific job it has to do. Our Fort Collins contract attorneys handle the full range of commercial agreements Northern Colorado businesses rely on. - M&A Agreements A purchase or sale agreement needs to do more than announce the deal. We address deal structure, representations, indemnity, post-closing obligations, and working capital adjustments so risk is allocated clearly between buyer and seller. - Business Formation Agreements Your first documents set ownership, voting, capital contributions, and exit rules. We prepare [business formation](https://sequoialegal.com/areas-we-serve/fort-collins-business-formation) filings and operating agreements that match how the owners actually plan to run the company, in line with Colorado Secretary of State requirements. - Partnership and Operating Agreements A business with multiple owners needs rules that hold up when opinions diverge. We draft [operating agreements](https://sequoialegal.com/corporate-commercial-law/operating-agreement-partnership) covering profit distributions, management authority, deadlock procedures, transfer restrictions, and buy-sell terms. - Franchise Agreements Franchise contracts are typically written to favor the franchisor. We review [franchise fee and territory terms](https://sequoialegal.com/corporate-commercial-law) so a franchisee understands exactly what they are committing capital to before signing. - Commercial Lease Agreements [Commercial leases](https://sequoialegal.com/corporate-commercial-law/commercial-lease) drive long-term cost and flexibility. We review rent escalations, CAM charges, assignment rights, tenant improvements, personal guarantees, and renewal options so that a harmless-looking clause does not become an expensive one. - Non-Disclosure Agreements A strong [NDA](https://sequoialegal.com/corporate-commercial-law/non-disclosure-agreement) defines proprietary information, limits its use, and stays enforceable. We draft confidentiality terms for investors, employees, and vendors to keep your trade secrets protected when you share them. - Non-Compete Agreements Colorado places strict limits on [non-compete agreements](https://sequoialegal.com/corporate-commercial-law/non-compete-agreement) under C.R.S. § 8-2-113. We draft restrictive covenants tied to a legitimate business interest, such as trade secrets, rather than a blanket restriction on future employment. - Employment Contracts We prepare [employment contracts](https://sequoialegal.com/corporate-commercial-law/employment-contract) , compensation terms, and 1099 independent contractor agreements. Careful classification under IRS standards and the Colorado Wage Act (C.R.S. § 8-4-101) helps you avoid back taxes, penalties, and misclassification claims, and preserves the contractor's independence rather than treating them as a de facto employee. - Business Sale Agreements Selling a business calls for representations and warranties tied to the actual condition of the company, along with indemnity terms, transition duties, and restrictive covenants that protect both parties after closing. - Business Purchase Agreements Buying a business means protecting against hidden liabilities and unclear closing conditions. A well-built [purchase agreement](https://sequoialegal.com/corporate-commercial-law/buy-sell-business) spells out asset lists, payment terms, holdbacks, and indemnity rights before money changes hands. ## Get Clarity Before You Sign A clear-eyed review can flag risks worth addressing before you commit. Talk to a Fort Collins contract lawyer. Call today. (303) 476-2851 ## A Second Opinion Before You Sign A contract review is a practical step, not a legal battle. Bring your draft, markup, or third-party agreement to a Fort Collins contract attorney at Sequoia Legal for a clear-eyed, flat-fee assessment. (303) 476-2851 ## Meet Our Team - Founding Partner **[Andrew Lopez](https://sequoialegal.com/about-us/andrew-lopez)** [linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lopez-a3081b67) Andrew advises foreign and domestic companies, organizations, and entrepreneurs on a broad range of corporate and international regulatory and transactional issues. - Partner **[Hunter Boone](https://sequoialegal.com/about-us/hunter-boone)** [linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-boone-409474120) Hunter focuses on general corporate matters, healthcare compliance, international trade laws, and anti-kickback regulations. - Of Counsel **Brian Fonville** With experience as a transactional lawyer in finance and corporate matters in New York City, Brian boasts great experience in cross-border commercial transactions, software licenses, and investment funds. - Of Counsel **Laura A. Lopez** With experience both as a Litigator at Davis Polk & Wardwell and as General Counsel of a private global merchant advisory and investment firm, Laura provides advice on a wide range of issues impacting businesses including dispute resolution. - Of Counsel **[Christina Murray](https://sequoialegal.com/about-us/christina-murray)** [linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-murray-804809b5/) Christina is a recent graduate of the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where she received the Irving P. Andrews Award for Outstanding Law Graduate as well as the Student Leadership award. - Of Counsel **Josh Wallenstein** Managing Member of the Wallenstein Law Group, Josh offers no-nonsense solutions to a variety of compliance and risk management issues. - Of Counsel **[Nick Vail](https://sequoialegal.com/about-us/nicholas-j-vail)** Being a corporate and transactional attorney, Nick's focus is in mergers & acquisitions, guiding clients through all deal phases. He also covers business formation, governance, and diverse contract drafting, serving clients nationally and internationally. - Associate **[Caroline Baker](https://sequoialegal.com/about-us/caroline-baker)** Caroline advises small and mid-size businesses throughout the entire business life cycle, from formation to dissolution. She focuses on commercial transactions, contract drafting and negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance matters. ## Why Fort Collins Businesses Choose Sequoia Legal Growing companies want dependable contract counsel without the overhead and runaround of a large firm. Our approach is built for how Colorado businesses actually operate. - **Transparent, flat-fee options.** You know the scope and price before work begins, with no surprise hourly billing. - **Plain-English counsel.** We explain terms in clear language, not Latin, so you understand every obligation you take on. - **A clear engagement process.** Send us the agreement, and we’ll confirm the scope and price, then mark up the document and walk you through your options and the risks worth addressing. - **Coordination with your CPA.** We flag tax-related contract issues and work alongside your accountant, though we do not provide tax advice. - **Knowledge of local courts.** We understand how agreements are treated in Larimer County and along the I-25 commercial corridor. Many Fort Collins companies keep us on as outsourced in-house counsel for ongoing contract support. ## Areas We Serve Sequoia Legal serves contract clients in Fort Collins, across Northern Colorado, and throughout the state, including: - [Denver](https://sequoialegal.com/corporate-commercial-law/contract-lawyer) - [Boulder](https://sequoialegal.com/areas-we-serve/boulder) - [Lakewood](https://sequoialegal.com/areas-we-serve/lakewood) - [Aspen](https://sequoialegal.com/areas-we-serve/aspen) - [Colorado Springs](https://sequoialegal.com/areas-we-serve/colorado-springs-contract-lawyer) - [Aurora](https://sequoialegal.com/areas-we-serve/aurora-contract-lawyer) - [Pueblo](https://sequoialegal.com/areas-we-serve/pueblo) - [Fort Collins](https://sequoialegal.com/areas-we-serve/fort-collins) - [Greeley](https://sequoialegal.com/areas-we-serve/greeley) - [Thornton](https://sequoialegal.com/areas-we-serve/thornton) - [Centennial](https://sequoialegal.com/areas-we-serve/centennial) - [Arvada](https://sequoialegal.com/areas-we-serve/arvada-co) ## A Clear Agreement Protects Your Business A strong agreement should assign risk fairly, set clear expectations, and give your business room to operate. The contract attorneys at Sequoia Legal draft, review, and negotiate agreements for companies across Fort Collins and Northern Colorado. Contact us today for a thorough contract review. - [alopez@sequoialegal.com](mailto:alopez@sequoialegal.com) - [hboone@sequoialegal.com](mailto:hboone@sequoialegal.com) - [cmurray@sequoialegal.com](mailto:cmurray@sequoialegal.com) ## Frequently Asked Questions Answers to common questions Fort Collins business owners ask before hiring a contract attorney. - **How much does a contract lawyer cost in Fort Collins?** Costs depend on the scope and complexity of your agreement. Many contract reviews are handled on a flat-fee basis, so you know the price before work begins, while negotiation, drafting, or ongoing advisory work may be billed hourly or through a retainer. Contact Sequoia Legal for a quote based on your specific document and goals. - **Should I have a lawyer review a contract before I sign it?** For agreements involving meaningful financial, operational, ownership, or liability exposure, a legal review can help identify terms worth negotiating before you commit. A short review before signing is typically far less costly than resolving a dispute afterward. A Fort Collins contract attorney can catch one-sided terms, hidden obligations, and missing protections while you still have room to negotiate. - **Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Colorado?** Generally, no. Under [C.R.S. § 8-2-113](https://law.justia.com/codes/colorado/title-8/labor-i-department-of-labor-and-employment/labor-relations/article-2/part-1/section-8-2-113/) , a non-compete agreement with an employee is void unless the employee earns at least the state's highly compensated threshold ($130,014 in 2026 and approximately $134,775 in 2027) and the restriction is no broader than necessary to protect trade secrets. Separate notice is required, and violations can expose an employer to penalties. Different rules apply to non-competes signed as part of selling a business. - **What is the difference between a transactional lawyer and a litigator?** A transactional lawyer works to reduce and manage dispute risk before it arises, while a litigator represents clients once a dispute is already in court. Sequoia Legal is a transactional and commercial firm, which means we focus on drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements and resolving issues before they escalate. If a matter goes to court, we coordinate with litigation counsel to handle it. - **When does a contract dispute belong in small claims court?** Colorado small claims court handles disputes up to $7,500 without the cost of full litigation. It can be a practical option for a smaller unpaid invoice or a minor contract disagreement. For larger or more complex matters, a demand letter or a negotiated resolution is often the better first step, and our contract lawyers can prepare it. - **Can an employer dictate the hours of a 1099 contractor?** Generally, no. Closely controlling a contractor's hours and work methods is one of the fastest ways to trigger a misclassification finding under IRS guidelines and Colorado employment law. A properly drafted independent contractor agreement helps preserve the worker's independence and reduces your business's exposure. --- Sequoia Legal — [https://sequoialegal.com/areas-we-serve/fort-collins-contract-lawyer](https://sequoialegal.com/areas-we-serve/fort-collins-contract-lawyer)