Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Denver, CO
Founded in 1978, Davis & Ceriani has built a reputation for delivering exceptional legal results to clients locally and nationally. Our attorneys specialize in complex commercial litigation, real estate development, business law, employment law, and insurance coverage, combining litigation and transactional expertise to provide comprehensive solutions. With a client-first philosophy established by our founders, we prioritize long-term client interests through strategic decision-making and a commitment to excellence. Our smaller firm structure allows personalized attention while maintaining the capability to handle high-stakes cases. Over 40 years of experience informs our approach to both litigation and transactional work, ensuring clients benefit from a well-rounded perspective.We focus on resolving disputes efficiently while maintaining the ability to litigate when necessary, guided by the foundational principles of dedication and integrity. Our securities litigation practice has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements nationwide, demonstrating our capability in high-value cases. Transactional real estate attorneys handle complex projects for developers and lenders, supported by litigation expertise to address disputes effectively. Employment law services cover both employer and employee needs, including compliance training and dispute resolution. Insurance coverage counsel ensures clients receive proper defense and indemnity benefits, with experience in complex commercial claims.
Services
Securities Litigation
Real Estate Law
Employment Law
Insurance Coverage
Business Law
Civil Litigation
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in complex legal matters
- Our attorneys combine litigation and transactional expertise
- Client-first philosophy guides all decision-making
- Proven success in multi-million dollar securities cases
- Personalized service with large-firm capabilities
Services
Securities Litigation
Our securities litigation practice represents investors and financial institutions in complex disputes nationwide. We handle FINRA arbitrations, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and multi-million dollar cases involving municipal bonds, securities fraud, and investment misconduct. With over 30 years of experience, we combine trial expertise with deep understanding of financial markets to protect client interests in court and arbitration proceedings.
Real Estate Law
We provide comprehensive real estate services for developers, builders, and investors. Our attorneys handle complex transactions including commercial leasing, land development, and construction contracts, while also resolving litigation matters like boundary disputes and foreclosure proceedings. With specialized knowledge of zoning regulations and entitlement processes, we support clients through all stages of real estate projects in Colorado and beyond.
Employment Law
Our employment law practice serves employers and employees in compliance, dispute resolution, and litigation matters. We handle discrimination claims, non-compete agreements, wage disputes, and workplace investigations under federal and state regulations including ADA, FMLA, and Title VII. Our services include policy development, management training, and representation in EEOC proceedings and court litigation across multiple jurisdictions.
Insurance Coverage
We represent commercial clients in insurance coverage disputes and policy analysis. Our team handles complex claims involving CGL policies, directors & officers liability, and construction defect insurance. With technical expertise in construction management, we provide both transactional advice on risk management and aggressive litigation to enforce policy benefits, including bad faith claims against insurers who fail to meet their obligations.
Business Law
We counsel businesses on formation, governance, and dispute resolution. Our services include drafting operating agreements, handling business acquisitions, and resolving partnership disputes. With experience in both transactional work and litigation, we provide strategic guidance for corporations, LLCs, and partnerships on matters ranging from equity investments to forced buyouts and corporate governance issues nationwide.
People
Valeri S. Pappas
Managing Partner
Valeri S. Pappas leads Davis & Ceriani as Managing Partner, bringing extensive litigation experience to complex commercial cases. With decades of practice, he maintains the firm's commitment to client-focused representation while overseeing strategic direction and operations.
Edward R. Gorab
Partner
Edward R. Gorab serves as Partner at Davis & Ceriani, focusing on high-stakes litigation and transactional matters. His practice spans real estate development and business law, reflecting the firm's integrated approach to legal solutions for corporate clients.
Scott W. Wilkinson
Partner
Scott W. Wilkinson practices as Partner at Davis & Ceriani, specializing in complex legal matters with particular emphasis on real estate transactions and related litigation. His work reflects the firm's tradition of combining transactional expertise with dispute resolution capabilities.
Michael P. Murray
Partner
Michael P. Murray contributes as Partner with experience in commercial litigation and business law. His practice supports the firm's core focus areas while maintaining the personalized service standards established by Davis & Ceriani's founding attorneys.
Kieran A. Lasater
Partner
Kieran A. Lasater practices as Partner at Davis & Ceriani, handling complex legal matters across the firm's core practice areas. His work continues the firm's tradition of providing comprehensive legal solutions grounded in deep litigation and transactional experience.
Questions
What practice areas does Davis & Ceriani specialize in?
We specialize in securities litigation, real estate law, employment law, insurance coverage, and business/corporate law, serving clients in complex legal matters nationwide.
How long has Davis & Ceriani been in operation?
The firm was founded in 1978 by Rick Davis and Gary Ceriani, with over 40 years of continuous service to clients in Colorado and across the United States.
What distinguishes Davis & Ceriani from other law firms?
Our unique combination of litigation and transactional expertise, smaller firm personalization, and national reach with local knowledge sets us apart in handling complex legal matters.
Do you handle cases outside Colorado?
Yes, our practice extends nationally with experience in multi-jurisdictional cases, particularly in securities litigation and commercial disputes across state and federal courts.
What types of clients do you represent?
We represent individual investors, national corporations, developers, employers, and insurance policyholders in both litigation and transactional matters across our core practice areas.
