Joel supervised outside counsel defending first and third-party litigation in Colorado as well as in other western region states.  Joel oversaw the investigation and assessment of coverage, liability, and damages for claims arising under both personal and commercial insurance lines.  Joel’s responsibilities also included providing legal advice, training and guidance to the claims department and other internal business units, in addition to preparing adjusters, claim/branch managers, and other company representatives for depositions and trial testimony.  Joel’s in-house experience enables Sutton | Booker to better partner with our corporate clients as we strive to effectively and efficiently represent our clients.

Joel is also a proven trial attorney.  Prior to going in-house, Joel spent 13 years in private practice at a Denver litigation defense firm, where his practice included a wide range of civil litigation filed both in district court as well as in administrative settings.  Joel also handled cases through the appellate system, arguing cases at the Colorado Court of Appeals and Colorado Supreme Court.

Joel represents defense of third party bodily injury suits resulting from automobile accidents, premises liability claims, and product liability; Defense of bad faith suits, both casualty(UM/UIM) and property (wind/hail); Defense of HOA related suits; Defense of insurance agents/agencies; Coverage opinions; and Appellate practice.

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• Scoggins v. Unigard Ins. Co., 869 P.2d 202 (Colo. 1994)
• Halter v. Waco Scaffolding & Equipment Co., 797 P.2d 790 (Colo. App. 1990)
• Wackenhut Corp. v. Industrial Claim Appeals Office of State of Colo., 975 P.2d 1131 (Colo. App. 1997).

• Colorado
• United States District Court, District of Colorado
• United States Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit

• B.A. University of Denver, 1981
• J.D. University of Denver College of Law, 1986

• Colorado Bar
• Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
• Arapaho County Bar Association
• Claims Litigation Management

720-642-8251

4949 S. Syracuse Street, Suite 500

Denver, Colorado 80237