Insights

ON NOV. 6, Colorado voters approved Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution, which provides for the decriminalization and regulation of marijuana for recreational use by adults. Along with a similar measure in Washington state, these state-level moves to end marijuana prohibition constitute perhaps the most significant development in U.S. drug policy in decades.

Under what circumstances are non-compete agreements enforceable in Colorado? To be enforceable in Colorado, a non-compete agreement must either (i) be made in connection with the sale of a business or its assets; (ii) protect trade secrets; (iii) recover the training costs of an employee who worked for less than two years; or (iv) be or “executive and management personnel” or professional staff of such personnel.

Employers and business people sometimes forego including a non-compete agreement in their contracts out of a mistaken belief that such covenants are unenforceable. However, a carefully drafted non-compete agreement is enforceable in Colorado and can be instrumental in protecting valid business interests.

THE COLORADO real-estate market reflects the same short-term hopes and fears that make it so difficult to predict the broader economy. But despite short-term uncertainty, long-term demographic trends help explain aspects of the local real-estate market. Many political pundits are citing demographic factors to explain the recent election results. Whatever value such factors may have as determinants of elector choices, they certainly help shed light on the market.

In this article by Law Week’s James Carlson, Tom Ragonetti is quoted as saying:

Tom Ragonetti is quoted in Vincent Carroll’s column as saying: “I’m used to controversial projects and I don’t mind them…but I’ve never faced opponents who wouldn’t identify themselves.”

The Denver City Council is currently reviewing proposed changes to Denver’s Landmark Preservation Ordinance, including changes to the procedure for non-owners to designate structures as landmarks and for owners to designate their structures as non-historic.

My company is getting a commercial real estate loan. How can I help to control legal fees? A commercial real estate borrower typically pays all costs associated with the loan, including the lender’s legal fees. Every borrower wants to control those fees, but what’s the best way to do so?

October 30, 2012 – Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti PC (Otten Johnson) is pleased to announce the addition of Heather H. Park as an associate. A recent graduate of the University of Colorado Law School, Heather will focus her practice on commercial real estate and litigation.