Exploring Colorado - Joel M. Pratt

Colorado Law's "Exploring Colorado" Series is an opportunity to introduce students to attorneys who practice throughout the state. We are grateful to Joel M. Pratt for providing us with insight into his community and his practice. 

Employer: Law Office of Dailey & Pratt
Length of time in practice: 7 years
Local Bar Association: El Paso County Bar Association
Local Judicial District: 4th Judicial District, serving El Paso and Teller Counties
City/Town where you practice: Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Statewide (appeals)

What first attracted you to the area? 

Nature, size, job market, community

What's special about where you live/practice?

Access to nature, hiking, the outdoors; community of mostly small firm practice (at least in my practice areas); high levels of collegiality among much of the bar.

Tell us about your practice.

I litigate appeals (and serve as an appellate consultant in the trial court) in all practice areas, including domestic/family, juvenile, immigration, probate, complex civil, and criminal defense. I also help families involved in trial-level family, guardianship, and juvenile cases.

What advice do you have for law students considering opportunities in Greater Colorado?

Explore. Talk to folks outside of the metro area and find out what practice is like. Reach out to lawyers and judges in those jurisdictions and learn about practice. Figure out if there's a niche for you to carve out in the market. Think about what kind of environment you want to be in (large firm, small firm, solo, government, public interest), and see what opportunities are there. Don't be afraid to cold call (or email).

What else would you like to share?

While I did not go to CU Law, I have a particular love for CU Boulder, as I went there for undergrad. Go Buffs!

May students reach out to you with questions?

Of course! My email address is joel@daileyprattlaw.com.