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Scott S. Barker

Senior Counsel

P. 303.244.1824 | F. 303.244.1879

Biography

Before starting his trial practice, Scott Barker served in the U.S. Air Force for 12 years—including four as a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy—with tours of duty in Southeast Asia and the Pentagon. In his 40-year legal career, he has tried nearly 80 cases and handled scores of evidentiary hearings, ranging from complex class action jury trials to pro bono proceedings for domestic violence survivors. 

Scott has earned the respect of clients, judges, and lawyers wherever he has appeared in the United States, as reflected in his numerous professional accolades. Most prominently, he was selected as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2001. In addition, he is a skilled leader of sophisticated practitioners. Scott served as the Chair of the Management Committee of the largest Denver-based law firm for six years before joining WTO in 2010 as a partner and member of the firm’s Executive Committee. 

Now, as Senior Counsel, Scott’s passion is serving clients by helping the firm’s lawyers to hone their trial presentations and appellate arguments. Given the depth and breadth of his trial experience, Scott is also an effective mediator and arbitrator. Finally, he is an avid student of the Constitution. Since 2018, Scott has authored three published books and several articles and op-eds about our founding document and its impact on current events.

Cases

Publications & Speaking Engagements

Articles

Books

Other Articles/Presentations

  • "The Constitution and Conflict with Iran," Boulder Daily Camera, (September 21, 2019).

Other Experience

Holland & Hart LLP
    Partner, 1987-2010
    Management Committee Chair, 1997-2003
    Associate, 1981-1987
United States Air Force
    Active duty, including assignments in Southeast Asia and 
        The Pentagon, 1970-1978
    Honorably discharged as Captain, 1978

Legal Memberships, Activities, and Honors

Arbitrator, Denver ADR Panel, CPR Panels of Distinguished Neutrals
American College of Trial Lawyers
    Fellow
American Board of Trial Advocates
    Member
The Best Lawyers in America
    Denver Environmental Litigation Lawyer of the Year, 2020
    Denver Mass Tort/Class Action Litigation Lawyer of the Year, 2018
    Denver Bet-the-Company Litigation Lawyer of the Year, 2013
    Bet-the-Company Litigation, 2006-2024
    Commercial Litigation, 2006-2024
    Environmental Litigation, 2016-2024
    Mass Tort/Class Action Litigation, 2006-2024
Chambers USA
    Commercial Litigation - Colorado, 2005-2019
Colorado Super Lawyers
    Business Litigation, 2006-2024
    Top 100, 2012-2018
    Top 10, 2008, 2010
    Top 50, 2006-2011
Denver Business Journal
    Who's Who in Energy Law, 2012-2014
    Best Business Litigator in Denver, 2003
Benchmark Litigation
    Commercial Litigation - Colorado, 2011-2018
Litigation Counsel of America
    Member
American Bar Association
Colorado Bar Association
Denver Bar Association
Martindale-Hubbell AV® Peer Review Rated*

Community Memberships, Activities, and Honors

Panel Coach, Constitutional Scholars Program, Denver East High School 
Past President, Board of Trustees, Denver Christian Schools
Lay Assessor, Ecclesiastical Proceeding for the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado

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