Practice areas: Criminal Defense; view more
Licensed in Colorado since: 2005
Education: Vermont Law School
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2022 - 2026 Eric Zale is a founding partner at Emeson & Zale LLC, which serves clients in Boulder, Colorado. He focuses on criminal defense cases that involve complex and time-intensive litigation and range from traffic tickets to homicides.
After graduating from high school in Chicago, Mr. Zale left Illinois to complete his undergraduate degree at Hampshire College. After completing his degree in Massachusetts, he moved to Colorado and worked with at-risk youth as they completed court-ordered therapy programs. This experience prompted a career change, so he returned to New England and completed his law degree at Vermont Law School. In 2005, he became licensed to practice in Colorado.
Once he was admitted to the bar, Mr. Zale worked as a public defender so he could advocate on behalf of persons who needed representation most. During this time, he handled thousands of cases that ranged in severity from minor traffic violations to violent crimes. His work earned him the attorney of the year award for both the Denver Trial Office and the state of Colorado, in 2011. In 2015, he joined a private practice to access greater resources and freedom to better defend his clients.
Mr. Zale is a strong believer in the preservation of innocence and the power of second chances. He brings these beliefs to every case he handles so that at-risk youths and accused adults can turn their lives around. Outside of work, he is a family man and enjoys an active life in Colorado with his wife and toddler.
Practice areas
Criminal DefenseFocus areas
Arrest & Arraignment, Assault & Battery, Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, Debt, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Motor Vehicle Offenses, Prosecution, Sex Offenses, Tax Evasion, Theft, Traffic Violations
- 100% Criminal Defense
First Admitted: 2005, Colorado
Professional Webpage: https://www.emesonzale.com/eric-zale
Honors
- Attorney of the year award for the state of Colorado and for the Denver Trial Office, 2011
Educational Background
- Hampshire College in Amherst Massachusetts, liberal arts degree, 1999
- Clarence Darrow Death Penalty College in Chicago Illinois
- National Criminal Defense College in Macon Georgia
These comments were made by fellow attorneys during the annual nomination process.
“Eric is a zealous advocate.”
“Eric is a great lawyer to brainstorm complex legal arguments and trial strategy.”
“Eric is well-known for his high level of experience in the area of criminal defense. He provides excellent representation to both indigent and private clients in complex, serious cases, and in misdemeanor matters.”
“Eric is a stellar criminal defense attorney.”
“Eric is an excellent attorney with a strong reputation for being a compassionate and zealous advocate.”
“Eric is an easy going and down to earth lawyer who is a great communicator and a great litigator.”
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2022 - 2026
