Practice areas: Business Litigation; view more
Licensed in Colorado since: 2006
Education: University of Denver Sturm College of Law
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2022 - 2026 
Selected to Rising Stars: 2010 - 2021 With nearly two decades of experience in practicing law, Derek Blass has made a name for himself within his legal community through his pristine, client-centric practice that focuses on tailoring innovative strategies for clients struggling with myriad legal issues. The owner of Blass Law, LLC, in Denver, Colorado, he is well-equipped to handle civil litigation of all sizes and complexities, including in insurance law and commercial litigation, as well as corporate and transactional law.
Mr. Blass completed his undergraduate studies in 2002, graduating with his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and English from Duke University, and during this time, he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega. He went on to attend the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where his shrewd legal acumen and talents were refined through his involvement in many student organizations, including serving as a president of the Latino Law Student Association, furthermore, he was the recipient of the DU Schimberg Diversity Scholarship for academic excellence and community involvement. He received his Juris Doctor in 2005, as well as his license to practice law in Colorado the very next year.
A stalwart champion for his clients throughout the duration of their legal matters and beyond, Mr. Blass fights voraciously and with grace and poise to get them the amicable resolution they seek to firmly leave their legal woes in the past. His professionalism has paved the way for his inclusion in many important events within his legal community, including working as co-chair of the Denver Chapter of the Colorado Latino Commission. Outside his law practice, he maintains close affiliations with legal organizations such as the American Bar Association, the Colorado Bar Association and the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association.
Practice areas
Business LitigationFocus areas
Non-Compete Agreements, Trade Secret
- 100% Business Litigation
First Admitted: 2006, Colorado
Bar / Professional Activity
- American Bar Association, 2006
- Colorado Bar Association, 2006
- Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, 2006
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Obtained defense verdict in favor of cardiologist. This was a civil jury trial in Jefferson County District Court., 2013
- Successfully defended orthopedic surgeon in medical malpractice claim before Judge Dennis Hall of the Arapahoe County District Court. After trial to a jury, obtained complete defense verdict., 2011
- Argued on certiorari to Colorado's Supreme Court on the issue of allocation of attorney's fees. Was successful in reversing the ruling of Colorado's Court of Appeals. Was first chair on this matter., 2013
- Second-chaired a complex, commercial litigation trial in Denver District Court regarding a commercial incentive trip that went awry because of skyrocketing fuel prices in 2007 and 2008. Client was awarded all of their claimed damages (with some offset on a counterclaim) as well as approximately 80% of the attorney fees and costs claimed., 2009
- Full defense verdict in medical malpractice action in El Paso County District Court. Responsible for opening statement, examinations of witnesses, and trial efficiency matters., 2013
- Successfully defended general practice dentist in dental malpractice lawsuit in Arapahoe County District Court. Allegations dealt with alleged malpractice in performance of equilibration and restorative dentistry. Trial to jury resulted in defense verdict., 2011
Representative Clients
- AVI Roofing and Gutters, Inc., Santiago's Mexican Restaurant, NPW Contracting, Inc., Frank's Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., Steamers Coffeehouse, Summit Steel, Inc., Planning Partners International, Premier International Tours
Pro bono / Community Service
- Delegate to City and County of Denver's Human Rights and Community Relations Agency's Advisory Board, 2007-2009
- Career fair volunteer for Colorado UpLift, 2006-present
- Member of Dean's Diversity Pipeline Working Group, 2007-2008
- Board member for Escuela Tlateloco, 2008-present (Vice Chair August 2009-present)
- Board member and volunteer attorney for Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, 2006-present
- Member of Federal Magistrate Judge Michael Watanabe's Dream Team for Diversity Pipeline Program, 2008-2009
- Co-Chair of Denver Latino Commission, 2007-2012
- Co-Chair of the Denver Chapter of the Colorado Latino Commission, 2011
Honors
- Colorado Hispanic Bar Association Young Attorney of the Year 2010
- Colorado Law Week Up and Coming Lawyer Finalist, 2011
- Founded in 1982, the Marshall Memorial Fellowship (MMF) was created by the German Marshall Fund of the United States to introduce a new generation of European leaders to America's institutions, politics, and people. The German Marshall Fund launched a companion program in 1999 to introduce America's leaders to Europe., Nominee, Marshall Memorial Fund Fellowship, 2009
- Recognition of Up and Coming Young Lawyers in Colorado, Up and Coming Lawyers--Finalist, Colorado Law Week, 2010
- Colorado Super Lawyer Rising Star from 2010 to the present.
Educational Background
- Duke University, B.A. Economics and English, 2002
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Article addressing the efficiencies of retaining a Spanish-speaking attorney to represent Spanish-speaking clients., Top Five Reasons to Retain a Spanish-Speaking Attorney to Represent Your Spanish-Speaking Client, American Bar Association, Minority Trial Lawyer Section, ABA Minority Trial Lawyer, 2008
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Subject of Law Week Colorado article regarding certiorari to Colorado's Supreme Court on the issue of allocation of attorney's fees., 2013
- Released my first novel, entitled Enemy in Blue, on June 24, 2011. Enemy in Blue has been a bestseller in the US and UK several times over in 2011-2012. Released my second book, Allegiance, in May of 2012., 2011
- Construction
- Medical
- Restaurants
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2022 - 2026
- Rising Stars: 2010 - 2021
