About
Lara L. DeCaro, Esq.
B.S., University of Southern California, 1994
J.D., Tulane Law School, 1999
I have concentrated my legal career in the areas of intellectual property, business law, commercial transactions, construction, estate planning and mediation, making her well-equipped to provide you with creative and practical solutions to your legal issues. As in-house (and “out-house”) counsel, I have worked with practically every department and personality-type imaginable and has advised clients on the various legal risks, business strategies and other issues related to all types of transactions. I have also successfully litigated at all levels--including in front of the Colorado Court of Appeals and Colorado Supreme Court. Over the past 10+ years, I have litigated, mediated and settled disputes in a variety of areas, including but not limited to domestic relations, intellectual property, business/corporate law, employment matters, contract claims, franchise disputes and commercial lending.
I have also enjoyed and advocated the practice of mediation and all forms of effective dispute resolution since law school. One aspect of the field of emerging dispute resolution techniques that excites me is that these techniques are no longer truly “alternative” dispute resolution processes. In all corners of the world, the majority of legal professionals seem to prefer it -- and use it -- and most courts actually mandate some sort of pre-trial mediation or settlement negotiation process.
I am also a member of the New Mexico Senate Memorial 57 Advisory Council and New Mexico State Bar Association ADR Committee, which authored the rules in New Mexico with regard to alternative and effective dispute resolution. The ADR Committee maintains and monitors those rules and any proposed changes that may come before the State legislature with regard to alternative dispute resolution. (See: http://www.nmbar.org/AboutSBNM/Committees/ADR/ADRcommittee.html)
Admitted:
* California, 2002
* New Mexico, 2000
* Colorado, 1999
Phillip S. DeCaro, Esq.
AB., Biochemistry and History, Harvard, 1957
LL.B., Stanford Law School, 1961
I received my undergraduate degree in biochemistry and history from Harvard in 1957, and I graduated from Stanford Law School in 1961.
Before beginning to practice law, I answered Kennedy’s call for service to my country and joined the CIA. While in the CIA (1961-1967), I had assignments in Afghanistan, Laos, Indonesia, the Congo, Central America and South America – unfortunately, no assignments in London, Rome or Paris! For a misadventure in Laos, I was awarded the CIA’s top award, ¬the “Intelligence Star” for Valor.
In 1967, I began my practice in Palo Alto, California specializing in high-tech startups and was a judge pro tem. I created a home office in 1978 – starting a trend which I have never left. In 1980, after two years of searching for the right spot, we moved to Taos, NM and spent about seven years operating Lobo Ranch – a family guiding and outfitting business. In 1987, I returned to the full time practice of law. I was twice recipient of an award from the State Bar of New Mexico for my pro bono work with the elderly. In 1994, we moved to Colorado Springs, where I was instrumental in starting a chapter of the ACLU. In 2005, to be closer to our kids, we moved to Evergreen, Colorado, which hopefully will be the last time we move — because my wife Gale says she will do me in before we move again.
In Colorado, I have written more than 250 trusts and wills, have continuously represented a $1 billion + REIT, represented regional banks, and helped numerous business startups – over 100 corporations and LLCs. I believe in the long-term representation of clients, and have had some clients for over 40 years.
Admitted:
* California, 1961
* New Mexico, 1987
* Colorado, 1994
Gale E. Gatto