Chalat Hatten & Koupal PC
Proven record of million dollar verdicts & settlements.
Firm Overview
The lawyers of Chalat Hatten & Koupal are committed to their clients and to their professional responsibilities to the community. The firm handles a wide range of catastrophic personal injury cases involving automobiles, trucking, and skiing accidents, medical and legal malpractice claims, explosions, and wrongful death cases. The lawyers in the firm have repeatedly appeared on the annual list of Colorado Super Lawyers. Jim Chalat has a national reputation in ski accident law. Handling ski cases across the United States, he has achieved several multi-million dollar awards for ski accident victims.
Jim Chalat began practicing law in Colorado in 1984, opening the law offices of James H. Chalat, P.C. The firm has since grown to five attorneys with over 75 years of combined trial experience.
Example cases$18.5 Million in Damages When Air Bourne Jeep Crushes Homeowner
An Idaho Springs man was awarded $18.5 million for catastrophic injuries he suffered when a drunk driver left a mountain road and slammed into him as he was laying in his driveway, changing the oil in his wife's car.
Main
1900 Grant Street
Suite 1050
Denver
CO
80203
- (303) 861-1042
- (303) 861-0506
Fees
We offer a free initial consultation, and will take the time needed to discuss your matter, answer your questions and present the options for pursuing a claim.
The great majority of our cases are handled on a contingency fee basis (see Understanding Fees below), but for unique circumstances we do work for an hourly fee.
Our hourly rates depend upon the nature of the work, ranging from $500/hour to $200/hour.
Office Information
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Yes
Is your firm willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?
Yes, when it is in the best interests of the client we are flexible as to what specific tasks we will handle.
What are your policies about dividing work within the firm to make the process most cost-effective for the client?
We are a small firm with a great team of professionals. We typically work on a contingency fee basis, so we are motivated by success. Many high-profile personal injury firms sign up hundreds of clients and then hand off the files to paralegals who do all the case work. In our firm, one lawyer will take the lead on a case, other attorneys help as needed and as a group we work towards the most beneficial outcome for our client, but the case is always worked by a lawyer, not a secretary, without any added expense to the client.
How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?
The great majority of our matters are resolved by mediation. With our reputation for success in the courtroom, insurance companies know that we will try our cases and thus are more willing to settle claims.
Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?
Yes, all of our attorneys volunteer for pro bono work through the Metro Lawyer Referral Service. Two of our attorneys have volunteered for several years as high school mock trial coaches for local public high schools, and another sits on the board of a specialized education K-8 school.
What distinguishes your law firm from others?
We only handle cases involving significant injuries, leaving the "fender bender" matters for other firms. This allows us to handle fewer cases, devoting more resources to each client and, most importantly, to better understand the needs of each individual client, the losses suffered and the deserved compensation.
What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
We strongly believe that an informed consumer is always a better advocate and client. Particularly in personal injury matters, the law is not always intuitive and having an understanding of basic concepts is essential for a successful claimant.
Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?
No, there are strong proscriptions against "ghost writing" by attorneys in Colorado and we find it best not to engage in any conduct which could be interpreted as such.
Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
When presented a matter which we feel can be adequately handled by an individual, we routinely encourage claimants to pursue a settlement on their own, or to consider filing in small claims court when appropriate. We do offer advice on negotiation strategy and claims to be argued.
Linda J. Chalat
I entered private practice in 1991 directly following admission to the bar, joining husband Jim Chalat as a partner of Chalat Law Offices, PC.
My engineering knowledge, gained from both training and working in industry, gives me a great advantage in matters where an understanding of the technical aspects of the accident are crucial to the adequate representation of the client.
I am a detail-oriented, honest, and passionate advocate.
Personal interests:Spending time with family, cycling, and volunteering at the local public school district.
- Bar Number: 20381
Colorado , 1991
- University of Denver College of Law
J.D. , 1989
Denver, CO
Dual degree program with Colorado School of Mines, Dept of Environmental Economics. - Colorado School of Mines
B.S. , 1983
Golden, CO
Chemical and Petroleum Refining Engineering. - University of Denver College of Law
J.D. , 1989
Denver, CO
Dual degree program with Colorado School of Mines, Dept of Environmental Economics. - Colorado School of Mines
B.S. , 1983
Golden, CO
Chemical and Petroleum Refining Engineering.
James H. Chalat
Entered private practice in 1977 directly following admission to the bar, after two short lived partnerships, struck out on my own in 1984 and began James H. Chalat PC which evolved into the current firm.
My 32 years of trail practice representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases gives me a wealth of experience upon which to draw for each client.
I am aggressive, honest, and straight-forward.
Personal interests:Spending time with family, cycling, and volunteering at the local public high school.
- Bar Number: 8037
Colorado , 1977
- University of Denver College of Law
J.D. , 1977
Denver, CO
- University of Michigan
B.G.S. , 1974
Ann Arbor, MI
- University of Denver College of Law
J.D. , 1977
Denver, CO
- University of Michigan
B.G.S. , 1974
Ann Arbor, MI
Russell R. Hatten
I began my legal career as a litigator in Texas in 1986. In 1993, I was appointed to the bench as Municipal Judge for the City of Rowlett, and as a County Magistrate for Dallas and Rockwall Counties, Texas. While on the bench, I heard criminal, domestic, and civil matters, with an annual docket of over 10,000 cases. I continued my plaintiffs' personal injury practice when I moved to Colorado and joined the Chalat firm in 1999.
My experience on the bench enhances my ability to litigate effectively for the firm's clients, preparing me for the trial work for which the firm has developed such a strong reputation.
I am energetic, honest, and dedicated to the best interests of my clients.
Personal interests:Supporting my children in school and sports, running marathons, and cooking.
- Bar Number: 30399
Colorado , 1999
- Texas Tech University School of Law
J.D. , 1986
Lubbock, TX
- University of Texas
B.A. , 1983
Austin, TX
- Texas Tech University School of Law
J.D. , 1986
Lubbock, TX
- University of Texas
B.A. , 1983
Austin, TX
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