John L. Skari, Jr. is a Philadelphia area native and a graduate of the University of Colorado Law School, where his coursework focused on litigation practice, real estate, corporate and tax law. Prior to joining the firm as an Associate Attorney, John was employed by Zakhem Law as a Law Clerk. John works with clients to identify and implement a plan of representation that will quickly and comprehensively address their needs. John’s practical approach to problem solving for clients results in cost-effective and responsive representation.

Representative Cases

John’s achievements for his clients include:

(U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, 2012). Briefed and argued successfully defended an appeal concerning the application of 11th Amendment sovereign immunity resulting in the affirmation of the trial court’s ruling that John’s client’s 1st Amendment claim could proceed against the Colorado Department of Corrections.

(Jefferson County District Court 2012). In a collections action, the court dismissed all claims against John’s client and ordered the Plaintiffs to pay all of the client’s costs. John’s client won the case on motions to dismiss without incurring any discovery costs or the expense of trial.

(Arapahoe County District Court 2012). Settled professional negligence claims against licensed real estate broker for nuisance value avoiding trial.

(Douglas County District Court 2012). Brought mechanics’ lien foreclosure and breach of contract action on behalf of subcontractor. A successful mediation resulted in John’s client being the only party out of 5 recovering its damages.

(U.S. Tax Court 2010) Drafted and filed Petition to the U.S. Tax Court on behalf of group investors under audit by the IRS as a result of claiming a disputed charitable deduction among other issues. Negotiated successful settlement of the Tax Court case allowing John’s clients to retain deduction.

(Weld County District Court 2010). Tried personal injury action to resolution obtaining jury verdict in favor of John’s client who was awarded compensatory and punitive damages.

(Westminster Municipal Court, 2009). John’s client was acquitted of domestic violence assault and harassment charges at trial.

John has qualified various non-profit organizations for tax-exemption by preparing and filing 1023 and 1024 applications, including 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6) and Type I supporting organizations and provides ongoing non-profit corporate counsel.

John has negotiated deferred judgment plea arrangements to a variety of criminal charges resulting in the dismissal of all charges and allowing clients to seal their records upon completion of the terms of the deferred judgment.

John counsels various businesses regarding protecting their intellectual property and has obtained several trademarks and service marks and enforced the same against potential infringers.

Articles / Presentations

CLE Presentation with Judge Christine Arguello and Magistrate Judge Boyd N. Boland – Handling Civil and Criminal Cases with Pro Se Litigants in U.S. District Court, Perspectives from Bench and Bar (June 28, 2012)

University of Colorado School of Law Panelist – Small firm practice (2011)

University of Colorado School of Law Panelist – Making the most of your summer internship (2010)

Areas of Experience

• Civil Litigation
• Commercial / Business
• Tax Litigation
• Non-Profit Formation and Tax Exemption
• Criminal
• Personal Injury
• Securities
• Appellate
• Real Estate
• Collections
• Intellectual Property

Community Involvement / Memberships

• Colorado Bar Association
• Denver Bar Association
• Faculty of Federal Advocates

 

Personal

• Conversant in Spanish
• Travel, hiking, river rafting and fly fishing
• Philadelphia sports teams

Ask a Legal Question or Schedule a Free Consultation