Family Law | Mediation | Collaborative Law | Alternative Dispute Resolution | Estate Planning
Biography
Alexandra (Ali) Smits is an experienced attorney committed to helping families navigate the emotional and financial complexities of their family law cases. With an understanding of the toll legal disputes have on families and children, Ali works with her clients to minimize conflict and move forward with their lives. Ali is trained in collaborative law and values the opportunity to seek resolution outside of the courtroom, whether through negotiation, mediation or collaborative law. Ali also has extensive trial experience and is equally comfortable advocating for her clients in the courtroom when collaboration or settlement is not an option.
Prior to committing her legal practice exclusively to family law, Ali practiced in the areas of employment law and criminal defense. She has trial experience in both Colorado state courts and the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. Ali has presented to employees and mental health professionals in the area of employment law and disabilities to both the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center and the Colorado chapter of the National MS Society. Ali’s background in employment and criminal law has provided professional insight and trial experience that have enhanced her current family law practice.
Education
- University of Denver Sturm College of Law, Denver, Colorado
- J.D. - 2001
- London School of Economics
- M.A. - 1997
- University of California at Davis
- B.A. - 1996
Bar Admissions
- Colorado, 2001
- U.S. District Court District of Colorado, 2002
Professional Associations
- Colorado Bar Association, Family Law Section
- Colorado Collaborative Law Professionals, Board of Directors, 2014 to 2016
- International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
- Denver County Bar Association
- Metro Denver Interdisciplinary Committee, Board of Directors, 2015 to 2018
- Metro Denver Interdisciplinary Committee, President, 2018 to 2019
Honors
- Selected to Colorado Super Lawyers 2019-2024
- Martindale Hubell AV Preeminent Attorney Rating
- AVVO Rating: 10
Professional Presentations
- Evidentiary Challenges in Family Law Litigation, Colorado Bar Association Family Law Section, Spring Update, May 2022
- “Collaborative Law: Debunking the Myths - A Current Perspective on Adding the Collaborative Model to Your Toolbox,” Colorado Bar Association Family Law Institute, August 16, 2019
- “Divorce Overview and Options,” Second Saturday Divorce Workshop, 2017-2018
- "Standards for 3rd Parties in Domestic Relations Cases," CBA Family Law Section, May 19, 2017
- “Dispute Resolution and Unbundled/Limited Scope Legal Representation – Challenges and Opportunities for ADR Practitioners,” Colorado Bar Association Annual ADR Conference, November 17, 2017
- “Mediation and Collaborative Law -Panel Discussion,” Blue Iris, 2015-2016
- “MS and Employment – Protecting Your Rights” National MS Society of Colorado, May 2008
- “Cancer and Employment Law” Rocky Mountain Cancer Center December 2007
Pro-Bono Activities
- Rocky Mountain Cancer Center
- Colorado chapter of the National MS Society
Certified Legal Specialties
- 40 Hour Mediation Training, Mares-Dixon & Associates
- Collaborative Law, Levels 1 and 2