Karen H. Shirley

Karen H. Shirley is an adjunct professor at DU teaching Client Counseling. Karen has been the owner and managing attorney for the boutique firm Holmes Shirley Law for the past 15 years. Her current practice focuses on estate planning, trust administration and small business. Karen previously worked for the Environmental Protection Agency Drinking Water Program and was the manager of the Upper Gunnison Water Conservancy District. She has extensive experience working with clients on understanding their legal options, building positive relationships with opposing parties and diverse stakeholder groups within a variety of legal frameworks and making the handling legal and policy matters a more comfortable process for everyone.

She received her undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and Political Science from DU and her juris doctor from CU Law, where she was awarded the Indian Law Clinic Student of the Year. She lives in Castle Rock with her husband, children and variety of pets. She is an outdoor enthusiast, book lover and arm chair world traveler.