Kenneth Hope is the founder and principal of Hope Mediation, LLC. Returning to his native Colorado after completing his legal studies at Washburn University of Topeka, Ken clerked for several small firms in Downtown Denver and in Englewood. This led to the opening of his own firm in January of 1975 under the name of Kenneth R. Hope, P.C. Valuable trial experience was initially obtained in the form of numerous court appointments in criminal and juvenile matters including a large number of dependency and neglect cases.
Ken was fortunate enough to form a strong friendship with Stan Prisner, a seasoned trial lawyer whose late in life heart condition precluded further active participation in the courtroom. As a team Stan and Ken conducted many trials, with Stan assisting in developing trial strategies and witness preparation, and Ken conducting the direct and cross examination as well as openings and closings. A critique of each day’s performance always followed, with Stan providing firm guidance and encouragement. The lessons learned in this mentoring process, not only in the areas of courtroom protocol and tactics, but in the areas of diplomacy and ethics have been invaluable in the evolution and development of Ken’s professional and personal life.
As his professional practice evolved, Ken became very active in the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce, serving several terms on its Board of Directors and one term as its president. In addition to providing an opportunity to serve as the chamber’s legal counsel as well as legal counsel to a large number of its members, the experience provided the opportunity to develop leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills so essential in both the adversarial and alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) processes.
As a sole practitioner, Ken had an opportunity to represent a wide variety of clients, both in conjunction with their personal issues as well as their business interests. These matters ran the gamut from personal injury to bankruptcy and creditor rights issues to many family law cases to a number of liquor licensing and related administrative proceedings including appeals. Ken’s transactional and business practice developed to include representation of a number of financial and educational institutions, local and regional contractors and construction industry related businesses, as well as health care providers. The legal issues oftentimes extended into the courtroom as well.
In 2000, Ken accepted an invitation to join the Bendelow Law Firm, a boutique downtown Denver firm with ten (10) attorneys including fully staffed offices in both Steamboat Springs and Telluride. Ken was instrumental in opening an additional office in Winter Park to develop and nurture the firm’s expanding client base. The additional resources that the Bendelow firm provided allowed Ken to continue to focus on existing clients as well as to expand his practice into more complex as well as newer areas. The new areas included mediation and other forms of ADR.
In January of 2007, Ken joined Rocky Mountain Forest Products, a long time client, as its Vice President and General Counsel. The scope of Ken’s representation that previously included a variety of transactional and litigation related issues expanded with the addition of operational, human resource, risk management, and personnel duties. This position has given Ken a new appreciation for the complexities involved in running a successful business with multiple locations in challenging economic times. In addition, the flexible hours of his current position provide an opportunity for Ken to be actively involved in the development of his mediation and ADR practice.
Professional Resume
Attorney at Law
- Admitted in Colorado, 1974
Private Practice, Kenneth R. Hope, P.C., Englewood, Colorado
- 1975 – 2000
Private Practice, Associate, Bendelow Law Firm, P.C., Denver, Colorado
- 2000 – 2006; Denver and Winter Park Offices
In House Counsel, Rocky Mountain Forest Products, Inc., Wheat Ridge, Colorado
- 2007- Current
Volunteer Settlement Master, Arapahoe County District Court
Volunteer Mediator: Denver County Court (CMS), Eagle County Court,
Jefferson County Mediation Services
Instructor, Business Law: American Institute of Banking, T. H. Pickens Vocational School
Education and Training:
Bachelor of Science, Colorado State University, 1971
Juris Doctor, Washburn University of Topeka, 1973
Trained Arbitrator, American Arbitration Association
Certificate of Completion – Mediation Training
Professional Memberships (Current and Past)
American Bar Association
Colorado Bar Association
Arapahoe County Bar Association; Board of Directors
Colorado Trial Lawyers Association
American Arbitration Association
Association for Conflict Resolution
Colorado Council of Mediators & Mediator Organizations (CCMO)
Other Affiliations
Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce
President; Board of Directors
Home // Services // Purpose & Benefits // Professional Background // Attorney Tips & Resources // Contact