KerraneStorz is Hiring Attorneys in Texas

Civil Litigation Attorney
Kerrane Storz, P.C.
Southlake, Texas
$112,000 – $160,000 | Full-Time

Kerrane Storz, P.C. is seeking a civil litigation attorney who wants real responsibility, meaningful client interaction, and hands-on courtroom experience—not just document review.  From day one, you will be trusted to think critically, exercise sound judgment, and take ownership of your cases, while working together with a collaborative and highly experienced team that is invested in your growth.  No prior experience in construction defects? Not a problem. We’re looking for a curious learner who is eager to dive in and develop a greater understanding of the industry. 

About the Firm

Kerrane Storz is a multi-state construction-defect law firm representing property owners in complex cases against developers and contractors. We are a recognized leader in our field and are proud to be named a Tier 1 “Best Law Firm” by Best Lawyers.  Our attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and other leading organizations. We are also honored to have been named one of the “Best Places to Work” by the Denver Business Journal.

What You’ll Do

Manage and drive cases from pre-suit through trial

Conduct depositions, hearings, and mediations

Draft substantive motions and legal briefs

Work directly with clients and expert witnesses

Collaborate with senior attorneys on case strategy

Participate in business development and client growth

What We’re Looking For

Strong legal writing and research skills

Excellent analytical thinking and practical judgment

Initiative and ownership mentality

Ability to communicate complex issues clearly

Strong interpersonal skills with clients and team members

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $112,000 – $160,000 (commensurate with experience)

Comprehensive benefits package, including:

     Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance

     401(k) with employer contributions

     Cash balance retirement plan

     Health Savings Account (with employer contributions)

     Technology allowance

     Self-managed PTO

     Professional development support

Why Kerrane Storz

We believe that developers and contractors should be held accountable when their mistakes cause serious property damage.  We litigate with purpose – combining fearless legal representation with pragmatic, ethical, and sustainable business practices.

Apply

If you have courage, intellectual curiosity, and a passion to improve lives, please submit a résumé, cover letter, references, and a writing sample to:  Lauren Fogle – lfogle@kerranestorz.com

Acadian Office Park

Mirar at The Cedars

Five KerraneStorz Lawyers Named to 2026 Colorado Super Lawyers Lists

For over 20 years, the attorneys at KerraneStorz have represented thousands of property owners damaged by construction defects against develoers, builders, and their insurance companies.  The firm advances all expert costs related to litigation and handles cases on a contingency fee basis.  The firm has collected over $500 million in settlements and judgments for their clients.  

We are proud that Heidi Storz*, Jeff Kerrane*, and Mike Lowder* were chosen for the Super Lawyers list, and that Allyson Maroon**, and Robert Crawford** were included in the Rising Stars list.  Additionally Jeff Kerrane and Heidi Storz ranked in the Top 100 list, and Heidi Storz ranked in the Top 50 Women.  

* Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys. The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. Super Lawyers magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of law. For more information about Super Lawyers, visit SuperLawyers.com.

** Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys. The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. Super Lawyers magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of law. For more information about Super Lawyers, visit SuperLawyers.com.

When Experts Chime In, Can HOAs Afford to Tune Them Out?

Ridge at Ward Station

Tuscan Foothills Village

The Hub at Virginia Village

Factory Flats

wellingtonmanor

North Hill

Ulysses Park

Oakbrook Van Alstyne

Legislative Advocacy

HOA Oktoberfest Celebrates 20 Years of Community and Giving Back

HOA Oktoberfest, proudly organized by KerraneStorz and Orten Cavanagh Holmes & Hunt, is celebrating its 20th anniversary on October 10, 2025 as a cornerstone event in Colorado’s HOA industry. Over the past two decades, this annual gathering has grown into more than just a celebration—it has become a meaningful tradition of connection, appreciation, and philanthropy.  

What began as a heartfelt thank you to the hardworking professionals in our industry has evolved into a powerful platform for giving back. Recognizing the strength and compassion within a community that serves communities, the event founders were inspired to create an experience that not only brings people together, but also supports those in need.

For the past 13 years, HOA Oktoberfest has raised funds for the Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Center (JAMLAC), a nonprofit organization that provides critical legal services to low-income individuals. The charitable partnership with JAMLAC reflects the event’s mission: to unite professionals in the spirit of gratitude while making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable members of our broader community.

“We didn’t just want to throw a party,” say the organizers. “We wanted to create an opportunity for all of us to come together for the greater good.”

As HOA Oktoberfest marks its 20th year, we celebrate not only the longevity of the event, but also the lasting impact it continues to have on countless lives—proving that when a community comes together, great things happen.

For more information about this year's Oktoberfest, visit www.hoaoktoberfest.com.

Reserve at Shadle

Nine KerraneStorz Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America

We are excited to share that an incredible 9 of our attorneys at KerraneStorz have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America!

Jeff Kerrane, Heidi Storz, Michael Lowder, and Danita Glenn are included in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
Robert Crawford, Kristina Dixon, Allyson Maroon, Andrew Mossman, and Calvin Freas are recognized in the 6th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America®.

We’re proud of our entire team, and this recognition highlights the talent and dedication of our attorneys.

Villas at Wheatlands

The Grove at Midlothian

briargatesquare

Thoughtful Networking & Integrity-Driven Business Development

CAI Southern Colorado's quarterly publication, Community Connections, features an article written by Lindsay Thompson, titled "Thoughtful Networking & Integrity-Driven Business Development."

Thriving professionally in business development isn’t just about who you know—it’s about how you show up. Your network should enhance your success, not be the crutch that holds it up. Relying on connections as your safety net gives the impression that your achievements are the product of someone else’s effort.

Bluffs at Spring Creek-PB

Midtown at Magnolia

Canyon Creek

Province Tarrytown

Stevens Park

Mueller House II

Sommerlyn Vista

Harvest Meadows

Forest Park

villagecoop

3880 Munger

Myridium Association Inc

Kerrane Storz Recognized by Best Law Firms® in 2025 for the 8th Year in a Row

November 7, 2024 -- Kerrane Storz, P.C. has been recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms® , a testament to its unwavering commitment to legal excellence. Ranked by Best Law Firms in Construction Litigation, Kerrane Storz, P.C. has distinguished itself in the legal industry, earning this prestigious accolade.

Firms included in the 2025 Best Law Firms® list are recognized for professional excellence with impressive ratings from clients and peers. To be considered for this milestone achievement, at least one lawyer in the law firm must be recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

"At Best Lawyers, we are proud to recognize law firms that show an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction," said Philip Greer, Chief Executive Officer of Best Lawyers. "In the legal arena, credibility is earned through consistent quality, which has propelled these firms to the forefront of the legal industry."

Achieving a ranking in Best Law Firms signifies high-quality legal practice and a depth of legal proficiency. Recognized firms, categorized into three tiers, receive acclaim on both national and metropolitan levels, reflecting the extent of their practice and geographic reach. Receiving a tier designation represents an elite status, reflecting the integrity and reputation earned by law firms.

The 2025 edition of  Best Law Firms® includes rankings in 75 national practice areas and 127 metropolitan-based practice areas. The transparent, collaborative research process employs qualitative and quantitative data from peer and client reviews, supported by proprietary algorithmic technology, to produce a tiered system of industry-led rankings of the top 4% of the industry.

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About Best Law Firms®

Best Law Firms®, ranked by Best Lawyers® and respected for over 14 years, is the most credible ranking of exceptional law firms globally. It is rooted in a rigorous, peer-to-peer, industry-driven evaluation. A ranking from Best Law Firms signifies a high-quality practice and a breadth of legal expertise. Ranked firms, presented in three tiers, are recognized on a national and metropolitan scale, providing legal professionals with an elevated stature from the Best Law Firms recognition. For more information, visit www.bestlawfirms.com.

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About Best Lawyers®

Best Lawyers® is the oldest and most respected peer-review research and marketing company in the legal profession. Best Lawyers compiles extensive recognitions by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which tens of thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate the work of their fellow legal professionals within their local market and specialty. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore, recognition by Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. For more information, visit www.bestlawyers.com.

Kerrane Storz Receives $6.4 Million Arbitration Award Against Dream Finders Homes

LONGMONT, Colo., Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The construction defect law firm Kerrane Storz, P.C. achieved a major win this month for the Parkes at Stonebridge Townhome Owners Association against Dream Finders Homes.

Dream Finders built the 92-unit townhome community known as Parkes at Stonebridge in Longmont, Colorado from 2018 to 2021. Dream Finders promised homeowners "peace of mind" when they sold the homes to Coloradans but failed to deliver on that promise. Soon after moving in, the new homeowners noticed serious construction issues throughout the community including crumbling driveways, heaving sidewalks, and sagging garage awnings.

Depending on the season, sidewalks became dangerous due to ice buildup, ponding water, and slippery algae growth. These conditions caused injury to multiple homeowners who slipped and fell. When homeowners reported their safety concerns, Dream Finders responded with haphazard, negligent repairs that failed to fix the construction problems and caused new hazards.

After multiple failed attempts to negotiate a settlement, the Association proceeded to arbitration against Dream Finders. The Association prevailed on its claims of negligence, breach of contract, breach of express warranty, and breach of implied warranty against Dream Finders. The Arbiter awarded the Association $5,733,471 for its cost of repairs and $679,732 for its litigation costs for a total award of $6,413,204. In addition, the Arbiter awarded the Association post-judgment interest on unpaid amounts until the award plus interest is paid in full.

Dream Finders objected to the award for litigation costs, arguing that the purchase agreements for the townhomes - which their lawyers drafted - prevented the recovery of these costs. The Arbiter disagreed, holding:

"Colorado law clearly provides for an award of costs to the prevailing party in a construction defect arbitration. Any express waiver or limitations on these rights are void as against public policy. Of course, actual damages include costs."

"We are thrilled with this award for our client and look forward to seeing the community make much-needed repairs," said Heidi Storz, lead attorney for the community. "This decision will serve other Colorado homeowners by putting developer/builders on notice that they will be held accountable for poor construction despite boilerplate, take-it-or-leave-it waivers they may include in purchase agreements."

Dream Finders has paid part of the arbitration award. As of today's date, however, Dream Finders has not satisfied its obligation to pay the post-judgment interest awarded to the Association by the Arbiter. On October 30, 2024, the Association filed a motion in Boulder County District Court seeking entry of judgment on the arbitration award. The Association plans to enforce the judgment as necessary to hold Dream Finders accountable for all they owe.

As of June 2024, Dream Finders Homes had built and sold almost 2,000 homes across the Front Range. Dream Finders Homes is now selling homes in newly built communities in Arvada, Aurora, Brighton, Broomfield, Littleton, Parker, Strasburg, Berthoud, Fort Collins, and Longmont.

The law firm of Kerrane Storz, P.C. represents Colorado and Texas homeowners and community associations in construction defect matters.

Contact: 
Heidi Storz
hstorz@kerranestorz.com
www.kerranestorz.com

Curtice Village

Sorrel Ranch

Edge at LoHi

Nook At Shiloh Mesa

Four Kerrane Storz Lawyers Named to 2025 Best Lawyers in America List

August 15, 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Jeff Kerrane,  Heidi Storz, Michael Lowder, and Danita Glenn are included in the 31ˢᵗ edition of The Best Lawyers in America®..

Jeff Kerrane and Heidi Storz have been selected to the 2025 Best Lawyers in America list in the field of Construction Litigation, and Michael Lowder and Danita Glenn have been sleected to the 2025 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.  

Best Lawyers®, the oldest and most respected legal rankings company, is pleased to announce the milestone 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and fourth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America legal awards. These significant releases follow closely after independently launching the redesigned Best Law Firms®. As a result, these awards further enhance the confidence in and recognition of those who are distinguished by this esteemed awards organization.

“This historic 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America is a testament to lawyers’ and firms’ appreciation of the Best Lawyers steadfast methodology and historical significance on the legal industry,” said Best Lawyers CEO Phillip Greer. “Best Lawyers and ‘Ones to Watch’ accolades are based purely on the review of other top lawyers practicing in the same metropolitan and practice areas. Those practicing against each other in mediation or arguing across the aisle in court are providing positive feedback on their peers’ skillset, knowledge and professionalism. These awards are a genuine vote of confidence in their fellow lawyers.”

Determined through Best Lawyers’ transparent Purely Peer Review® research process, the Best Lawyers accolades recognize the top 5% of legal talent in private practice throughout the United States. Best Lawyers believes the quality of their peer-review survey directly relates to the quality of voters, so only lawyers who were previously recognized by Best Lawyers were asked to review their constituents for the 2024 recognitions. While preparing for the 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America, more than 13.7 million votes were analyzed. For the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, more than 2.4 million votes were analyzed, which resulted in more than 25,000 lawyers honored in the new edition. Using the same trusted methodology as traditional Best Lawyers awards, the lawyers recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America are earlier in their careers, typically only being in private practice for less than 10 years.

Best Lawyers has played a pivotal role in aiding individuals seeking legal assistance by helping them pinpoint the most adept lawyers to represent their interests, even in remote jurisdictions or unfamiliar fields of law. When searching for a reputable lawyer, a mark of recognition from Best Lawyers is a valued credential for clients regarding the esteem a lawyer has within their profession.

To view honorees included in the 2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, please visit www.bestlawyers.com.

CAMERON VAHLKAMP

Love Field Lofts

SB24-106 Postponed Indefinitely—A Victory for HOAs and Affordable Housing Owners

Colorado Senate Bill 106 was postponed indefinitely on May 3, 2024, marking a victory for homeowner rights and owners of affordable housing.  

The bill would have stripped Colorado homeowners of many of the limited rights they have in Colorado, thrusting expensive repair bills onto one of Colorado's more vulnerable populations--owners of affordable housing.    Colorado's  Sen. J. Coleman, Sen. R. Zenzinger and Rep. S. Bird were the prime sponsors of this misguided bill.   

"Most disturbingly, SB 106 would require that claims dealing with “life, health and safety” problems, those would have to be “imminent” – so in my case, the firewall wouldn’t be a problem unless there was an active fire spreading in the building. It would give builders the right to force unwanted repairs on homeowners – even band-aid fixes that would just cover up the real problem – and would prevent homeowners from pursuing a claim on the underlying defect after such a repair. In most cases, homeowners couldn’t join together, they would have to file claims individually, which is much more expensive and difficult."  --Bob Gaiser, Aurora Planning and Zoning Commissioner and member of Build our Homes Right

WATCH: Proponents, critics clash over legislation aimed at increasing Colorado condo construction

KerraneStorz Receives Top Honor from 2024 Best Lawyers

We are honored to have been recognized as the recipient of the prestigious Best Law Firms 2024 ranking! We are deeply grateful to our clients, respected peers, and our incredible team for their unwavering support and dedication.

This accolade serves as a testament to our team's unwavering commitment to excellence and our relentless pursuit of delivering top-notch legal services. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all those who have played a role in our success, as we continue to strive for excellence in the legal industry. Thank you for your trust and confidence in KerraneStorz - we are truly honored to receive this esteemed recognition.

Best Law Firms Independent Rankings Highlight Top Firms in the Industry.

Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected Purely Peer Review research and accolades company in the legal profession, announced the release of their 14th edition of the United States Best Law Firms® rankings. This year’s rankings mark the first year that Best Lawyers has released the bellwether listings independently on a dedicated website: www.bestlawfirms.com. They also highlight a new strategic direction for Best Law Firms as the company expands across additional categories and geographic regions.

The 2024 rankings are based on Best Law Firms’ proven methodology that relies on qualitative and quantitative data on legal skillset, achievements and client successes collected through a submission process managed by Best Lawyers.

“These rankings – their first independently published rankings and 14th edition – serve as a true North Star for the industry,” said Best Lawyers CEO Phillip Greer. “We know that the legal profession–like so many industries today–is undergoing a transformation led by proliferating technology, global demands and evolving social norms. Through these rankings, we can not only identify the gamechangers for law firms today, but also focus on key issues such as integrating AI and addressing DE&I that are positioning them and the profession for future success.”

The 2024 rankings were evaluated from the largest participation pool to date, which incorporate more than 97,000 client submissions, more than 2.8 million Best Law Firms votes on ballots and more than 13.7 million evaluations of more than 23,000 firms. The rankings highlight a unique combination of high-quality law practices and the full breadth of legal expertise that has always been differentiated by the credibility and transparent rankings process developed by Best Lawyers.

The 2024 Best Law Firms rankings can be accessed at www.bestlawfirms.com.

Heidi Storz, Jeff Kerrane, Mike Lowder, Allyson Maroon, and Andrew Mossman included on 2024 Super Lawyers lists

For over 20 years , the team at KerraneStorz has advocated for thousands of property owners and community associations with construction defects.

We are proud that Heidi Storz*, Jeff Kerrane*, Mike Lowder* were chosen for the Super Lawyers list, and that Allyson Maroon**, and Andrew Mossman** were included in the Rising Stars list.

* Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys. The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. Super Lawyers magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of law. For more information about Super Lawyers, visit SuperLawyers.com.

** Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys. The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. Super Lawyers magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of law. For more information about Super Lawyers, visit SuperLawyers.com.

Goodnight Ranch

2001 N. Prairie

Cross Creek Duplex

Ethical Issues In Reconstruction Projects

CAI Southern Colorado's Community Connections magazine features an article this quarter by Jeff Kerrane regarding "Ethical Issues in Reconstruction Projects."  The article provides insight into ensuring transparency, avoiding conflicts of interest, managing the bid process, and investing reconstruction finds. 

At some point in the life cycle of every community association there will come a time, probably multiple times, when the association will become involved in a large-scale reconstruction project.    As communities evolve and structures age, every component of a community will reach the inevitable end of its life cycle.  Sometimes, that end could come sooner than expected, when a community is hit by a natural disaster.  Other times, the end of the life cycle could be hastened by construction defects or by inadequate maintenance.  When an association embarks on a reconstruction project, ethical obligations of the individuals involved will come into play, including the community association manager and the board of directors.  This article provides insight into ensuring transparency, avoiding conflicts of interest, managing the bid process, and investing reconstruction funds.

Orpheus Condominium

1910 Caddo

Blue River Flats

Parkway Point

Collins Square

Garrett Park

museumblvd

Northedge Condos

Ella Cityhomes

Lincoln Commons Rows II

Greenwood Flats

oaksoncaroline

Oak Street Townhomes

Rose Creek Townhomes

Cityscapes-Highline

Heidi Storz named Barrister’s Best Construction Defect Lawyer for Plaintiffs

Congratulations to Heidi Storz for being awarded Barrister’s Best Construction Defect Lawyer for Plaintiffs by Colorado Law Week!

“Drawing on more than two decades of experience in construction defect litigation, Heidi Storz has assisted thousands of building owners to resolve their construction defect disputes. She’s been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2018 and has appeared in Super Lawyers since 2012. Storz is also no stranger to recognition in Law Week — she was one of our Top Women Lawyers in 2012 and 2016.”—Law Week

Anthem Highlands

Jeff Park Flats

Liv City Center

Enclaves at Mt Vista

Parkside

NorthSky At Ridgegate

Parkes at Stonebridge

Perrins Row

Cityscape-Highline

Southwest Suburban Water & Sanitation District

S’Park 24

Seville

Bella Casa

Avion

Great Plains

Carrington Court

Backcountry

Heidi Storz Named Law Week Colorado’s Best Construction Defects Lawyer and Best Civil Litigator

Law Week's Barrister’s Best is back. Heidi Storz was named Law Week's People's Chioce for Best Civil Litigator.  "In addition to this distinction, Heidi Storz has been recognized as one of the state’s top lawyers by multiple sources. She’s already made the 2022 Colorado Super Lawyers and Women Colorado Super Lawyers lists. Her understanding of construction has allowed her to assist thousands of homeowners in construction defect issues and insurance litigation."  Heidi tops off this award by also being named Law Week's Barrister's Choice for Best Plaintiff's Construction Defects Lawyer.  "This is the second category, after civil litigator, that Storz has appeared in. Away from the workplace, she enjoys beekeeping, gardening, cooking and traveling."

The Row

Green Mountain Terrace

Highland Villas

Observatory Heights

Ventana by Buckner

Laurel Condo Association

Terrace South

Condor Townhomes

Heidi Storz featured in Best Lawyers “Women in the Law” Edition

June 4, 2021.  Congratulations to Heidi Storz for being featured in Best Lawyers Sixth Annual "Women in the Law" Business Edition.  

The “Women in the Law” Business Edition celebrates the accomplishments of women in the legal industry and includes every female lawyer recognized in the 27th (2021) edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. The publication further promotes women’s voices with editorial content written by predominantly female contributors focusing largely on their experiences in law, taking monumental leaps in their professions and inspiring future generations.

Read the digital publication and search The Best Lawyers in America© by lawyer name, firm, region and/or practice area by visiting www.bestlawyers.com. Lawyers who are nominated for consideration are voted on by currently recognized Best Lawyers working in the same practice area and located in the same geographic region. Best Lawyers awards and recognitions are based purely on the feedback they receive from these top lawyers. Those who receive high peer reviews undergo a thorough verification process to make sure they are currently still in private practice. Only then can these top lawyers be recognized by Best Lawyers.

ABOUT BEST LAWYERS

Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected lawyer ranking service in the world. For 40 years, Best Lawyers has assisted those in need of legal services to identify the lawyers best qualified to represent them in distant jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties. Best Lawyers awards are published in leading local, regional and national publications across the globe.

Legacy Villas

Creekside In Erie

Westwoods Mesa

Texas Court of Appeals (El Paso): An Association and its property manager were held jointly liable

Texas Court of Appeals (El Paso): An Association and its property manager were held jointly liable for failure to implement repairs recommended in a reserve study, even though the members of the Association voted down an attempted special assessment to fund the necessary repairs.

Lakeside Village Homeowners Ass’n v. Belanger, 08-15-00214-CV (Tex. Ct. App. June 14, 2017)

Townhome unit owners filed suit for trespass and negligence against their owners association, property manager, and management agent for improperly maintaining and repairing a retaining wall and associated common area adjacent to a townhome duplex. The unit owners alleged that the improper maintenance and repair allowing the common area to divert surface and subsurface water towards the townhome property, which caused damage to the townhomes by way of soils movement-induced foundation damage.

Two reserve studies performed by the management company in 2005 and 2010 revealed that a railroad-tie retaining wall running throughout the 498-unit community was structurally deficient and failing, and each reserve study recommended an immediate replacement of the railroad-ties with a concrete retaining wall.  The Association did not have sufficient reserve funds to address all of the repairs recommended in the reserve studies.  In 2011, the Association sought a special assessment to contribute to the reserve account to fund the recommended repairs, but the members voted against the special assessment.

The jury awarded actual damages to the homeowner Plaintiffs of approximately $100,000 for physical damage to their townhome units occasioned by the failure to repair and replace the retaining wall, and an additional award of prejudgment interest and attorneys fees was attached to the judgment.  On appeal, the Court of Appeals upheld the jury verdict and entry of judgment.  The Association is still responsible for the retaining wall repairs.

Homeowners associations, their boards of directors, and their property managers must be vigilant in evaluating the condition of the common areas in the community to determine whether a portion of the community was defectively constructed by the original builder/developer.  By failing to initially identify the construction defect from the 2005 reserve study, and seeking to simply repair the property by special assessment, the Association and the property manager become liable to the unit owners for damage to their property even though the Association and property manager sought to specially assess the members of the Association to pay for the needed repairs.  A construction defect suit, brought in 2005, could have funded the necessary repairs and avoided the property damage suffered by the homeowners.

Mustang Park

Congratulations to our lawyers who made the 2021 Super Lawyer list!

Kerrane Storz, P.C. is proud to announce that Jeff Kerrane, Heidi Storz, and Michael Lowder have been named to the 2021 Colorado Super Lawyers lists.

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys. 

Jeff Kerrane, Colorado Super Lawyers Top 100, 2014-2021, Colorado Super Lawyers, 2012-2021

Heidi Storz, Colorado Super Lawyers Top 100, 2014-2021, Colorado Super Lawyers Top 50 Women, 2013-2021, Colorado Super Lawyers, 2012-2021

Michael Lowder, Colorado Rising Star, 2016-2021

Grand Monarch

Skyland Village