ABOUT JIM CHALAT

In 1979, Jim was asked by the Colorado Bar Association to write a law review article about the then new Ski Safety Act of 1979. Jim was asked to write the article because of his ski patrol and ski racing experience. The article was the lead article of the March 1980 issue of the "Colorado Lawyer." Since then, Jim has published over 20 law review articles concerning ski law, including a 1999 update on Colorado Ski Law. Much of this information, along with current updates in ski law, can be found on this website and our sister site, skisafety.com.

These articles have appeared in the publications of both the National Ski Area's Association and the National Ski Patrol System as well as in professional journals for trial lawyers. Jim has tried ski cases of every variety, was one of the lead plaintiff's counsel in the Keystone lift cases, and has represented injured skiers from across the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, earning multi-million dollar verdicts at trial for ski injuries.

Jim has also contributed several chapters for law texts. He has taught continuing legal education courses, including on legal ethics, legal malpractice, litigation and on ski law. Recognized as a national authority on skiing accident law, Mr. Chalat has presented numerous CLE courses on ski law, appeared for national and local media on the topic, and has been invited to speak to professional and amateur ski patrols, the American Avalanche Institute, and other industry groups.

Jim Chalat is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. He is a member of the Thompson G. Marsh American Inn of Court. Since 1988 he has been board certified in civil trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. His professional associations include being a sustaining member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and served on the board of directors of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. His appointments include a stint as a special assistant disciplinary counsel for the State of Colorado.

Jim is married to Linda Chalat, who is also a principal of Chalat Hatten Law Offices, P.C. Linda received her education in Colorado: Columbine H.S.; Colo. School of Mines, B.S. Chem. E. 1983; Univ. of Denver, J.D., 1990. Linda and Jim have four children, ages 13 and above. They live in Evergreen, Colorado and devote substantial pro bono time in community service.

To learn more about the firm,
please visit our websites, www.skisafety.com,
www.chalatlaw.com,
or at www.chalathatten.com
or visit our Contact Us page to inform us of your case.