Charles W. Weese

Overview

For over 30 years, Chuck has defended national and regional employers on a broad range of employment and labor issues, and has represented employers before virtually every federal and state agency. Prior to joining Williams Weese Pepple & Ferguson, Chuck was the leader of the Employment Law group in the Denver office of a national full service firm, and was also head of litigation for the Denver office of a national employment law boutique. Chuck has in-house experience as Senior Counsel for U S West / Qwest where he supervised outside attorneys handling employment litigation across a 14 state region.

Chuck has defended clients in cases involving claims of gender, age, race, disability and national origin discrimination, sexual harassment, constructive discharge, breach of employment contract, retaliation, violation of public policy and related issues. Chuck has represented numerous companies in labor arbitrations, NLRB proceedings, and issues relating to union activities during employee strikes. He also has significant experience in non-compete disputes and wage/hour audits and litigation. Chuck and the firm’s employment law team have handled numerous class and collective actions.

While Chuck has tried numerous employment law cases in court and in arbitration, he provides great value to his clients in the area of litigation avoidance. Though some firms prefer to litigate for months or years on behalf of their clients before suggesting settlement discussions, Chuck will always assist his clients with efforts to review all options, risks and costs before embarking on costly litigation. He also provides his clients with general advice and counseling on a broad range of employment and labor issues, prepares and presents training seminars to clients, and has prepared materials for and presented lectures at multiple employment law seminars and workshops.

Chuck is a member of the Trial Law Institute and Diversity Law Institute. He is a Senior Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America, and has been recognized as a leading employment lawyer by Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, Colorado SuperLawyers, Martindale-Hubbell and 5280 Magazine.

Education

Boston University School of Law – 1991
J.D., magna cum laude
Executive Editor, Law Review

Rice University – 1988
B.A., English and Managerial Studies
President’s Honor Roll

Bar Admissions

Colorado (2001)
New Mexico (1992) (inactive)
Illinois (1991) (inactive)
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado

Honors and Distinctions

Senior Fellow – Litigation Counsel of America

Judicial law clerk to the Honorable Samuel B. Kent, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas (1991 – 1992)

U.S. News – Best Lawyers® – Employment Law (Individuals), Employment Law (Management), Labor and Employment Litigation (2009 – 2024)

Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business – Labor and Employment (2005 – 2024)

Colorado Super Lawyers® – Employment & Labor (2010 – 2023)

5280 Magazine’s Top Lawyers (2015 – 2017)

Martindale Hubbell – consistent AV rating (Preeminent – 5.0 out of 5)