Michael Potraffke handles civil litigation and insurance defense matters, including general liability, personal injury, professional liability, commercial and employment litigation. Michael has represented a wide variety of clients, including domestic and international corporations, small businesses, licensed professionals, homeowners associations, governmental entities, nonprofits and individuals. He has secured defense judgments for his clients in state and federal court and before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and he has represented clients before various administrative agencies, including the Colorado Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.
Prior to joining Wilson Elser, Michael worked at defense firms in Colorado and Indiana, where he handled pre-litigation and litigation matters and acted as corporate counsel for small businesses. Michael also has experience negotiating and drafting a wide variety of commercial agreements and advising clients on business and intellectual property matters.
Representative Matters
Successfully defended appeal before the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals after obtaining dismissal of professional negligence claim against insurance agency and insurance professional before U.S. District Court, District of Colorado.
Obtained dismissal of premises liability action before the U.S. District Court, District of Colorado on grounds of applicable bar to suit under Colorado Dram Shop Act.
Secured bench trial victory in Jackson County, Indiana, in negligence action against an oil change shop, alleging damage to plaintiffs’ vehicle.