Colorado § 13-93-402 - Legislative declaration.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-93-402 — Legislative declaration., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 13-93-402. Legislative declaration.
(1) The general assembly finds that:
(a) The rules of the Colorado supreme court governing the practice of law underscore that the independent professional judgment of lawyers is essential to the fair administration of justice and restrict the sharing of legal fees with nonlawyers and nonlawyer ownership or control of a law firm;
(b) Financial arrangements that provide nonlawyers with an economic interest in law firms and their fees, revenues, or case outcomes, however structured, threaten a lawyer's duties of loyalty to their client, confidentiality, and professional independence;
(c) Even minimal nonlawyer ownership or profit participation in law firms compromises public trust in the legal profession;
(d) Alternative business structures have increasingly been used to circumvent longstanding prohibitions on nonlawyer ownership of law firms and the concomitant sharing of attorney fees; and
(e) Colorado has a compelling interest in regulating the provision of legal services affecting Colorado clients, regardless of where a lawyer or law firm is located.
(2) The general assembly therefore declares that the purposes of this part 4 are to:
(a) Prohibit nonlawyer ownership and fee sharing in the provision of legal services to third parties;
(b) Prevent contractual formalities or out-of-state entities from circumventing this prohibition;
(c) Protect clients and the integrity of the legal profession in Colorado; and
(d) Provide effective additional enforcement mechanisms for professionals and clients in Colorado.
(3) It is not the intent of the general assembly to:
(a) Prohibit or restrict the ability of creditors or lawful assignees of claims to enforce the claims, including through the use of lawyers; or
(b) Alter longstanding practices related to debt collection if legal services are rendered in compliance with applicable rules of professional conduct.
Source: L. 2026: Entire part added, (HB 26-1421), ch. 403, p. 2517, § 1, effective August 12.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 13-93-402
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-93-402 cover?
Section 13-93-402 ("Legislative declaration.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 13-93-402?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-93-402" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 13-93-402 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.