Northglenn, CO estate planning & probate attorney Jeff Althaus discusses his background & experience and his work in the community. He reflects that his background and experience prepared him for his legal career in ways he had not anticipated. His professional journey began in Corporate America, where he worked alongside attorneys in the field of marketing. This early exposure gave him valuable insight into how attorneys approached their clients, as well as how clients perceived their legal representation.

When he transitioned into the practice of law, he explored a wide range of areas. He began at the Public Defender’s Office handling criminal cases, but soon realized that criminal law was not his passion. He also gained experience in real estate and family law, but found those fields unfulfilling. His turning point came when he worked in estate planning and probate at the Public Administrator’s Office in Adams County, Colorado, where he was directly appointed by the Chief Justice. In that role, he witnessed firsthand the struggles families faced during probate and discovered his passion for helping families navigate those challenges.

Through this experience, he found fulfillment in guiding families toward resolution, creating plans that saved them money, avoided court disputes, and preserved family relationships. Inspired by this work, he went on to establish a firm focused exclusively on estate planning and probate, proudly describing it as “a firm of lawyers who don’t sue anyone.” His time at the Public Administrator’s Office was particularly formative, as very few attorneys have the opportunity to serve in that capacity. By reviewing estate plans created by many different attorneys across Colorado, he was able to identify what strategies worked and which did not—knowledge that became the foundation of his firm’s highly effective planning approach.

Beyond his legal practice, he has a strong commitment to community service. He began by serving on the board of Inside the Orchestra, an organization that brings music and arts education to children, particularly in schools where such programs have been cut. During his tenure as president, the organization grew significantly and even formed international partnerships, including collaborations with Spotify.

He has also been deeply involved with the Northglenn Thornton Rotary Club, where he served as president and continues to uphold the organization’s mission of “service above self.” Currently, he serves on the board of The Arc of Adams County, which supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by advocating for their rights and providing essential services that are otherwise lacking.

In addition to his community involvement, he contributes to the legal field through participation in bar association committees, including the Rules and Forms Committee and the Statutory Revisions Committee, ensuring he stays informed and engaged with evolving legal standards.