Denver, CO family law attorney Kristi Wells shares the philosophy that guides her work and discusses her mentors in the practice of law. She describes the guiding philosophy of her work as a lawyer as akin to a legal Hippocratic Oath: first, do no harm to the families involved. She believes that while attorneys have a duty to zealously advocate for their clients, that advocacy does not require escalating conflict through aggressive correspondence or combative pleadings. Instead, she emphasizes maintaining a professional tone and conduct that avoids needlessly intensifying disputes, reflecting her view of the most responsible approach to practicing family law.

She credits much of her professional development to her mentors. Early in her collaborative practice, she worked with Ann Gussers, now retired and serving as a neutral at JAMS. Ann, one of the founders of collaborative practice in Denver, profoundly influenced her approach, demonstrating how to prioritize the best interests of children and help families move forward constructively, even through divorce.

More recently, she had the opportunity to practice with Bill Honeycutt before his passing. Known as the “Godfather of divorce” in Colorado, Bill handled many of the state’s largest cases. Despite his reputation as a formidable litigator, he maintained a practice that embodied respect and professionalism, advocating effectively without creating unnecessary conflict—a model that continues to inform her own practice today.