The Firm :: Our Roots

Our firm has operated since 1952 in Denver, Colorado. Lawrence Litvak, who founded the firm, is widely regarded for the dignity and vigorous representation he has brought to family law. He continues to assist the firm's new generation in preparing for complex litigation and negotiations. And Larry can break the tension in any room with his humor.

Ron Litvak's vision drives the firm today. He finds ways to "harness the beast" of exploding technology to enable our people to provide a more human, more responsive experience for those we serve. When clients first encounter the need for family law help, they often don't know whether they will need the tools of a litigation team or whether they will be able to resolve matters on a more transactional basis. Ron has built the firm's resources to be effective no matter what direction the legal issues may take. Ron's passion for family law is infectious. Ron brings a depth of knowledge in family law and a raconteur's skill that is so widely regarded by his peers that he is widely sought after as a lecturer and mentor. And Ron's facility with a complex set of numbers is the stuff of legends.

Tim Mehrtens brings his wit, integrity, and planning skills to bear as one of the firm's leaders in complex matters. He is widely recognized as a leader in building bridges between the legal community and the family law community. Tim is a calm and efficient advocate in any forum, and is widely respected by his peers for the dignified conduct that is his imprimateur. And Tim's the guy you'd want covering your backside if you were in a trench war.

Steve Epstein brings a unique awareness of the differing, always evolving, roles performed by "Attorney and Counselor at Law," especially in the family law arena. Steve possesses the rare combination of a fearless litigator and empathic counselor. More importantly, Steve realizes that every client is an individual and that one size certainly does not fit all issues. Steve works to tailor a cost effective final resolution for the individual client. A frequent lecturer to professional groups, Steve enjoys the philosophical and intellectual aspects of the law and brings his predilection for in depth financial and psychological analysis to both the courtroom and the bargaining table.

W. Troy Romero is the outstanding product of Litvak Litvak Mehrtens and Epstein, P.C. Growing up in a family that was recognized in family law, Troy commenced his legal career with Larry, Ron and Tim many years ago as a law clerk. His talent and perseverance made him a natural fit as he grew with our practice. Troy's dedication and hard work was recognized by the members of the firm as he became a shareholder in record time. Over the course of Troy's legal career he has been involved in many complex issues that have resulted in a wealth of knowledge and experience. Troy has also taken his advocacy skills to the appellate courts of Colorado where he has many published opinions, including briefing before the Colorado Supreme Court.

Barbara Jensen has dedicated her many years of trial work to a wide array of family law areas. She is someone who sees the end goal and big picture of each client individually. Clients are comfortable opening up and talking with Barbara about issues in their lives that may play into legal matters. Barbara's experience as a former district attorney and her representation of children in all arenas bring a wealth of knowledge of the resources available to families that can supplement the legal process. Barbara shows compassion for her clients, while guiding them in a realistic direction. Barbara thrives on finding creative solutions tailored to the goals of each client. If solutions cannot be reached outside the courtroom, she loves a good trial.

Paula Smith joined the firm in 1998 with 10 years of experience prosecuting paternity, child support, and interstate child support matters as a Deputy District Attorney . She achieved a track record of successfully trying cases and negotiating settlements that produced practical and economic solutions to demanding issues. Paula is recognized for her knowledge of child support and has taught professional classes on child support establishment, enforcement, and jurisdictional issues.

Jerry N. Snyder joined the firm in 2002 as special counsel as the next phase in his long and distinguished career as a family attorney. In the early 1970s, Jerry was one of the persons with a vision that resulted in the creation of the Family Law Section of the Colorado Bar Association. He served as its Chairman in 1975 and later served as the first President of the Colorado Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a national group of distinguished lawyers. He is a zealous advocate for his clients and a polished trial attorney. He is also a skilled negotiator capable of bringing dispute to a prompt and fair resolution. Jerry is a sought-after lecturer on subjects having to do with the financial aspects of dissolution of marriage, such as maintenance and complex property division issues. Because he was a business and real estate attorney for many years before turning his attention to family law, he has a breadth of knowledge regarding valuing and dividing assets, which is essential in the practice of family law.

Diane Carlton has recently joined the firm as special counsel. She shares the firm's commitment to excellence in family law. She brings over 30 years of courtroom experience with her as a family law lawyer, former public defender and municipal court judge. She is frequently engaged as an expert witness in the area of family law. Diane is dedicated to making the divorce experience a productive one for clients. She devotes her considerable energies to strategizing and finding creative solutions to problems. She specializes in handling complex cases involving large financial estates, custody disputes and those with unique issues. Diane enjoys working with clients to find the best possible outcome in a case, whether the resolution is through settlement or trial.

Michael Switzer brings the enthusiasm of a young attorney to the firm. Mike has the professional demeanor coupled with a sense of humor, which leads to the ability to resolve cases and ease a tense situation. Mike is adept at drafting well-reasoned and researched pleadings, as well as trial briefs. In addition, Mike has drafted numerous appellate briefs and argued those briefs in front of the Colorado Court of Appeals. Prior to Mike's legal career, he taught "high-risk" children. He is well aware of the effects of a marital dissolution on the lives of children and strives to make the dissolution process as amicable as possible when children are involved.

Tina Patierno joined the firm 10 years ago, but “retired” shortly thereafter to stay at home with her children for several years. She came back to the practice of law in 2003 and now re-joins the firm with over 10 years experience in family law. She began her practice in Texas in 1992 with a large international law firm that had a highly regarded family law practice. There she acquired the skills necessary to negotiate and litigate the complex financial issues and highly contested parenting issues often present in family law matters. She understands the emotional turmoil parties often feel when navigating a family law dispute and the toll that it takes on them and their children. She is adept at keeping an objective outlook for the benefit of her clients when they might not otherwise be able to do so. Her goal is to resolve all matters as amicably as possible, so as to reduce the costs, both financial and emotional, for her clients and their children. And she’ll be an excellent advocate in the courtroom if a settlement just isn’t going to come together.

Nathan M. J. Dowell is a recent law school graduate with experience in the criminal law field both as an intern, while attending the University of Denver, and as a sole practitioner. He is joining Litvak Litvak Mehrtens and Epstein, P.C. as an associate with a desire to help parents and children through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Nathan brings to the legal profession not only enthusiasm, but a commitment to practice in an ethical and professional manner.

Wendy J. Smock joined the firm in 2002 as a law clerk and became an associate with the firm in October, 2003. In her final year at the University of Denver College of Law, she participated in the student law office and was honored as “Outstanding Student of the Year” for her work in the University’s family law clinic. Along with the vitality of a new attorney, Wendy brings with her 5 1/2 years of experience as a paralegal in the child support enforcement division at the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s office. Her enthusiasm for family law and compassionate demeanor will serve the profession and her clients well.

Courtney J. Leathers joined the firm as an associate in 2006 and is enthusiastic about returning to Colorado to practice family law.  She received her B.A. in Psychology and Art History from the University of Colorado at Boulder.  She attended law school at Michigan State University College of Law, where she earned the American Jurisprudence Award in Matrimonial Practice.  Courtney pursues cases with the energy and drive of a young attorney, while upholding integrity and compassion to contend with sensitive issues. 

Stephanie joined the firm as an associate in 2008 and is excited about beginning her career in family law. Stephanie recently graduated from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law where she was a member of the Civil Justice Clinic. It was there that Stephanie was first introduced to the practice of family law, as she was primarily an advocate for victims of domestic violence. Stephanie's compassion makes her particularly well suited to deal with individuals who are going through difficult times in their personal lives. Stephanie's professionalism and dedication to the practice of family law make her a great advocate. Stephanie strives to serve her clients with steadfast diligence and tireless passion.