Attorney Jerald J. Devitt photo

Practice Areas

  • Estate Planning
  • Business Organizations
  • Probate
  • Land Use Decisions
  • Private Property Owners

Biography

Jerald J. Devitt was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and attended South Dakota State University, receiving a degree in mechanical engineering in 1965, and Georgetown University Law Center, where he was editor of the Georgetown International Law Journal.  Mr. Devitt received his law degree in 1971.  Mr. Devitt has been a Director, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Government Affairs Chairman with the Golden Chamber of Commerce, and board member and Chairman of the Board of the Foothills Art Center.  He is presently a board member and Chairman of the Board of the Golden Visitors Center Corporation in Golden.  An accomplished attorney, Mr. Devitt has also served on the Colorado Air Quality Hearing Board.  Mr. Devitt's practice primarily involves estate planning and probate, as well as business organizations.  Mr. Devitt is a member of the First Judicial District Bard Association.

Mr. Devitt is experienced in all areas of estate planning and administration, will and trust preparation, and those steps necessary to insure minimization of tax burden and the orderly administration of both family needs and business relationships affected by estate planning.

Mr. Devitt provides real estate developers and local governments with first-hand experience dealing with land-use issues.  His lengthy representation of Central City spanned the years from the start-up to the maturation of gaming - involving us in the full range of rapid-growth-related issues.  These included the development and implementation of new planning, zoning and subdivision regulations; historic preservation regulations and procedures; infrastructure development, including water collection, treatment and distribution; street improvements; increased staffing; more complex budgeting processes; bonding; and other financial concerns.

Mr. Devitt has assisted private landowners and local governments in substantial eminent domain litigation, including acquisition of property for development of public-reservoir, transportation and parking facilities and road rights-of-way.  He has prosecuted eminent domain litigation expeditiously and has been included in eminent domain matters for governmental entities, landowners and as a commissioner.

Mr. Devitt has negotiated and drafted many contracts for business entities and local governments, including contracts for major construction projects such as development of a storm water collection system; acquisition of property for a reservoir; construction of a water treatment plant and water storage tank; and construction of a waste water treatment plant.

Education

  • Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, District of Columbia
    • J.D., Doctor of Jurisprudence, 1971
    • Honors: Editor, Georgetown International Law Journal
  • South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota
    • B.S., Bachelor of Science, 1965

Bar Admissions

  • Colorado, 1972

Pro-Bono Activities

  • Golden Chamber of Commerce, Director, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Government Affairs Chairman
  • Foothills Art Center, Board Member and Chairman of the Board
  • Golden Visitors Center Corporation in Golden, Board Member and Chairman of the Board