Attorney Bio Michael Potraffke Michael is senior counsel in WSHB’s Denver office, handling complex litigation involving personal injury, professional liability, product liability, premises Senior Counsel liability, employment, defamation, construction, claims and matters involving state governmental immunity acts and governmental tort liability, and various commercial disputes on behalf of clients and insurers. Michael also defends employers before state and federal agencies, including in response to charges of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination and wage and hour violations. He is likewise well-versed in intellectual property matters and business transactions, and enjoys zealously representing defendants of all sizes, from small, family-owned companies to large corporations. In addition, Michael assists our national insurance coverage practice by advising and representing domestic and international insurers on first-party property (Homeowner’s and Commercial), commercial general liability, construction defect, and professional errors and omission claims, including the interpretation of policy provisions and exclusions and first-party bad faith claims. His experience also includes providing complex insurance coverage opinions regarding construction defect losses as well as commercial trucking catastrophic losses involving multiple insurers and policies. Denver Michael earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 2009 with 1805 Shea Center Drive majors in English and Political Science and a minor in music studies. Michael Suite 200 then earned his J.D. from the Indiana University — Bloomington Maurer School Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 of Law. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, skiing, golf, and Indiana Hoosiers Tel: (720) 479-2500 basketball. Michael has also spent time volunteering as a judge for the Indiana Fax: (303) 471-1855 University Maurer School of Law Sherman Minton Moot Court Competition and as a guest speaker for the Indiana Kids’ Election program. mpotraff[email protected] Direct: (720) 479-2518 Education Indiana University – Bloomington Maurer School of Law (J.D., 2012) Indiana University – Bloomington (B.A., 2009) Licensed to Practice in: Colorado, Indiana, U.S. District Court Colorado, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana, Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals Practice Areas Commercial and Business Litigation Construction Complex Tort and Casualty Employment Represents employers in all phases of employment litigation, including trial. Defends employers against claims of discrimination, retaliation, and harassment. Represents employers during all phases of EEOC and DORA investigations. Intellectual Property Product Liability Professional Liability Trial & Appellate Results Becky McCray v. Lockheed Martin Corporation, 2020 WL 495376 (D. Colo. 2020) (slip copy) (successfully obtained dismissal with prejudice, and defeated motion for remand, of civil action involving application of Colorado’s Dram Shop Act) (2/2) Michael Potraffke © 2021 Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP | wshblaw.com.