I began my career as a public defender. In this capacity I was able to help many people who otherwise would have no help. Even though I did not make the money I could have made at a larger firm, the defense of the rights of the indigent and the defense of the Constitutional right to counsel when your rights are being taken away was a passion. I did hundreds of trials and was given an award by the honorable Judge Paul Moyle (now retired) for outstanding service as a public defender. After many years of being unable to pay my student loan from The University of Miami, I realized it was time to strike out on my own. I began private practice in February of 2013, practicing exclusively in the area of Family Law. I built my firm from the ground up and now have an associate, 2 paralegals, a bookkeeper and a filing person. I treat my staff with the utmost respect. I give them the same respect as I would give a Judge. I only do family law, because this area involves every area of the law. It is impossible to be competent in this area and practice in other areas. Each year I attend the substantial CLE in order to keep my knowledge of the case law up to date. This area is such a passion for me because I have the ability to help many people to settle their case and learn to effectively co-parent amicably. As a mother, my passion is for the children. I also have great passion for minimizing attorney’s fees. I have been able to shut down others who don’t share this belief by setting all cases for trial as soon as the rules permit. As a consequence, I have done numerous trials. My prior substantial trial experience has allowed me to perform in trial competently and effectively. Sometimes, when a party is unreasonable one is left with no choice but to proceed to trial. My staff is my backbone and, as a team, we are effective and properly presenting evidence and my knowledge of the law and evidentiary rules also allows us to try cases in a cost-effective manner. Being bound by the rules of ethics, the goal is to settle to minimize fees and, more importantly, the detrimental effects that litigious cases has on the children. In every case, the children are my biggest concern.

Rene was born and raised in Colorado. She received her undergraduate degree from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York and then moved back to Denver to attend law school. Rene received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Denver's Sturm College of Law and is admitted to practice law in the State of Colorado.Rene is a lawyer specializing in helping her clients through the various steps of their legal needs, taking a holistic approach to each unique client. Rene practices in all areas of family law, including divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities or custody, modification of parenting time, protection orders, and child support. Rene also provides estate planning and management for her clients, including wills, probate, guardianships, and conservatorships.With extensive experience in litigation, Rene maintains an active practice in various areas of civil litigation including breach of contract disputes and landlord/tenant disputes.

Courtney H. Carpenter provides representation in all matters of family law and is passionate about helping clients find the best resolution possible based on their individual goals. The litigation process can be complicated and emotional, and Ms. Carpenter works with each client to help them navigate their options to make informed decisions throughout their case. Ms. Carpenter earned a Bachelor of Science with a major in political science, a certification in professional politics, and a minor in international affairs, graduating magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University in 2006. Thereafter, Ms. Carpenter earned a Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law in 2010. During her time at Emory, she volunteered with Student Legal Services and was a participant in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society. Ms. Carpenter’s legal career has almost exclusively focused on family law since 2011. Prior to joining Burns Smith Law, Ms. Carpenter was a Partner at one of the largest family law firms in Georgia.