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Under Oath

D. Scott Martinez

July 2022

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Profile

Hometown: Lakewood
Law School: University of San Diego School of Law
Live in: Golden
Works at: Martinez and Partners, LLC
Practice Areas(s): Business, political, and government law, including executive branch politics and the application of administrative law, ordinances, and rulemaking
CBA Member Since: 2006

D. Scott Martinez is a business, political, and government law attorney who helps companies and individuals navigate government systems and change the laws when they are unfair. He’s a cofounder of Colorado Minds Over Mass Shootings and serves on several local boards.

What are you passionate about?

I love local government and the people who believe we can solve our neighborhood problems even if we don’t see eye to eye. Though we might come to different conclusions, we can still collaborate and find solutions together.

Please share a positive experience you’ve had as a lawyer.

One of my most gratifying experiences has been volunteering for Law School . . . Yes We Can. I enjoy showing high school students that being a lawyer is accessible, doable, and within their reach by offering insights into my practice and how we can help people.

What technology has transformed your practice?

The ability to reserve tables online. My goal is to be social and talk to people, so being able to easily make a reservation at a restaurant where I can take the time to listen to clients has made my life much more enjoyable. My law practice is the relationship business.

What kind of legal matter do you find most rewarding?

I’m excited about the gun safety policy projects I’m working on now. One mass shooting is too many. It should be easier to get mental health resources than a gun.

How do you find work/life balance?

I don’t, and I mean that. Some people look for balance, I look for ballast, finding things that keep me afloat. When I’m bogged down with work, 20 minutes with family keeps me afloat. And at the same time, when I’m with family, I need to be able to check my email so I don’t miss client emergencies. Balance isn’t something I seek; I grab on to relationships and moments that bring me to the surface when I’m feeling adrift.

What is your favorite place to escape to in Colorado?

A lot of people like to escape to solitude, but I escape to Red Rocks, a Rockies game, and all the busy places. For me, the more people I’m around, the more I feel like I’m most free to be myself and escape any expectations. And the people in Colorado are simply wonderful.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Personally, if the toilet paper goes backward instead of over the top. Professionally, when people run meetings that take too long.

Social media network of choice:

A good book.

Who is your favorite writer and why?

I think about reading like meals. For dinner, I enjoy David Brooks, but for dessert, any trashy science fiction novel will do just fine.

Most random job you have ever had:

A busker on Pearl Street Mall.

If you weren’t a lawyer, you’d be?

Definitely a celebrity TV chef!

What’s your favorite thing to cook?

I love to make my grandma’s recipe for extra spicy enchiladas.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Raising two healthy, curious young men.

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