Nelson Waneka is a Colorado attorney specializing in insurance recovery. He has extensive experience litigating delayed and denied insurance claims on behalf of individuals, businesses, and community associations. He has obtained numerous seven-figure settlements and one of the largest jury verdicts in Douglas County in 2016–$4,742,048.02. He has been instrumental in shaping Colorado insurance law through appeals in both state and federal courts. He also serves as an expert witness on insurance bad faith and claims handling practices.
Nelson has received extensive recognition for his achievements and abilities. He has been selected by his peers to be a Colorado Super Lawyers Rising Star in the area of insurance coverage for 2014 – 2018. He has been selected by his peers to The Best Lawyers In America® list 2013-2020 and was named the The Best Lawyers In America® – Lawyer of the Year for Insurance Law in 2020. He has been designated a Top 40 Lawyer Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers. He has likewise been presented with awards by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys.
Nelson graduated among the top students in his class at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where he was Articles Editor of the Denver University Law Review. Following his graduation, he clerked for the Honorable Judge Diana M. Terry of the Colorado Court of Appeals where he gained first-hand experience with the Colorado court system. When he is not representing his clients, Nelson enjoys fly-fishing and spending time with his family. He lives in Castle Rock with his wife and two daughters.
Education
B.A., Journalism, University of Northern Colorado (2005)
J.D., University of Denver Sturm College of Law (2010)
Honors & Activities
Articles Editor, Denver University Law Review (2008-09)
Staff Editor, Denver University Law Review (2007-08)
Highest Grade, Advanced Legal Writing
Legal Experience Summary
2011 – Present
LEVIN ROSENBERG PC
ASSOCIATE
1660 Wynkoop Street, Suite 800
Denver, CO 80202
2010 – 2011
COLORADO COURT OF APPEALS
APPELLATE LAW CLERK to the Honorable Diana M. Terry
101 W Colfax Ave, Suite 800
Denver, CO 80202
2006 – 2010
ROBERTS LEVIN ROSENBERG PC
PARALEGAL AND LAW CLERK
1660 Wynkoop Street, Suite 800
Denver, CO 80202
Court Admissions
Colorado Supreme Court (2010)
U.S. District Court, District of Colorado (2011)
Professional Organizations / Activities
- American Bar Association
- Colorado Trial Lawyers Association
- Colorado Bar Association
- Denver Bar Association
Publications
Stoneridge Investment Partners v. Scientific-Atlanta: Rethinking the Fraud-on-the-Market Presumption and the Policy Considerations Permeating the Court’s Decision, 86 Denv. U.L. Rev. 303 (2008)