Donovan Trace Estrada

Prior to joining Hall Booth Smith, Donovan practiced as an associate attorney at a boutique Denver-based litigation firm, where he developed experience in construction defect litigation, insurance coverage, and risk allocation. Through that experience, he gained hands-on exposure to all phases of civil litigation, further strengthening his ability to efficiently and effectively advocate for clients.

Donovan manages cases from initial pleadings through resolution. His practice includes drafting and arguing motions, conducting depositions, leading mediations and settlement negotiations, managing discovery, and advising clients on litigation strategy and risk. He has presented oral argument in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado and has experience across all phases of civil litigation, including trial preparation and courtroom advocacy.

Donovan earned his Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University School of Law, where he served as lead articles editor for the Journal of the Energy Law Practitioner. He received multiple academic honors, including top grades in Business Entities and Oil & Gas Law I. He earned his undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from Texas Tech University.

Publications

•Artificial Authority: Federalism, Preemption, and the Constitutional Structure of AI Regulation
Rutgers Law Record, October 2025
•From Prompt to Production: Discovery of Communications Between Parties and Generative AI Chatbots
Colorado Lawyer, May/June 2026

In the Press

Hall Booth Smith, P.C. Expands Denver Office with Addition of Donovan Estrada and Linnea Cheek

May 14, 2026

Hall Booth Smith, P.C. continues the expansion of the firm’s Denver office with the additions of Donovan Estrada and Linnea Cheek as new associates.