Denver lawyer suspended over Facebook comments

Fall Suspension for Family Law Attorney for Misconduct on Facebook

A family law attorney, Bernadette Gonzales, will face a suspension this fall after making derogatory remarks about a former client on Facebook. Gonzales, who has been practicing law in Denver since 2000, mainly caters to hardworking, blue-collar individuals of modest means, with a focus on the Hispanic community.

The suspension, lasting 60 days starting on Oct. 3, stems from an incident in 2020 when a client, Michelle Gillett, left a negative review of Gonzales’ firm on Facebook. In response, Gonzales called Gillett a “terrible mother” and criticized her parenting skills online, leading to an investigation by the Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation.

Aside from the Facebook incident, Gonzales faced legal troubles in small claims court and failed to set a hearing in a client’s divorce case, resulting in its dismissal. She also neglected to disclose her hourly fee to a client in another case, prompting disciplinary action.

Despite these ethical lapses, the Office of Attorney Regulation acknowledged Gonzales’ positive reputation in the community and her volunteer work with teen mothers. Gonzales expressed remorse for her misconduct and acknowledged the challenges of representing the Hispanic population.

Attorney Nicole Black, representing Gonzales, declined to comment on the matter. For more details, visit our partner BusinessDen.