About Karen Sue
Karen Steinhauser is a seasoned trial lawyer and adjunct professor based in Denver, Colorado. With over four decades of legal experience, she has handled more than 300 jury trials, demonstrating her extensive expertise in criminal procedure, evidence, and trial advocacy. From 2012 to 2022, she was recognized as a Super Lawyer, evidence of her skill and dedication in the legal field. In 1981, Steinhauser began her legal career as a prosecutor for the Denver District Attorney’s Office. She served in this role for 20 years, where she made significant contributions to the community.
Notably, she established the Domestic Violence Unit, the first of its kind in Colorado. This unit focused on addressing crimes against both child and adult victims of abuse, highlighting her commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. After her tenure as a prosecutor, Steinhauser transitioned into private practice, where she concentrated on civil trial work. Her areas of focus included employment law, professional liability defense, and personal injury. Over time, she expanded her practice to encompass domestic relations law and criminal defense.
For 12 years, she owned The Law Office of Karen Steinhauser, LLC, where she dedicated her efforts exclusively to criminal defense for juveniles and adults, further solidifying her reputation in the legal community. In addition to her legal practice, Steinhauser has been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law for over 30 years. She teaches courses such as Evidence and Trial Advocacy, shaping the next generation of legal professionals. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom; she served as the traveling mock trial coach for 17 years, leading her teams to two National Championships, showcasing her ability to mentor and inspire students. Steinhauser has also been a faculty member for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) for over 30 years.
In this capacity, she has served as a Program Director for various programs, including Trial Skills Programs, Deposition Programs, Fact Finding Programs, and Mediation Programs. She was Co-Program Director for NITA’s flagship National Trial Skills Program. In 2017, she received the Prentiss Marshall award from NITA for the Development of Innovative Teaching Methods or Programs, recognizing her efforts in developing an implicit bias training program for the National Trial Skills Session. Currently, she provides implicit bias workshops to both lawyers and non-lawyers, including various government agencies and schools. Additionally, Steinhauser frequently serves as a media consultant, providing insights on high-profile cases and legal issues both locally and nationally.
