
Practice Areas
Admissions
Email: twalls@messner.com
Representative Matters
Lead trial attorney on breach of contract action for real estate holding company and individual owners against cabinet manufacturer, resulting in judgment for client. Bench trial, Denver Dist. Court, 2021.
Lead trial attorney on multiple arbitrations across the United States resulting from wage and hour class action lawsuit filed against national fast-casual restaurant chain. Every arbitration tried by Tanner resulted in a decision for the restaurant client. JAMS Arbitrations, Chicago, IL; Atlanta, GA; Charleston, SC, 2019-2020.
Co-lead trial counsel for medical and commercial real estate brokerage in breach of contract, theft of trade secret, and reverse veil-piercing case. Trial resulted in six-figure judgment for client. Bench trial, Denver Dist. Court, 2018.
Lead trial counsel for national food brand and manufacturer in jury trial for indemnification with bifurcated bench trial on damages. Trial resulted in jury verdict for client and Court awarding more than $300,000 in attorney fees and costs. Denver Dist. Court, Colorado, 2017
Co-lead trial counsel for national mortgage loan servicer and property preservation companies in seven-day jury trial on claims of negligence, respondeat superior, fraud, and civil theft. Jury trial, El Paso County, Colorado, 2016.
Served as co-lead trial counsel for defense in five-day jury trial where plaintiffs requested $500,000 in damages at trial. Jury trial resulted in a defense verdict for client. Jury trial, Fremont County, Colorado, 2015.
Obtained summary judgment for international pharmaceutical company for lack of causation involving diabetes medication and allegations of heart-related injuries. U.S. Dist. Court of Colorado, 2014.
Represented international medical device manufacturer in personal injury suit involving product liability claim on medical device and medical malpractice resulting in dismissal of product liability claims against client following motion for summary judgment; case against co-defendant settled. El Paso County, Colorado, 2013.
Served as second chair for defense in jury trial for legal malpractice case where plaintiffs requested $1.5 million in damages at trial. Jury trial resulted in a defense verdict for client-attorney. Jury trial, Denver, Colorado, 2012.
Served as second chair for defense in jury trial for medical malpractice case resulting from abdominal surgery and placement of synthetic mesh. Case resulted in a directed verdict for the client-physician. Jury trial, Adams County, Colorado, 2011.
Publications and Speaking Engagements
- “CAMP Pilot Project – Co-Counseling Civil Jury Trials”
- CDLA Annual Conference, Snowmass, CO (July 2016)
- “PED Talk” – National Mentoring Conference, Denver, CO (May 2016)
- “Do’s and Don’ts of Legal Malpractice,” Colorado Defense Lawyers Association (December 2012)
Community Involvement
- Colorado Poverty Law Project
- Denver Dumb Friends League, Volunteer
Professional Experience
- Tucker Ellis LLP, Associate, 2013 to 2017
- Jaudon & Avery LLP, Associate, 2009 to 2013