Gerald C. “Jerry” Sloat
Founding Partner, 1945–2024
Gerald C. “Jerry” Sloat, the founding partner of our firm, passed away on October 31, 2024. A 1969 graduate of the Syracuse University College of Law, Jerry began his career on Wall Street. In 1971 he moved to Boulder and established the firm that still carries his name.
Jerry dedicated his professional life to making sure that every injured Coloradan who found their way to our firm received a just recovery. Over his career he represented more than three thousand clients and mentored dozens of lawyers in personal injury law. Those who worked with him remember a fierce yet friendly advocate, and a man known for his compassion, generosity, kindness and warm presence.
A Life in the Law
Jerry shared what he knew. From 2000 to 2017 he was Auto Litigation Editor of Trial Talk for the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, and he wrote chapters for the association’s Colorado Auto Litigator’s Handbook. He was a regular speaker at legal seminars across Colorado, teaching new trial lawyers, paralegals and claims professionals, and in 2012 he was a guest lecturer in Advanced Torts at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.
His peers held him in the highest regard. Martindale-Hubbell gave him its AV Preeminent rating, the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards, and he was named a Colorado Super Lawyer in 2010 and 2012.
Service to Boulder
Jerry gave as much to his community as he did to his clients. He was a founding member of the Boulder Jewish Center, and he served on the boards of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, Boulder Community Health, the Boulder County Bar Association, the Grief Support Network and the Boulder County Bar Foundation, which he led as president in 2000–2001.
He championed the Anti-Defamation League, the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Association for Justice and many local Boulder County charities. In 1997, Colorado News 4 named him a “Hometown Hero.”
Career Highlights
- 1966 — Bachelor of Arts, University of Rochester
- 1969 — Juris Doctor, Syracuse University College of Law
- 1970 — Admitted to practice in New York
- 1971 — Moved to Boulder and founded the firm; admitted to practice in Colorado and before the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
- 1993–2005 — Board of Directors, Coloradans for Civil Justice (Vice President, 1999–2005)
- 1997–2006 — Board of Trustees, Boulder County Bar Foundation (President, 2000–2001)
- 2000–2017 — Auto Litigation Editor, Trial Talk, Colorado Trial Lawyers Association
- 2004 — First rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
- 2005–2007 — Board of Directors, Colorado Trial Lawyers Association
- 2009–2014 — American Bar Association Advisory Panel
- 2012 — Guest Lecturer, Advanced Torts, University of Denver Sturm College of Law
In His Clients’ Words
L.B., Boulder, CO
“We were dealing with a very difficult personal injury case where an SUV ran over a bicyclist and caused multiple injuries. Jerry Sloat treated his client in a calming and empathetic manner, always stressing to seek the best medical care despite the fact that most of it had to be covered out-of-pocket. He handled the insurance claim through the years. With John Duguay’s help, the claim was finally resolved very favorably so that continuing medical care got ensured. We thank the law office for their emotional and professional help and highly recommend them for personal injury claims.”
M.K., Longmont, CO
“Everyone was very kind and went to extreme measures to help me and my family. You are a great man Jerry; I…..wish the world had more people like you and the people who work in your office.”
F.L., Littleton, CO
“I’ve heard about Jerry in the community for many years; your reputation as a lawyer and as a person is excellent.”
T.C., Cincinnati, OH
“Jerry, you’re the best. What can I say, I’ll never forget you.”
His Legacy
Jerry leaves behind his wife, Gail; his sons, Adam and Daniel; his daughter, Emily; and four cherished grandchildren.
His pursuit of justice and dedication to service remain the cornerstone of our firm’s values. Robert Hoover, John Duguay and our staff continue to honor his legacy, both in the way we care for our clients and through our support of organizations such as the Grief Support Network and Community Food Share.
We miss him, and we are proud to carry on the work he began.
ATTORNEY ROBERT S. HOOVER
Robert S. Hoover is a seasoned personal injury trial attorney and managing partner at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. in Boulder, Colorado. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in complex and catastrophic cases, including brain injuries, wrongful death, and serious vehicle accidents. He is known for his compassionate, client-centered approach and meticulous trial preparation. Influenced by personal experiences and mentorship from top litigators, he has secured numerous multimillion-dollar recoveries and remains actively involved in legal organizations and community leadership. [ ATTORNEY BIO ]
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