ATTORNEYS

Sarah Span

Sarah represents clients in sophisticated Family Law matters involving high-asset marital estates, complex property and business valuations, challenging income analyses, significant parenting disputes, and the negotiation and litigation of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. While she is highly skilled in navigating complicated legal and financial issues, Sarah brings the same level of dedication and care to every case—no matter its size or complexity.

A strategic and attentive advocate, Sarah guides her clients through each stage of their case with clarity and purpose. She prioritizes helping clients make informed, carefully considered decisions and is adept at managing even the most difficult family-law conflicts. Because resolution looks different for every client, Sarah takes the time to listen deeply, understand their needs and goals, and develop a personalized, outcome-focused strategy. She encourages out-of-court settlement whenever possible and is known for her ability to work collaboratively with clients and opposing counsel to craft creative, forward-thinking solutions.

Since transitioning from government service, Sarah has dedicated her practice exclusively to Family Law. Her breadth of experience, litigation skill, and client- centered approach enable her to guide clients through some of the most personal and impactful challenges of their lives.

At Neiley & Morris, we understand that family relationships form the foundation of individual well-being and long-term success. With this in mind, we devote ourselves fully to our clients and deliver legal services rooted in excellence, integrity, and unwavering commitment.

Areas of Practice

Family Law

• Divorce and Legal Separation
• Parenting Rights
• Civil Protection Orders
• Appeals

Education

• University of Denver,
 Juris Doctor
• Denver Law Review,
 Senior Editor
• University of Colorado at Boulder,
 B.A. English Literature and Spanish,
summa cum laude

Memberships

• Ninth J.D. Bar Association,
 President
• Pitkin County Bar Assocation
• Colorado Bar Association

Mackenzie Span

Mackenzie Morris is a Criminal Defense and Family Law Attorney at Neiley & Morris, bringing an extensive background in defense-focused litigation and client-centered representation.

Mackenzie began her legal career working with a team of attorneys representing one of three inmates on Colorado’s death row. This experience sparked her deep commitment to defending the constitutional rights of the accused. She later became a Deputy Public Defender for the State of Colorado, where she represented thousands of individuals facing charges ranging from serious felonies—such as attempted homicide and sexual assault—to misdemeanors including DUIs, domestic violence, and property crimes. Mackenzie has conducted more than a dozen felony and misdemeanor trials and over 60 evidentiary hearings.

Mackenzie’s courtroom experience and deep understanding of criminal law make her a relentless advocate, skilled in cross-examining witnesses, litigating the suppression of illegally obtained evidence, and engaging in strategic negotiations with the government. She is frequently recognized for her ability to build trusting client relationships and deliver clear, candid guidance that helps clients make informed decisions and safeguard their futures throughout the legal process.

After leaving the Public Defender’s Office and entering private practice, Mackenzie expanded her work into family law, representing clients in divorce and parenting-rights matters. Drawing on her experience guiding individuals through life-altering situations, she is adept at handling high-asset divorces, crafting creative settlements in complex financial cases, and assisting families in developing parenting plans that meet their needs. Mackenzie’s family-law practice is resolution- focused, dedicated to achieving efficient and fair settlements that reduce the emotional and financial strain of family disputes and help clients move forward with confidence and stability.

Mackenzie earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Denver, where she received the Outstanding Student Attorney in Criminal Defense Award from its nationally ranked criminal defense clinic; the Reece Persuasive Writing Award for authoring the top appellate brief in her class; and the Public Good Distinction Award for her dedication to community service. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and International Studies from the University of Colorado and worked in legislation prior to attending law school.

Outside of her practice, Mackenzie is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys backpacking, fishing, mountain biking, and snowboarding with her family.

Areas of Practice

Criminal Defense

• Felony & Misdemeanor Crimes
• Municipal Offenses
• Criminal Law Appeals
• Victim Representation

Family Law

• Divorce and Legal Separation
• Post-Decree Enforcement Issues
• Parenting Rights
• Civil Protection Orders
• Family Law Appeals

Education

• University of Denver Sturm College of Law,
 Juris Doctor
• University of Colorado at Boulder,
 B.A. Political Science,
 B.A. International Studies

Memberships

• Ninth J.D. Bar Association,
• Pitkin County Bar Assocation
• Colorado Bar Association
• Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association
• DUI Defense Lawyers Association
• Ninth Judicial District Community Corrections Board,
 2021 – 2023,
 Board Member
• Sturm College of Law Public Interest Group,
 2019,
 President
• Sturm College of Law Criminal Defense Clinic,
 2018 – 2019
• Tribal Wills Project,
 2017 – 2019
• Student Trial Lawyers Association,
 2017,
 Coach
• Criminal Law Society,
 2016 – 2017,
 Member

Awards, Recognitions, Press:

• Outstanding Student Attorney in Criminal Defense Award,
 2019
• Public Good Distinction Award,
 2018 – 2019
• Reece Persuasive Writing Award,
 2017
• Judge David Brofman Endowed Scholarship in Trial Advocacy Recipient,
 2017, 2018
• Jonathan L. Olom Endowed Scholarship Recipient,
 2017
Denver Post
Aspen Times

Sarah Span

Megan brings a unique perspective to criminal defense and family law, shaped by experience on both sides of the courtroom. With a background that includes prosecution, judicial clerkship, and years of defense advocacy, she understands how the legal system works—and how to navigate it effectively for clients.

After law school, Megan clerked for a District Court Judge, developing strong legal research and writing skills while learning how judges think about cases. She then moved into private practice, handling criminal defense throughout the Denver metro area for clients facing everything from traffic tickets to serious felonies.

Megan then spent over four years as a Deputy District Attorney in Jefferson County, CO, where she prosecuted thousands of cases—from misdemeanor assaults, DUIs and juvenile matters, to serious felonies, including homicide and sexual assault. That experience gave Megan invaluable insight into how cases are built, evaluated, and negotiated. Megan has tried over 60 jury trials, making her a vigorous and experienced litigator. 

After leaving the DA's office, Megan joined a firm where she spent years focusing primarily on high-asset divorce cases while continuing to handle criminal defense matters. This experience gave her expertise in complex financial issues, property division, parenting disputes, and the unique challenges that come with dissolving marriages involving significant assets.

Now at Neiley & Morris, Megan represents her clients with both courtroom strength and negotiation expertise, always focused on protecting their rights and achieving the best possible outcome.

Megan holds a BA in Biology and Psychology from the University of Denver and earned her JD from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2015. Megan's work has been recognized by her peers with nominations to Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch in 2025 and 2026. When she is not in the office or courtroom, Megan enjoys spending time with her family exploring Colorado's outdoors.

PARALEGALS

Mary Ann Span

Mary Ann is one of the firm’s paralegals in both Family Law and Criminal Defense matters. She also provides administrative support to the firm and clients. Mary Ann is integral to our Legal Team and the detail-oriented advocacy and representation that our clients receive. Not only is Mary Ann an experienced and consummate professional, she offers a steady, guiding hand to our Legal Team and clients. Clients of Neiley & Morris receive the utmost care and attention when working with Mary Ann. She has over 30 years of experience working with attorneys in the Roaring Fork Valley, including 12 years of experience working at a distinguished Family Law firm in Aspen. Mary Ann is passionate about her work. She is equally passionate about volunteering at animal rescue organizations and has been a longtime volunteer with Colorado Animal Rescue based in Glenwood Springs.

Sarah Span

Sydney is one of the firm's paralegals, specializing in Family Law matters. Prior to joining Neiley & Morris, Sydney worked as a high school social studies teacher and as a paralegal in civil litigation & employment law. In her past paralegal experiences, Sydney assisted clients through complex breach of contract, intellectual property, and wrongful termination of employment lawsuits. Through these experiences, she has honed her communication skills, organization, and attention to detail—these strengths serve her well in helping clients navigate the emotional and financial complexities of family law matters.

Prior to living in the Roaring Fork Valley, Sydney lived in Minnesota where she co-founded a non- profit called the Winona Outdoor Collaborative that focused on reducing barriers to the outdoors by offering free monthly events, with all equipment and instruction provided for various outdoor sports. This experience further taught Sydney how to work with individuals of all backgrounds with a focus on community development and teamwork.

Sydney understands people are most often experiencing challenging times when they approach a law firm for assistance, so Sydney approaches each client at Neiley & Morris with the goal of establishing a trusting relationship and providing compassion, patience, empathy at all stages of a case.