Areas of Practice
- Land Use
- Real Estate
- Estate Planning
- Business/Entity Formation
Bar Admissions
- Colorado
- Wyoming
Education
- Villanova University, L.L.M. Taxation, Estate Planning Certificate, 2025
- University of Wyoming, J.D., 2009
- University of Oklahoma, M.L.S. Museum Studies, 1999
- Westminster College, B.A., 1994
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Pitkin County Bar Association, President, 2011-2012
- Colorado Bar Association, Member
- Colorado Bar Foundation Fellow, 2012-current
- Wyoming Bar Association, Member
Community Involvement
- Mark Ross Montessori Board, Former Board Member and President
- Pitkin County Community Health Services Board, Former Board Member
- Aspen Historical Society Board of Trustees, Former Trustee
Sarah Oates focuses her practice on land use and real estate law, representing clients throughout Aspen, Pitkin County, and the Roaring Fork Valley. Her work includes conducting due diligence reviews for property transactions, navigating local land use regulations, and advising on all legal matters related to real estate. In addition, Sarah assists clients with the formation of entities for use in real estate and business ventures.
Growing up in Aspen, Sarah brings a deep understanding of the local community and the region’s unique challenges. Before becoming an attorney, she worked in both local government and the non-profit sector, experience that informs her collaborative approach to resolving land use issues. Sarah worked for Oates, Knezevich, Gardenswartz, Kelly, & Ticsay, P.C. for over 16 years before joining Klein Coté Edwards Citron LLC of counsel in 2026. Sarah is known for her constructive relationships with local officials, colleagues, and clients alike, and currently serves as the alternate Pitkin County Hearing Officer.
Sarah served as President of the Pitkin County Bar Association from 2011 to 2012 and, along with her father, Leonard M. Oates, has been named a Colorado Bar Foundation Fellow—an honor recognizing lawyers for professional excellence and community service. She remains active in community life volunteering time serving on various non-profit boards and as pro bono counsel for the Aspen Historical Society.
In addition to her land use practice, Sarah holds an LL.M. in Taxation from Villanova University (2025) and practices in the area of estate planning.
