Ariel DeFazio is an associate attorney at Sweeney & Bechtold, LLC where she represents employees in state and federal litigation, administrative investigations of discrimination, and unemployment insurance appeals. After earning her B.S. from Cornell University, serving with AmeriCorps, and working in the nonprofit field, Ms. DeFazio graduated from the University of Colorado Law School.

Since earning her J.D., Ms. DeFazio has devoted her legal career to representing employees in matters of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful discharge, contractual disputes, and other federal and state legal claims.

She volunteers periodically providing legal assistance to pro se litigants through the CBA’s Federal Pro Se Legal Clinic, as well as to Colorado nonprofit organizations through the Colorado Lawyers Committee’s Non-Profit Pro Bono Legal Group.

Her passion for educating individuals about their rights in the workplace has led her to present on a variety of employment law topics in collaboration with local non-profits, including the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance and Dress for Success Denver.

• B.S. Cornell University (2003)
• University of Colorado Law School (2011)

• Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association (member and officer)
• National Employment Lawyers Association
• Colorado Women’s Bar Association
• Faculty of Federal Advocates
• Colorado LGBT Bar Association (served on the board from 2013 – 2015)
• Denver Bar Association
• Colorado Bar Association

Insurance, Legal, and Workplace Issues, Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance Resource Guide (4th Ed. 2019).

“Ovarian Cancer and Employment Law," Presentation in collaboration with the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance (May 8, 2019; Feb. 20, 2019).

“Legal Issues that Impact Working Moms," Presentation to members of MomTime at Montview (Jan. 17, 2019).

“Advanced Discovery Skills: Ethics in Discovery," CLE in Colorado, Inc. (Oct. 16, 2018).

“Discovery: Other Privileges," CLE in Colorado, Inc. (July 28, 2017).

Co-author of Other Discovery Privileges, Discovery in Colorado, CLE in Colorado, Inc. (2018 Ed.).

Co-author of Federal Laws Addressing Discrimination in Employment Based on Disability, Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Employment Law (3d Ed.).

Co-author of CADA: The Intersection of LGBT Civil Rights and Religious Freedom, The Colorado Lawyer (January 2017).

“Job Readiness: a Discussion of Professionalism, Office Culture, Job Searching, and Employee Protections," Presentation in collaboration with Dress for Success Denver to participants in the Women’s Bean Project’s transitional employment program (September 22, 2016; October 21, 2014).

“Attorney Panel: Embracing Diversity & Inclusiveness in the Legal Profession," University of Colorado Law School (August 20, 2015).

“Invitation to Serve: Civic Engagement & Fostering a Lifetime Commitment to Service," AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps (July 20, 2015).