Payton Buhler
Attorney and partner with Bell, Gould, Linder & Scott P.C.
Age: 28
Location: Loveland
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I was born in Loveland and raised in south Fort Collins. I graduated from Loveland High School in 2016, then I attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in 2019 and my law degree in 2021. In 2019, I moved back to Loveland and began volunteering at Big Bones Canine Rescue in Windsor. I’m the eldest in a family of girls and share my life with two dogs, one of whom joins me at work. I practice law in Fort Collins at a supportive firm with a strong work-life balance and great people. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, knitting, fitness, dog walks, traveling and time with family, whose passions include cars and racing.
Explain your career, achievements and professional highlights.
While I was in law school, I did two internships: one with the City of Fort Collins and one with Larimer County. After graduating in 2021, I started with the law firm where I currently work and recently made partner. I also serve on the professionalism committee and as president of the Young Lawyers Division of the Larimer County Bar Association, where I previously served as secretary and vice president. I recently resigned from serving the Bar Association as continuing legal education chair, where I coordinated credited events for attorneys to attend.
In what ways do you give back to the community?
I primarily volunteer with Girl Scouts of Colorado, Big Bones Canine Rescue and through pro bono legal service. With Girl Scouts, I serve as a member at large on the Board Governance Committee and help run Women’s Week at Meadow Mountain Ranch. At Big Bones, I co-chair the Bone Appétit Gala, assist adopters meeting dogs and clean and feed dogs weekly. Professionally, I volunteer as a mediator in landlord-tenant cases, participate in Ask a Lawyer events and support Colorado’s High School Mock Trial program.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment or challenge you’ve overcome, either professionally or personally?
At age 16, I was in an accident that led to chronic pain and over a decade of physical therapy. It’s emotionally draining when your body can’t do what you want it to. I’ve since learned to live in a body that doesn’t always respond consistently or reliably, and to adjust as that changes day to day. I’m proud that I’ve overcome the mental hurdle, learned to give myself grace and made peace with it.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
I’ve worked hard to build my career and am now at a point where I can focus more on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In the coming years, I hope to prioritize family, friends, hobbies, volunteering and travel. While I don’t have any major professional goals at this stage, I look forward to pursuing personal interests and experiences, including expanding my real estate investments, visiting more national parks and continuing to explore new places.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
Panicking is virtually useless. When I was 16, while working on my Girl Scout Gold Award, I was given the advice, “Believe all problems are solvable,” and I still return to it. So when challenges arise, allow yourself a brief moment to feel frustrated, then shift toward finding solutions. Most situations aren’t catastrophes, and even if not everything is solvable, approaching problems with a solution-focused mindset is incredibly powerful.
Tell us something unique about you.
People always assume I’m a dog person because I volunteer at the dog rescue, but that isn’t true. I don’t go crazy for all dogs; I just really like dogs without a forever family. They tug on my heartstrings because they don’t have the means to advocate for themselves. Dogs can be dealt a bad hand due to no fault of their own, and we get to give them a second chance.
Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts of Colorado?
I started with Girl Scouts in elementary school. I volunteer because I love the outdoors, and I believe young girls need a safe and supportive space to learn, grow and discover who they are. Girl Scouts provides unique opportunities for girls to build confidence and develop leadership skills without the social pressure they may face elsewhere. It’s all about teaching and empowering the next generation of women.
Why is it important to you to volunteer in landlord-tenant cases, Ask a Lawyer Events and Colorado’s High School Mock Trial program?
Access to impartial conflict resolution for all persons is a pillar of society. Our community has a constant need for legal services, especially in landlord-tenant matters. As attorneys, we have a niche set of skills, and it’s important that we do our part to promote access to our justice system for all people. It will always be our responsibility to assist others where we can.
