Josey L. Gonçalves is a family law attorney licensed in New Mexico and Utah who combines strong courtroom advocacy with a deeply client-centered approach. Her practice is grounded in the belief that family law requires not only technical legal skill, but also empathy, clarity, and steady guidance during some of the most challenging moments in a client’s life.
Josey was born and raised in Orange County, California, where early experiences in competitive Taekwondo, earning her second-degree black belt, instilled discipline, focus, and perseverance that continue to shape her professional approach. She attended Colorado State University (CSU), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice and Criminology in 2021. Her academic background in sociology provides her with a strong foundation for understanding family systems, conflict dynamics, and the social and psychological factors that often intersect with family law matters. While at CSU, Josey balanced rigorous academics with leadership and teamwork as a member of the Division I cheer team and Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Josey earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2024. During law school, she developed a strong passion for advocacy and client service, particularly for individuals navigating complex, emotionally charged legal issues. She was actively involved in multiple student organizations, serving on the board of the Latinx Law Student Association and the Criminal Law Association, and was a member of the Student Trial Lawyers Association. For two years, Josey also served as a Teaching Assistant for Lawyering Process I and II, sharpening her legal research, writing, and analytical skills while mentoring fellow law students in foundational lawyering competencies.
Her legal training included intensive trial advocacy coursework, experience in oral argument, and hands-on client representation. Of particular significance was her participation in a Tribal Wills Lab, where she worked directly with members of the Navajo Nation in Farmington, New Mexico, to draft estate planning documents on a pro bono basis. This experience deepened her understanding of culturally sensitive lawyering and reinforced the importance of clear communication, trust, and respect, principles she brings into her family law practice.
Professionally, Josey has extensive courtroom and litigation experience that directly informs her family law practice. She served as a Student Practice Act Attorney with the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Colorado, where she managed a high-volume caseload from intake through resolution. In that role, she appeared regularly in court, conducted hearings, negotiated resolutions, prepared cases for trial, and completed multiple jury trials. This experience strengthened her confidence in the courtroom, her ability to think strategically under pressure, and her skill in negotiating outcomes while remaining mindful of the human impact behind each case.
Josey also gained direct family law experience as a legal intern at a family law firm, where she worked closely with attorneys on divorce, custody, and related domestic matters. She researched statutes and case law, reviewed pleadings and court orders, assisted with case strategy, and participated in client meetings, providing insight into the legal and emotional dimensions of family law proceedings. Her additional experience in estate planning and federal judicial internships further broadened her legal perspective and attention to detail.
In her family law practice, Josey is known for being solution-focused, compassionate, and highly organized. She is committed to helping clients understand their options, feel heard, and move forward with confidence and clarity. She approaches each case with professionalism, integrity, and a steady presence, recognizing that effective family law representation requires both strong advocacy and genuine care for the people involved.
Outside of her legal work, Josey enjoys traveling and spending time with her three rescue dogs, Bruno, Rocky, and Freya. She is proud of her Portuguese, Argentine, and Mexican heritage, which informs her inclusive, respectful approach to clients from all backgrounds.