Real Estate: Colorado

THE FIRM The team at Ballard Spahr is commended for its skill in financing, leasing, loan workouts and tax credits for affordable housing. The firm also has a well-regarded resort development practice throughout the Rocky Mountain region.

Sources say: "A dedicated team who will devote themselves to getting the deal done." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Clowdus has an "impressive mind and a natural aptitude for writing documents." His resort and hotel practice encompasses mixed-use condominium developments, ski area redevelopment and timeshare matters. Sources report that Beverly Quail "has a loyal client following, and with good reason." Her practice covers development, financing, REIT and distressed real estate matters.

THE FIRM This large, impressive team offers a breadth and depth few firms in the region can rival. It is well known for advising on loan financing, residential, retail and resort developments and publicly funded projects. The firm is also a popular choice for REITs and can provide support in tax, land use and zoning matters. Clients include Bank of America and DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners.

Sources say: "One of the best firms in town." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Edward Barad is best known for his work in real estate development, finance and commercial leasing. A highlight was advising on a $24 million acquisition of a conference center. Commentators report that "he has raised the bar in loan transactions." Bruce James has "forged an excellent reputation" for his work in urban retail and redevelopment and the resorts sphere. Lynda McNeive is described as a "seasoned transactional lawyer." She represents public and private development companies and REITs in the acquisition, development and sale of large industrial and retail properties. Catherine Gale is best known for her work in acquisitions, dispositions, land use and public-private partnerships. She recently represented a REIT in the sales of ten apartment complexes, valued at $89.9 million.

THE FIRM This solid Colorado firm advises on the full range of real estate work, including the financing, development, purchase and disposition of multiuse projects, planned and master-planned communities and condominiums. The firm is also noted for its hotel, resort and golf course practice.

Sources say: "One of the most comprehensive offerings in town." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Holmes represents top international clients such as Citibank and Wells Fargo in the development of residential, multifamily and commercial properties. He is described as "a fantastic lawyer who understands the lay of the land." Robert Bach is "a pillar of the real estate community." He is best known for his strong track record in transactional real estate matters.

THE FIRM Faegre & Benson is well known in real estate matters including office, residential, retail, industrial and resort developments. The team's experience also extends to airport properties, hospitals and sports facilities, and it has an acclaimed low-income housing practice. The firm is also commended for its skill in publicly funded and clean technology projects.

Sources say: "An impressive team for whom no deal is too complex or too large."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Arkell has a widely admired construction practice, and is considered "one of the best in the area." He is best known for his skill in planning and alternative dispute resolution regarding contracts, delay procedures and loans. Charles Calvin advises on the acquisition and development of mixed-use common interest communities, such as condominium projects and resort communities. He is also well regarded in distressed real estate matters, including restructuring and foreclosures. Sources describe him as "thorough, measured and careful." Diane Davies is hailed as "a consummate deal-maker with a practical, nuts-and-bolts approach." Her practice covers commercial real estate sales, development, leasing, financing and land use. Leslie Fields is considered "a preeminent statewide expert" in land acquisition and condemnation matters. She proves popular with both governmental and private clients.

THE FIRM This full-service firm is praised for its experienced real estate bench. The group handles all manner of transactions, including office parks, large planned communities, residential projects, hospitals and mountain resorts. The firm is also recognized for its construction and natural resources-related real estate work throughout the state. The firm's clients include BP Wind Energy, Castle Rock Development and Spear Point Energy.

Sources say: "An outstanding firm brimming with talented people."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Beat Steiner has a varied practice with an emphasis on the finance and development of winter resorts and upscale residential projects. Sources report: "He is excellent - a recognized leader in his field." Kevin Bridston is described as "very meticulous - he knows the construction industry inside out." He has recently defended a number of banks in claims relating to foreclosure on behalf of borrowers or alleged misconduct by lenders. Rebecca Dow represents developers in all areas of land use and annexation, residential and mixed-use development, financing, environmental building issues and commercial leasing. Sources consider her a "smart, straight-talking attorney." Elizabeth Sharrer is "assured, effective and efficient." She is praised for her work representing commercial developers and mining concerns. Robert Benson is "a stalwart practitioner with a strong track record." He is a popular choice for alternative dispute resolution in construction matters.

THE FIRM The team at Otten Johnson is praised for its broad real estate practice and considerable bench strength. The firm handles acquisitions, dispositions and development work relating to office buildings, residential projects, retail parks and mountain resorts. The team has extensive experience in land use and zoning issues, and is a go-to for complex restructurings and workout agreements. Clients include IKEA and Simpson Housing.

Sources say: "Without doubt one of the top real estate firms in the state."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Macdonald is considered "one of the first people you would think of to handle a difficult land use matter." He is also regularly engaged for foreclosure and workout matters. Thomas Ragonetti's practice straddles land use, zoning and traditional real estate matters. He has experience of public-private partnerships, historical preservation and condemnation litigation. Sources cite him as "an excellent attorney; he always looks at the big picture." Frank Robinson is hailed as being "as good a lawyer as any you'll ever find." He is mandated in complex real estate transactions, including joint ventures, financing and development. Michael Westover is valued for his "reasonable and straightforward approach to negotiations." He has a strong reputation for his work in refinancing and loan workout agreements. John Sternberg is described as "a commanding figure in the real estate sphere." His practice includes commercial leasing, construction finance, site acquisition, disposition and title insurance.

THE FIRM This regional powerhouse has a well-developed real estate practice. The team advises clients on the acquisition, disposition and leasing of large commercial, industrial, medical and retail developments. The group is also singled out for its strength in construction, mountain resort projects and urban brownfields redevelopment. Clients include AmTrust Bank, East West Partners and WestPac Investments.

Sources say: "The right firm for a difficult job." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Brown is described as "a scholar and first-rate attorney." He is a leading authority on foreclosures, workouts and the franchise implications of bankruptcy. Michael Cook is considered one of the "premier construction lawyers in Colorado." He divides his time between construction litigation and the preparation and negotiation of development contracts. Rebecca Fischer is best known for the acquisition and development of hotel, resort and leisure properties. She is also well regarded for her work involving brownfield sites and urban mixed-use complexes. Sources say: "She is a top-notch lawyer, adored by clients." Bret Gunnell is highly regarded for his skill in contentious construction matters. Sources praise his "energy, enthusiasm and the creative solutions he brings to the table." Diana Wendel impresses interviewees with her comprehensive real estate practice. She is adept at the acquisition, development and financing of commercial, industrial, residential and resort properties.