Real Estate: Colorado

THE FIRM This highly rated department has 12 real estate attorneys in its Denver office. Although the team engages in the full range of real estate work, it is known for a particularly strong lending practice. The high level of work undertaken by the team is exemplified by its representation of the National Self-Storage Company and the National Life Insurance Company in a joint venture loan worth $100 million.

Sources say: "The attorneys are excellent, and there is enough depth that I get the expertise I need at appropriate level."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly experienced Michael Clowdus has a strong reputation in the market. Sources find him "enjoyable to work with" and praise the way that he brings both insight and "a lot of common sense" into discussions.

Known for being "tremendous with client relations," Beverly Quail enjoys a first-class reputation for loan work. This has been a feature of her recent practice, representing National Life Insurance Company in a $32.5 million loan secured against a Colorado department complex.

THE FIRM Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck continues to be a leading presence in the Colorado real estate arena. The team wins praise for its focus on client care and deep understanding of the local market. It was involved in numerous high-value transactions in the last year, such as advising Griffis Premium Apartment Fund on its $56 million acquisition of Terracina Apartments.

Sources say: "The lawyers are all oriented to getting a deal done; they don't feel like they have to win every point."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Edward Barad is deeply respected by commentators, who describe him as a "very straightforward" practitioner who "doesn't play games." He has an exceptional reputation for real estate development work and earns praise as a "detail-oriented, very knowledgeable" lawyer.

Managing partner Bruce James is a well-regarded attorney. He has a broad practice encompassing lenders and developers. He often advises on large-scale developments throughout the USA, Mexico and the Caribbean.

"Excellent practitioner" Catherine Gale is praised for her work in real estate transactions. Clients admire how "she lays out the business issues and helps us understand them."

A "very sound technical lawyer," Lynda McNeive is respected for the considerable depth of real estate experience she brings to the table.

THE FIRM This recently merged firm continues to enjoy a rounded practice in Colorado under its new guise, advising on a broad range of commercial real estate issues. The team receives praise for its focus on quality client service and adopting a solution-focused approach to running transactions. The group recently advised Industrial Income Trust on a complex $100 million loan.

Sources say: "The lawyers are very personable, professional and they cut through to the difficult issues quickly. Ultimately, they help us accomplish what we want and aren't blinded by risks."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Extremely bright, very pragmatic and with good practical sense," client favorite Robert Bach focuses on "figuring out ways to get things done" in sophisticated real estate transactions. He receives praise for his "patience, intelligence and ability to work through a messy situation while keeping everyone focused." 

Practice group chair Robert Holmes is a "fantastic lawyer" who is "easy to work with and figures out how to solve problems instead of create them." He focuses on all aspects of commercial real estate law and clients find value in his deep knowledge of the field.

Since publication, Chris Kinsman has joined the team from Fairfield and Woods. Kinsman of is "thorough, responsive and knowledgeable." His practice focuses on real estate development, affordable housing and mortgage lending law.  

THE FIRM This newly merged firm has an excellent reputation for real estate in Colorado. The diverse nature of the team's practice, which encompasses all elements of commercial real estate, has stood it in good stead in difficult market conditions. The team recently advised Cummins Rocky Mountain on the acquisition of land required for a $14 million engine rebuild facility.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Construction law expert David Arkell is known as a "first-rate attorney: extremely knowledgeable, exceptionally active and a really good guy." He recently advised Wells Fargo on a local project.

Sources praise Charles Calvin as a "levelheaded and thoughtful" attorney with a broad commercial real estate practice.

Diane Davies earns praise for her deep expertise and technical understanding of real estate law. She focuses on real estate titles, commercial real estate sales, leasing and development, and commercial lending.

Highly regarded in Colorado, Leslie Fields is described by commentators as a "very authoritative lawyer." She focuses on all aspects of land acquisition and the valuation process.

THE FIRM Holland & Hart continues to be a dominant presence in Colorado real estate. From its numerous statewide offices, the team covers the full range of real estate law and earns praise for its strength in depth, practicality and business-friendly approach to running transactions. The firm has a particularly well-regarded construction team which has wide-ranging experience handling construction projects.

Sources say: "Holland & Hart has a knack for developing practical, business-oriented solutions, as opposed to getting hung up on technical legal hurdles."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Unpretentious and enormously aware of practicalities," Kevin Bridston is respected as a "get-it-done kind of attorney." He is a construction law specialist with deep expertise in construction trials.

Regarded as "one of the best real estate attorneys in Colorado," Rebecca Dow has impressed this year, not only with her technical expertise but with her practical approach to "getting deals done rather than figuring why deals can't be done." Clients are also quick to praise her "outstanding business sense."

The "easy to work with" Beat Steiner is described as a "a global thinker who knows the art of making a deal happen." His wide-ranging practice takes in the acquisition, development and financing of complex deals.

Clients describe Elizabeth Sharrer as a "consummate professional, who produces the highest-quality work in a very timely manner." Sources praise her good judgment, clear drafting and negotiating acumen. "She negotiates very effectively, persistently furthering her client's interest in a manner which is always professional and consistent with the client's values," say commentators.

The highly respected Robert Benson continues to enjoy a first-class reputation in Colorado for his "important market presence, knowledge and history." This standing makes him a natural choice for complex mediations, particularly in the construction sector.

THE FIRM This specialist real estate firm continues to be involved in market-leading transactions in Colorado. The team handles the full range of conventional real estate, as well as dealing with sophisticated land use transactions and issues arising at the intersection between government and real estate. The team has represented Gaylord Entertainment on its proposed acquisition and development of a hotel and conference center in Aurora.

Sources say: "The lawyers at Otten Johnson are top-drawer, good qualified attorneys."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Popular attorney Thomas Macdonald is an expert on land use and with extensive experience in both transactional and contentious work. He recently represented Rocky Mountain Christian Church in a complex but successful case concerning zoning applications and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.

Widely regarded as one of the leading players in Colorado real estate, Thomas Ragonetti has an impressive depth of expertise across a broad range of real estate issues. He recently represented Colorado Christian University regarding the redevelopment of its campus.

Frank Robinson is praised by market sources: "He turns over every stone and is completely dedicated to the job." He recently represented VS Investors on the lease of an office in Utah.

Michael Westover is known by clients as a "very patient and thorough lawyer with a get-the-deal-done approach."

An "excellent lawyer" with an impressive reputation for real estate in Colorado, John Sternberg has a broad practice which incorporates acquisition, leasing, construction financing and disposition work.

THE FIRM From its five offices in Colorado, Sherman & Howard's 20-strong team of real estate attorneys effectively handles the full range of real estate issues. The practice has the advantage of being able to draw on expertise elsewhere in the firm to deal with every facet of complex transactions. Key clients include East West Partners, AmTrust Bank and WestPac Investments.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Scholarly and deep-thinking attorney" Robert Brown is praised by interviewees for his "good business sense and logical and analytical brain." He has a broad transactional real estate practice.

Market sources rate Michael Cook highly, considering him "a very capable, smart guy with a lot of experience." He is known for his robust and incisive approach to conducting transactions.

Rebecca Fischer is regarded by sources as an "absolutely outstanding technical lawyer who is very loyal to her clients." She also earns acclaim for her deal management skills.

"First-rate" attorney Bret Gunnell is highly regarded for his deep understanding of construction law. He earns particularly high recommendations for complex litigation.

Real estate department manager Diana Wendel is highly rated by clients, who describe her as "extremely skilled, timely, very available and thorough." They also note that "she understands risk and business decisions."