Bruce A. James

Bruce A. James

Denver, CO recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2010
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP

88 Best Lawyers awards

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Real Estate Law

Biography

Thirty years guiding notable real estate projects in Denver. Significant experience in hotel and resort developments across the nation. Exceptional community leader.

Bruce James’ clients value his expansive expertise in public/private partnerships, hotel and resort properties, urban redevelopment projects and complex joint ventures. He brings a roster of local and national successes—the redevelopment of Denver’s historic Union Station and Dairy Block, the newly opened Boston Hyatt Seaport Hotel and the Stanly Ranch Resort under development in Napa, to name a few—to his work.

Bruce inspires confidence among both his clients and colleagues through strong leadership. He served as managing partner at Brownstein from 2003 – 2013, guiding the firm’s growth from 80 lawyers to more than 250 lawyers and policy advisors. Bruce also served as general counsel for the firm and co-chair of the Real Estate Department.

Bruce has not only served in key leadership roles at Brownstein, but has had an ongoing leadership role across many fronts in Denver. Bruce served as co-chair of Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s successful 2011, 2015 and 2019 mayoral campaigns. He has also served as chair of Visit Denver, Downtown Denver, Inc., the 16th Street Mall Steering Committee, and served on the Denver 2030 Winter Olympics Exploratory Committee. His current efforts also include co-chairing the Downtown Security Action Plan Task Force as the downtown business community, in collaboration with government officials, seeks to find solutions to insure Denver remains a clean, safe and vibrant city.

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP

88 Best Lawyers awards

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP logo

Overview

  • University of Denver, J.D., graduated 1985

  • Colorado, Colorado Bar Association

  • Biennial of the Americas - Board Member
  • Downtown Denver Inc. - Board of Directors
  • Downtown Denver Partnership - Co-Chair, 16th Street Mall Steering Committee
  • Hancock for Denver Mayoral Campaign 2011 and 2015 - Co-Chair
  • Visit Denver - The Convention and Visitors Bureau - Board of Directors and Past Chair
  • Colorado, Colorado Bar Association
  • Biennial of the Americas - Board Member
  • Downtown Denver Inc. - Board of Directors
  • Downtown Denver Partnership - Co-Chair, 16th Street Mall Steering Committee
  • Hancock for Denver Mayoral Campaign 2011 and 2015 - Co-Chair
  • Visit Denver - The Convention and Visitors Bureau - Board of Directors and Past Chair
  • University of Denver, J.D., graduated 1985

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Real Estate Law
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Banking and Finance Law
Special Focus:
  • COVID-19
Awards:
  • Colorado Super Lawyers, 2006-2016
  • Lawdragon, "100 Managing Partners You Need To Know", 2008
  • Chambers USA

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