Morgan Steele

Terry Freeman is a Shareholder and a member of the Firm’s Commercial Finance practice group and practices in Denver and Dallas. Mr. Freeman represents banks and other financial services clients in connection with commercial and corporate lending transactions and related activities. Mr. Freeman has over 40 years of experience in structuring, documenting, servicing, and workout of commercial and corporate finance transactions. During his almost 30 years of providing legal counsel to finan...

Cory Rutz represents property owners and developers in the acquisition and entitlement of commercial, residential and industrial projects. Cory’s practice includes assisting clients with local government approval of annexations, subdivisions, rezonings and development agreements. Her recent work includes advising clients on incorporating various types of short-term rental uses into their properties. With joint degrees in law and urban planning, Cory is also a certified member of the Ame...

Mikaela V. Rivera is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law. Mikaela V., who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mikaela V. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David C. Gartenberg is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. David C., who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

For more than 25 years, Brian's practice has focused almost exclusively on helping water users find, secure and defend their water rights in Colorado and the Western U.S. His clients include municipalities, water and wastewater sanitation districts, mines, golf course developers, energy companies and various commercial facilities. Brian serves as a trusted advisor, providing strategic guidance on long-term water planning and water rights projects. In Colorado, his experience includes the adju...

Charles W. Gray is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Charles W., who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charles W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Josh brings a client-centered approach to his practice, and understands that there is no such thing as a “small case” when someone is the target of a criminal prosecution. He appreciates that some of the toughest battles to be fought are those that occur as a result of being accused of a crime, and that the restrictions and obstacles facing his clients can be far reaching and unanticipated. Josh is passionate about defending his clients, and takes a direct-approach on their behalf...

Tim Bounds is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Tim, who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Tim is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bryce Beecher leverages his more than two decades of experience as a real estate development and transactional attorney with his time as in-house counsel on behalf of clients acquiring, developing and selling resorts, hotels and other commercial, residential and mixed-use properties. Beginning with acquisitions, he works with clients through the final disposition of properties, while also partnering with them in the formation, operation and management of master-planned communities, condominiu...

Brian L. Duffy is a president of the firm and previously served as Chair of the firm’s 600-member Global Litigation Department from 2009-2013. He focuses his practice on trial and appellate work in the class action, employment, energy, commercial contract and product liability areas, serving as national, regional and local counsel in high-profile cases. Brian represents public and privately-held entities and their principals in complex business-related disputes arising from both interna...