Tom Downey Lawyer Ireland Stapleton Colorado

Regulatory attorney Tom Downey has been named a “Top Lawyer” by 5280 magazine for marijuana law.

The magazine’s annual list is based on a rigorous peer-review process and the editors’ research of licensed attorneys in the seven-county metro area. This is Downey’s fourth consecutive appearance on this list.

Downey has significant experience as both a government official and private attorney. He helps clients navigate all aspects of regulatory law, including the administrative, transactional and disciplinary processes related to liquor licensing, legalized marijuana, gaming, sports betting, and licenses governed by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.

Prior to joining Ireland Stapleton, Downey held several prominent positions in state and local government. Most recently, he led Denver’s Department of Excise and Licenses. Here he redrafted the policies and procedures for liquor licensing and wrote the original policies and procedures for Denver’s legalized recreational marijuana licenses. While in this role, he was appointed by Governor Hickenlooper to advise the administration and the Colorado General Assembly on legislation that would create legalized recreational marijuana. Downey also worked in the Colorado Secretary of State’s office under Secretary Bernie Buescher and Secretary Scott Gessler. In this role, he worked with the Advisory Committee to merge and ultimately run the licensing and business divisions. Additionally, Downey served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Business and Licensing Section of the Colorado Attorney General’s office under Attorney General Ken Salazar. His higher profile cases include congressional redistricting, state reapportionment, and the GAVEL Amendment and Blue Book battles.