Ireland Stapleton is proud to announce that three of the Firm’s attorneys, James Benjamin, Kelley Duke, and Julie Walker, have been selected to 5280 Magazine’s 2023 list of Denver’s top lawyers.
James Benjamin was selected to the list for his expertise in real estate law. In his practice, he focuses on commercial real estate transaction work, including acquisitions, sales, leasing, financing, condominium development, land development, and condominium conversions, as well as institutional client lending, including asset-based financing and real estate secured financing. James is frequently retained as an expert witness in court proceedings and arbitrations to provide advice on complex real estate law matters and is a frequent real estate law lecturer.
Kelley Duke was selected to the list for her expertise in civil litigation. She is an experienced litigator and trial attorney who chairs Ireland Stapleton’s litigation practice group. Her practice includes serving as a lead advocate to national and international clients in complex commercial litigation matters. In addition, Kelley serves as a strategic advisor and outside general counsel to multiple clients in diverse industries, including oil and gas, transportation, supply chain management, banking, marketing, public relations, packaging and distribution, and special districts.
Julie Walker was selected to the list for her expertise in construction litigation. She has extensive experience as a trial attorney representing individuals and businesses in federal and state courts, as well as in arbitrations and mediations across the country. Her construction practice includes representation of owners, developers, contractors, and design professionals. Julie also serves as an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association for their Commercial and Construction Panels to resolve disputes subject to arbitration, and she will be expanding her ADR practice in 2023 to include mediation services.
To compile the list of Denver’s top lawyers, 5280 Magazine surveyed over 17,700 licensed attorneys in the Denver metro area and had them rank and recognize their most respected peers in 50 different legal specialties. To supplement the survey data, they conducted their own research and due-diligence to ensure a rigorous selection process.