James R. Silvestro

Director

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Biography
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James Silvestro is a litigation and special districts attorney at Ireland Stapleton, whose practice focuses on municipal law, land use, real estate,and complex commercial disputes.

In his litigation practice, James guides the firm’s clients through all stages of litigation in state and federal court, including jury trials and appeals.  James also regularly represents clients in municipal land use proceedings throughout Colorado and, if necessary, in subsequent appeals brought pursuant to C.R.C.P. 106.

In his local governments practice, James serves as outside counsel for many of the firm’s special district and public authority clients.  In this role, James advises clients regarding all aspects of municipal and special district law, including open meetings, open records, contracting, and elections issues, and also serves as litigation counsel when needed.

Prior to joining Ireland Stapleton, James worked as an Honors Attorney for the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C. Immediately after law school, James served as a law clerk to the Honorable Chief Justice Michael Bender (Ret.) with the Colorado Supreme Court.

James earned his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School, where he graduated first in his class and served as the Managing Editor for the University of Colorado Law Review.

 

Admissions

  • Colorado

Education

  • J.D., University of Colorado, 2011, Order of the Coif
  • B.A., Colby College, 2008, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa

Honors & Awards

  • Selected to The Best Lawyers in America® for Land Use and Zoning Law, 2023-2025
  • Selected to Colorado Super Lawyers® for Land Use and Zoning, 2017-2025
  • Quarterfinalist, National Environmental Moot Court Competition
  • Recipient, University of Colorado Public Service Pledge Award
  • Managing Editor, University of Colorado Law Review, 2010-2011
  • Colorado Bar Association
  • Denver Bar Association