Education

  • J.D., University of Chicago Law School (1972)
    • University of Chicago Law Review, associate editor
  • B.A., Marquette University (1969)

Joe Bronesky serves as the general counsel to Sherman & Howard and advises its lawyers and staff on ethics, risk management, and strategy issues.

As a member of the Litigation department, Joe represents clients on disputes involving real property, construction, contracts, and appeals. He also provides expert testimony on issues related to the performance of attorneys, including the reasonableness of attorney fees.

Joe began practicing law with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit where he provided support to the judges of the court on the issues presented to them in appeals. He then spent three years representing Navy commands on criminal issues and, later, advising North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commands and personnel on operational issues. His current clients include the Girl Scouts of Colorado (a pro bono representation), a major convenience store operator and franchisor, national and state banks, an association of medical specialists, suppliers of construction materials, and homeowner associations. His current cases include valuation of real property, condemnations, disputes involving special governmental districts, and controversies over the meaning and enforcement of contracts. Joe has argued five cases before the Colorado Supreme Court, and numerous cases before the Colorado Court of Appeals.

Experience

  • Briefed and presented oral argument to the Colorado Supreme Court to on the legislative history of the Federal and Colorado Arbitration Acts, and obtained a dismissal of a writ of certiorari.
  • Represented bank on foreclosure procedures that resulted in a favorable Colorado Court of Appeals decision and denial of certiorari by the U.S. Supreme Court.
  • Briefed and presented oral argument on cases involving various issues to the Colorado Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court.
  • Successfully defended a manufacturer against claims exceeding $12M by a terminated distributor before a U.S. District Court jury.
  • Obtained a reduction of the tax valuation of a meat processing plant and condominium project in a Board of Assessment Appeals proceeding and Board of Equalization hearings.
  • Served as an attorney fee expert in three cases involving trial testimony or depositions.
  • Advised a youth group and churches regarding the sales and purchases of real property.
  • Advised homeowners’ associations regarding the enforcement of their covenants.
  • Defended a cellular telephone company in two disputes over rights to construct and operate wireless transmission towers.
  • Represented a wireless service provider in a dispute over a lease for space on a wireless transmission tower.
  • Represented a large, national convenience store chain in several lease disputes.

Publications & Presentations

PRESENTATIONS

  • Risk Management: Watch Those Wire Transfers
    Annual Colorado Construction Law Seminar | February 3, 2023
  • The Emperor’s New Clothes and Open Records Requests: A Case of a Developer Walking More Proudly
    Annual Colorado Construction Law Seminar | March 4, 2022
  • Dispute Case Study – What Goes Wrong When the Parties Don’t Communicate
    Annual Colorado Construction Law Seminar | March 2020
  • The Proverbial Ounce of Prevention, A Case Study
    Annual Colorado Construction Law Seminar | February 2018
  • A Construction Defect Lawsuit
    Annual Colorado Construction Law Seminar | February 2017
  • Every Arbitrator is King Solomon?
    Annual Colorado Construction Law Seminar | February 2016
  • Lecturer on construction issues at continuing legal education courses (sponsored by CLE International, Lorman Educational Services, and the Associated General Contractors of Colorado)

Professional Activities

  • American Arbitration Association, Arbitrator
  • Legal Fee Arbitration Committee of the Denver Bar Association, panel chair
  • General Counsel to Sherman & Howard

CIVIC ACTIVITIES

  • Girl Scouts Colorado Council, General Counsel
  • Girl Scouts Mile Hi Council
    • Past board member
    • Past Second Vice President
    • Past Secretary
    • Past General Counsel

Highlights

  • Best Lawyers in America, Denver
    • Commercial Litigation (2019 – 2024)
    • Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law (2022 – 2024)
  • Professional Liability: Defense, Colorado, Super Lawyers (2006 – 2020, 2023 – 2024)