Phone: (303) 592-6670

Fax: (303) 592-6666

Melissa A. Ogburn, Partner

Melissa A. Ogburn is a Partner with over two decades of legal experience. Melissa represents construction companies as well as insurers and their insureds in a wide range of disputes, including construction defect, personal injury, premises liability, general liability, bad faith, mechanic’s liens and non-payment claims.

Melissa has handled cases valued at more than $10 million and works closely with her clients to make sure her legal strategy aligns with broader business goals to resolve cases effectively and efficiently. She also counsels clients on best practices and risk mitigation to reduce the likelihood of litigation in the first place.

Melissa is actively involved in many different local industry and legal organizations, including the Colorado Bar Association and the Denver Bar Association. Currently, she is a member of the Construction Law Committee for the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association and also serves as the Litigation Director for that organization. In addition, until recently, she served as Chair of the American Subcontractors Association of Colorado and continues to be an active member.

Melissa earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where she was the Survey Editor for the International Law Journal. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree from New Mexico State University.

Areas of Practice

Construction Litigation, including defect and contract claims
Entity Formation and Business Advisement
Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith
Personal Injury Defense
Premises Liability

Admissions

Colorado state courts
Wyoming state courts
U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado

Education

J.D., University of Denver
B.A., New Mexico State University
B.C.J., New Mexico State University

Affiliations and Memberships

American Subcontractors Association — 2013-Present;
– Attorneys Council 2013-Present
— Chair 2018-21;
— Vice Chair 2016-18;
Colorado Bar Association — 2003-Present
– Formerly served:
— COBALT Leadership Training
— Budget Committee,
— Board of Governors,
— Executive Council
Colorado Bar Association — Young Lawyers Division — 2005-09,
– Chair 2007-08
Colorado Defense Lawyers Association, 2004-Present
– Legislative Director — 2023-Present
– Construction Law Committee — 2011-Present,
— Chair 2012-14
Denver Bar Association — 2003-Present
– Co-Chair — 2011-14

RecognitionCases

The Best Lawyers in America®, 2023
Attorney Member of the Year, American Subcontractor Association Colorado, 2016

Presentations

Often invited to speak to companies and insurers in the construction industry on topics, including construction law, insurance law, insurance coverage questions and bad faith issues.

Publications

Insurance Adjuster Liability in Bad Faith Claims”, Colorado Lawyer, December 2022

Supply Chain Woes Don’t Have to Be Contracting Foes: Tips to Navigating Price Escalations”, The Contractor’s Compass, July 2022

Construction Defect: A True Story, Part II”, Colorado Built, American Subcontractor Association of Colorado, 2014

Construction Defect: A True Story, Part I”, Colorado Built, American Subcontractor Association of Colorado, 2013