Winning commercial disputes attorney. Leading real estate and construction litigator. Sage political and government affairs lawyer. Shrewd transactional attorney skilled at risk mitigation and crisis management.
John Zakhem’s deep experience as both a litigator and transactional attorney provide a powerful combination for his clients in the political, construction and real estate industries. John has been relied upon by scores of political figures at the national, state and local levels for his wisdom and legal counsel. John skillfully handles all manner of disputes on behalf of business owners, non-profits and political organizations in regulatory, commercial and governmental affairs throughout the Rocky Mountains, focusing on solutions, outcomes, and client bottom-line.
John’s favorite word is “team.” John strives to get to the “yes” – an understanding in any deal or dispute. If a fight is necessary, cost-efficient resolution is the target. His clients enjoy John’s candor, wit, integrity and energy.
Representative Matters
- Successfully obtained multi-million dollar verdict in Denver hotel construction delay case
- Negotiated six-figure settlement of museum construction delay and defect case on behalf of general contractor
- Represented candidates and elected officials from presidents, to US Senators and Congressmen, to state legislators, to mayors and sheriffs over the past 25 years on litany of legal matters ranging from election law and campaign finance to recalls, criminal actions and public relations
- Successfully litigated Colorado Open Records Act cases establishing the seminal precedent on attorney fees entitlement
- Negotiated the resolution of a multi-million dollar golf course construction dispute
- Successfully obtained judgment on six-figure mechanic’s lien/bond foreclosure
- Assisted numerous clients in establishing PUDs and multi-family real estate developments throughout Colorado
Areas of Practice
Commercial Litigation; Construction Law; Real Estate; Business Law; Election Law and Campaign Finance; Constitutional Law; Non-Profits
Education
Georgetown University, B.S., School of Foreign Service; University of Denver Sturm College of Law, J.D.
Credentials/Awards
Best Lawyers in America (2010-Present), Super Lawyers (2008-Present), Honorary Consul for the Republic of Lebanon in Colorado, William Randolph Hearst Foundation Senate Youth Scholarship, Hariri Foundation-USA Academic Scholarship, Varsity Football Letterman (4) Georgetown University, Eagle Scout
Affiliations
Red Rocks Church; Rose Andum Center; Porchlight Family Justice Center