Mark Grueskin
If there’s a hot button issue in Colorado policy or politics, you’ll most likely find Mark Grueskin in the middle of that fight. Whether it’s being litigated in the courts, debated in the legislature, or resolved by state or local agencies, Mark’s keen experience in government and campaigns is sought by clients whose interests are on the line in the political and regulatory realms.
When he’s in court, Mark uses trial strategies that the Denver Business Journal said “emphasize innovation over convention." For Mark's landmark court victories, Law Week Colorado awarded him Lawyer of the Year honors in 2009, 2012, and 2014.
Mark's practice often addresses complex issues of constitutional law. In trial and appellate courts, he has served as lead counsel for the State of Colorado, the Colorado General Assembly, the Colorado Transportation Commission, the City & County of Denver, the Governor of Colorado, and the legislative leaders in both houses of the state legislature. He also represents governmental officials before the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission.
In the law-making process, Mark drafts ballot measures as well as state and local legislation. He has written successful ballot initiatives that amended the Colorado Constitution and statute, and he helped oppose amendments that targeted a woman’s right to choose, the state’s fair election process, and key industries in our state. He has represented local governments and special districts across the state when they have challenges in this field.
Mark was local counsel to the 2008 Democratic National Convention, as well as Colorado counsel to the 2008 and 2012 Obama for President campaigns and the 2020 Biden for President campaign. Given his impact in this sphere, Campaigns & Elections Magazine called him "Colorado's best election lawyer, bar none."
Mark regularly advises clients on federal state, and local campaign finance law. He advises non-profit organizations and represents statewide and national trade associations, providing them with formation and operational advice and helping them develop policy or political arms consistent with tax and election laws.
Mark also represents commercial clients before executive branch regulatory agencies and licensing boards. For instance, he has counseled Colorado's gaming industry for more than twenty-five years. He regularly assists companies with license applications, enforcement actions, and agency rule-making.
Best Lawyers in America© named Mark as Lawyer of the Year in the fields of Governmental Relations (2021), Regulatory/Administrative Law (2020), and Gaming Law (2019) in Denver. He has long been recognized as a Colorado Super Lawyer.
In his spare time, Mark has coached high school mock trial teams in the Denver area, including a talented, scrappy group that was crowned Colorado’s 2017 State Champions. He also works with students who compete in national constitutional law competitions.