Executive Committee
Background
Leading real estate litigator. Shrewd transactional attorney skilled at risk mitigation. Deep grasp of legal and business issues impacting the real estate and construction industries.
Jonathan Pray brings a powerful combination of expertise to his clients in the real estate and construction industries—deep experience as both a litigator and transactional attorney. One of the firm’s lead litigators, he has facilitated the resolution of disputes on some of Denver’s largest development and construction projects. He also skillfully handles all manner of real property disputes, including commercial lease disputes and litigation between buyers and sellers. Jonathan identifies the best solution to help his clients obtain ideal outcomes, whether through litigation in state or federal court or in private arbitration.
Working across all facets of the development and construction industries, Jonathan has a wide-range of clients who trust his judgment— from commercial, mixed-use, industrial and residential developers to public agencies to design firms and contractors. His diverse client list means there are few issues that arise related to real estate litigation and transactions that he hasn’t seen before. This insight makes him a valued asset to his clients.
Serving as Brownstein’s chief legal officer, Jonathan also works to balance the legal and business interests of the firm. He draws on this understanding of the issues impacting executives and decision-makers to provide his clients with strategic counsel that takes both their legal and business challenges into consideration.
Representative Matters
- Representing nationwide debt settlement company in regulatory inquiry initiated by the Colorado Attorney General.
- Successfully obtained six-figure verdict in bench trial involving breach of contract, breach of duty, and violation of Colorado’s Trust Fund Statute.
- Negotiated execution of $39.9 million cost-plus GMP agreement for new construction of hotel.
- Successfully obtained release of multiple mechanics’ liens resulting from general contractor’s default on large residential development.
- Successfully obtained six-figure verdict, plus trebled damages, in bench trial involving a contractor’s violation of Colorado’s Trust Fund Statute on a real estate development project.
- The firm is representing ZBlock Holdings LLC in negotiating the financing, the joint venture and the condominium and construction documents, as well as numerous management and property-related agreements, in the redevelopment of an entire city block in lower downtown Denver known as Dairy Block. The project includes Dairy Block, a 6 story, mixed use project with 260,000 square feet of office space, ground floor retail and 170 hotel rooms. The deal required two separate financing/lending deals.
Insights & Publications
Insights & Publications
News
News
Credentials
Education
- J.D., 2005, University of Colorado Law School, Order of the Coif
- B.A., 2000, University of Colorado, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Boettcher Foundation Scholar
Admissions
- Colorado, 2005
- Supreme Court of Colorado
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
Memberships
Colorado Bar Association
Denver Bar Association
Recognition
AWARDS
“There is no one I would rather have in my corner from an initial dispute to mediation to trial than Jonathan.” – Chambers USA, 2025
“Jonathan is incredibly thorough, very detail-oriented and does an excellent job really knowing the facts and showing up.” “Jonathan is a very skilled attorney who is pragmatic and has a calm and calculated demeanor.” – Chambers USA, 2024
5280 Top Lawyers, 2018-2026
The Best Lawyers in America, 2021-2026
Chambers USA, 2021-2025
Thomson Reuters, Stand-out Lawyer
Law Week Colorado, Barrister’s Best – People’s Choice, 2020, 2023-2024
Colorado Super Lawyers, 2019-2025; Rising Stars, 2009-2010, 2013-2018
University of Colorado Law Review
