PRACTICE AREAS

Business Litigation

Class Actions

Construction Litigation

Joseph J. Mellon has more than 34 years experience trying cases and arguing appeals in state and federal courts throughout the country, including complex class actions, business contract cases, construction related litigation, claims against the U.S. Government, civil rights and personal injury claims. He has tried more than 80 cases to completion as lead counsel.

Mr. Mellon's areas of trial and appellate experience include claims against the U.S. Government, business contract cases, class actions, construction litigation, civil rights and personal injury. He has extensive experience dealing with technical issues and experts.

Mr. Mellon's clients include construction companies and business entities of all types. Other clients include individuals and groups having claims of significant damage because of the wrongful conduct of business entities.

DISTINCTIONS

Mr. Mellon has taught seminars on police misconduct, construction litigation and the Colorado Consumer Protection Act.

Named one of "Colorado's Super Lawyers" 2006-2008. Only 5% of lawyers in the State of Colorado receive this honor.

COMMUNITY AND BAR INVOLVEMENT

Denver Bar Association

Colorado Bar Association

Litigation Section

State Bar of Michigan

Negligence Section

Colorado Trial Lawyers Association

Board of Directors

The Association of Trial Lawyers of America

Minoru Yasui Inn of Court

Past President

Faculty of Federal Advocates

NOTABLE EXPERIENCE

Significant Trials and Appeals

Obtained $3,510,473 judgment against homebuilder for negligence and violation of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act in the construction of a residential property. Ray v. Bainbridge, Inc., District Court, Douglas County, Colorado (2004).

Obtained $7,086,014 judgment for husband and wife seriously injured in auto accident. Brownlee v. Dorrance, District Court, Jefferson County, Colorado (2004).

Successfully defended a multi-million dollar claim by a national insurance company against two former employees alleging breach of loyalty and breach of fiduciary duties. Following affirmation by the Colorado Court of Appeals, the defendant employees then sued the plaintiff insurance company for indemnity and recovered all attorney fees and costs expended in the defense of the underlying suit. Guaranty National Insurance Company v. Scottsdale Insurance Company, No. 97CA1571, August 26, 1999 (Colo. App.) (Not selected for official publications), cert denied; Waskel v. Guaranty National Corporation, et al, 23 P.3d 1214 (CA 2000) cert denied May 21, 2001.

Represented a disabled veteran in a federal tort claims act case alleging malpractice by the veteran’s administration medical centers over several years. The veteran was awarded total damages in the amount of $4,600,000 which included sufficient funds to completely replace all VA benefits to which the veteran was entitled so that he could obtain future treatment outside the VA system. This decision was affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in Deasy v. U.S.A., 99 F.3d 354 (10th Circuit 1996).

Achieved the largest settlement in a police shooting case against the City and County of Denver when the City agreed to pay $1,250,000 to a plaintiff who was shot in the back while escaping from a burglary. Hollis v. City and County of Denver, Denver District Court 2000.

PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

2006

Colorado Courtroom Handbook for Civil Trials

Contributing Editor

EDUCATION

J.D., Michigan State University College of Law, Detroit College of Law

B.S., Education, Central Michigan University, 1970