James J. Petrock

Of Counsel

James Petrock brings over five decades of legal experience, assisting governmental and private entities achieve their water-resource goals, to HPK. He also was the founder of Petrock & Fendel, PC back in 1981. Through his extensive knowledge and expertise accumulated over five decades, Jim has helped clients navigate the complex world of water law. When it comes to water and local government law, his continued reputation for successful outcomes is unprecedented.

Jim represents clients across a broad range of water law issues, from water rights protection and perfection to municipal finance matters, as well as regarding contracts, real estate, eminent domain, utility rate matters, personnel matters, mechanics liens, and defense of negligence claims. Today, he continues to serve as legal counsel for special districts such as North Table Mountain Water and Sanitation District and counties like Gilpin County. Previous to founding the firm, Jim served with the legal division of the Denver Water Board.

Bar Admission

  • Admitted to the Colorado Bar 1968

Education

  • University of Colorado, Juris Doctorate, 1968
  • Bachelor of Arts, B.A. Honors College, Michigan State University, 1965

Professional Associations & Memberships

  • Colorado Bar Association
  • Jefferson County Bar Association
  • Colorado County Attorney’s Association

Published Cases

  • Hidahl v. Gilpin County, 938 F2d 1150 (CA10, 1991);
  • Denver v. Fulton Irrigation Ditch Co., 506 P2d 144 (1972);
  • Denver v. Hinsey, 493 P2d 348 (1972);
  • Clear Creek School District v. Holmes, 628 P2d 154 (1981);
  • Russell v. Gilpin County B.O.E., 920 P2d 840 (1995);
  • Golden Gate Development Company v. BOE, 856 P2d 72 (1993);
  • Odd Fellows Bldg. and Inv. Co. v. Englewood, 667 P2d 1358 (1983).

Publications

  • Mail Ballot Elections, Colorado Lawyer, Feb 1991
  • Use of Colorado Water Rights in Secured Transactions, Colorado Lawyer, December 1989

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