A second-generation Colorado native, John Bowlin represents clients in commercial litigation, including construction and real estate disputes, and in appellate litigation in the state and federal courts of Colorado and elsewhere. Mr. Bowlin is admitted to practice in Colorado and in numerous federal courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States of America. Mr. Bowlin specializes in thinking deeply about the law’s application to his client’s cases and crafting a strategy for resolving matters as quickly and advantageously as possible.
Representative Cases
Mr. Bowlin assists clients in civil litigation at the trial level, drawing on his experience in every stage of litigation. He frequently represents clients in cases relating to business, property, liens, contracts, and debts. Mr. Bowlin has helped clients resolve trial-level matters such as:
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Obtained award of over $200,000 in two-day arbitration concerning fraud in the sale of a business.
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After two-day bench trial in case seeking over $1 million in damages, won near-complete defense judgment awarding only $20,000 to plaintiff.
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Won full summary judgement on all claims in dispute over priority interest in classic-car titles.
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Successfully moved to dismiss all claims for lack of personal jurisdiction over foreign defendant in United States District Court for the District of Colorado.
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Protected nonparties from motions to compel and for contempt regarding subpoenas for documents.
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Obtained partial summary judgment in construction dispute, leaving plaintiff with the possibility of recovering only one-sixth of the amount originally claimed.
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Defeated challenge to subject matter jurisdiction in commercial dispute.
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Litigated numerous commercial and construction disputes through conclusion or to favorable settlement.
Mr. Bowlin has also helped clients pursue their interests and protect their rights on appeal in cases including:
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United States v. Garcia, 74 F.4th 1073 (10th Cir. 2023) - Obtained reversal of convictions for murder and conspiracy to commit murder in furtherance of a racketeering enterprise on the basis of insufficient evidence that alleged murder was for the purpose of maintaining or increasing position in the enterprise.
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United States v. McIntosh, 29 F.4th 648 (10th Cir. 2022) - Obtained reversal of conviction and adoption of new Circuit law regarding knowing and voluntary plea agreements.
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Southern Cross Ranches, LLC, et al. v. JBC Agricultural Management, LLC, et al., 2019 COA 58, 442 P.3d 1012 (Colo. App. 2019) - Obtained reversal of $2.3 million judgment against client.
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Fleury v. Intrawest Winter Park Operations Corp., 2016 CO 41, 372 P.3d 349 (Colo. 2016) – Represented amicus curiae in successfully obtaining clarification of Ski Safety Act.
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Ark Initiative v. Tidwell, 816 F.3d 119 (D.C. Cir. 2016) – Represented amicus curiae in case concerning use of national forest for ski operations.
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Kirkbride v. Terex USA, LLC, 798 F.3d 1343 (10th Cir. 2015) – Reversal of more than $3 million judgment on three separate claims, holding insufficient evidence supported the jury’s verdicts.
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Kelly v. Haralampopoulos, 2014 CO 46, 327 P.3d 255 (Colo. 2014) – Reversal of court of appeals’ decision, holding that client could not be sued for claims seeking more than $15 million in damages.
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Hickerson v. Vessels, 2014 CO 2, 316 P.3d 620 (Colo. 2014) – Reversal of court of appeals’ decision, which resulted in the dismissal of claims against client for approximately $1 million in damages.
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Simpson v. Cedar Springs Hospital, Inc., 2014 CO 73, 336 P.3d 180 (Colo. 2014) – Represented amicus curiae in successfully obtaining clarification of law regarding hospital quality management privilege.
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Chapman v. Harner, 2014 CO 78, 339 P.3d 519 (Colo. 2014) – Represented amicus curiae in successfully obtaining clarification of burden of proof when negligence is shown by res ipsa loquitur.
Articles & Presentations
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New Opportunities for Cost-Effective E-Discovery under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Law Week Colorado, May 25, 2015, at 16
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Raising Unpreserved Arguments on Appeal, Colorado Bar Association CLE (June 11, 2014)
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There is Still a Chance: Raising Unpreserved Arguments on Appeal, 42. Colo. Law. 29 (June 2013)
Education
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J.D., University of Colorado Law School, 2010
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B.S., summa cum laude, Regis University, 2007
Admissions
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Colorado
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U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
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U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
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U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
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Supreme Court of the United States of America
Activities and Awards
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Selected to Super Lawyers 2022-2024, Rising Stars - 2017 to 2020
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Member, William E. Doyle Inn of Court - 2011 to 2023