MANAGING PARTNER
Richard B. Benenson

Richard B. Benenson

Managing Partner

Background

Guides the strategic direction of the firm as managing partner. Twenty-five years of litigation experience. Develops innovative and practical solutions to solve complex problems.

As Brownstein’s managing partner and a member of its executive committee, Rich works closely with clients, attorneys, policy advisors, staff and industry and community leaders to drive the firm’s strategic growth and development. From leading new ways to enhance client value to building and retaining a diverse team of legal and government relations talent, he is committed to helping Brownstein’s clients and employees thrive. Prior to taking the full-time leadership role of managing partner, Rich was a senior litigator and former Litigation Department chair. He played a leading role in headline and groundbreaking cases defending companies in complex litigation, antitrust, consumer protection, class actions and regulatory matters. 

Rich’s enviable track record of successfully resolving problems and his thoughtful approach to conflict resolution are an asset whether in the courtroom or boardroom. He couples his deep legal knowledge with a first-hand understanding of business issues to drive practical business solutions. 

Rich is committed to helping those around him succeed. He frequently presents to businesses, trade associations and firm stakeholders, as well as provides industry commentary for national legal publications. Rich’s commitment to helping others extends into the community where he serves on the board of directors for a number of high profile organizations shaping the future of Denver. 

Representative Matters

Antitrust and Consumer Protection

  • Represented student loan servicer affiliate of a large education company as lead trial and appellate counsel. Obtained dismissal in District Court of claims the client steered student loan borrowers into forbearance status that was not financially beneficial to the borrower. This case is currently on appeal.

  • Obtained summary judgment in favor of defendant loan servicer on all claims in action brought by borrower for alleged violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act in connection with serving of loans.

  • Counsel to one of the largest health insurance companies in the country in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Sherman Act and Colorado Antitrust Act. We asserted counterclaims under the Sherman Act, Colorado Antitrust Act, Colorado Consumer Protection Act, and ERISA, in addition to various tort claims. The case was ultimately settled on favorable terms for our client.

  • Successfully moved to dismiss Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA) case brought by a competitor in Colorado against two Florida companies in the automobile ancillary insurance industry and their officers and directors. The court ruled that the plaintiff failed to plead the requisite elements of a CCPA claim and failed to establish personal jurisdictions over the individual officers and directors.

Commercial Litigation

  • Represented hospitality company in litigation suit alleging fraud and other common law claims regarding the location of certain utility lines. Negotiated a walk-away settlement for client.

  • Successfully defended a company and its officers in derivative and direct shareholder litigation against claims of breach of fiduciary duty, negligence and civil conspiracy.

  • Represented membership organization of student loan servicer in the successful challenge and invalidation of large portions of DC Law 21-214 and final rules that purported to regulate student loan servicers by imposing additional requirements and fees beyond what is prescribed by federal law.

  • Litigating on behalf of a local elected official sued by a local business owner in a dispute centered on ethics provisions, questions of jurisdiction and state constitutional law. Engagement requires creative and innovative litigation strategies in parallel forums while preserving remedies and appellate rights.

Insights & Publications

News

Credentials

Education

  • J.D., 1996, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, valedictorian
  • M.B.A., 1995, University of Baltimore, Merrick School of Business, with honors
  • B.A., 1991, Miami University

Previous Experience

Senior Vice President and General Counsel, The Schaffer Companies

Judicial Clerk to the Honorable William J. Connelly, United States District Court for the District of Maryland

Summer Intern, Honors Program, U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division

Admissions

  • Colorado, 2001
  • District of Columbia, 1998
  • Maryland
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
  • U.S. District Court, District of Maryland
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit

Memberships

American Bar Association

Bar Association of the District of Columbia

Colorado Bar Association

Denver Bar Association

Maryland Bar Association

Federal Bar Association

Community Involvement

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

  • Advisory Council, Emily Griffith Technical College
  • Board of Directors, Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation
  • Board of Directors, Global Livingston Institute
  • Governor Appointee, Board of Directors, History Colorado
  • Governor Appointee, Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission 
  • State Commission on Judicial Performance
  • Executive Committee, Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (2017-2019)
  • Board of Directors, Colorado Judicial Institute (2016-2019)
  • Mayor's Drug Strategy Commission (2008-2014)
  • American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) (2002-2012)
  • Board of Directors, Great Education Colorado (2005-2008)
  • Board of Directors, Anti-Defamation League, Mountain States Region (2008-2012)
  • Board of Directors, Friends of the Denver Fire Department (2007-2012)
  • University of Denver Law School Mentoring Program (2007-2011)
  • Board of Directors, Colorado Youth Symphony Orchestra (2002-2005)

Recognition

AWARDS:

"Rich spends time getting to know the business and regulatory environment in which we work. He provides top-notch client service and is outstanding overall."  – Chambers USA, 2022

  • Colorado Super Lawyers, 2020-2024
  • Best Lawyers in America, 2017-2025
  • Chambers USA, 2014-2024
  • 5280 Top Lawyers, Litigation – Antitrust, 2015, 2018, 2019
  • Law Week Colorado's 2015 Top Litigators
  • Law Week Colorado, Barrister's Best People’s Choice “Best Antitrust Lawyer”, 2015
  • Benchmark Litigation Future Star Award, 2015
  • Leadership Denver, Class of 2012
  • 50 for Colorado, Class of 2010