Jim Rigberg represents investors, developers, and business owners in high-stakes disputes involving ownership, control, and recovery of valuable assets. His practice focuses on complex litigation arising from failed real estate ventures, partnership breakdowns, and commercial fraud — matters where the outcome determines who retains control of significant assets and capital.
With more than three decades of experience, he is regularly called in when deals collapse, investment relationships deteriorate, or asset ownership is contested. He advises clients through disputes involving joint venture breakdowns, sponsor-investor conflicts, contested capital structures, covenant and governance fights, and fraud tied to real estate and closely held businesses. His work often centers on distressed developments and asset recovery litigation, where strategic positioning early in the dispute materially affects the financial outcome.
Clients value his ability to translate complicated financial and ownership structures into persuasive litigation strategies. Having handled both the transactional and litigation sides of real estate matters, he understands how sophisticated deals are built — and where they fail. That dual perspective allows him to identify leverage quickly, protect asset value, and guide clients through disputes that threaten core investments.
In addition to litigation, Jim advises developers and asset owners on risk mitigation and dispute prevention tied to large commercial real estate projects and ownership structures. He works closely with transactional counsel to anticipate litigation exposure and strengthen governance frameworks before conflicts escalate.
He is admitted to practice in Colorado and Arizona and represents clients nationwide as part of the firm’s national litigation platform.Education & Credentials
Education
Sturm College of Law
J.D., 1993University of Arizona
B.A., 1990Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- Best Lawyers in America®
- Commercial Litigation, 2021-2026
Prominent Assignments
Secured a full defense verdict at jury trial for a lender in a million-dollar action alleging that the plaintiff had founded and funded the company.
Obtained a jury verdict returning a seven-figure investment to the client based on fraud committed by the start-up company’s officers.
Successfully defended against a former business owner’s claims that the client committed accounting fraud in overseeing the venture’s liquidation.
Compelled a state agency to settle claims against a broker’s license for alleged fraud without imposition of any discipline.
Successfully defended against $9 million trademark and copyright infringement claims in a two-week arbitration, resulting in dismissal of all claims.
On appeal, successfully overturned an arbitration award in favor of a business against a Native American tribe.
Handled dozens of bench trials, arbitrations, and other evidentiary hearings in matters involving asset seizures, foreclosures, restrictive employment covenants, and misappropriation of trade secrets.
Advises real estate developers and management companies on all day-to-day property management issues, including handling hundreds of tenant disputes and similar matters.
Manages national leasing litigation on behalf of a REIT client, including coordinating with outside counsel.
On behalf of REITs in the healthcare and assisted living space, manages commercial leasing operations, including negotiation and drafting of leases, amendments, subordination agreements, and termination agreements.Serves as counsel to a large real estate investment fund, advising on Arizona-based real estate matters relating to its shopping center properties. Manages state-wide leasing operations and negotiates, drafts, and interprets leases and governing documents (including CC&Rs), and assists with property management issues.
Regularly represents business owners in disputes with shareholders, partners, and third parties involving claims such as breach of contract, defamation, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duties, frequently achieving early and favorable settlement by helping the client to secure optimal bargaining position.