Justin D. Pless

About Justin D. Pless

Justin D. Pless founded Pless Law Firm in 2009. He dedicates his practice to helping clients navigate complex commercial real estate transactions, development projects, and corporate law matters. Justin divides his time between the firm’s offices in Colorado and Texas. 

Justin represents a broad range of clients throughout the United States in commercial real estate transactions and development projects including leasing, purchase and sale, financing, construction, and land use matters. Justin’s practice also includes the formation and structuring of business entities and joint ventures. Recognized for his legal acumen, Justin has published numerous articles and has previously taught continuing legal education courses on legal issues related to commercial real estate. Prior to founding the firm, he practiced in the real estate group at the multi-national law firm Faegre & Benson LLP (now Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP). 

Justin graduated Order of the Coif from the University of Colorado Law School. While in law school, Justin served as a teaching fellow in real property law and as a note and comment editor for the Colorado Technology Law Journal. He also interned with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and with the Honorable Marcia S. Krieger at the United States District Court, District of Colorado. 

Prior to attending college and law school, Justin served as an infantry paratrooper in the United States Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, including a peacekeeping deployment to the former Yugoslav Republic of Kosovo in 1999-2000. 

Outside of the office, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, exploring the great Colorado outdoors, and fishing the lakes of his native state of Minnesota.

Recent Transactions

• Represented a client in the acquisition of a property with purchase price of $8,195,000.00 in Naples, Florida.
• Represented a development firm in the acquisition of a 3.4-acre property priced at $5,000,000 in Fort Collins, Colorado. 
• Negotiated an asset purchase agreement on behalf of a property development firm, resulting in a transaction valued at $2,800,000.00 in Fort Collins, Colorado. 
• Represented a commercial real estate agency in the purchase of a property for $1,037,000 in Longmont, Colorado. 
• Negotiated a lease agreement for a client in Rock Hill, Missouri, securing a 36,000 square-foot space.  

Education

• J.D., University of Colorado Law School; Order of the Coif  

• B.A., University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill; with distinction, History and Political Science; Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society 

Publications

• “How to Increase Flexibility in Office Leasing Post COVID-19.” Colorado Real Estate Journal, March 3, 2021.
• “Craft Breweries, Distilleries Leases: Key Issues for Landlords, Tenants.” Colorado Real Estate Journal, October 7, 2015.
• “Landlords, Tenants Must Consider Assignment, Subletting Provisions.” Colorado Real Estate Journal, November 7, 2012.
• “Understanding Expansion Rights in Commercial Leases is Imperative.” Colorado Real Estate Journal, September 21, 2011.
• “LEED Consulting Agreements: Key Legal Issues.” U.S. Green Building Council, Rocky Mountain Green 2011, April 21, 2011.
• “Key Issues for LEED Consulting.” Colorado Real Estate Journal, September 1, 2010.
• “Key Lease Default Provisions.” Colorado Real Estate Journal, June 3, 2009.
• “Be Aware of Options to Renew or Extend Commercial Leases.” Colorado Real Estate Journal, December 3, 2008.
• “Landlords, Tenants Should Understand Different Options.” Boulder County Business Report, November 14, 2008. 

News & Media

• “Beverage Production Makes its Mark on Retail.” Colorado Real Estate Journal, 2016
• “Centre Point Buys Sloans Office Building as Area Takes Off.” Colorado Real Estate Journal, 2017

Recognition

• Best Lawyers® in America, Real Estate Law (2020-2025)
• Super Lawyer, Colorado Super Lawyers, Real Estate (2021-2025)
• Rising Star, Colorado Super Lawyers, Real Estate (2012, 2014 – 2020)
• Lawyers in Real Estate Award, Connect CRE (2021)
• Finalist, Up and Coming Attorneys, Law Week Colorado (2009)

Memberships

• DDP
• NAIOP
• Colorado Bar Association
• Texas Bar Association