MEET GREG PARHAM
Your attorney should make things easier for you, not harder. Greg finds practical and effective solutions to complex legal problems.
1. Greg, with your extensive experience in the real estate industry and owning a title company, what do you believe has been the driving force behind your professional achievements?
At the core, it’s an entrepreneurial spirit. While attending college, and into law school, I ran a residential window cleaning business. Very simple. Go door-to-door asking if I could help. Get a customer, do great work, and get a referral. I love running a business. In my law practice it’s the same thing. Help someone, get a referral to someone else. Rinse and repeat.
2. What inspired you to enter the field of real estate law, and how has your perspective on the industry evolved over the years?
I got into real estate law really because I didn’t want to do trial work anymore. Too much stress. Real estate touches so many parts of life family, investment, opportunity, risk. Real estate allows me to focus on helping people proactively, whereas litigation is reacting after a dispute.
3. Balancing a demanding career in real estate law must be challenging. How do you manage work and personal life to maintain effectiveness?
As an entrepreneur it’s not always perfect, but I’ve learned that setting boundaries and being fully present whether I’m in a client meeting or at home with my family makes all the difference. I also try to prioritize the work that energizes me and passing on the work that doesn’t.
4. What advice would you offer to someone starting their career in real estate law today?
Start with curiosity and humility. I learn something new in real estate law every day. I also find that it’s as much about the law as the people, timing, negotiation, and strategy. I would tell young attorneys to learn from every deal and don’t be afraid to ask questions. And find mentors. I’ve learned, and continue to learn, some of my most important lessons from seasoned professionals who were (and still are) willing to share their stories.
5. How do you stay informed about the latest market trends and legal updates in the Denver area?
I stay connected through industry groups, continuing legal education, and just talking to brokers, investors, and other professionals regularly.
6. As a real estate attorney, what part of your work do you find most rewarding?
When I help a client turn a potentially messy situation into a clean resolution or when I prevent a problem before it starts that’s incredibly rewarding. I love being the steady hand in the middle of high-stakes deals or disputes. It’s also gratifying to teach whether I’m speaking at an event or guiding a client through a tough decision.
7. You have a unique approach to real estate law, often focusing on the complex legal and human aspects. Could you expand on how you integrate these elements into your practice?
Real estate is never just about property it’s about goals, emotions, and sometimes fear. I try to meet people where they are. That means translating legal language into plain English, but also listening closely and understanding what success looks like for that person. Law and empathy aren’t opposites they’re partners in effective advocacy.
8. Outside of your professional life, what hobbies or interests do you pursue?
I enjoy spending time in the Colorado outdoors skiing in the winter, trail running warmer months, and torturing myself trying to improve my game whenever possible. I’m also a big fan of reading and music. And when time allows, I love exploring new places with my family. Travel helps reset my perspective and recharges me.
9. How has your background in owning a title company influenced your approach to real estate law and client interactions today?
It’s been a game-changer. It’s one thing to put a deal together, it’s another to actually get it closed. I see the full lifecycle of a real estate transaction from contract to closing and I understand the operational pressures brokers, lenders, and title companies face. That allows me to offer not just legal advice, but strategic, practical solutions that actually work in the field.
10. In building trust with new clients, what strategies do you find most effective?
Be honest. Be responsive. And don’t overcomplicate things. I make it a point to answer questions directly and provide real value in the first conversation. If a project isn’t the right fit for me, I’m quick to pass it on to someone that can help. I follow the same mantra I tried to instill in staff of the title companies I operated, which is to just try and help.
11. How do you handle ethical dilemmas that arise in real estate transactions?
Ethics aren’t optional they’re foundational. Unbeknownst to a lot of people, lawyers have to follow stringent ethical guidelines. While we can help navigate a transaction within the law, we can’t help you find a solution that violates it.
12. What are some common misconceptions people have about real estate attorneys?
People often think real estate attorneys slow deals down. In reality, a good real estate attorney should keep deals moving, solve problems early, and add value throughout the process. We’re not deal-killers we’re deal-protectors.
13. Could you share a particularly memorable case or client interaction that had a significant impact on you?
I won’t bore you with war stories. I will say that my favorite transactions are those deals that are complicated, with lots of bumps in the road, but we manage to keep them together through closing.
14. What strategies do you employ to stay ahead of the competition in the real estate law field?
I focus on education, accessibility, and transparency. I’m a big believer that it’s OK to give away knowledge to help people, so I offer a lot of free education to brokers, landlords, investors, etc. It always comes back to me in referrals. When I was a young lawyer the philosophy was to always keep the knowledge close to your chest. That’s rubbish.
15. What makes your legal services stand out in the crowded Denver real estate market, and why should potential clients choose you?
I bring a rare combination of legal experience, title company ownership, and practical, real-world insight. I don’t just know the law I know how it plays out in transactions, in negotiations, and at the closing table. I’m also approachable, responsive, and focused on results. The blend of knowledge and accessibility sets me apart.
16. Lastly, if you had one message for the readers of Colorado Homeowners Magazine Cherry Creek issue regarding the legal side of real estate, what would it be?
Don’t wait until something goes to get legal advice. A quick conversation with a knowledgeable attorney upfront can save you time, money, and stress down the road. Many times people enter a transaction with that gut feeling that maybe they should talk to an attorney about it. They should. In real estate, preparation is protection and peace of mind is priceless.
Website: www.parhamlawfirm.com
E-mail: greg@parhamlawfirm.com
Phone: (303) 523 5092
