# Brian L. Duffy

> Brian L. Duffy is the chief executive officer of Greenberg Traurig and a Denver-based trial and appellate lawyer whose leadership philosophy rests on remaining close to client work. A University of Colorado Law School graduate and former federal judicial clerk, he led the firm's Global Litigation Department, became firm president, and has served as CEO since 2016 while continuing to advise companies on litigation, governance, investigations, and crisis matters.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer at Greenberg Traurig, LLP
- **Organizations:** Greenberg Traurig, LLP, American Bar Association, Colorado Bar Association, Denver Bar Association, Faculty of Federal Advocates
- **Education:** B.S., summa cum laude, University of South Dakota, J.D.; Order of the Coif; Notes and Comments Editor, University of Colorado Law Review, University of Colorado Law School
- **Known for:** Led Greenberg Traurig as CEO from 2016 through a period in which the firm grew to approximately 3,200 attorneys, 2,400 professional staff, and 51 locations., Defended more than 200 class actions across consumer and business disputes., Obtained a $30 million judgment for an energy client after a three-week breach-of-contract trial involving mining equipment.

## Career timeline

- **1991** — Earned his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School, then clerked for Judge Jim R. Carrigan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.
- **2009-2013** — Chaired Greenberg Traurig's Global Litigation Department, described at the time as a 600-lawyer group.
- **2013-2015** — Served as co-president of Greenberg Traurig after leading the litigation department.
- **2015** — Received the University of Colorado Law School Alumni Award for Distinguished Achievement in Private Practice.
- **2016-present** — Serves as chief executive officer of Greenberg Traurig while continuing an active litigation and corporate-governance practice.
- **2019** — Received a Most Admired CEO award from the Denver Business Journal.
- **2021** — Joined executive chairman Richard Rosenbaum on the Mel on Wheels tour, a used-RV journey planned around all 30 U.S. offices.
- **2026** — Discussed associate development and the role of pro bono service on Greenberg Traurig's Good in Practice podcast.

## Achievements

- Led Greenberg Traurig as CEO from 2016 through a period in which the firm grew to approximately 3,200 attorneys, 2,400 professional staff, and 51 locations.
- Defended more than 200 class actions across consumer and business disputes.
- Obtained a $30 million judgment for an energy client after a three-week breach-of-contract trial involving mining equipment.
- Served as national coordinating counsel for a Fortune 50 company facing approximately 70 wage-and-hour class actions.
- Named a Benchmark Litigation Litigation Star for 2022-2026 and a BTI Client Service All-Star in 2023.
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America for commercial litigation and labor and employment litigation from 2010 through the 2027 edition.

## Latest updates

- **2026-03** — Appeared on the Good in Practice podcast to discuss pro bono service as a professional obligation, cultural value, and training opportunity for associates.
- **2026-02** — Discussed Greenberg Traurig's fiscal 2025 performance as the firm approached $3 billion in revenue and recorded a fourteenth consecutive record year.
- **2026-02** — Commented on the firm's 2026 class of 91 newly elevated shareholders, of counsel, and local partners, emphasizing client service and next-generation leadership.
- **2025-09** — Remembered Greenberg Traurig co-founder Larry Hoffman as a mentor whose confidence in colleagues helped them believe in themselves.

## Links

- Website: https://www.gtlaw.com/en/professionals/d/duffy-brian-l
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/brianlduffy

---

Profile page: https://yespress.io/brian-duffy
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-09-27