Biographical Sketch

Like John Purvis, Bill Gray has been elected to all four of the most selective trial lawyers organizations: The International Society of Barristers, The American College of Trial Lawyers, The International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). These groups are seriously selective–by way of example, The International Society of Barristers has only 650 active fellows in the world; The International Academy of Trial Lawyers has a fellowship limited to 500 lawyers in the world. Only one other practicing Colorado lawyer has been elected to all four organizations. Fellowship in each group is restricted to those considered by their peers to be among the finest in their profession.

Listed in The Best Lawyers in America for more than 15 years, Bill was just named “Best Lawyers’ Denver Area Personal Injury Litigator of the Year” for 2011. He is the first recipient of this award.

Bill served as national President of the International Society of Barristers in 2008. In 1985, he was presented with the American College of Trial Lawyers’ Award for Courageous Advocacy. At that time the Award had only been conferred four previous times in more than 30 years. One previous recipient of this award was Leon Jaworski, for his service as the Watergate Special Prosecutor.

Bill served on the Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Grievance Committee for six years, two as chair of the committee. This committee heard complaints about lawyer misconduct, conducted hearings, and recommended or imposed professional discipline where appropriate. He continues to serve the Colorado Attorney regulation system as a Hearing Board member in trials concerning alleged lawyer misconduct. He has also been appointed by the Colorado Supreme Court to serve as a Special Prosecutor.

In 2003, Bill, who primarily handles plaintiff’s cases, was given an award by the Colorado Defense Lawyers’ Association-- “For the highest Standards of Competence, Ethics and Professionalism.” This award is only given to one attorney a year. Over 15 years ago he was awarded the Colorado Bar Association Professionalism Award.

Bill grew up in Boulder. His education was entirely in Boulder as well--grade school, high school, college and law school. He worked part-time jobs to pay his own way through college and law school. As the attached resume shows, Bill served for three years as a Deputy District Attorney, then three years with John Purvis in the first Public Defender’s Office in Boulder. Bill has been lead counsel on many of the most highly publicized criminal and civil cases in Colorado.

Since joining with John Purvis and previous partners in 1985 to found the firm now known as Purvis • Gray, LLP, Bill has devoted himself to civil litigation only, and focuses his efforts on representing seriously harmed plaintiffs. Bill loves practicing law with John Purvis, our other attorneys, paralegals and legal assistants and working hard as a team to achieve the best possible results for our clients. His non-professional interests include his family, literature, sports and anything with a motor.

Published Works:

"The Discovery Revolution", April, 1994

"Spoliation of Evidence", July 18, 1997

"Voluntary Disclosure", March 13, 1998

"Avoiding Legal Malpractice - A Guide for Intellectual Property Attorneys", September, 1998

Representative Cases:

Pierce v. Wiglesworth, 903 P.2d. 656 (Colo App. 1994)

Wiglesworth, et. al. v. Famers Ins. Exchange, 917 P.2d. 288 (Colo 1996)

Van Deursen v. U.S. Tobacco Sales and Marketing co., 839 F. Supp. 760 (D. Colo. 1993)

Bolles v. People, 541 P.2d. 80 (Colo. Supreme Ct. 1975) ,/dd>

References:

Citywide Banks of Colorado, Inc.

Vectra Bank Colorado

Classes/Seminars Taught:

Obtaining and Enforcing Discovery, Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, 1998

Avoiding Legal Malpractice, A Guide for Intellectual Property Attorneys, Colorado Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section, 1998

Visiting Instructor, Professional Responsibility, University of Colorado School of Law, Spring, Semester, 1985

Honors and Awards:

Recipient, American College of Trial Lawyers' Award for Courageous Advocacy, 1985

Recipient, Professionalism Award, Colorado Bar Association, 1995

Listed in The Best Lawyers in America, 1995 - Present

Listed in Colorado Super Lawyers, Colorado

Recipient, Colorado Defense Lawyers Association Award, 2003

Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers

Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers

Fellow, International Society of Barristers

Fellow, American Counsel Association

Fellow, American Bar Foundation

Fellow, Colorado Bar Foundation

Professional Associations and Memberships:

Colorado Supreme Court Grievance Committee, 1983 - 1988

Member

Colorado Supreme Court Grievance Committee, 1987 - 1988

Chair of the Committee

Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors, 1981 - 1985

Member

Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors, 1984 - 1985

Member Executive Council

Boulder County Bar Association, 1981 - 1982

Past President

American College of Trial Lawyers, 2002 - 2006

Member, Colorado State Committee

International Society of Barristers, 2008 - 2009

President

International Society of Barristers, 2004 - Present

National Board of Governors

International Society of Barristers, 2003 - 2007

National Membership Chair

International Society of Barristers, 2001 - 2006

Colorado State Fellowship Chair

American Board of Trial Advocates

Associate

American Board of Trial Advocates, 2003 - 2004

President, Colorado Chapter

Past Employment Positions:

Miller, Gray & Hale, Partner, 1973 - 1984

District Attorneys Office, Pueblo, CO, Deputy District Attorney, 1967 - 1968

District Attorneys Office, Boulder, CO, Deputy District Attorney, 1969

Colorado State Public Defender's Office, Boulder, CO, Deputy State Public Defender, 1969 - 1972

Languages:

English