Ivan A. Sarkissian is a Shareholder and Co-Founder of McConaughy & Sarkissian, P.C. and one of Colorado’s most recognized construction defect attorneys. With nearly three decades of experience representing developers, designers, builders, contractors, and their insurers, he has built a practice defined by sophisticated litigation strategy, deep industry knowledge, and a track record in some of the most complex construction disputes in the region.
Mr. Sarkissian has represented hundreds of clients across the full spectrum of construction law, including construction defect defense, payment disputes, bid protests, termination claims, delay and disruption litigation, mechanics lien enforcement and defense, contract disputes, products liability, and regulatory matters. The matters he has handled span virtually every sector of the built environment: high-rise residential and commercial development, industrial and warehouse facilities, resort and entertainment venues, public-private partnerships, civil infrastructure, and specialized projects including marijuana grow facilities and environmental contamination claims. He has successfully litigated and resolved disputes exceeding $100 million in value, including claims involving water, sanitary and storm sewer systems, stormwater management plans, groundwater issues, and construction-related product liability.
Mr. Sarkissian is admitted to practice in all Colorado state courts, the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, and the United States Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. He also maintains an active alternative dispute resolution practice and serves on the American Arbitration Association’s construction panel of neutral arbitrators — a distinction reflecting not only his litigation experience but the respect he has earned across the construction industry. Beyond dispute resolution, Mr. Sarkissian regularly counsels clients on contract drafting and risk management, helping developers and contractors structure their agreements to minimize exposure before disputes arise.
Mr. Sarkissian’s accolades include recognition by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, 5280 Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Lawyers of Distinction, the American Arbitration Association, and America’s Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators. He has been selected to Super Lawyers continuously since 2012. The firm has also received a national ranking in Best Law Firms by Best Lawyers.
Mr. Sarkissian is a member of the American Bar Association, the Colorado Bar Association and its Construction Law Section, the Denver and Arapahoe County Bar Associations, the Associated General Contractors of Colorado, and NAIOP, the commercial real estate development association.
He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Michigan State University in 1993 and his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Tulane University School of Law in 1997, where he served as an associate editor of the Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law.
