Q&A with James "Jim" Fogg
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Q&A
Q&A with James "Jim" Fogg
An attorney with Ogborn Mihm, LLP in Denver, James “Jim” Fogg focuses his trial practice on fiduciary responsibility, representing individuals and businesses in plaintiff-side legal malpractice cases, business disputes, and trust and estate litigation. He started his legal career as a file clerk 15 years ago and has worked his way up through the ranks using his intensity, analytical skill, and results-oriented approach. Now, Jim uses his drive and skills to efficiently and effectively represent his clients in all phases of litigation in state court, federal court, arbitration, and on appeal. Colorado Super Lawyers has named Jim as a “Rising Star” since 2018 and Best Lawyers in America has recognized Jim as one of the “Ones to Watch” since 2021.
A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Colorado, Fogg earned his juris doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.
Q: Before becoming an attorney, what was your first job?
A: When I was 15, I took a job scorekeeping men’s lacrosse for my local parks and rec department.
Q: What motivated you to pursue a legal career?
A: My parents. My dad’s a lawyer and my mom was a speech pathologist. Neither of them pushed me to become a lawyer, but they instilled in me a deep appreciation for helping others in times of need and I learned by watching them that being a licensed professional gives you a really good shot at doing that on a daily basis.
Q: Who was your chief mentor and how did he or she influence your career?
A: This is a hard question to answer because I’ve been very fortunate to have several outstanding mentors during my career. If I had to appoint a “chief” mentor, it would probably be my dad, Mark Fogg. He started teaching me what it means to be a trial lawyer and how to try to do it well from a very young age.
The Fogg crew gathered in Denver for a keepsake family photo. From left: nephew Liv, brother-in-law Zach, soon-to-be-sister-in-law Amy, son Jack, dad Mark, brother Mike, mom Pat, sister Becca, nephew Rowan, wife Becca, Jim, and daughter Addie (on Jim’s shoulders).
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: Ask questions.
Q: What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
A: Row a fly-fishing boat with the best of them.
Q: What is your proudest career achievement?
A: So far, being accepted into the partnership of my firm, Ogborn Mihm, LLP.
Q: What other career path might you have chosen?
A: When I was growing up, I wanted to be a wildlife biologist but learned that, eventually, science turns into math and I was no good at math. Later, I flirted with becoming a fly-fishing guide, but decided to keep fly-fishing as a fun thing to do, rather than a career.
Q: What do you do to give back to your community?
A: I’m heavily involved in my local bar associations, the Colorado Bar Association and Denver Bar Association. I also volunteer as a fly-fishing guide for Healing Waters, a program designed to assist injured service members with their recoveries.
Q: Can you share a positive referral experience within Primerus™?
A: One of the very first cases I worked on as a practicing lawyer was a Primerus referral. It was a fascinating business case, involving family dynamics, oral promises, the burgeoning legal marijuana industry, and allegations of fraudulent transfer. Plus, we were able to secure a good result for the client.
Q: What is your most treasured material possession?
A: My fly rods.
James "Jim" Fogg
Q: What is your happiest childhood memory?
A: The day we welcomed my brother, Mike, who is adopted from the Philippines into our family. My grandfather, who was watching us while my parents travelled to get Mike, got lost for hours trying to get to the airport. The second we walked into DIA, we heard over the intercom, “Would Edward Fogg please step to the nearest white courtesy telephone.” We turned around, and there was Mike, 10 months old, walking and saying “da-doo” (for “thank you”) every time you handed him something.
Q: What is your favorite movie and book?
A: Movie: “The Life Aquatic” with Steve Zissou.
Book: “Blood Meridian” or “The Evening Redness in the West.”
Q: What is the most awe-inspiring place you have visited?
A: It’s a tie between the remote backcountry of Western Alaska and Kruger National Park in South Africa.
On a recent trip to Yellowstone National Park, Jim Fogg is pictured with his wife Becca and their daughter Addie and son Jack.
Q: What are your favorite leisure time pursuits?
A: Fly-fishing, hiking, and travelling.
Q: What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote?
A: “I don’t know, but I’ve been told it’s hard to run with the weight of gold. On the other hand, I’ve heard it said that it’s just as hard with the weight of lead.” – Grateful Dead.
Q: Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party?
A: Larry David, Bill Murray, and Kate McKinnon.
Q: What are the top three items on your bucket list?
A: Spend a week or two backpacking fishing huts along New Zealand rivers. Travel with my kids to each continent. Go to a Denver Broncos Super Bowl.