Joel O. Benson

Joel O. Benson is a partner at Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP with deep experience in domestic and international finance and transactions. He focuses on debt financings, acquisitions, divestitures, and project development. His work centers on mining, natural resources, and private equity clients across global markets.

Joel earned a J.D., Order of St. Ives, from the University of Denver in 1994 and a B.A. from Duke University in 1988. His education has given him strong legal and business insight, enabling him to guide clients through complex financial and transactional matters.

Joel advises private equity funds and mining companies on acquisitions, investments, joint ventures, and development projects. He structures and documents complex credit arrangements across jurisdictions. His work includes representing borrowers and lenders in project finance, corporate credit, secured facilities, royalty financings, and other debt transactions.

Joel has worked on projects in more than 25 countries across North America, South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. He has experience with a wide range of minerals, including gold, copper, uranium, and coal. He also advises on CFIUS and FCPA compliance in international transactions.

Joel has received many honors in mining and energy law. He has been recognized by Who’s Who Legal, Chambers USA, and Lexology Index. He has also been named to Best Lawyers in America and has earned Lawyer of the Year awards in Oil and Gas Law.

Joel is active in leadership and professional organizations. He serves as President of The Foundation for Natural Resources & Energy Law and has held several board and committee roles. He is also involved in major legal associations focused on mining, energy, and business law.

Joel O. Benson brings global perspective and practical insight to complex transactions. He also serves as an adjunct professor of mining law at the University of Denver, where he shares his experience and knowledge with future legal professionals.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Davis Graham
• Member, International Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association, Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources and Business Law Section

Licensed State

• Colorado

Education

• University of Denver
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Duke University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges