Paul M. Durham

Paul M. Durham is Senior Counsel at Dentons and a founder of Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar in Salt Lake City. With decades of practice, he focuses on real estate development, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial litigation. His counsel is sought by clients facing complex projects and high-value transactions across Utah and beyond.

Paul earned his Bachelor of Arts in English, magna cum laude, from the University of Utah in 1977 and his Juris Doctor from the S.J. Quinney College of Law in 1980. He began his legal career as a clerk to Chief Judge Aldon J. Anderson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah before moving into private practice.

In real estate, Paul has guided acquisitions of hotels, resorts, multi-use projects, industrial parks, apartment complexes, and raw land. His notable work includes handling real estate matters for the purchase of over 30 grocery stores in three states and overseeing the acquisition of 14 premier fitness club locations in Alaska. He also advises on development agreements, joint ventures, financing, easements, and land use matters.

Paul’s corporate practice covers mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs, and joint ventures, with substantial experience under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. He also chairs Dentons’ Legal Opinion Committee. In litigation, he has tried cases before courts and juries, argued appeals in state and federal courts, and defended clients in multimillion-dollar disputes with successful outcomes.

Recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, and Super Lawyers, Paul M. Durham has also received the Utah State Bar’s Professionalism Award. His service includes leadership roles in bar associations, community organizations, and as an adjunct professor. Admitted in Utah, Idaho, the Tenth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court, he continues to provide trusted advocacy and seasoned counsel.

Law Office Affiliations

• Senior Counsel, Dentons Durham Jones & Pinegar
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Utah State Bar
• Member, Idaho State Bar
• Lifetime Fellow, American Bar Foundation (2015)
• Member, World Services Group
• Adjunct Professor, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University, Law Practice Management Course (2008–2011)
• Member, S. J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah, Board of Trustees (2002–present)
• Chair, Salt Lake City Managing Attorneys Association (2005–2006)
• Ex Officio Member, Utah State Bar Commission (1986–1987)
• Barrister, American Inns of Court II, VII (1981–1985)

Licensed State

Education

• University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Utah
  BA in English

Awards & Badges