About Thomas John
Thomas J. Ragonetti is a senior shareholder and director at Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti PC, located in Denver, Colorado. Specializing in land use, government regulation, urban and real estate development, and construction law, he has established himself as a leading figure in these fields. With over 40 years of experience, Mr. Ragonetti is known as one of the foremost land use attorneys in Colorado and the broader Rocky Mountain region. His academic credentials are impressive. Mr. Ragonetti earned his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 1977, following a Master of Regional Planning from Cornell University in 1973.
Earlier, he completed his Bachelor of Arts at Cornell University in 1971. Before embarking on his legal career, he worked in urban planning and public financing, working for the City of Boston, the Economic Consultants Organization, Inc., the State of New York, and even the United Nations. This diverse background laid a strong foundation for his later work in law. At Otten Johnson, Mr. Ragonetti represents many clients, including both private and public sector entities. His practice encompasses complex governmental approvals and large-scale development and construction projects. Key areas of focus include land use planning and regulation, public finance for private development, annexation, urban development, zoning, and historic preservation. Notably, he has authored and advocated for comprehensive growth management legislation in Colorado, demonstrating his commitment to shaping effective policies in the field.
In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Ragonetti contributes to the academic community as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado at Denver's School of Architecture and Planning. He teaches in the Urban and Regional Planning program. He also teaches Land Use Planning at the University of Denver College of Law. His involvement extends beyond the classroom; he has served on numerous civic boards and commissions focused on city planning and community development. Frequently, he chairs and speaks at local and national continuing legal education programs, sharing his expertise on land use topics. Mr. Ragonetti is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Bar Association, Colorado Bar Association, and Denver Bar Association.
His excellence in the field is recognized. Since 2006, he has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for his work in land use and zoning law as well as real estate law. In 2015 and 2025, he was named "Lawyer of the Year" for Land Use and Zoning Law in Denver. Furthermore, he has received accolades from Chambers USA, which ranks him highly in real estate, hotels & leisure, and zoning/land use. Chambers USA describes him as "the preeminent land use attorney in the marketplace," underscoring his significant impact in the field.
