10 Questions with Bruce Montoya

DBA Member Since 1985

BY SIET MILNE-WRIGHT

Partner at Messner Reeves LLP

Graduate of University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, J.D.  

  1. If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be?

Trial lawyers are essentially educators. I could have been an elementary or middle school teacher if I were not a trial lawyer. 

  1. What has been one of your most memorable DBA experiences?

I have great memories of the DBA mentoring program with young lawyers. 

  1. What is one item on your bucket list?

I love to travel; trips to Italy and Croatia are on my bucket list.  

  1. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?

Clarence Darrow — I have read everything he has written, as well as almost everything written about him. I would love to sit down with him over dinner to talk about his development and experience as a trial lawyer. It would be fascinating to discuss the historically significant trials in which he was involved.  

  1. How do you de-stress?

I have always been an avid cyclist and enjoy reading. I love going to the theater and to concerts; but most of all, I cherish spending time with my family. Over the past five years, I have taken an interest in hot yoga, which is a major de-stressor.  

  1. What is the best advice you have ever received?

#1 Work ethic is the difference between success and failure. 

#2 Don’t permit anyone the power to make you feel inadequate. 

#3 Stay true to yourself and never forget where you came from. 

  1. When did you know you wanted to be a lawyer?

I had a great 8th-grade social studies teacher who inspired me to go to law school. One day, after we had a debate forum at our middle school, he took me aside and asked if I had ever thought of being an attorney. That was the spark! After I entered high school, he continued to encourage me to follow my dream. My high school counselor, on the other hand, thought I was better suited to pursue a vocation in masonry – suggesting I start at the Robinson Brick Factory in Denver to first learn how to make bricks.  

  1. Who in your life do you look up to and why?

I found a role model in my law school – Professor Burt Brody – at DU Law, who is now deceased. He was one of my professors, who later became a personal mentor. He understood where I came from and saw potential in me. Professor Brody consistently supported my career and even referred me to a clerkship at a law firm where I eventually became a partner. 

  1. What accomplishment are you most proud of?

When it comes to my career, I have been awarded some of the highest honors a trial lawyer can achieve. I am honored to be a member of esteemed organizations such as the International Society of Barristers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. I am also a proud member of ABOTA and previously served the organization as the Colorado Chapter President. 

My proudest accomplishment is my family. My wife (Ruth) and I have raised three wonderful daughters. We could not be prouder of their strength, perseverance and grace! We have four amazing grandsons. The oldest, Dominic, is a third-year law student at Creighton. Time will tell what career path the three younger grandsons will choose.  

  1. Do you have a life motto?

 I believe one must strive to live in the moment! This means the following: 

#1 Don’t live life in a rearview mirror. 

#2 Don’t get caught up in the ambiguity of the future. 

#3 Live for today because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.