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CDLA Annual Conference
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Conference Presenters
Alpine Slide Sponsored by: Wheeler Trigg O'Donnell
Beverage Cart Sponsored by: AB Litigation Services
Bourbon Tasting Sponsored by: Exponent
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Box Lunch Sponsored by: Judicial Arbitor Group
Box Lunches Sponsored by: AB Litigation Services
Box Lunches Sponsored by: Vector Scientific
EDI Credits - 30 minutes
EDI Credits - 50 minutes
Ethics Credit - 15 minutes
Ethics Credit - 50 minutes
General Credits - 30 minutes
General Credits - 40 minutes
General Credits - 50 minutes
General Credits - 60 minutes
General Credits .90
General Credits 45 minutes
Golf Hole Sponsored by: Exponent
Golf Hole Sponsored by: Integrated Medical Evaluations
Palace of the Governors
Photo Booth Sponsored by: Filevine Legal Case & Matter Management
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Santa Fe Convention Center
Sponsored by Braddy Investigative Group
Sponsored by: ARCCA
Sponsored by: ArcherHall
Sponsored by: Armani & Associates
Sponsored by: Braddy Investigative Group
Sponsored by: BRC
Sponsored by: Delta |v| Forensic Engineering
Sponsored by: Exponent
Sponsored by: Integrated Medical Evaluations
Sponsored by: JAMS
Sponsored by: Judicial Arbitror Group
Sponsored by: Nederveld
Sponsored by: Nelson Forensics
Sponsored by: Pike Reporting Company
Sponsored by: VERITEXT Legal Solutions
Sponsored by: Vertex
Sponsored by: Vocational Diagnostics (VDI)
Sponsored by: YOUNG & Associates
Brady Ambron
Brady’s practice focuses largely on workers’ compensation defense. His goal is to provide assistance to clients through all phases of litigation with a focus on optimal claim handling strategy to resolve issues efficiently. Prior to joining White and Steele, Brady clerked for several administrative law judges at the Denver Office of Administrative Courts where he was tasked with work focusing primarily on legal research and statutory interpretation. More recently, Brady was an associate at a midsized workers’ compensation defense firm in the Denver area. In his free time, Brady enjoys golfing, skiing, and fly fishing.
Sarah Andrzejcak
Sarah Andrzejczak is a member of Buchalter’s Litigation and Labor & Employment Practice Groups, and an attorney in the Firm’s Denver office. Ms. Andrzejczak is a commercial litigator and trusted adviser to companies facing employment and other business-related issues in Colorado.
Ms. Andrzejczak takes a comprehensive approach to her employment advisement practice, which includes drafting employee handbooks, providing guidance on best practices for onboarding and offboarding, and analyzing unique contract issues such as non-disclosure and non-competition agreements. She has counseled businesses across a number of industries, including hospitality, technology, marketing, accounting, design, and construction. Ms. Andrzejczak has significant experience defending employers in the administrative agency complaint process and federal and state litigation concerning discrimination and retaliation, wage and hour, and employee mobility disputes.
Ms. Andrzejczak excels in her employment advisement practice largely due to her background as a litigator for both small and large companies. She frequently litigates business-to-business disputes in the areas of real estate, manufacturing, product contamination, and technology. She also litigates intra-business matters involving company mismanagement and business separations. Ms. Andrzejczak has obtained favorable trial verdicts as first- and second-chair counsel in state and federal jury and bench trials in Colorado. As a previous judicial clerk to the Honorable John Daniel Dailey of the Colorado Court of Appeals, Ms. Andrzejczak has demonstrated competence in appellate advocacy and handled cases before the Colorado Court of Appeals and Colorado Supreme Court.
Ms. Andrzejczak prides herself on her strong work ethic and attention to detail. Through her tenacity and ingenuity, she cultivates legal strategies that produce beneficial results as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Ms. Andrzejczak enjoys developing long?standing relationships with her clients not only to address the problems they may be facing in the present, but also to develop concrete steps to prevent issues from arising in the future.
In 2024, Ms. Andrzejczak was selected to Best Lawyer’s “Ones to Watch” list and Super Lawyers “Rising Stars”.
Aaron Bagley
Aaron Bagley, P.E. is the Colorado Forensic Engineering Manager for CMT Technical Services (CMT). Mr. Bagley has been with CMT (formerly Cesare, Inc.) for 24 years and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Texas, New Mexico, Idaho, and Arizona. Mr. Bagley has provided expert witness testimony and consultation for geotechnical and civil issues for many different types of projects including commercial structures, multi-family developments, subdivisions, single-family residences, earth-retention, slope failures, concrete flatwork and pavements, asphalt pavement, grading and drainage, and utility infrastructure.
CMT Technical Services (CMT), specializes in geotechnical engineering, forensic engineering and failure analysis, civil engineering, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), construction observation, special inspections, and construction materials testing. CMT Colorado regional office is in Centennial, Colorado with five area offices strategically located to serve our clients across the entire state of Colorado. Primary offices are in Denver, Silverthorne, Frederick, Gunnison, and Salida. In addition to Colorado, CMT has offices in Utah, Arizona, Idaho, and Texas and the ability to perform services various other states including Wyoming and New Mexico.
Colorado staff includes over 65 dedicated engineers, geologists, field/laboratory technicians and administrative support. CMT operates two accredited and validated testing laboratories equipped staffed, and managed to conduct geotechnical engineering, geohazard evaluation, design, research, and testing of construction materials (soil, asphalt, concrete, aggregates, and masonry). CMT has the ability to perform expert consulting services associated with forensic engineering and failure analysis for many areas including, but not limited to, foundation performance, depth of wetting, heave analysis, water resources, pavements, retaining walls, construction materials (soil, asphalt, concrete, aggregates, and masonry), grading, drainage, and surveying. Our approach to forensic engineering and expert witness consulting services is predicated on the knowledge and experience we have gained from our work efforts during design and construction phases.
aaron.bagley@cmttechnicalservices.com
https://cmttechnicalservices.com/
LaQunya Baker
Judge LaQunya Baker was raised in Columbia, South Carolina in a military family. She received a Bachelor of Art degree in Communications with a concentration in Media Studies and Minor in African American Studies from The College of Charleston. During that time LaQunya interned with the United States House of Representative Jim Clyburn before attending law school at the Charlotte School of Law in Charlotte, North Carolina. After interning with the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office in Charlotte, LaQunya decided to serve as a Deputy State Public Defender for the State of Colorado in Golden. Following her time as a public defender, LaQunya practiced as a general civil litigation association in state and federal courts throughout the United States before returning to criminal defense with the Office of Alternate Defense Council throughout the Denver metro area. After briefly serving as a part-time Magistrate for the Denver County Court bench and a Visiting Assisting Professor of the Practice of Law at the University of Denver, Governor Jared Polis appointed Judge Baker to the Arapahoe County Court bench on July 1, 2022. On July 28, 2023, Judge Baker was sworn in as the first Black woman to the Arapahoe County District Court bench following her appointment by Governor Polis.
Kristin Beck
Kristin Beck is a retired United States Navy SEAL, who served for more than 20 years in the Special Operations Forces, as well as a civil rights advocate. Over the course of 13 deployments and seven combat deployments, she conducted special operations with small UAVs, HUMINT, and Direct Action missions. Her final tours were with the counter-terrorism Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU or “SEAL Team Six”) to head the Special Reconnaissance units and various Task Forces as a HUMINT source handler and technical operations director. For her service, she has been awarded more than 50 ribbons and medals including: the Bronze Star with valor, the Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal. She is exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau.
In 2009, Beck was requested by name to be the Advisor to SOCOM’s Science Director, Mr. William Shepherd (SEAL/Astronaut). She became an integral part of SOF technology and advancements while serving in this capacity. She has prepared and briefed position papers on SOF- unique technology for State Department and White House approvals. As a result of these outstanding achievements, Kristin Beck received the coveted NDIA 2010 Special Operations Award.
Now a civil rights activist, she gives speeches and lectures at various events around the country. Beck was a key voice in the Congressional Bill to end discrimination toward the LGBT community. She continues her “new mission” fighting for equality for all Americans and a documentary story of her life, Lady Valor: The Kristin Beck Story, aired on CNN in 2014.
Today, Beck is known as “Lady Valor” and offers services in consulting, full spectrum law enforcement training, motivational and informational speeches, innovation collaborations, art and other original works such as books, comic books, screenplays, painting/pottery/abstract multimedia pieces. She is the founder and president of the Mindful Valor Foundation, an organization seeking alternative methods and technology to help those experiencing symptoms of trauma to live a full and prosperous life. Beck is also the national advocacy officer for the Military Order of the Purple Heart, dedicated to serving veterans, addressing their needs, and advocating on their behalf.
In February 2015, Beck registered as a candidate in the 2016 US Congressional race. She is a Democrat and ran against Steny Hoyer, who has been an incumbent in that office since 1981.
Kenda Beckwith
I am an accomplished appellate advocate, having briefed and argued nearly 60 cases in state and federal court nationwide. My practice covers a breadth of areas on behalf of individuals, small businesses, insurance companies, and Fortune 500 companies. I have a robust amicus curiae practice, and industry groups and other interested parties often rely on me to provide insight and data to the Colorado Supreme Court concerning key cases. Outside the courtroom, I am a trusted counselor known for providing pragmatic solutions to difficult problems, including attorney ethics complaints, employment matters, and strategic vision decisions.
Kendra N Beckwith
"Kendra Beckwith is an accomplished appellate lawyer, having briefed and argued nearly 60 cases in state and federal appellate courts nationwide. Her practice covers a broad variety of high-stakes subject areas, including professional liability, negligence and personal injury, employment, shareholder derivative suits, insurance law, real estate, natural resources, commercial litigation, and class and collective actions on behalf of individuals, small businesses, insurance companies, and Fortune 500 companies. In addition, Kendra has a robust amicus curiae practice. Industry groups and other interested parties often rely on her to provide briefing to the Colorado Supreme Court explaining how issues of first impression or great importance will affect them. She also has experience with original jurisdiction and mandamus proceedings.
Kendra frequently partners with trial counsel to strategize resolutions to complex legal issues, assist with preservation at trial, and handle post-trial and dispositive motions. She also litigates cases for clients, with emphasis in wage and hour, non-compete, breach of contract, agency actions, and health care.
Outside the courtroom, Kendra is a trusted counselor, known for providing pragmatic solutions to difficult problems. Calling on her breadth of experience, Kendra serves as outside general counsel for a local nonprofit, providing guidance on employment, contract, and strategic vision decisions."
Judith Benton
Hon. Susan Blanco
Susan Blanco was appointed to the 8th Judicial District Court Bench by Governor Hickenlooper and was sworn in January 2017. She served as a deputy District Attorney in the 8th Judicial Office and then went into private practice from 2007 to 2016. In private practice she predominately worked on criminal cases, juvenile delinquency, dependency and neglect matters and municipal prosecution. She also teaches at Colorado State University.
Judge Blanco graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University in 2000 and her Juris Doctorate from University of Colorado School of Law in 2003.
Judge Susan Blanco
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Susan Blanco was appointed to the 8th Judicial District Court Bench by Governor Hickenlooper and was sworn in January 2017. She served as a deputy District Attorney in the 8th Judicial Office and then went into private practice from 2007 to 2016. In private practice she predominately worked on criminal cases, juvenile delinquency, dependency and neglect matters and municipal prosecution. She also teaches at Colorado State University.
Judge Blanco graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University in 2000 and her Juris Doctorate from University of Colorado School of Law in 2003.
Susan Blanco
Susan Blanco was appointed to the 8th Judicial District Court Bench by Governor Hickenlooper and was sworn in January 2017. She served as a deputy District Attorney in the 8th Judicial Office and then went into private practice from 2007 to 2016. In private practice she predominately worked on criminal cases, juvenile delinquency, dependency and neglect matters and municipal prosecution. She also teaches at Colorado State University.
Judge Blanco graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University in 2000 and her Juris Doctorate from University of Colorado School of Law in 2003.
Matthew Blaubaugh
A Colorado native, Matt’s background in architectural engineering and construction management gives him an insider’s perspective when counseling clients. He represents construction and design professionals, and his background enables him to better understand technical project documents and have detailed conversations about the design and construction process with clients. His experience includes counseling contractors, engineers, architects, and other professionals on issues including defective construction, payment and contract disputes, and contract negotiations.
Jacquelyn S Booker
"Jackie Booker is the managing shareholder at Sutton | Booker | PC. Jackie has tried over 30 jury trials to verdict and has tried cases in federal and state district courts across Colorado. Jackie has also appeared and argued before the Colorado Court of Appeals and Colorado Supreme Court. She enjoys contributing her time to amicus curiae briefing when those opportunities arise.
She grew up in St. Clair Shores, Michigan and Slidell, Louisiana and was of the first generation in her family to earn a college degree. She attended Louisiana State University on a full academic scholarship, graduated with honors and moved to Colorado to attend the University of Denver College of Law. She gained real world experience representing clients in the Student Law Office and graduated fourth in her law school class.
Jackie’s practice is devoted to defending individuals and corporations, insurance companies and their insureds from pre-litigation investigation through appeals. Jackie writes coverage opinions, trains claims adjusters and managers, and defends them when they are accused of unreasonable conduct or bad faith. Jackie defends individuals in personal injury cases no matter the claims alleged. She knows Premises Liability, Auto, Defamation, Wrongful Death and Property Law. She also has experience in Construction Defect, Real Estate Disclosure, Fraud and Misrepresentation, and Contracts. She files interpleader actions on behalf of Life Insurance Companies and provides pre-litigation advice regarding all kinds of insurance claims."
Tom Bradfield
Integrated Medical Evaluations, Inc. (IME, Inc.) is a leader in the scheduling and facilitation of independent medical exams and other specialized medical legal services. We maintain extensive expert panels within each of the regions we serve, and our panels are comprised of some of the most respected physicians and medical experts in the industry. Our service teams are dedicated to guiding you through the scheduling process with ease. Our clients benefit from our streamlined and efficient approach to assessing and meeting your medical and legal case scheduling needs, and you can expect the highest level of customer service from start to finish!
Jonathan Brill
Sandy Brook
Sanford M. (Sandy) Brook Bio
Clarence Darrow CLE
Sanford M. “Sandy” Brook is a former Chief Judge of the Indiana Court of Appeals. Before appointment to the Appellate Court, he served as a Trial Judge. Sandy is engaged in ADR at the Judicial Arbiter Group (JAG) in Denver. As a trial lawyer Sandy tried 65 jury trials to verdict. He taught nationally and internationally in the areas of Evidence and Trial Advocacy, serving as an Adjunct Professor at the Notre Dame and Nottingham (England) Law Schools.
Sandy has a lifelong interest in acting and the theater. He studied court room theater in an unusual
way " as a trial lawyer, trial judge, and advocacy instructor. His real-life experience with the art of
storytelling and persuasion, coupled with his commitment to the critical importance of an independent
judiciary, makes his presentation of Clarence Darrow a natural fit.
Sandy has enjoyed success in theatrical performances of Clarence Darrow, a play by David Rintels
based upon Irving Stone’s Clarence Darrow for the Defense. He creatively uses his theater
performance of Darrow as a backdrop for a memorable and instructional CLE.
Sandy ‘s presentation brings to life the emotion, oratory skill, and courtroom drama of an extraordinary
lawyer, Clarence Darrow.
Young Bui
Young Bui, Ph.D.
Dr. Bui uses his experience related to human cognition to evaluate perceptual and decision-making issues that contribute to accidents. He has specialized expertise in assessing visibility and conspicuity issues, and has applied this knowledge to incidents involving automobiles, pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles/scooters, and tractor-trailers. He performs general assessments of roadway environments that include analyses of lighting, glare and sightline evaluations as they may relate to vehicle accidents, slip/trip-and-fall scenarios, and other premises liability claims. Dr. Bui is also active in research on various topics in human factors, including driver looking behavior, perception of roadway hazards, divided attention, and witness memory of events.
As a trained psychologist, Dr. Bui utilizes his education and expertise to assess the role of warnings and instructions in various accidents scenarios for both products and premises. He combines his knowledge of human behavior with his OSHA training to evaluate how the behavior of individuals may contribute to industrial and occupational accidents.
Douglas K. Burrell
"Douglas K. Burrell is an established and experienced trial attorney. His practice covers a vast number of areas including but not limited to wrongful death and catastrophic injury matters, construction defect litigation, premises liability, product liability and transportation and trucking negligence. His clients come from many industry sectors, including national retailers, manufacturers, businesses in the hospitality and restaurant sector and transportation.
With a seasoned practice spanning over 27 years which includes over 40 jury trials and more than 100 bench trials, Douglas does indeed have his pulse on ever-changing legal trends and insights. This, along with a keen understanding of his client’s goals, drives his defense strategies. Continuous communication with his clients throughout the litigation process ensures he is representing them in the most forthright and cost-effective manner.
In addition to his practice, Douglas is a member of many professional legal organizations. He is an active member of DRI: Lawyers Representing Business serving in many executive roles over the years, culminating in his position as President from 2021-2022. In 2014 and 2015, Douglas held the position of Chair for the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Trial Mediation Academy; presently, he holds the position of Executive Committee Vice President. Douglas also held a faculty position for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) from 2010-2014, teaching the deposition skills program. He is revered by many colleagues and associates and is often highlighted in legal publications as one of Atlanta’s top lawyers.
Douglas began his legal career in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, practicing civil litigation defense for a mid-size firm. He also served as a prosecutor in the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office for three years before joining a large firm in the greater Atlanta region, where he continued to practice until joining Chartwell Law."
Matt W. Cecil
Matt has been defending insurance companies and their insureds for his entire legal career. His practice has included bad faith, auto and premises liability, products liability, and construction and commercial matters, and he has defended numerous cases involving catastrophic injuries and multi-million-dollar property damages
Clarissa Collier
Clarissa Collier represents sophisticated clients in high-stakes medical malpractice, professional liability, personal injury, and commercial litigation matters. She is a strategic and effective advocate for clients, including at trial, where she has established skills to lead at any phase. Clarissa also has extensive experience winning for clients early in litigation, having negotiated favorable settlements in at least 60 matters.
In addition to her litigation practice, Clarissa brings extensive experience handling white collar cases and investigations. She has conducted independent internal investigations to minimize clients’ legal exposure. She has also responded to federal and state government investigations, including investigations initiated by the U.S. Departments of State, Justice, and Treasury.
Clarissa is listed as a Colorado Rising Star, and was the recipient of the prestigious Gary McPherson Award for Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year in 2016.
Hon. Christopher Cross
Hon. Christopher C. Cross (Ret.) served as a county and district court judge for 18½ years in the most populous judicial district in the State of Colorado. He presided over domestic relations, civil, and criminal dockets.
Prior to his appointment, he practiced complex civil litigation, professional disciplinary administrative actions, both criminal defense and prosecution, and family law.
As noted by the Judicial Retention commission in its most recent evaluation, Judge Cross “received some of the highest ratings of any judge ... in the State,” and “Attorneys [and] litigants all have a high degree of admiration for his courteous and professional demeanor in the court room.” One appellate judge commented, “He is one of our best.” Judge Cross is known for his fairness, ability to listen, in-depth preparation, and the ability to resolve complex legal and factual issues"all with compassion and a sense of humor.
Ike Eckert
Ike Eckert is an experienced litigator with an emphasis on complex commercial and construction disputes. Mr. Eckert has represented a broad range of construction professionals during the course of his career, including owners/developers, general contractors, subcontractors, architects, and engineers in state and federal court and arbitration. Mr. Eckert has also represented engineering and design professionals for professional liability before licensing boards. In addition to commercial and construction litigation, Mr. Eckert’s practice spans into general insurance defense, including general contract disputes, personal injury defense, automobile accidents, premises liability, toxic torts, and governmental entity defense.
His valuable and unique perspective on law, influenced by his background as a legislative aide in the Nebraska State Legislature, allows him to appreciate the nuances present in laws, ordinances, and codes. This perspective helps him advise clients accordingly with pragmatic and economical solutions. Mr. Eckert prides himself on his ability to quickly evaluate complex legal solutions and provide clients with results that minimize a client’s legal costs and time in the often drawn-out litigation process.
Mr. Eckert currently serves as Legislative Director for the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association and is on the Attorney Advisory Panel of the Colorado Civil Justice League.
Ike M Eckert
Ike Eckert is an experienced litigator with an emphasis on complex commercial and construction disputes. Mr. Eckert has represented a broad range of construction professionals during the course of his career, including owners/developers, general contractors, subcontractors, architects, and engineers in state and federal court and arbitration. Mr. Eckert has also represented engineering and design professionals for professional liability before licensing boards. In addition to commercial and construction litigation, Mr. Eckert’s practice spans into general insurance defense, including general contract disputes, personal injury defense, automobile accidents, premises liability, toxic torts, and governmental entity defense.
His valuable and unique perspective on law, influenced by his background as a legislative aide in the Nebraska State Legislature, allows him to appreciate the nuances present in laws, ordinances, and codes. This perspective helps him advise clients accordingly with pragmatic and economical solutions. Mr. Eckert prides himself on his ability to quickly evaluate complex legal solutions and provide clients with results that minimize a client’s legal costs and time in the often drawn-out litigation process.
Mr. Eckert currently serves as Legislative Director for the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association and is on the Attorney Advisory Panel of the Colorado Civil Justice League.
Sandy M Eloranto
Ms. Eloranto has been defending insurance companies and their insureds for over 20 years. Her practice includes defending bad faith suits stemming from property damage or UM/UIM claims and counseling insurers on claim handling exposure in property claims in Colorado. Ms. Eloranto also defends premises liability, products liability, and construction cases and handles small E-discovery matters. She previously defended doctors and hospitals in medical malpractice cases as well as drug and device manufacturers in national drug litigation.
Sandy Eloranto
Ms. Eloranto has successfully defended her clients in property damage bad faith cases stemming from hail, fire, and other storm damage. She and Katie Johnson obtained a defense verdict in a federal district court trial where the insureds claimed the insurance company breached the contract by refusing to pay for a full roof replacement. Ms. Eloranto also obtained dismissal of the bad faith claims in a dispute over the nature and extent of hail damage to a commercial building by proving the insured had not even provided the information it now claimed made the claim handling unreasonable to the insurance company to consider. She has presented to the Colorado Bar Association, Colorado Defense Lawyers Association, and Claims Litigation Management on handling property bad faith cases.
In addition to bad faith, Ms. Eloranto has defended numerous cases involving catastrophic injuries, giving her the ability to quickly assess complex medical causation and damages issues and retain physicians and other medical experts to defend her clients. She has also managed a number of multi-million dollar E-Discovery collections from the preservation and collection phase through production. She has drafted legal hold policies, managed the collection and production of foreign language documents, and negotiated complicated two-tier protective orders and electronic document production specifications.
Ms. Eloranto was named a Colorado Super Lawyers Rising Star® in 2010 and a Colorado Super Lawyer® in 2019-2023. During her practice, she has been active in the Faculty of Federal Advocates, Colorado Women’s Bar Association (board member, 2005-2007), Colorado Defense Lawyers Association, and the Defense Research Institute. She also served as a consultant to the Swedish Hospital Ethics Committee on Colorado’s medical directive statutes. She is licensed in Colorado and Washington (inactive). She earned her bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University and her law degree from the University of Oregon where she was an Associate Editor for the Oregon Law Review.
Joe Espinosa
Gillian Fahlsing
Gillian enjoys her position as a Senior Assistant City Attorney with the City of Aurora, Colorado, where she works in the Litigation Unit for the Civil Division. Her cases primarily focus on the defense of civil rights and torts claims brought against the City of Aurora and its sworn members of the Aurora Police Department. She has also handled other employment related litigation matters and miscellaneous cases brought against the City. The majority of Gillian’s litigation practice is in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, although with the passage of C.R.S. § 13-21-131, the Law Enforcement Integrity Act, her practice now encompasses more state claims and cases brought in Colorado state court. Gillian has focused her practice mainly in the civil defense realm, practicing for 20+ years, with emphasis on defending municipalities and their employees for civil rights and employment related matters. Gillian began her legal career in private practice, where she remained for approximately 13 years before she transitioned into public service roles where she worked directly with law enforcement entities. Gillian enjoys spending time with her daughter, running, cooking, and reading.
Juliette Faraone
Juliette Faraone is a prompt engineer at Filevine, where her work involves translating law firm needs into precise AI inputs and outputs. She previously served as product manager for Filevine's Document team, where she took part in the development, launch, and rollout of some of their first AI solutions, including AI Fields and Doc Review AI.
Her background includes roles as an investigative researcher for Ms. Magazine, technical operations analyst at a mass tort marketing firm, and work as a paralegal.
With a master's in film and data, and a background in English, philosophy, digital media, and computer sciences, Juliette brings an interdisciplinary approach to AI in law. Her work focuses on developing AI tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy in legal practice, driven by a passion for information accessibility.
Mark Fogg
Mark Fogg, the former General Counsel of the COPIC Companies, is blessed with a wide array of professional experiences over his 40 year legal career, and he provides his clients with seasoned counsel and the skills of an experienced trial lawyer. He has tried over 200 cases to verdict as sole or lead counsel, appeared in numerous regulatory matters, and provided counsel to hundreds of professionals on a host of different issues. He is passionate about helping healthcare providers in litigation and professional practice areas such as telehealth, peer review, quality management and governance just to name a few. As General Counsel at COPIC for 9 years, he was deeply involved in medical-legal risk management, assessing healthcare related business transactions and regulatory compliance. He wishes to continue serving, and being a strong advocate for, the healthcare and legal communities. Mark’s practice areas include:
Health Care Law:
Mark represents health care providers and facilities in liability, regulatory and business dispute cases. He has done so for over 35 years. He provides assistance with general regulatory health care compliance. From his experience as General Counsel at COPIC, he also developed a specialty in assisting health care providers and facilities with compliance and the creation of system policies in innovative areas such as telehealth, professional review and Candor.
Professional Liability Defense:
Mark represents all types of licensed professionals in cases and before regulatory boards and committees. He has a special interest in the formation of the professional identity and understands the unique obligations, stresses and benefits of being a professional. He has represented hundreds of professionals including physicians, nurses, CRNAs, hospitals, therapists, veterinarians, psychologists, attorneys, law firms, actuaries and engineers.
Corporate Governance and Serving As Outside Counsel:
As General Counsel at COPIC, Mark served as the top lawyer in a large corporation that insures approximately 13,000 physicians and 200 facilities doing business in 13 states. He was extensively involved in assisting the COPIC board, physician group boards and hospital boards. He developed an expertise in governance issues and preparation of governance documents. He hired and managed outside counsel as well as the COPIC legal department. He helped create the infrastructure to do business in 11 additional states and worked on health care policy, legislative matters and obtaining regulatory approval in many states.
Professional Review, Quality and Risk Management, Crisis Control:
Mark is an advocate for patient safety and the establishment of professional review committees and quality management programs to improve patient care. He can assist physician groups and hospitals in establishing and effectively utilizing professional review committees and quality management. Mark had the unique role of being on-call for thousands of physicians and numerous facilities on a 24/7 basis to assist on medical-legal issues and to help manage crisis situations. These crisis situations ranged from significant HIPAA breaches to allegations of extensive Medicare billing fraud due to allegedly unnecessary surgeries and procedures.
Health Care Appellate Practice:
As General Counsel at COPIC, Mark was actively involved in the preparation of amicus curiae briefs for the Colorado Supreme Court and the Colorado Court of Appeals on important legal and health care policy issues. He wishes to continue to be involved in important appeals relating to health care.
Teaching and Presentations to Health Care Providers and Attorneys:
A favorite part of Mark’s practice is teaching and presenting on important medical-legal issues to health care providers. He has done this since early in his career. While General Counsel at COPIC for 9 years, he averaged giving such presentations every two to three weeks. Representative topics include: Defense of a Health Care Malpractice Case, Informed Consent, Legal Liability of Electronic Medical Records, Candor, Telehealth, Photography and Recording in a Health Care Setting, HIPAA and Minors and Risk. Mark also does extensive teaching to lawyers on mentoring, professionalism, advocacy, and leadership.
Corey Gordon
Corey Gordon is an experienced trial lawyer whose practice includes products liability defense, class action defense, toxic and environmental torts litigation, commercial litigation, appeals and other complex litigation.
Previously in his career, Corey served as a deputy attorney general for the State of Minnesota
Zonnie Gorman
Zonnie, the daughter of the late Dr. Carl N. Gorman and his wife Mary. She is also the youngest sister to the legendary and renowned Navajo artist, the late R.C. Gorman. Zonnie has appeared in several documentaries including the History Channel documentary, In Search of History - Navajo Code Talkers; the MGM double DVD release of Windtalkers (historical documentary section); and the PBS documentary, True Whispers. Zonnie earned her M.A. in History from The University of New Mexico and her thesis, The Navajo Code Talkers of World War II: The First Twenty-Nine, inlcuded interviews with several of the First Twenty-nine Navajo Code Talkers. She is now working on her Ph.D.
Zonnie is a past board member with the following organizations: Navajo Studies Conference and Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives. In addition, Zonnie is an alum of Up With People, Leadership McKinley, and Leadership New Mexico.
Lastly, Zonnie is a current member of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association (NAISA), American Historical Association (AHA), the Organization of American Historians (OAH), the Western History Association (WHA), the Society for Military History (SMH), and the Navajo Studies Conference Inc.
Mathew Greenston, MD, MS, FACEP
To obtain the presentation, contact Tom Architect tarchitect@BRCOnline.com
Justice Melissa Hart
Justice Hart was appointed by Governor John Hickenlooper to serve on the Colorado Supreme Court on December 14, 2017. Prior to joining the Court, Justice Hart was a professor at the University of Colorado Law School, where she directed the Byron R. White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law. Throughout her years as a professor, Justice Hart maintained an active pro bono practice, writing amicus briefs in appellate courts and representing clients through Metro Volunteer Lawyers. Her teaching and scholarship focused on access to justice, constitutional law, judicial decision making, legal ethics, employment discrimination, and civil procedure.
Justice Hart grew up in Denver, where she graduated from East High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Harvard-Radcliffe College and then spent a year teaching at a high school in Athens, Greece. She returned to study at Harvard Law School, where she was the Articles Editor for the Harvard Law Review and Book Review Editor on the Harvard Women’s Law Journal. After graduating from law school in 1995, she clerked for Judge Guido Calabresi of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and for Justice John Paul Stevens on the United States Supreme Court. She practiced law for several years in Washington, D.C., including as a Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Justice Hart is a member of the Colorado and Denver Bar Associations, the Colorado Women’s Bar Association, the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, the Asian Pacific American Bar Association, the Sam Cary Bar Association, and the Colorado LGBT Bar Association. She is a founding member of the Sonia Sotomayor Inn of Court, a 2017 graduate of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation’s Leadership Denver program, a 2016 graduate of the Colorado Bar Association Leadership Training (COBALT) program, and a Commissioner on the Colorado Access to Justice Commission.
For her active work in community service, Justice Hart has been recognized with the 2016 Women Who Light the Community Award from the Boulder Chamber of Commerce, the 2014 Raising the Bar Award from the Colorado Women’s Bar Association, the 2012 Chase Faculty Community Service Award from the University of Colorado, the 2011 Clifford Calhoun Public Service Award from the University of Colorado Law School, the 2009 Serving Communities Award from the CU-Boulder Institute for Ethical and Civil Engagement, and the 2008 Outstanding Community Service Award from the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association.
Justice Hart and her husband, Kevin Traskos, have two children.
Billy-George Hertzke
Billy-George Hertzke
PHILOSOPHY:
I look at a problem from all angles, keeping in mind both the long-term and short-term results. Placing myself in my client’s shoes provides a unique insight and allows me to anticipate their needs and expectations. Before I step into the courtroom, a mediation, or begin a brief, every issue will be researched and opposing arguments anticipated. Preparation is the key to a successful outcome.
PRACTICE AREAS:
Torts and General Casualty
Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith
Products Liability Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Professional Liability Defense
Robert Hinckley, Jr.
Robert Hinckley is Managing Shareholder of Buchalter’s Denver office and Co-Chair of the Firm’s Litigation Group. Mr. Hinckley practices in both Colorado and California and is also a member of the Los Angeles and Orange County offices. A former prosecutor, Mr. Hinckley is an aggressive and effective trial lawyer, with first-chair experience in more than forty jury trials and more than twenty bench trials and arbitration hearings. Mr. Hinckley has litigated and tried cases in Colorado, California, Florida, Texas, Delaware and elsewhere for a diverse group of business clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small and medium-sized privately held companies.
Mr. Hinckley is a trusted adviser who applies practical solutions to the complex business challenges facing his clients on a daily basis. Mr. Hinckley specializes in commercial and corporate litigation, which includes prosecuting and defending all manner of contractual disputes, including partnership/LLC disputes, stockholder actions and business separations. Mr. Hinckley also commonly litigates real estate disputes, civil fraud, defamation, breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference and other business-centered torts. Mr. Hinckley likewise has a significant employment practice on behalf of employers, to include risk management and litigation counseling as well as serving as litigation counsel in the areas of trade secrets, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, wrongful discharge, harassment, discrimination and retaliation.
Mr. Hinckley also frequently litigates complex product contamination matters on a national and international basis on behalf of specialty insurance carriers through subrogation, related to large losses in North America, South America, Asia and Europe.
Mr. Hinckley currently serves as Vice President of the Executive Committee for the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association, the preeminent legal organization in Colorado dedicated to the defense of civil actions and the promotion of fairness and integrity in the civil justice system.
Awards & Recognitions
AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Rachel T. Jennings
Rachel represents corporate and individual clients in first- and third-party insurance claims, wrongful death claims, and premises liability claims. Rachel practices before federal and state courts and has experience in handling all stages of litigation from claim evaluation through trial and post-trial disputes for a wide range of clients, including retail, restaurant and hospitality entities, utility companies and car dealerships. Rachel’s practice also includes auto liability defense. Prior to joining Sutton Booker, P.C., Rachel was an associate with a Denver firm that specializes in insurance defense.
Rachel originally hails from Southern California but now calls Colorado home. In addition to her representative practice, Rachel is actively involved in efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the Colorado legal community.
Rachel T. Jennings
Sueanna P Johnson
Judge Sueanna P. Johnson was appointed to the Colorado Court of Appeals on December 2, 2019, and sworn in on February 13, 2020. Before her appointment, she was employed with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office from 2004-2019, first as an Assistant Attorney General, then in 2017 as a Senior Assistant Attorney General in the Business and Licensing Section. While at the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, she also worked in the State Services Section and served on the internal Ethics and Fellowship Committees. Before working at the Attorney General’s Office, she clerked for the Honorable John Coughlin in Denver District Court from 2003-2004.
Judge Johnson has been admitted to practice before the Colorado courts, the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
She obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2003 and earned her B.A. in Political Science from Colorado College in 1997. During her junior year in college, she studied abroad at the University of Manchester in Manchester, England.
She is active within the Colorado Asian Pacific American Bar Association and is a member of the Thompson G. Marsh Inn of Court. She previously served on the Board for the Young Lawyers Division of the Colorado Bar Association. As a person with albinism and a visual impairment, she is a member of the National Organization of Albinism and Hypopigmentation. For that organization, she speaks to parents who have children with albinism, and was a featured adult in the book Raising a Child with Albinism: A Guide to the School Years.
Judge Johnson was born in Seoul, South Korea, and adopted when she was three years old.
Cara M. Knight
"Cara’s practice focuses on the representation of corporate and individual clients in first- and third-party insurance claims, insurance bad faith, premises liability, and property damage bad faith claims.
Cara earned her bachelor’s degree at Syracuse University before returning home to Colorado to attend law school at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. After law school, Cara gained significant experience working at the Denver City Attorney’s office where she handled civil litigation brought against the city and its employees. Cara has obtained considerable trial skills while working for several years as a prosecutor in the 18th Judicial District where she handled both felony and county court matters. This public service background has provided Cara with a broad set of skills both in and out of the courtroom.
When Cara is not in the courtroom zealously advocating for her clients, she enjoys cheering on the Broncos and Avalanche, reading historical non-fiction and learning Italian.
Linda Knight
Linda Knight helps insurers and their insureds successfully resolve complicated first- and third-party litigation to minimize potential exposure when stakes are high. She has particular experience defending insureds in catastrophic loss cases and insurers in coverage and bad faith litigation. This has allowed her to build a national practice and serve clients as trial counsel in federal and state courts throughout the country, with an exemplary record of strong results for her clients in highly contentious matters.
Highlights of Linda’s experience include:
Won a significant victory before the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation for an insurance company facing an attempt to centralize all federal COVID-19 business-interruption insurance cases.
Represented various insureds in high-exposure jury trials in several cases around the country, including five trials in five different states in recent years.
Represented numerous insurance companies in high-exposure bad faith cases in Colorado.
Won complete affirmance in the 10th Circuit of summary judgment in favor of an insurance company, resulting in dismissal of breach of contract and bad faith claims.
Successfully settled multiple cases with exposure in the hundreds of millions of dollars, including some on a “walk-away” basis.
Obtained extremely favorable midtrial settlement for a renowned boutique hotel in a multimillion-dollar catastrophic injury lawsuit.
Won a defense verdict in a bench trial in Colorado involving a real estate dispute.
Represented a manufacturer of electronic devices in product liability litigation in Florida.
Negotiated favorable settlement during trial for a racetrack operator in a catastrophic case in Virginia involving permanent injuries to a minor.
Obtained favorable settlement of bad faith claims on the eve of trial for an international insurance company related to a denial of coverage on a construction policy.
Negotiated very favorable settlement for an Arizona restaurant facing multimillion-dollar catastrophic injury claims under dram shop liability...
Kevin Kuhn
Kevin Kuhn has represented clients in more than 135 trials to verdict, including 80 jury and 55 bench trials. He has extensive experience defending high-stakes medical malpractice and professional liability claims, in addition to catastrophic personal injury and complex commercial litigation. Kevin is a Fellow of both the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers.
Kevin has defended medical malpractice cases involving physicians, dentists, oral surgeons, hospitals, nurses, and other healthcare providers; defended professional negligence cases involving attorneys, accountants, and real estate agents and brokers; and represented injured parties. In one case, Kevin successfully defended a real estate agent and broker in a real estate negligence jury trial brought by a physician purchaser.
He has defended long-term care facilities and mental health professional negligence actions and litigated cases in areas of insurance coverage, premises liability, product liability, oil and gas, commercial law, domestic relations, agricultural products, and employment law. He represents healthcare and other professionals in administrative licensing and credentialing matters and hearings. In addition to his civil practice, Kevin has prosecuted and defended criminal cases. He has extensive deposition experience and expertise in all kinds of civil and commercial cases. He is a frequent and sought-after continuing legal education speaker and frequently speaks to healthcare professionals.
Katherine K Kust
Katherine Kust is a partner in the Denver office of GRSM. Katherine focuses her practice in the areas of insurance with an emphasis on bad faith, commercial and construction litigation. She has extensive experience in all stages of litigation from inception through trial in both state and federal court. Katherine also has a strong appellate practice.
Katherine works closely with her clients and experts developing strategies for each unique matter up front and throughout the case in an effort to reach the best possible result. In doing so, she has efficiently and successfully mediated dozens of matters with exceptional results. She has further achieved outright defense verdicts and complete dismissal of matters following jury trials and successful motions for summary judgment for insurers facing significant financial exposure.
Given her breadth of knowledge and experience, she has also been requested as a guest speaker to companies to assist with best practices and advising on changes in the law. Katherine has been recognized by Colorado Super Lawyers as a Rising Star and by The Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Insurance Law and Insurance Litigation.
Andrew LaFontaine
Andrew M. LaFontaine
Ashley R Larson
Ashley Larson represents corporate clients in matters of crisis management, premises liability, wrongful death, personal injury, transportation, products liability, insurance bad faith, and appellate work. Ashley regularly works with insurance carriers and self-insureds in the defense of matters ranging from pre-suit investigations through trial and any appeal.
Ashley has tried cases successfully in both state and federal court in Colorado. She has defended and pursued appeals before the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Colorado Supreme Court, and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Lisa Leasure
Lisa Leasure has been in practice since 1999. Prior to joining Faraci Leasure, LLC, Lisa was a partner in the law firm of Cooper & Clough, P.C. Lisa’s practice focuses on defense of professional liability claims with an emphasis on medical malpractice claims and administrative matters for healthcare professionals. She also defends premises liability, liquor liability, employment, intellectual property, and other general defense matters for several large entities including universities and national restaurants. Lisa has significant trial experience and has tried many complex cases with multi week trials through verdict.
Lisa received her undergraduate degree from CU Boulder and graduated from the law school at the University of Maine. She was selected to Maine Law Review and served as Case Note Editor and her article was published. She also served in the coveted position of legal writing instructor and graduated with honors. Lisa graduated from the International Association of Defense Counsel Trial Academy in 2003, attended CU Mini Med School in 2006 and CU Mini Med School II, The Clinical Years, in 2016 and 2017. She is licensed in all Colorado courts and is a member of the local bar associations, the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association, and DRI. She has been selected to Super Lawyers, a peer nominated award, as a Super Lawyer every year from 2011 to the present. Lisa is a Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Defense Research Institute (DRI), CDLA, and is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Lisa has given invited lectures for several organizations including DRI and CDLA.
Richard Levin
Richard is chair of the FinTech and Regulation Practice and was one of the first lawyers to focus on the regulation of blockchain and digital assets. He is considered a thought leader in the FinTech space. Richard brings his experience as a senior legal and compliance officer on Wall Street and in London to bear...
in advising clients on corporate, FinTech, securities, and regulatory issues. A problem-solver by nature, he has been advising FinTech clients on legal and regulatory issues since the start of electronic trading in the late 1990s. His practice focuses on helping financial services and technology clients identify and address regulatory issues as they build their businesses.
Richard’s practice focuses on the representation of early stage and publicly traded companies in the FinTech space, including investment banks, broker-dealers, investment advisers, peer-to-peer lending platforms, digital currency trading platforms, alternative trading systems (ATSs), exchanges, and custodians. He represents these firms before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), state regulators, and Congress. Richard has represented clients before regulators in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
Dylan Lewis
Dylan Lewis, CPCU
Dylan Lewis currently serves as Legal Manager for the Colorado and Utah Litigation Office for American Family Mutual Insurance Company for a team of in-house litigation Attorneys. Before this role, Dylan analyzed coverage, supervised litigation throughout the Western region, and provided advice and training for the Casualty, Property and Commercial Claims units. Dylan began with American Family as an in-house litigator, having defended more than 600 cases over eight years, a number of which through jury trial. Before American Family, Dylan was a shareholder in a litigation firm where he represented clients in a wide variety of civil, criminal, juvenile, domestic relations, real estate contracts, HOA disputes, land use proceedings, administrative and judicial appeals.
Dylan is licensed to practice in Colorado courts, U.S. District Court for Colorado, and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Dylan is a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). He attended the University of Denver Sturm College of Law (1997) after graduating with honors from Westmont College (1994) where he attended on academic scholarship.
Dylan’s professional memberships include the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association (CDLA) (past Board member), Claims Litigation Management (CLM), Colorado and Arapahoe County Bar Associations.
Rodrigo Lugo
Rodrigo Lugo is an Associate in our Denver, Colorado, office, and they concentrate their practice on medical malpractice and personal injury litigation defense. They also represent clients in labor and employment matters, premises liability, intellectual property and trade secret disputes, contracts and business litigation, and consumer protection and fraud.
Earlier in their career, Rodrigo was a law clerk intern for the 20th Judicial District in Boulder and a legal intern at the Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center, the Colorado Supreme Court, and the business and licensing division of the Colorado Office of the Attorney General in Denver.
Rodrigo earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado, where they were the recipient of the Leadership in Law & Community Scholarship and the JJ Witt Memorial Scholarship, Order of the Coif. They also completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Biomedical concentration at the University of Texas at El Paso. They are fluent in Spanish.
Andrew Luxen
Chris Mammarella
Chris Mammarella, EnCE, is a Senior Forensic Analyst. He joined Vestige in 2022 when Vestige acquired Cyopsis in the Greater Denver area. Chris is now head of the Colorado office.
Chris has over 17 years of military and law enforcement experience. He is a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and previously worked in computer crimes for the State Attorney’s Office in the Sexual Predator Enforcement Unit in Florida. Having received training from the Secret Service and other government agencies, Mr. Mammarella put his training to work investigating digital crimes for various law enforcement agencies and task forces. He has testified in Federal, State, and Military Courts and trained other officers in digital evidence investigation. Chris has specialized expertise in cell phone and cellular tower forensics.
His is a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children, Miami Electronic Crimes Task Force, Palm Beach County Sexual Predator Enforcement Unit, and Grid Cop.
Christina Marinakis
"Dr. Christina Marinakis, IMS Consulting & Expert Services Jury Consulting & Strategy Advisor, has over 20 years of experience in jury research, jury study, and applied practice in law and psychology. Clients have lauded Christina as an insightful, trusted advisor with great judgement who is the “best in the business” at jury selection and developing pithy trial themes.
Christina is inside of the courtroom nearly every week assisting counsel with voir dire and jury selection. In addition to analyzing jurors during this process, she has developed methods for maximizing cause dismissals of undesirable venire members while preserving favorable jurors, which has led to many successful trial outcomes for her clients.
Outside of the courtroom, Christina is particularly skilled at translating legal concepts into juror vernacular. She regularly assists counsel in developing and implementing trial themes throughout voir dire, opening statements, and witness testimony. She has analyzed thousands of mock jurors through focus groups, mock trials, shadow juries, and post-verdict interviews, and she uses these experiences to develop themes that will resonate with a jury.
Christina’s case experience includes product liability, transportation, antitrust litigation, class action, legal and medical malpractice, contract disputes, patents, securities, fraud, trade secrets, employment discrimination, wage and hour, toxic tort, and criminal work for both prosecutors and defendants. In 2021, she assisted the prosecution with jury selection in State of Minnesota v. Derek Chauvin, and in 2022, she advised the plaintiffs regarding jury selection and trial themes in Vanessa Bryant v. County of Los Angeles, among other successes.
With home bases in Los Angeles and Baltimore, Christina has assisted trial counsel with jury selection and daily trial monitoring in venues across the country. She has helped clients obtain defense verdicts in notoriously difficult jurisdictions such as New York, Baltimore, Miami, St. Louis, Oakland, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
Christina’s educational background includes a BS in bioscience psychology from The Pennsylvania State University, an MA in clinical psychology from Widener University, a JD from Delaware Law School, and a PsyD in clinical psychology from Widener University. She is a licensed attorney in the state of Pennsylvania and member of the American Society of Trial Consultants."
Ray Martin
Ray Martin continues to be recognized as one of Colorado’s premier employment litigators. Chambers USA has ranked Ray in Band 1 for Colorado Labor and Employment Litigation for 13 consecutive years. In 2018 and 2022, The Best Lawyers in America named Ray the Colorado “Lawyer of the Year” for Labor and Employment Litigation. Ray routinely represents Fortune 500 and other sophisticated clients in whistleblower, discrimination, wrongful discharge, trade secret, non-compete and FLSA litigation across a range of highly regulated industries including aviation, telecommunications, and healthcare.
Todd Martin
Mr. Martin has conducted hundreds of forensic evaluations on residential, commercial, healthcare, agricultural, and industrial structures, determining the cause and extent of damage and providing engineering solutions for a wide variety of perils. Mr. Martin’s specialties include the evaluation of structural systems, roof coverings, and building envelope systems.
Mr. Martin is also a certified Level 1 Thermographer experienced in utilizing infrared thermography to evaluate and determine the cause and extent of moisture entrapment in roof covering and building envelope systems. Additionally, he is a licensed drone pilot with the FAA.
Prior to joining Nelson, Mr. Martin’s experience included structural analysis and design for several design/build projects and the structural evaluation of existing cell tower, water tower, and roof top cell sites for structural retrofit and repair. Additionally, he has extensive experience in the structural design of specialized, heavy-duty forming and shoring systems for the placement of concrete on commercial and industrial construction projects.
Nathan Mayercsik
Meredith McDonald
Meredith McDonald is a partner in the Denver office of Lewis Brisbois and a member of the Labor & Employment and General Liability Practices.
Meredith L McDonald
Meredith has 20 years of experience defending and advising private and public entities in a variety of matters, including employment, civil rights, professional liability, torts, and contract matters. She represents clients in all aspects of litigation, both in state and federal court, and has successfully mediated a large number of complex cases.
As part of her practice, Meredith’s focus includes the defense of corporate and public entities and representatives in claims related to discrimination under federal and state law, wrongful discharge in violation of public policy, and wage and hour violations. She assists clients in administrative actions before the Colorado Civil Rights Division and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She advises clients in pre-litigation matters and general employment questions, including compliance with federal, state and local law, employment handbooks and policies.
Outside of her employment law practice, Meredith also has expertise in defending a wide range of civil rights, tort and contract matters, including the defense of public entities, professional architects and engineers, construction professionals, and other private entities in all aspects of litigation.
Meredith frequently presents at continuing legal education seminars on a variety of employment law topics.
Meredith currently serves as the President of the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association, an organization whose members are among the most elite defense lawyers in the State of Colorado, and previously served as the Chair of the Employment Law Committee of the TIPS Section of the ABA.
Meredith L McDonald
Meredith McDonald is a partner in the Denver office of O'Hagan Meyer.
Meredith has 20 years of experience defending and advising private entities in a variety of matters, including employment, civil rights, professional liability, torts and contract matters. She represents clients in all aspects of litigation, both in state and federal court, and has successfully mediated a large number of complex cases.
As part of her practice, Meredith’s focus includes the defense of corporate and public entities and representatives in claims related to discrimination under federal and state law, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, and wage and hour violations. She assists clients in administrative actions before the Colorado Civil Rights Division and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She advises clients in pre-litigation matters and general employment questions, including compliance with federal, state, and local law, employment handbooks, and policies.
Outside of her employment law practice, Meredith also has experience in defending a wide range of civil rights, tort and contract matters, including the defense of public entities, professional architects and engineers, construction professionals, and other private entities in all aspects of litigation.
Meredith frequently presents at continuing legal education seminars on a variety of employment law topics.
Meredith currently serves as the President of the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association, an organization whose members are among the most elite defense lawyers in the State of Colorado. She previously served as the Chair of the Employment Law Committee of the TIPS Section of the American Bar Association.
Practice Areas
Mike McDonner
Michael Melito
Michael Melito’s experience in complex litigation, racketeering and the criminal law field goes back to his service in the United States Army, Judge Advocate General’s Corps. After earning his law degree from Washington College of Law at the American University in Washington, D.C., Mr. Melito was selected to join the United States Army, Judge Advocate General’s Corps. For nearly six and one half years Michael served first as a prosecutor and defense counsel participating in well over one hundred courts martial.
After several years as a military prosecutor and legal advisor for the largest corps support command in the United States Army, Captain Melito moved from Fort Bragg, North Carolina to Fort Carson, Colorado. In the summer of 2001 he joined the vaunted United States Army Trial Defense Service and Captain Melito quickly established himself as a confident and skilled court room advocate. As a result of his performance, Michael was one of only ten Army JAGs who earned the honor of attending the Naval JAG school in 2002 to receive death penalty and classified trial training. In his assignment as a defense counsel, Michael defended countless high visibility cases that garnered both national and international media attention. Three years later in June of 2005, Michael left the service of our country to join the Office of the Colorado Attorney General.
For nearly two years as the Chief Litigator of the Education Unit, Mr. Melito continued his service to the community and helped advise numerous state educational agencies and spearheaded dozens of cases litigating in federal court, state court and in front of a multitude of state administrative courts and quasi-judicial boards.
In the spring of 2007, Michael returned to the criminal law field joining the Criminal Justice Section prosecuting racketeering cases, complex white-collar crimes, tax offenses, drug trafficking rings and environmental crimes. As an organized crimes prosecutor Mr. Melito pursued some of the largest, most complex and highly visible cases in the State of Colorado. On an every day basis, Mr. Melito’s cases cause him to go toe to toe battling a who’s who of Colorado’s Criminal Defense bar. This experience under pressure is what has honed Mr. Melito’s ability to advocate and achieve success. Michael earned numerous awards, including Drug Prosecutor of the Year, for pioneering complex financial approaches in the prosecution and dismantling of large-scale marijuana trafficking rings.
Mr. Melito’s case load has brought him into the eyes of both the statewide, national and international media on numerous occasions. Accustomed to high profile cases, Michael brings an attention to detail, teamwork based and success driven attitude to assist his clients.
In any representation, Michael brings this pioneering mindset, keen thought and a unique ability to handle the largest and most complex of cases to your representation. In his current practice, Michael specializes in all manner of litigation bringing twenty years of litigation and roughly twelve years of racketeering experience into civil racketeering and complex business litigation. Mr. Melito also has significant experience in high profile matters that are of interest to the public on a state and national level. He is available to serve as counsel for and welcomes all manner of civil and criminal cases requiring litigation and complex problem solving.
Michael received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Boston College and a Juris Doctorate from the American University, Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. Michael is licensed to practice in the United States Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, the United States District Court of Colorado and the State of Colorado.
Jim Miletich
Jim Miletich holds the highest rating awarded by Martindale-Hubbell® Law Directory as an AV® Preeminent™ Lawyer. He has been recognized in Denver’s Top Rated Lawyers, Colorado’s Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. As a trial attorney, he represents clients involving professional malpractice and administrative proceedings, insurance matters, and general casualty. He is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, the United States District Court of Colorado and Colorado’s state courts. He is experienced in appellate matters and has argued before the Tenth Circuit and the Colorado Court of Appeals. Mr. Miletich is a member of the American, Colorado, Denver and Arapahoe County Bar Associations. He is also a member of the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association (CDLA), Defense Research Institute (DRI) and the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS).
Chris Montville
Chris Montville devotes his practice to representing businesses and individuals in high-stakes commercial disputes. He also represents clients in professional liability matters that implicate virtually every area of law, such as patent and intellectual property disputes, mass tort actions, protracted business litigation, and complex real estate transactions.
In addition to his extensive trial and arbitration experience, Chris recognizes the value of methodical case planning from the earliest stages of a lawsuit, focusing on novel arguments and strategies that foster early case resolution. To facilitate this approach, Chris approaches legal writing by presenting complex factual and legal issues in persuasive but plain language. easily understood by judges and parties alike.
Prior to becoming a lawyer, Chris spent four years at Goldman Sachs & Company as a technologist. Chris then earned a J.D. from Duke Law School, graduating magna cum laude and serving as an executive editor of the Duke Law Journal.
Following a judicial clerkship for the Honorable Carlos F. Lucero of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, Chris joined the Denver-based litigation boutique Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell LLP in 2008. He became a partner in 2014. While at Wheeler Trigg, Chris tried a broad array of high-exposure commercial and professional liability matters, including on behalf of major automotive manufacturers, energy companies, and Amlaw-100 firms. He joined Haddon Morgan and Foreman in 2021.
Although now a tenacious litigator, Chris continues to pursue his fascination with all things digital"both in service of his legal practice and in his off hours. When he finds the time, Chris escapes to the mountains with a bike, a set of Nordic skis, or a pair of hiking boots
JP Moon
Rachelle Mortimer
"Rachelle Mortimer serves as associate director at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform (ILR). She is responsible for legal reform advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. and in state capitols throughout the eastern and mid-western portions of the country.
Before joining ILR, Rachelle worked in copyright law and policy, advising clients on proper intellectual property protections and clearance as well as advocating for creators’ intellectual property rights in Congress.
Rachelle is a graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She holds a J.D. from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University and is admitted to practice law in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform is to champion a fair legal system that promotes economic growth and opportunity."
Lily E. Nierenberg
Lily defends clients in matters involving UM/UIM bad faith, property damage bad faith, coverage and indemnity, and premises liability. Lily focuses on trying to resolve cases early and efficiently. Where that is not possible, she develops the strongest factual and legal foundation to position the case for a favorable settlement or trial outcome. Lily enjoys complex legal analysis and has briefed and won a number of dispositive motions and has successfully tried cases in state and federal court including a recent federal jury trial during COVID.
Scott S Nixon
"Scott S. Nixon is a Partner in the firm’s Denver office. He has four decades of legal experience and concentrates his practice on medical malpractice defense and other health care litigation.
Scott defends physicians, surgeons, nurses, managed care and HMO groups, hospitals, health care systems, physician groups, and other health care professionals in complex high-exposure cases such as catastrophic injury, misdiagnosis, wrongful diagnosis, birth trauma, unexpected surgical outcomes and wrongful death. He represents numerous correctional facilities and governments in civil rights, malpractice, injury and liability claims.
Scott also has extensive experience in representing dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists, prosthodontists, orthodontists and dental hygienists in a wide range of malpractice, liability and injury litigation.
Scott is designated as Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Colorado on an ad hoc basis. He was elected as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2022, and is an invited member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in the Colorado chapter.
Before joining HBS, Scott was a founder and owner of a regional law firm in Denver bearing his name, Nixon Shefrin Ogburn Drew, P.C., and traces his roots back to 1982 when he was a law clerk at a predecessor firm. He helped grow Nixon Shefrin into one of the leading litigation defense firms in Denver before combining with Hall Booth Smith.
Scott earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Denver College of Law, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Michigan State University."
Melissa A Ogburn
Melissa A. Ogburn is a Partner with over two decades of legal experience. Melissa represents construction companies as well as insurers and their insureds in a wide range of disputes, including construction defect, personal injury, premises liability, general liability, bad faith, mechanic’s liens and non-payment claims.
Melissa has handled cases valued at more than $10 million and works closely with her clients to make sure her legal strategy aligns with broader business goals to resolve cases effectively and efficiently. She also counsels clients on best practices and risk mitigation to reduce the likelihood of litigation in the first place.
Melissa is actively involved in many different local industry and legal organizations, including the Colorado Bar Association and the Denver Bar Association. Currently, she is a member of the Construction Law Committee for the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association and also serves as the Litigation Director for that organization. In addition, until recently, she served as Chair of the American Subcontractors Association of Colorado and continues to be an active member.
Melissa earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where she was the Survey Editor for the International Law Journal. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree from New Mexico State University.
Jon Olafson
Jon Olafson is a partner in the Denver office of Lewis Brisbois and a member of the Labor & Employment Practice.
Finding the right path, the right people, and the right result that matches the client’s overall goals is Jon’s guiding principle. Jon counsels business clients on a variety of regulatory and dispute resolution matters, largely based on the “who” of their business or industry. In particular, Jon regularly works with clients on their domestic and international trade secret protections, corporate espionage, data & cybersecurity, and how to handle situations where a client’s most valuable materials data are threatened by internal and external sources. Jon also works with clients on their complicated wage and hour issues, business and corporate compliance, and C-suite transitions. Jon also counsels his clients other business-related disputes, including disputes that involve common business torts like intentional interference, defamation (personal and commercial), fiduciary duty breaches, and conversion. Jon helps clients understand the pros and cons of multiple courses of action to achieve their ultimate goals. Jon is an experienced complex commercial and corporate litigator, which specifically includes the management of large commercial and employment-related class and collective actions in both state and federal courts across the country. His class and collective action experience include contract and commercial actions, claims of misrepresentation, wage and hour, and misclassification. Jon’s arsenal, however, is not limited to litigation and he will narrowly tailor a plan specifically suited to your business’s specific needs.
Jon has worked with clients covering a broad span of industries including technology, government contracting, oil field services, drilling, manufacturing and engineering, investor-driven development, entertainment, food and restaurant service, crypto-currency, and franchisor operations. Jon also has extensive experience working with aviation clients in counseling and representing them in front of the Federal Aviation Administration on issues related to drones, airman certificates, testing, facilities and land usage, flight operations, and Pt. 16 investigations. Jon has extensive experiencing in working with both airports and those interested in economic development around an airport to find solutions that comply with federal regulations.
Jon is also very involved in the community. He currently serves on the Colorado Bar Association’s Executive Council as an at-large member, the Board of Governors representative for the Colorado Bar Association Labor and Employment Section, and serves on Group IV of the Colorado Bar Association’s Diversity Initiatives. As part of his role on the CBA’s Executive Council, Jon also chairs the Racial Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Committee. Since 2020, Jon is also a Bar Fellow with the Colorado Bar Foundation. Jon also serves as the President of the Board for the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra and has been in that position since 2012. Jon also serves on the Board of Directors for the Nathan Yip Foundation. For the second year in a row, he is also the Chair of the Admissions and Membership Committee of the University Club of Denver. In his spare time, Jon enjoys hiking Colorado’s mountains, paddle boarding area lakes, and spending time outdoors with his partner, family, friends, and his trusty canine sidekick Elske. He is also an avid college sports fan, with his loyalties being with the University of North Dakota and Texas Tech University.
Jon Olafson
"Jon Olafson is a Shareholder in the Firm’s Denver office and a member of the Labor & Employment practice group and is the founding shareholder of Buchalter’s Organizational Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging practice group. Mr. Olafson is an experienced complex commercial and corporate litigator and counselor, which specifically includes business tort, corporate and non-profit fiduciary duties and board governance, trade secret and corporate espionage, restrictive covenants, and employment discrimination litigation and counseling on a national scope.
Mr. Olafson is also an award-winning consultant and leader with regard to organizational inclusion, diversity, equity, belonging, and authenticity. Inclusion plans, however, must be narrowly tailored for each specific organization, its workforce, its leaders, and its industry. With a certificate in organizational inclusion and diversity from Cornell University, Mr. Olafson has training in evidence-based techniques and tools to benefit your business. Mr. Olafson’s experience as a corporate, employment, and litigation attorneys helps inform his guidance as to how your plan addresses your overall business and people goals. Success in these programs is incumbent on buy-in from all levels of your organization. Mr. Olafson has helped to form one of the first corporate and organizational-wide practice groups in the country, taking into account an entire organizational view of inclusion and belonging.
Priding himself on being involved in his community, Mr. Olafson currently serves as the Secretary of the Board for the Center for Legal Inclusiveness, Interim Secretary for the Sam Cary Bar Association, and the Diversity and Inclusion Director for the Colorado. Mr. Olafson previously served on the Colorado Bar Association’s Executive Council as an at-large member, the Board of Governors representative for the Colorado Bar Association Labor and Employment Section, and on Group IV of the Colorado Bar Association’s Diversity Initiatives. As part of his role on the CBA’s Executive Council, he founded and chaired the Racial Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Committee. Since 2020, he has been a Bar Fellow with the Colorado Bar Foundation. Mr. Olafson is also the immediate past president of the Nathan Yip Foundation and is on the Board of Directors for Opera Colorado, where he also serves on the organization’s diversity committee. Mr. Olafson is an out gay man and he and his partner enjoy traveling, paddle-boarding, and spending time with their dogs, Elske and Bailey."
Jon J. Olafson
Judge Olafson (he/him/his) has been on the bench since December of 2023, after his appointment by Governor Polis. Prior to his appointment, Judge Olafson was an experienced corporate, employment, commercial, and litigation attorney, where he was routinely recognized by SuperLawyers, Best Lawyers, and 5280 Magazine. Judge Olafson is also an award- winning speaker and leader with regard to organizational inclusion, diversity, equity, belonging, and authenticity. Judge Olafson has his BA from the University of North Dakota and his JD from the Texas Tech University School of Law. Judge Olafson also has a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University.
Judge Olafson currently serves as the Secretary of the Board for the Center for Legal Inclusiveness, Student Liaison for the Sam Cary Bar Association, the Immediate Past President of the Nathan Yip Foundation, and on the Board of Directors for Opera Colorado. Judge Olafson is also the President Emeritus for the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra, an organization he served for over ten years. He is the recipient of the 2021 Attorney of the Year award from the Colorado LGBT Bar Association, the 2022 Ben Aisenberg Diversity Leadership Award from the Sam Cary Bar Association, and the 2022 Professor Benson Public Service Award from the Texas Tech University School of Law.
Amy Cook Olson
"Amy Cook Olson, Esq., is a trial lawyer with a focus on the representation of physicians, nurses, hospitals, and health care corporations involved in medical negligence and health care litigation. She is an experienced trial lawyer, and has tried over fifty cases throughout her career including complex multi-week trials.
Ms. Cook Olson serves as national outside counsel for several health care corporations and defends litigation throughout the United States in cases involving complex and class action litigation involving health care and business disputes. Ms. Cook Olson also represents both plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury and products liability matters.
Reflecting her heights of professional excellence, ethical standards and integrity, Ms. Cook-Olson was awarded an AV Preeminent rating* by Martindale-Hubbell. She has been recognized as a Top 50 Colorado Women Lawyer by Super Lawyers and has earned annual recognition as a Colorado Super Lawyer since 2011.
She is admitted to practice in both Colorado and Illinois, and is admitted before the United States District Court for the District of Colorado and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. She has been admitted in most states as pro hac vice with a wide national network of local counsel."
Katherine Otto
Katherine Otto is a trial lawyer and leads the defense of healthcare professionals in Colorado and New York. Her practice is primarily devoted to professional malpractice litigation and defense of licensure before state licensing boards. In addition, she frequently advises healthcare professionals on risk management and employment issues that arise in the healthcare context. She has represented every level of healthcare licensure across multiple disciplines, including medical, chiropractic, dental, podiatry, mental health, and veterinary medicine. She also has experience defending attorneys in malpractice actions and grievances before the Office of Attorney Regulation.
Katherine also defends catastrophic personal injury litigation, and has successfully defended FLSA claims in nationwide arbitrations. She has extensive experience at all levels of litigation, and has tried cases to jury verdict in both state and federal courts. She enjoys teaching continuing legal education seminars to her colleagues and risk management continuing education to her clients.
At Messner Reeves, Katherine mentors a team of associates in the Colorado and New York offices. She regularly conducts in-house training sessions, and is committed to the professional development of attorneys on her team. She is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, and a Colorado Super Lawyer.
Katherine is also active in a number of professional organizations. She has held a leadership position on the Medical Liability Committee for the Defense Research Institute (DRI) since 2018, and is currently serving as Marketing Chair for Medical Liability and Healthcare annual conference. She has worked with Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program (CAMP) and Metro Volunteer Lawyers as a volunteer attorney. She is active with the New York State Medical Defense Bar organization, and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association as Communications Director from 2014 " 2018.
She is personally and professionally committed to advancing inclusion and equity in the legal profession, with a focus on women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+. Outside of work, one of her passions is volunteering with a non-profit dog rescue, Big Dogs Huge Paws. She has three Newfoundlands, and she fosters giant breeds in search of their forever homes. She also enjoys training for and running half-marathons.
Prior to joining Messner Reeves, Katherine was an attorney at a national law firm for 9 years, following completion of a one-year judicial clerkship in Colorado’s 18th Judicial District.
Melisa Panagakos
Melisa Panagakos understands that workplace law is about people and details. She is known for her personal and relatable demeanor with clients and witnesses, a critical factor when presenting complex matters to juries. Melisa defends her clients with practical yet persuasive strategies and does not shy away from trial. Indeed, she secured a defense verdict in a complicated race and age discrimination federal jury trial for one of the firm’s major clients.
Melisa has also successfully resolved more than a dozen complex class and collective FLSA and state law wage and hour matters, as well as protected confidential and trade secret information in non-compete matters. She stays current in class action litigation trends and workplace challenges and enjoys sharing her insights with clients.
Melisa excels at preventive counseling, and clients turn to her frequently for advice on a range of workplace matters, including leave and accommodation issues, performance counseling, and terminations. Clients frequently ask Melisa to conduct workplace trainings on performance management, anti-discrimination and harassment, and unconscious bias focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.
As a native New Mexican and a graduate of Colorado State University and the University of New Mexico School of Law, Melisa has a particular affinity for companies in the Rocky Mountain area, and always enjoys in-person visits to better understand her clients’ businesses.
In her spare time, Melisa enjoys being outside with her family, trail running, climbing the peloton leaderboard, and riding Lucky, the horse she has had since her childhood equestrian competitions.
Honors and Recognitions
The Best Lawyers in America©, "Ones to Watch: Litigation - Labor and Employment" (2021-present)
Speeches
"Implicit and Unconscious Bias - Creating a More Diverse Workforce," Fall 2018 Employment Law Summit (presenter)
"Managing Complaints of Sexual Harassment” - guidance on investigations, responding to agency charges, preparing to defend a litigation - Fall 2019 Employment Law Summit (presenter)
"Defending A Claim of Sexual Harassment- A Case Study” - step-by-step analysis of litigating a case against the EEOC after a cause finding - Fall 2020 Employment Law Summit (presenter)
Sarah Parady
Ms. Parady received her JD from NYU School of Law, where she was an Executive Editor for the NYU Law Review and a Hays Civil Liberties Fellow, and received a Vanderbilt Medal for community service, as well as multiple academic awards. She is a Wyoming native, and received her undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Simon’s Rock College.
After law school, she served as a law clerk to Judge Carlos F. Lucero of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, then received a Skadden Fellowship to work at Colorado Legal Services.
Ms. Parady has been recognized as the New Trial Lawyer of the Year for 2017 by the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association and as the “People’s Choice” for “Best Employment Attorney for Plaintiffs” in 2019 by Law Week Colorado. In 2018, she received “Case of the Year” awards from CTLA and the Colorado Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association for two different cases. She served as the 2019-2020 President of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association after leading CWBA’s successful effort to pass SB 19-085, the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.
Ms. Parady teaches many Continuing Legal Education programs each year, co-authors a chapter of the Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Employment Law, frequently contributes to legal publications in Colorado, and is a sought-after author of amicus and appellate briefs. She has taught Employment Law as an adjunct faculty member at University of Colorado School of Law.
A recognized statewide policy expert on civil rights, workers’ rights, and constitutional law issues, Ms. Parady leads the firm’s lobbying practice. She has assisted with bill drafting and testified many times in the state legislature on employment and discrimination topics.
Franklin D Patterson
Franklin D. Patterson is acknowledged by peers as Colorado’s leading personal injury and bad faith defense lawyer, and is the founding partner of Colorado’s premier insurance defense law firm. He handles substantial exposure liability and injury cases such as his defense of the parents of one of the Columbine shooters.
Mr. Patterson is consulted by major insurers for coverage opinions and advice. In recent years Mr. Patterson has focused on defense of insurers in alleged bad faith cases. His trial success has been unmatched.
Due to his leadership in insurance coverage issues, property and casualty insurers often seek Mr. Patterson’s help in appellate cases. The list of appellate decisions on his cases cover all of the key insurance and litigation issues over the past 30 years. In fact, the Court of Appeals, Supreme Court and 10th Circuit Court of Appeals have chosen many of his cases for public oral arguments in high schools and law schools.
Mr. Patterson was the youngest member ever selected to the prestigious national organization American Board of Trial Advocates. With that group he has traveled internationally for legal system goodwill and education in the American civil jury trial process, including New Zealand, China, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Great Britain, and others.
Born in Indiana, Mr. Patterson received his BA from Earlham College. He came to Colorado in 1978 with his wife Robin to attend law school. They immediately fell in love with the State and it has been home ever since. While at the University of Denver he earned his J.D. in 1981, and a Master in Judicial Administration in 1982.
B-Ball Champs 2016
Frank believes in playing hard, too. In 2015 his touch football team won its league for the 13th time. In 2016 he played on two basketball teams that won their respective leagues.
Patterson CDLA Golf Trophy (002)
Of course nowadays he relies on experience and guile more than speed and skill. Recently, he and Hillary Patterson teamed up with Frank’s wife, Robin, and Joe Buchholz to win the 2017 CDLA golf tournament. Pictured here are the happy Pattersons with the traveling trophy.
MEMBERSHIPS
Arapahoe County Bar Association
Colorado Bar Association
American Bar Associations
Defense Research Institute
Colorado Defense Lawyers Association " President 1994-95
American Board of Trial Advocates, " President, Colorado Chapter 2001-2002
International Association of Defense Counsel
Hillary D. Patterson
Hillary Patterson is an associate attorney at Patterson Ripplinger, P.C. Her primary practice is in first-party and third-party insurance defense litigation including insurance good faith/bad faith, insurance coverage, property damage, appraisals, personal injury, and other general liability matters.
Her other practice experience includes appellate work, defamation/libel claims, copyright infringement, and ride-share/TNC law. She has taught several courses on various subject matter for continuing legal education, including legal billing, ride-sharing law, and depositions. She has also given instructional seminars to industry professionals on insurance law basics in Colorado.
She holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado. Hillary has served in several positions for the CDLA Board and committees over the last five years, and presently serves as the Treasurer on the CDLA Executive Board.
Outside of the legal profession, Hillary is also an accomplished collegiate women’s lacrosse umpire and mother of two children.
Hillary D Patterson
PRACTICE: HILLARY D. PATTERSON is an associate attorney specializing in insurance defense and insurance coverage. She handles both first-party and third-party cases representing individuals and corporations. While her primary focus areas are property damage and personal injury, she has successfully represented and advised clients in a wide array of claims, including: hail/wind/fire/water, uninsured/underinsured motorists, wrongful death, premises liability, dog bites, carbon monoxide, assault/battery, copyright/intellectual property, civil theft, ridesharing, defamation/slander, and civil rights.
EXPERIENCE: Hillary joined the firm as an associate attorney after admission to the Colorado Bar in November, 2015. Hillary has significant experience in civil litigation and insurance defense having worked at the firm since 1997. Prior to becoming an attorney, she filled many different roles within the firm, including archiving clerk, receptionist, legal assistant, paralegal, legal billing manager, and law clerk.
EDUCATION: Hillary is a Colorado native and the second of three daughters of the firm’s founding partner, Frank Patterson. Hillary received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, graduating with honors and distinguished membership in Phi Beta Kappa. Hillary received her Juris Doctor degree at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. She graduated in the top 14% of her class and received Scholastic Excellence Awards in Insurance Law and Contemporary Issues in Oil and Gas. While at the University of Denver, Hillary externed for an energy law firm and a private criminal defense attorney. She also served on the executive board of the law school’s chapter of Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society. She worked full time at the firm during law school while also raising her two children.
ADMISSIONS: Hillary is admitted to practice in Colorado, the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
MEMBERSHIPS: Her professional associations include the Colorado Bar Association (CBA), Colorado Defense Lawyers Association (CDLA), Colorado Women’s Bar Association (CWBA), the Arapahoe County Bar Association (ACBA), and the Denver Bar Association (DBA). Hillary presently serves as Vice President of the CDLA Executive Board of Directors. She has previously served as the Treasurer, Secretary, and New Lawyers Chair of the CDLA Board; as a member of the New Lawyers Committee; and as the New Lawyers Chair to the CDLA Professionalism and Education Committee. Hillary has taught CLE seminars on various topics for the CDLA and the CBA.
HONORS: Hillary was nominated by her peers and rated as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2021 and 2022.
OTHER INTERESTS: Hillary is married and has two children. She enjoys spending time with her family and taking advantage of all the outdoor activities this beautiful state has to offer. She has also been a women’s lacrosse official for over twenty years and continues to enjoy officiating from youth through NCAA, as well as volunteering her time to the development of the sport and its officials in Colorado.
J. Ryann Peyton
"J. Ryann Peyton (She/They), Executive Director
Ryann serves as the Director of the Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program (CAMP). A former litigator and a seasoned consultant and advocate on professionalism, diversity, and equity in the legal field, Ryann is a frequent commentator, presenter, and lecturer. Prior to joining CAMP, Ryann focused their law practice on civil litigation with an emphasis on LGBTQ families and civil rights. Ryann has been routinely recognized for their legal practice, most recently earning the 2022 40 Under 40 award from the Denver Business Journal and the 2019 American Bar Association Rosner & Rosner Young Lawyer Professionalism award. Ryann sits on the boards of several Colorado legal organizations and leads the Colorado Bar Association as President. Ryann earned their law degree from the University of St. Thomas School of Law and holds an LLM and undergraduate degree from the University of Denver."
Ryan Phillips
Ryan Phillips is Executive Vice President of Litigation Support at VERTEX. He has testified approximately 70 times providing expert witness opinions relating to quantum/damages, scheduling, allocation, building codes, and standard of care. Ryan received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a Mechanical Specialty from the Colorado School of Mines and his Master of Science in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics from Columbia University. Ryan routinely advises developers, contractors, engineers, architects, and attorneys regarding best practices and risk management pertaining to the built environment.
Daniel Pietragallo
Daniel Pietragallo is a Senior Assistant Attorney General with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, where his primary responsibilities include working with the State Grand Jury to investigate complex financial fraud cases and consulting on issues related to cybersecurity and data privacy. For the past five years Daniel has worked as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Denver School of Law, where he teaches a class called Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, and Incident Response Practicum. He also sits on the steering committee for the Rocky Mountain Cyber Fraud Task Force, where he works with Federal partners, local law enforcement, academia, and private-sector stakeholders to provide quarterly trainings. Daniel holds a certification in information privacy through the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) and is a member of the Information Systems Security Association’s (ISSA) Cyber Executive Forum. Daniel earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He is currently working towards a Masters in Cybersecurity Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology
Gregory Plank
GREGORY W. PLANK
6090 EAST CALEY DR.
CENTENNIAL, COLORADO 80111
HOME PHONE (720) 489-3935;
EMAIL gaplankster@msn.com
OFFICE PHONE (720) 963-7024; EMAIL gplank@travelers.com
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Ray Lego & Associates, Travelers Indemnity Company Staff Counsel, 10825 East Geddes Avenue, Suite 100, Centennial, Colorado. April 2002 to present. Senior Staff Counsel and Practice Group Leader (2005-2014).
Handle subrogation cases, liability defense cases, and worker’s compensation defense cases as staff counsel. Extensive trial practice including trials, handling depositions, drafting of pleadings and discovery, motion practice, and mediation/arbitration of cases. Also performed as Practice Group Leader for Subrogation Staff Counsel Section from 2005-2014 which included assigning cases to subrogation attorneys and supervising subrogation attorneys.
Kelley, Lehan & Hall, P.C., 7134 Pacific Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68106. November 1999 to April 2002. Associate.
Handled personal injury and worker’s compensation cases for plaintiffs and represent criminal defendants in federal and state courts. Extensive trial practice including handling trials, depositions, drafting pleadings and discovery, motion practice, and appellate brief writing in Federal and state courts.
Welch, White & Wulff, P.C., 209 South 19th Street, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska, 68102. March 1997 to October 1999. Associate.
Insurance defense work for various insurance companies in personal injury and worker’s compensation cases. Extensive trial practice including handling trials, depositions, drafting of pleadings and discovery, motion practice, and appellate brief writing in federal and state courts. Also represented court-appointed criminal clients in federal court.
Sarpy County Public Defenders and Hascall, Jungers, Garvey & Delaney, 101 West Mission Avenue, Bellevue, Nebraska, 68005. July 1991 to March 1997. Chief Deputy Public Defender and Associate.
As an assistant public defender, handled misdemeanor and felony cases including capitol murder and kidnapping charges in state court. As an associate, represented criminal clients as court-appointed counsel in federal court; handled personal injury cases for plaintiffs; handled small estates and conservatorships; and handled divorce and adoption cases and acted as court-appointed guardian-ad-litem for adoptions.
United States Office of Staff Attorneys for the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. 1114 Market Street, Room 625A, St. Louis, Missouri, 63101. August 1989 to July 1991. Staff Attorney.
Wrote memorandums and per curiam opinions to panel judges for Sentencing Guidelines, criminal, §1983, habeas corpus cases. (This was a two-year appointment).
EDUCATION:
Creighton University School of Law, Omaha, Nebraska. Juris Doctor, May 1989.
• Class Rank 27/154.
• Honors and Activities: Am. Jur. in Banking Law and Regulation, 1989; Negotiations Competition Finalist, 1988; Negotiations Board, 1988-89; Moot Court Competition, 1987.
St. Ambrose College, Davenport, Iowa. Bachelor of Arts with Major in Accounting and Minor in Political Science, May 1986.
• G.P.A. 3.728.
• Honors: Graduated Cum Laude; Member of Delta Epsilon Sigma and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Societies.
LICENSES:
• Member of Nebraska State Bar (September 1989).
• Member of the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska Bar (November 1989).
• Member of United States Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Bar (June 1991).
• Member of Colorado State Bar (July 2000).
• Member of the United States District Court for the District of Colorado Bar (January 2003).
• Member of the United States Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals Bar (August 2011).
LEGAL ASSOCIATIONS MEMBERSHIPS, COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS, AND OFFICES:
• Member of Travelers National Subrogation Leadership Team (2007-08, 2010-12).
• Member of Colorado Bar Association Professionalism Committee (2004-05)
• Member of Nebraska Bar Association Criminal Practice and Procedure Committee (1999)
• Past Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Sarpy County Bar Association (1993-95)
• Member of the Nebraska Bar Association (1989 " 2018)
• Member of the Colorado Bar Association (2003-2014)
• Nebraska Defense Attorneys Association (NDAA) (1991-1996, 1999-2002)
• Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys (NATA) (1994-2002)
• Member of the Omaha Bar Association (1992-2002)
• Member of the Sarpy County Bar Association (1992-1996)
• America Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA) (1996)
• American Bar Association (ABA) (1991-1994, 1996-98)
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
• The Nebraska Lawyer, May/June 2012, Vol 15, No.3, Developments in Nebraska Workers’ CompensationThird Party/Subrogation Litigation.
• The Subrogator, Winter 2012, But is it Gross Negligence?
• Three articles in NDAA Habeas Corpus, circa 1994-96
PUBLISHED OPINIONS
• Montoya v. ICAO, 488 P.3d 314 (Colo. App. 2018)
• Sanchez v. ICAO, 411 P.3d 245 (Colo. 2017)
• In re Estate of Evertson, 295 Neb. 301, 889 N.W.2d 73 (2016)
• In re Estate of Evertson, 23 Neb. App. 734, 876 N.W.2d 678 (2016)
• State on Behalf of Hopkins v. Batt, 253 Neb. 852, 573 N.W.2d 425 (1998)
• United States v. Padilla-Pena, 129 F.3d 457 (8th Cir. 1997)
• Roseberry v. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, 821 F. Supp. 1313 (1992)
TRAINING PRESENATIONS AND PARTICIPATION
• Presented at 2-day Travelers Subrogation Worker’s Compensation Mock Trial Symposium in Hartford, Connecticut, 2010.
• Presented at 3-day Travelers Large Loss Symposium in Brookfield Wisconsin, 2009.
• Presented in Travelers L P& E Mock Expert Deposition Training, 2008 and 2009.
• Participated in 3-day Travelers Subrogation Leadership Team Summit in Brookfield, Wisconsin, 2008.
• Presented and participated in 3-day Travelers Subrogation Staff Counsel Seminar in Hartford, Connecticut, 2007.
• Participated in 3-day Travelers Subrogation Leadership Team Summit in Brookfield, Wisconsin, 2007.
• Participated in 3-day Travelers Basic Fire Science Seminar in Hartford, Connecticut, 2007.
• Presented Carmack subrogation training online seminar for Travelers’ subrogation professionals and counsel, 2006.
• Participant in 4-day St. Paul Travelers Claim Legal National Meeting in Hartford, Connecticut, 2006.
• Participant in 3-day St. Paul Travelers Claims Legal Leadership Development Program in Walnut Creek, California, 2005.
• Participated in 3-day St. Paul Travelers Advanced Fire Science Seminar in Denver, Colorado, 2005.
• Participated in 3-day St. Paul Travelers Subrogation Staff Counsel Seminar in Hartford, Connecticut, 2005.
• Presented basic subrogation training seminar for Travelers’ subrogation professionals in Brookfield, Wisconsin, 2003.
• Participated in 3-day NITA Deposition Skills Program in Denver, Colorado, 2002.
• Participated in Northwestern University School of Law’s Criminal Defense Lawyers Short Course, 1995.
• Participated in 3-day NDAA Trial Practice Program, Lincoln, Nebraska, 1993.
• Participated in 3-day NITA Trial Advocacy Program in Plymouth, Minnesota, 1991.
• University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Instructor of Criminal Procedure at Annex 37 (Offutt AFB), 1992.
VOLUNTEER LEGAL AND OTHER ACTIVITIES:
• Volunteer Moot Court Judge for Denver University Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition, 2011.
• Volunteer Leader for Boy Scout Troup 140, including Scoutmaster, 2004 to 2012.
• Volunteer Leader for Cub Scout Pack 140, including Den Leader, 2003 to 2008.
• Volunteer Leader for Junior Great Books, 2004-05 and 2010-11.
• Volunteer Moot Court Judge for Creighton University School of Law Moot Court Competition, 1997.
• Volunteer Team Leader of Boy Scout Law Explorer Post, 1995-96.
• Volunteer Teen Court Judge for Sarpy County Teen Court, 1995.
• Volunteer Mock Trial Judge for Nebraska High School Mock Trial Project Competition, 1992-98.
Alice Conway Powers
Ms. Powers represents clients in all aspects of employment litigation in both federal and state courts. She has litigated both traditional labor and employment cases before federal and state judges in several bench trials. Ms. Powers has tried a variety of employment claims and received a decision in the employer’s favor in binding arbitration. She has extensive proficiency in meeting clients’ needs in pre-litigation demands, from the administrative arena to state and federal courts.
Ms. Powers’ experience covers litigating all aspects of discrimination and harassment claims, sexual assault cases, disability claims, housing cases and retaliation and wrongful termination claims. She has also successfully mediated many employment matters. Ms. Powers has represented companies in wage and hour and misclassification claims, as well as during Department of Labor audits, and has handled prevailing wage matters at the state and federal level. She has experience with a variety of class actions as well, in both state and federal courts, on a wide range of legal issues, including discrimination and wage and hour claims. Ms. Powers has substantial experience appearing before state and federal administrative agencies, including the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Colorado Civil Rights Division and the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Ms. Powers regularly advises clients on employment questions in both California and Colorado. Her expertise also includes ensuring employee handbooks and corporate employment policies are compliant with current law. Ms. Powers frequently speaks at continuing education events on a variety of employment topics, and trains companies on employment best practices. She is also the past Chair of the Employment Law Committee for the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association."
Brendan O Powers
Brendan Powers is rated “AV” by the Martindale-Hubbell® Law Directory, a rating reserved to those attorneys recognized by peers for preeminent legal ability and adherence to the highest ethical standards. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Attorneys, a membership reserved for lawyers demonstrating high personal character and honorable reputation and which is by invitation only. He is recognized as a leader among trial attorneys throughout the Rocky Mountain Region by multiple trade associations and independent publications.
Mr. Powers’ career focuses on civil litigation and business regulation, with an emphasis on insurance defense and complex commercial disputes. He has served as lead counsel in state and federal trials involving insurance bad faith, arson, fraud, environmental hazards, automobile, personal injury, misrepresentation in real estate transactions and skier liability.
Mr. Powers also is recognized for his expertise in the area of complex insurance coverage analysis. Mr. Powers has supervised claim investigations, taken examinations under oath, and advised in all manner of insurance claim determinations. While the bulk of this experience involves fraud and arson in the area of property and casualty insurance, Mr. Powers often is retained to resolve questions concerning errors and omissions, business losses, complex commercial losses and automobile claims. He has acted as a consulting expert, including matters involving the post-litigation defense of claim denials and attorney malpractice. He is a frequent lecturer on these topics throughout the business community.
Debby Reece
Debby Reece is the Managing Attorney for the Supervisory department at American Family Insurance Group. She started with American Family in 2017 as a Supervisory Attorney and is currently responsible for overseeing a group of attorneys handling outside litigation for the West Region. The Supervisory department handles matters involving coverage issues, complex cases, and bad faith suits, and is responsible for advising the claims department on coverage issues, risk assessment and resolution strategy. Prior to working at American Family, she was in-house counsel for USAA and State Farm in Colorado, and was in private practice defending insurers and their insureds in state and federal court in both Colorado and Maine.
Liz Rita
Liz has been an investigator even before she knew that was to be her life’s work. She read every Nancy Drew book as a kid, as soon as it came out, which may have been a clue about where her professional life would take her.
Liz started her career doing commercial litigation for a global law firm in Boston, where her practice included sophisticated litigation for large companies with complex employment issues. After moving back to her native Colorado, Liz spent the next several years at a regional Denver law firm heading up their employment law group, and running litigation, advice and training practices as defense side employer’s counsel for the firm. In 1994 she began providing impartial investigations for the Justice Department under a nationwide consent decree, and in 2007 she ventured out and started ILG, the first Denver-based firm specializing in impartial third-party investigations. She has never looked back.
Liz has been providing impartial investigations since 1994, longer than any other workplace investigations practitioner in the Intermountain West. She is one of ILG’s two Lead Investigators. Liz specializes in complex investigations in the workplace, with a special focus on high profile or high litigation risk situations. Her practice runs the gamut from class-based discrimination investigations, hostile work environment, harassment, retaliation, whistle-blower, ethics violations and executive misconduct. Liz also heads up the Firm’s Workplace Culture Assessment team, which develops individualized programs for employers and governmental entities looking to assess and make changes in their policies, practices and workplace cultures.
Liz wakes up every day happy to go to work, and from that perspective, considers herself a very fortunate human being. She is a former Board Member of the Association of Workplace Investigators, North America’s premier workplace investigator association, and presents, writes and trains on various investigation issues around the country. She is a graduate of The Colorado College and Boston University School of Law, where she graduated with honors.
Alec Rothrock
Alec Rothrock’s practice emphasizes legal ethics and attorney discipline defense, and the law of practicing law. He is the author of the book, Essays on Legal Ethics and Professional Conduct in Colorado (Continuing Legal Education of Colorado, Inc. 2003) and a past chair of the Colorado Bar Association Ethics Committee.
Mr. Rothrock is admitted to practice in the States of Colorado and Illinois (inactive), the United States District Courts for the District of Colorado and the Northern District of Illinois (inactive), and the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Mr. Rothrock practiced law from 1986 to 1991 with Katten, Muchin & Zavis, P.C., in Chicago before joining Burns, Figa & Will in 1991.
Mr. Rothrock was born in Evanston, Illinois in 1959
Adam M Royval
Adam is a seasoned litigator and trial attorney practicing in the firm’s Denver and Phoenix offices. He has litigated well over 500 cases through completion. Every year, for over a decade, Adam has tried multiple cases to juries, courts, and arbitrators in Colorado and across the United States. He is currently licensed in the state courts of Colorado and Arizona, and the United States federal District Courts for the districts of Colorado, the Middle District of Tennessee, Minnesota, and Nebraska. He is licensed in the United States Courts of Appeal for the Tenth and Eleventh Circuits.
Adam is dedicated to the aggressive representation and defense of his clients and is a leader the civil defense community. He sits on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Defense Lawyer Association, Colorado’s premier civil defense bar association, and is the Co-legislative Director, responsible for overseeing and tracking legislation of importance to the civil defense bar. He has authored and contributed to numerous amicus briefs of statewide importance to the defense bar and argued before the Colorado Court of Appeals. He is an active CLE presenter on frontline issues pertinent to the defense community.
Adam began his career as a transactional attorney representing both small and Fortune 500 companies handling merger and acquisition projects, corporate and entity structuring and commercial leasing. Drawing on this experience, he transitioned into a dedicated litigation practice in 2012, defending builders, contractors, insurers, and their insureds.
Today, Adam works almost exclusively on all types of litigated matters including employment disputes, class actions, shareholder suits, personal injury cases, construction matters and insurance cases. He protects tens of millions of dollars of risk annually and consistently and repeatedly obtains favorable results for his clients.
Jeffrey C Ruebel
"Jeffrey Clay Ruebel is an accomplished trial lawyer and is well-known and respected in both the defense and the claimant bars. A native of Brush, Colorado, he graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1977.
After teaching special education for one year and high school level courses for two more years, he attended the University Of Colorado School Of Law, from which he graduated in 1983. Jeff has tried over 60 civil jury trials of 3-days or longer, and has handled innumerable bench trials, arbitrations and other adversarial proceedings.
Jeff is an AV rated attorney and has been inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an organization made up of experienced trial attorneys and judges, whose purpose is education about and preservation of the civil jury system. He is also a member of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA), an organization of select, highly qualified, experienced defense trial attorneys. He has served as President and Board member of the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association (CDLA) and has edited its newsletter and acted as its legislative liaison for over 15 years. Jeff also heads up the CDLA Amicus Committee. He received the John Grund Lifetime Achievement Award and has twice been recognized as Lawyer of the Year by the Civil Justice League.
Jeff has been successful in his career for his effective and cost efficient representation of litigants. His philosophy that litigation and appellate advocacy are specialties has served a wide variety of clients well. He gives back to the community through pro bono work and by serving as the President of the Westminster AFC competitive soccer club."
Jeffrey C Ruebel
Jeffrey Clay Ruebel is an accomplished trial lawyer and is well-known and respected in both the defense and the claimant bars. A native of Brush, Colorado, he graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1977.
After teaching special education for one year and high school level courses for two more years, he attended the University Of Colorado School Of Law, from which he graduated in 1983. Jeff has tried over 60 civil jury trials of 3-days or longer, and has handled innumerable bench trials, arbitrations and other adversarial proceedings.
Jeff is an AV rated attorney and has been inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an organization made up of experienced trial attorneys and judges, whose purpose is education about and preservation of the civil jury system. He is also a member of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA), an organization of select, highly qualified, experienced defense trial attorneys. He has served as President and Board member of the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association (CDLA) and has edited its newsletter and acted as its legislative liaison for over 15 years. Jeff also heads up the CDLA Amicus Committee. He received the John Grund Lifetime Achievement Award and has twice been recognized as Lawyer of the Year by the Civil Justice League.
Jeff has been successful in his career for his effective and cost efficient representation of litigants. His philosophy that litigation and appellate advocacy are specialties has served a wide variety of clients well. He gives back to the community through pro bono work and by serving as the President of the Westminster AFC competitive soccer club.
Heather A Salg
Heather A. Salg is a Partner in our Litigation Practice Group who has tried over 60 trials and arbitrations to verdict. She primarily defends insurance companies and their insureds, as well as large self-insurers in Federal Court and District Courts throughout Colorado. Her primary goal as an insurance defense trial attorney is to develop the relevant facts as quickly and economically as possible, provide an early and accurate assessment based on the facts and law, resolve matters as soon as they can be resolved, and zealously defend those cases if necessary, before a jury.
Ms. Salg has been a presenting speaker in Colorado and nationally regarding the defense of bad faith claims. She has presented and written about evidentiary problems associated with the reasonable value of medical expenses (“billed v paid”), Premises Liability, and best claim handling practices. She has written articles for the Colorado Lawyer and Claims Management Magazine. She has been a faculty presenter for the ABOTA Masters in Trial Program, and she is a Continuing Legal Education speaker for the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association, the Colorado Bar Association, the Denver Bar Association, and the National Business Institute.
In 2013 Ms. Salg was invited to be a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an organization with a primary mission of preserving the constitutional vision of equal justice for all Americans and our civil justice system. ABOTA is an invitation-only organization consisting of lawyers who have tried a minimum of 20 civil jury trials to conclusion.
Ms. Salg has been AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell since 2009. She was named as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2012 and has been named a Super Lawyer annually since 2014. She has been repeatedly listed as a Top Lawyer by 5280 Magazine, named to the Super Lawyers’ lists of Top 50 Women attorneys in Colorado, and the Colorado Super Lawyers Top 100 list of Colorado attorneys.
Ms. Salg is an active member of the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association (“CDLA”). She has repeatedly chaired professional events that are co-sponsored by the Colorado Defense Lawyer’s Association and the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association at Mock Trial events for the Colorado Bar Association and Denver University Law School. She is also an active part of the community judging events for DECA, Speech and Debate.
Judge Jonathan Shamis
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Before being appointed, Judge Shamis was Executive Director of Alpine Legal Services, where he practiced family law, real estate law, collections, protection orders and criminal law. Previously, he was a Partner at Fahrenholtz, Kleinschmidt, Stephens and Shamis, where he practiced in the 5th and 9th District Courts. From 1989-1997, he was a Senior Attorney and Assistant Public Defender in the Office of the Cook County (Ill.) Public Defender. Prior to graduation from law school, Judge Shamis directed the Illinois Ethnic Consultation. He teaches as an adjunct faculty member at Colorado Mountain College in their paralegal program..
Judge Shamis earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago and a J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law.
In his current capacity as Lake County Judge, Shamis served as president of the Colorado County Judges Association from 2018-2019. He chairs the Mental Health Subcommittee of the Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Education and co-chairs the Judicial Wellness subcommittee of the Colorado Task Force on Attorney Wellness. Shamis also serves on the Bridges Mental Health Program Statewide Steering Committee, the Colorado State Mental Health Diversion Program Funding Allocation Committee, the Colorado Collaborative Justice Courts Training and Educational Subcommittee and heads the Rural and County Track planning committee for the Annual State Judicial Conference.
Shamis sits on the Conference of Chief Justices/National Center for State Courts Judicial Advisory Committee on Competency, and sits on the National Center for State Court’s Task Force on Judicial Education in Mental Health With Chief Disciplinary Judge William Lucero and Attorney Regulation Counsel Jessica Yates, Shamis presents to en bancs statewide on attorney professionalism encouraging judges across the state to adopt a standard professionalism order. He has also developed a pilot program for remote mediation in rural jurisdictions.
Shamis is a Commissioner on the Colorado Suicide Prevention Commission and serves on the Governor’s Long-Term Competency Task Force. He is Chairman of the Board of the Cloud City Conservation Center and is also on the Board of the Lake County Community Fund and the Board of the Hope Center, a crisis response organization.
Nicholas Snow
Nick has seen countless construction projects from start to finish, from the design stage to groundbreaking through completion, and he prides himself on helping general contractors, sub-contractors, and industry professionals identify and avoid preventable mistakes. Along with his law degree, Nick has been in and around the construction industry in some form for more than 20 years with experience in grading and drainage, framing, and waterproofing and roofing. This collective experience means he knows how to counsel clients on problems that arise during a job, as well as how to prevent them in the first place.
He prides himself on his collaborative and communicative approach to resolving disputes, and regularly helps his clients navigate bid disputes, breach of contracts, delay claims, termination, differing site conditions, mechanic’s lien foreclosure, and trust fund violations. His experience includes handling large loss first-party property coverage disputes, bad faith litigation, subrogation, contract negotiation, government contracts, and employment issues. Nick has also earned his construction management certificate from Columbia University, and is familiar with the newest and most common construction industry practices and often works with his clients to help identify, allocate, and mitigate risks that arise throughout the life of current and future projects.
Brooke Stover
Experienced Human Resources Leader with collaborative leadership style. Focused on excellent customer service and process improvement. Established “go-to” person within current and past organizations.
SKILLS & EXPERTISE
HR Shared Services/ Service Management Conflict Resolution & Negotiation Program/ Project Management Coaching/ Performance Management
Equal Opportunity
& Affirmative Action Employee
Investigations Employee
Relations Employee Mentoring
& Development
Program Training
& Development Managing Policies & Procedures Staff Recruitment
& Retention New Hire Orientation
& Onboarding
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Global Medical Response, Greenwood Village, CO (2005 " present)
Healthcare company with 35,000+ employees nation-wide. Services include ambulance (emergency, non-emergency, inter-facility transport), air ambulance (fixed and rotor wing), fire, managed transportation, nurse navigation, and event medical.
Global Medical Response (GMR) " 2018 " present
Emergency Medical Services Corporation (EMSC) " 2008 - 2018
American Medical Response (AMR) " 2005 " 2007
Director, HRIS and HR Shared Services (5/2021 " present)
• Responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing Shared Services and HRIS strategies to support the enterprise.
• Develop and support standards and practices, procedures and resources to maintain service consistent with business requirements including appropriate customer service, business continuity, systems availability, quality management, reporting, technical services support and application enhancements.
• This position will serve as a direct liaison to business leaders and will provide progress and status updates, as well as reports as needed.
• Lead HR Metrics development and implementation.
• Provide HR support to Corporate employees and leadership team, including conducted thorough investigations to address inappropriate conduct and reduce company liability
Manager, National HR and HR Shared Services (6/2014 " present)
• Key member of HRIS system conversion project; led platform configuration testing and training for enterprise HR, leadership, and HR Shared Services teams.
• Lead department of 11 HR professionals in a contact center environment, providing onboarding administration, pre-employment screening, severance administration, and general human resources support to 35,000+ employees.
• Develop and implement solutions to improve efficiency of human resources processes.
• Monitor customer satisfaction and function as escalation point for customer service-related concerns and complex issues.
• Develop and analyze performance metrics to measure individual and department effectiveness.
• Partner with leadership team on day-to-day performance management, employee relations, compensation matters.
• Analyze data and prepare complex reports for shared services leadership team.
• Negotiate and manage national vendor relationships.
• Administer company service award program.
• Interview, select, and train new team members. Provide feedback to existing staff to ensure continuous development.
• Analyze new job descriptions and assign compensation grade.
• Maintain master job table and plotting tool.
National Human Resources Manager (12/2008 " 5/2014)
• Key member of $1.5M HR Shared Services implementation team, including multi-year conversion project to utilize digital HR records enterprise-wide.
• Managed national projects and resources, such as electronic records conversion, HR Shared Services Center implementation, and E-Verify rollout to over 100 subsidiary entities.
• Analyzed data and prepared complex reports for executive leadership team.
• Developed and analyzed performance metrics to measure effectiveness of HR strategies.
• Conducted thorough investigations across the enterprise to address inappropriate conduct and reduce company liability.
• Negotiated and managed national vendor relationships.
• Functioned as business partner to leadership team; offer solutions in employee relations, performance management, and recruiting.
• Educated management and staff on regulatory and organizational policies such as Affirmative Action, harassment prevention, and investigations.
• Ensured compliance with legal statutes and manage federal reporting for all company entities and support management on compliance issues, including FMLA, EEO-1 and Vets 100.
• Managed strategic plan/critical issues tracking for national HR leadership team including weekly, monthly, and quarterly status reports.
• Facilitated leadership meetings.
• Recruited, screened, and interviewed candidates for corporate vacancies; offer hiring recommendations.
Human Resources Project Manager (2006 " 2008)
• Designed and distributed custom reports for leadership team to improve staff development.
• Offered training to staff, leadership, and HR team members to improve individual performance.
• Conducted reference and background checks on new hires.
• Developed and led request for proposals (RFP) process for new vendors.
Contractor, HR Project Manager (2005 " 2006)
• Performed HR project management as assigned prior to permanent assignment.
Public Service Credit Union, Denver, CO (2000 " 2005)
Denver-based credit union with 23 branches in the metro area.
Network Technician
• Provided IT support to over 300 end users on a mixed NetWare 5.1/Windows network, including software and hardware issues, telecommunications management, and end user training.
• Successfully implemented GroupWise upgrade (6.0 to 6.5) and performed conversion from eOn DSP 1000 phone system to Cisco IP system.
• Supervised daily operations of help desk, provided management, training, and support to new help desk representatives.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources), December 2014 - present
PHR (Professional in Human Resources), June 2008 " June 2014
Bachelor of Science in Business " HR Management, 2012
University of Phoenix, Lone Tree, CO
Kevin Tran
Kevin assists clients in matters related to financial regulatory,
FinTech, corporate and securities issues. He gained
experience at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington,
D.C., where he was a Financial Policy Analyst in the Capital
and Regulatory Policy group in the Division of Supervision and
Regulation. He also served the Board as the Policy Staff
Adviser/Chief of Staff to the Deputy Director for Policy. In
these roles, Kevin focused on developing regulations and
guidance affecting banks and bank holding companies of all
sizes, assisting the director with the day"to"day operations of
the policy groups, and helping financial institutions and
industry trade groups with regulatory interpretations.
Experience
Following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for
informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate
the likelihood of success in any future matter.
Experience
? Has provided guidance on financial regulatory compliance,
including risk management, reporting, and BSA/AML/OFAC
compliance obligations
? Has represented community bank clients serving as Eligible
Lenders in Main Street Lending Program
? Has assisted clients with structuring programs to avoid state
and federal money service business regulations and has
represented clients seeking licenses as money transmitters
at the state and federal level
? Has provided guidance to clients seeking de novo federal
and state bank charters
Marv Truhe
"Marv Truhe is the author of Against All Tides -The Untold Story of the USS Kitty Hawk Race Riots. Marv served as an officer in the US Navy Judge Advocate Generals Corps during the Vietnam War. While serving as a JAG defense counsel, he defended six of the Black sailors charged with rioting and assaults in the USS Kitty Hawk incident.
Marv was born in January 1945, in a farmhouse on a small farm in South Dakota. World War II was in its final year and his parents had their hands full on the farm, raising crops, livestock, and children. Marv was the fourth child born in four years and times were tough, not only for his family, but for most of the rest of the country.
He graduated from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, with honors. He next attended Northwestern University Law School where he received a Juris Doctorate degree and was a member of the Northwestern Law Review. While at law school, he received an officer’s commission in the US Naval Reserve. Upon graduation from law school in 1970, he attended Naval Justice School and then reported for duty at the US Naval Station Law Center in San Diego. In his final year in uniform, he served as a military judge in special courts-martial trials.
After the Navy, he returned home and served as an Assistant Attorney General, heading up the trial division in the South Dakota Attorney Generals Office. He next practiced law in Rapid City, South Dakota, specializing in corporate, mining, and environmental law. After retirement, he and his wife moved to Colorado to be near their son’s family and two grandchildren."
Valentine Uduebor
Valentine Uduebor focuses his practice on helping clients through insurance and premises liability litigation, construction litigation and other civil matters. He previously served as an in-house trial attorney for a Fortune 500 insurance company, where he gained extensive experience and unique insight into the full range of civil litigation processes. He has successfully litigated more than 50 jury trials and has obtained numerous defense verdicts as lead counsel.
Valentine completed his undergraduate studies at the University of North Texas and later earned his Juris Doctor from William & Mary Law School, where he was a Notes Editor of the Business Law Review and a member of the National Moot Court Competition Team.
Chris Unger
Christopher Unger
Dr. Brent Van Dorsten
Community-based medical psychology service invovled with clinical care, research, medico-legal evaluation and testimony, psychological and neuropsychological testing, and national continuing education for multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
Cognitive-behavioral assessment and treatment for medical patients with pain, physical injury, concussion/mild traumatic brain injury, and chronic illness.
Forensic/legal evaluation and testimony for personal injury, delayed recovery, and biopsychosocial factors affecting physical and emotional recovery from illness or injury.
Research investigating behavioral factors affecting the longitudinal course of chronic illness (e.g., diabetes, obesity, heart disease), factors affecting the influence of pain on physical and emotional function, and biopsychosocial factors influencing surgery and medical treatment outcome.
National speaker for physican, nursing, psychology and allied healthcare professionals on psychometric assessment of medical patients, behavioral strategies to assist management of patients on long-term opioid treatment, behavioral management of pain and physical injury,and implementing behavioral services into medical environments to improve treatment outcomes.
Angela M. Vichick
"Angela Vichick is a litigator who represents individual and institutional clients in various complex civil disputes. Angela’s practice focuses on business and real estate litigation involving business tort, contract, civil theft, derivative, fiduciary, fraud, fraudulent/preferential transfer, interpleader, probate, receivership, and quiet title claims (e.g., those involving adverse possession, easements, foreclosure, and spurious documents). Angela’s extensive advocacy experience includes dispositive motions practice, evidentiary hearings, settlement proceedings, arbitrations, bench and jury trials, post-trial proceedings and enforcement of judgments, as well as appeals before the Colorado Court of Appeals, Colorado Supreme Court, and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Angela’s practice was previously based in Aspen, Colorado, before she was invited to serve as an inaugural law clerk and judicial assistant for Justice Melissa Hart of the Colorado Supreme Court."
Hon. Vincente Vigil
Vincente G. Vigil began his appointment as a district court judge in the 19th Judicial District on Aug. 1, 2019, and currently presides over a felony criminal docket in Division 17. Mr. Vigil has been an attorney with the Law Office of Robert Ray since 2014. Prior to 2014, he was a partner at Man & Vigil and a former Deputy State Public Defender in the Greeley Office. Mr. Vigil earned his undergraduate degree from Colorado State University in 2005 and his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School in 2008.
Hon. Jaun Villaseñor
Judge Juan G. Villaseñor was appointed as a District Judge by Governor Hickenlooper in October 2018. Before his appointment to the bench, Judge Villaseñor was an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado (2008 -- 2018). There, he investigated and prosecuted many civil claims, like trespasses on federal property, False Claims Act matters, debts owed to the government, and represented federal agencies and employees in a wide variety of defensive cases, including prisoner litigation, environmental law, employment discrimination, habeas corpus, immigration, negligence, medical malpractice, and intentional torts. He also prosecuted criminal cases and argued appeals in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
Between 2014 and 2016, Judge Villaseñor was detailed to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of the Pardon Attorney, where, as part of the Clemency Initiative, he made recommendations to the Pardon Attorney, the Deputy Attorney General, and the President of the United States on applications for commutation of sentence submitted by federal prisoners convicted of drug-possession or drug-distribution offenses. His work led to five sentence commutations.
Before working as a federal prosecutor, Judge Villaseñor was an Assistant Attorney General at the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office (2003 " 2008), where he represented state agencies, departments, corporations and, at times, state employees in federal and state court. He specialized in appellate practice and argued over 60 cases dealing with civil rights, dependency and neglect, child support, and workers’ compensation. At the beginning of his career, Judge Villaseñor was the Justice William J. Brennan First Amendment Fellowship Attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union in New York (2002 " 2003), and a law clerk to U.S. District Judge William J. Haynes, Jr., in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee (2001 " 2002).
Judge Villaseñor earned his A.B. from St. John’s College, Annapolis (1997), his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School (2001), and an LL.M. in Judicial Studies from Duke University School of Law (2023).
Appointments
Judge Villaseñor has been appointed to serve three-year terms to the Colorado Supreme Court’s Civil Rules Committee and Evidence Rules Committee (January 2019 " December 2021).
Before taking the bench, Governor John W. Hickenlooper appointed Judge Villaseñor as a public board member of the Colorado Medical Board, Department of Regulatory Agencies (August 2017 " September 2018). The Colorado Medical Board licenses and disciplines physicians, physician assistants, and anesthesiologist assistants. As a public member, Judge Villaseñor sat on the Licensing Panel, a three-member panel which reviews and adjudicates applications for licenses and matters relating to the unlicensed practice of medicine, and on Inquiry/Hearings Panel B, a six-member panel which investigates complaints of licensee misconduct and, separately, imposes discipline.
Professional Associations
• Larimer County Bar Association (Present)
• Colorado Bar Association (Present)
• Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, Board Member (2013"15); Chair, Nominations and Endorsements Committee (2013"14)
• Faculty of Federal Advocates, Board Member (2014 " 2018)
• National Association of Assistant United States Attorneys (2009 " 2015)
• Hispanic National Bar Association (2013 " Present)
• Rhone Bracket American Inn of Court (2010 " 2012)
Volunteer Activities
• Volunteer Judge, Colorado Bar Association, High School Mock Trial, Northern Colorado Regional Tournament (Present)
• Mentor, Law School...Yes We Can Mentorship Program (2014 " 2018)
• Federal Elections Monitor, U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division (In November 2012, I was a monitor in Denver County and in November 2016 in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania)
• Translator and attorney, Greeley Legal Night (2012 " 2018)
• Interviewer, Vanderbilt University Law School, Alumni Interview Program (2008 " Present)
More Information
Division: Courtroom 3B
Phone: 970-494-3610
201 La Porte Avenue
Suite 100
Fort Collins CO 80521
Rebecca K. Wagner
Rebecca Wagner is a Colorado native and was born in Englewood, Colorado. As an undergraduate, she attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where she graduated with honors with a B.A. in Psychology. After graduating college, Rebecca applied for and was granted an internship with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office where she worked in the investigative unit. Thereafter, she worked for three judges in Douglas County as both a division clerk and later as a law clerk.
She continued with her education at the University of Colorado where she obtained her J.D. in 2000. While attending school at the University of Colorado, Rebecca began working for a local insurance defense firm. Since that time, she has had experience as an appellate associate assigned to bad faith litigation and class action lawsuits. Later, she continued working on bad faith litigation as well as focusing her practice on cases involving complex medical issues and causation. Rebecca joined Campbell, Wagner and Frazier, LLC in 2012 as a partner.
Her practice areas include insurance defense, bad faith litigation, appellate work and general civil litigation.
Rebecca has tried numerous cases to verdict and has successfully represented clients before both state and federal court.
Hon. Sarah Wallace
Sarah B. Wallace is a judge of the Colorado 2nd Judicial District. Wallace assumed office on January 10, 2023. Wallace's current term ends in 2029.
Sarah B Wallace
The Hon. Sarah B. Wallace is a judge for the 2nd Judicial District Court.
Prior to her appointment, Wallace was a partner at Ballard Spahr, a law firm she joined in 2013. Before that, she was a partner at Featherstone Petrie DeSisto (2006 to 2013). Wallace specialized in mortgage-related, trade secret, breach of contract, employment, and insurance coverage litigation, regularly representing financial institutions, manufacturers, and software development companies in state and federal proceedings.
Wallace earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Colby College in 1992. She then completed a J.D. at the University of Colorado Law School in 1999.
After graduating from law school, Wallace began her legal career as a judicial law clerk to the Hon. Pamela Minzner of the New Mexico Supreme Court. She served in that capacity until 2000, at which time she entered private practice at Petrie Bauer.
Her memberships have included the CWBA, Federal Faculty of Advocates, Metro Volunteers, the Center for Legal Inclusiveness, CU Law Alumni Board, and the Colorado Legal Aid Foundation.
When not presiding over legal proceedings, Wallace enjoys skiing and biking with her family. She and her husband, Chad, have two sons.
Karen Wheeler
"Ms. Wheeler is a skilled and experienced litigator who has litigated a multitude of complex and highly technical cases and has maintained an exceptional trial record. Ms. Wheeler is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been since 1998. She is an associate of the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Ms. Wheeler’s trial experience involves complex litigation and any other litigated matter. She obtained a defense verdict for her client after a fourteen and ½ week class-action jury trial involving claims in excess of $380,000,000.00. Her wide range of experience includes lead counsel in dozens of successful jury trials, many arbitrations, and appellate arguments in varied legal areas and venues. Her appellate practice has resulted in numerous published Court of Appeals and Supreme Court opinions.
Ms. Wheeler has practiced civil defense litigation since 1987. Ms. Wheeler’s trial work has included commercial litigation, professional negligence, personal injury, construction law, product liability, environmental law, toxic torts, employment law, civil rights litigation, insurance coverage, regulatory compliance, bad faith litigation, and general tort law. She has also served as an arbitrator in numerous personal injury and contract arbitrations and has presented various educational seminars in many areas of the law, including how to litigate class action lawsuits in Colorado. Ms. Wheeler is also active in estate and business planning.
Ms. Wheeler has been a very active leader in state and national bar associations and is also a leader and philanthropic contributor to the community. She has been honored with induction into the American Board of Trial Advocates and holds the rank of Associate. Ms. Wheeler served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association for over a decade. Ms. Wheeler is a past president of the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association and is a former Colorado State representative for the National Defense Research Institute. In both 2004 and in 2018, Ms. Wheeler received the State Leadership Award from the Defense Research Institute. Ms. Wheeler was selected for and completed the honorary Colorado Bar Association Leadership Training (COBALT). In 2008, Ms. Wheeler was honored as the Denver Bar Association Volunteer Lawyer of the Year. Ms. Wheeler was recognized by her peers as a Colorado Super Lawyer for 2008, 2009 2010, 2011, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. She received an Exceptional Performance Citation award from the National Defense Bar Association, Defense Research Institute, for “having supported and improved the standards of education of the defense bar and for having contributed to the improvement of the administration of justice in the public interest.” She is the former Chair of the Colorado and Denver Bar Association’s Joint Judicial Task Force, is a fellow of the Colorado Bar Foundation, and is a current member of the Denver, Colorado, Arapahoe, and American Bar Associations.
Ms. Wheeler was admitted to the bar in 1987 and is licensed to practice in all of the Colorado and Wyoming courts, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals and U.S. Supreme Court. Ms. Wheeler obtained her Juris Doctor degree in 1987 from the University of Nebraska following receipt of her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1984 from Colorado State University.
Ms. Wheeler continues to maintain active involvement in many philanthropic organizations in Colorado. She co-chaired an event in Denver that raised over $250,000 for Girls Inc. of Metro Denver. She was formerly on the Board of Directors for Girls Inc., Metro Denver, and is a past president of Girls Inc., Alliance. She has been an active volunteer for The Gathering Place and many other local philanthropies. She served as a volunteer as the Parent Leader for Littleton High School Varsity Football from 2011 through 2014 and was active in the PTO for Littleton High School.
When not serving her clients, Karen can be found practicing yoga, golfing, entertaining friends and family at her home, traveling, or recreating outdoors with her husband, three sons, and their partners and dogs."
Kirk Whitehead
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Ryan A Williams
Ryan Williams represents clients in complex premises liability and high-exposure general liability cases, construction defect matters, trucking and transportation matters, professional liability on behalf of architects and engineers, and nursing home and elder law matters. In addition, Ryan handles real estate litigation; commercial disputes in federal and state courts; and employment litigation, representing employers in cases arising under state and federal fair employment practices statutes. He has prevailed in numerous jury and court trials, and has extensive appellate experience before the Colorado Court of Appeals and Colorado Supreme Court. This wide-ranging experience enables Ryan to effectively represent clients at all stages of litigation. He partners with national and regional insurers to achieve effective defense strategies and resolution of claims in these areas.
Ryan clerked for the Honorable JoAnn L. Vogt of the Colorado Court of Appeals, where he researched and wrote on a broad range of legal topics, including commercial and real estate disputes, insurance law, and corporate, shareholder and fiduciary responsibilities. He then moved to a prominent Denver business firm, where he specialized in construction and real estate litigation. The son of a contractor, Ryan understands the unique needs of construction professionals and the legal issues they and their insurers face.
Fred Yarger
Fred Yarger, the former Solicitor General of Colorado, represents clients in high-stakes appeals and complex litigation nationwide as a Partner at Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell. His appellate experience spans multiple states and federal appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, where he has argued as counsel of record multiple times. He also has an active trial practice.
Fred graduated with honors from the University of Chicago Law School, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. He earned a B.A. in Economics and Statistics with honors from Dartmouth College, graduating magna cum laude. He served as a law clerk to the Hon. Timothy M. Tymkovich of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit and to the Hon. Mark R. Filip of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Eric Ziporin
Mr. Ziporin joined the firm upon his graduation from law school in 1998. Admitted to practice in Colorado, he has successfully tried to conclusion numerous civil lawsuits, predominantly to juries. From the inception of his career, Mr. Ziporin has been engaged in the defense of public entities and, at present, his practice emphasizes the representation of counties, municipalities, special districts and other public entities, including university level educational institutions, as well as officials and employees associated with those entities. Other current areas of emphasis include First Amendment, discrimination, retaliation, and general business litigation. Mr. Ziporin’s trial practice has focused upon federal claims in the United States District Court. His practice includes experience in appeals at both the state and federal levels, including the United States Supreme Court. He has lectured on multiple topics including the defense of public employee claims, primarily with regard to claims against law enforcement officials. Mr. Ziporin has been named a Rising Star in the 2009, 2010, and 2011 publications of Colorado Super Lawyers.