Law Week Colorado asked readers to weigh in on the best attorneys in the state’s most popular practice areas. This year, we got 256 responses to our annual Barrister’s Best community survey.
We profile People’s choice and Barrister’s choice selections in nearly 50 categories of legal practice in the state. Our boots-on-the-ground look at the local market features all your top picks in dozens of categories from the best Supreme Court justice to the best family law attorney.
Best Supreme Court judge
People’s: Cheif Justice Monica Márquez
Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica Márquez succeeded Justice Brian Boatright as chief justice earlier this year. She is the first Latina in Colorado’s history to hold the title, the second chief justice from the Western Slope and the third female chief justice in Colorado history. Of the 13 LGBTQ+ state supreme court justices currently serving in the U.S., Márquez is the longest-tenured. Before her appointment, Márquez had an extensive career in public service and law.
Best state Court of Appeals judge
People’s: Judge Lino Lipinsky de Orlov
Colorado Court of Appeals Judge Lino Lipinsky de Orlov chairs the standing committee on the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct and serves on the Colorado appellate courts’ technology committee, the executive committee of Our Courts Colorado, the Colorado Access to Justice Commission and the commission’s delivery and technology coordinating committees. Lipinsky was a “people’s choice” honoree for this category in our Barrister’s Best special edition in 2022.
Best state trial court judge
People’s: Judge Robert Lung
District Court Judge Robert Lung previously served with the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office’s family support division. Lung then served as assistant city and county attorney for the City and County of Broomfield before being hired by the district as a district court magistrate in 2003. He served as a magistrate until 2016 when former Gov. John Hickenlooper appointed him to the district court. His legal career since he earned his law degree in 1997 has been focused solely on public service.
Best arbitrator
Barrister’s: Richard Rotole
Dick Rotole has practiced law in Colorado for 35 years with a Tier One Best Law Firm according to U.S. News and World Report. Acting as a neutral party in all cases, Rotole often has one goal in his sights — settling. He has mediated over 1500 domestic relations cases with a 90% settlement rate. He was one of our “people’s choice” honorees in Family Law Arbitration for 2019 and he’s been listed by Best Lawyers since 2013.
People’s: David Tenner, Ridley, McGreevy, Winocur
David Tenner is no stranger to Barrister’s Best — this will be his 10th appearance on this list of reader-voted state greats. A legend in the state’s legal community, Tenner has been appointed on more than 50 occasions as a special master in complicated matters pending in both state and federal courts. He is a past co-chair of both the American Bar Association’s Arbitration Training Institute and the dispute resolution section’s arbitration committee.
Best mediator
Barrister’s: Ann Frick, JAG
This isn’t Ann Frick’s first time in Barrister’s Best, but readers may have seen her listed previously for her work as a state district court judge. She joined JAG after a 38-year career as a commercial mediator and Denver district court judge. Frick previously served for several years on the Colorado Supreme Court Nominating Commission, Colorado civil rules committee and the executive committee of the Doyle Inn of Court.
People’s: Ben Stetler
Ben Stetler focuses his alternative dispute resolution practice on domestic and civil matters and serves as a mediation coach for the Colorado Bar Association. Law Week readers also voted Stetler as “people’s choice” in this category last year. He’s been listed as a Colorado Super Lawyers Rising Star for ADR and two of the CBA seminars he’s been involved with have sold out.
Best overall litigator
Barrister’s: Carolyn Fairless, Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell
A trusted defense attorney, Carolyn Fairless is a trial attorney on a mission. Over the course of a long and impressive legal career, Fairless is often the recipient of jaw-dropping courtroom wins and industry recognition alike. She’s been named a Law Week Top Litigator, Top Women Lawyers and Lawyer of the Year, and she’s been listed in Barrister’s Best four times. Readers are familiar with her many trial successes and her uncanny ability to explain complex and confusing legal information to juries and the public.
People’s: Chris Bryan, Hall & Evans
Chris Bryan’s litigation experience spans three states and largely focuses on the hospitality and retail industries. And he’s certainly not a one-trick attorney — he’s conducted 75 mediations covering a wide range of cases and completed more than 100 hours of mediation training, including advanced training in domestic violence, divorce mediation and cross-cultural issues. Bryan’s comprehensive legal experience makes him a well-rounded and formidable litigator.
Best commercial litigator
Barrister’s: Mike O’Donnell, Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell
Mike O’Donnell has taken more than 85 trials to verdict and appeared as lead defense counsel in 45 states. He focuses on complex commercial matters, liability claims and mass actions and he was past president of the American College of Trial Lawyers. O’Donnell is by now quite familiar with peer recognition. He was ranked number-one lawyer in the state by Colorado Super Lawyers for nine years in a row, and he was one of Law Week’s Lawyers of the Decade and Lawyers of the Year. He’s been listed in Barrister’s Best before too.
People’s: Tracy Ashmore, Robinson Waters & O’Dorisio
With more than 20 years of experience handling complex cases in state, federal and appellate courts, Tracy Ashmore was a clear reader favorite for this category. In addition to her extensive trial experience, Ashmore has appeared on behalf of clients before the Federal Trade Commission and the Colorado State Attorney General’s Office. In one of her most impressive wins in 2019, SEC v. Arcturus Corporation, she won the reversal of a more than $14 million judgment in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Best civil litigator
Barrister’s: Chris Griffiths, Griffiths Law PC
Law Week readers have voted Chris Griffiths best civil litigator twice before in Barrister’s Best. A seasoned trial attorney, Griffiths usually works with business owners, executives, professional athletes and musicians on cases involving complex issues like executive compensation and trust interests. He’s also a skilled appellate attorney and has been listed by Best Lawyers as a “One to Watch” for the past four years.
People’s: Mike Plachy, Lewis Roca
Mike Plachy was one of Law Week’s Lawyers of the Year in 2008, but he’s been up to a lot since then. A formidable litigator, Plachy focuses on representing companies and clients in civil lawsuits involving significant financial or reputational exposure. The cases he tries are often complex and include commercial matters, real estate dispute cases, construction, product liability and class action cases.
Best public sector lawyer
People’s: Nancy Rodgers, city of Broomfield
Acting as the city attorney for the city and county of Broomfield, Nancy Rodgers has extensive experience representing local governments and with litigation. Before being appointed in December 2020 as Broomfield’s attorney, Rodgers was deputy city attorney for the city of Aurora, where she managed the office’s public safety and litigation team.
Best government lawyer
People’s: Noah Patterson, Colorado AG Office
Noah Patterson is a first assistant attorney general for the state of Colorado. In his role, he focuses on tax litigation and general counsel work. Patterson has also been a volunteer attorney in Metro Volunteer Lawyers’ post-decree clinic since 2014 and he’s a member of MVL’s board.
Best lobbying firm
People’s: Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
Founded in 1968, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck has offices throughout the country, including in Colorado, California and Washington, D.C. The firm’s practice areas run the gamut from corporate and business law, to gaming, government relations and real estate. Brownstein is a top lobbying firm in revenue.
Best family law lawyer
Barrister’s: Kelley Rider Goodwin
Starting out at Colorado Legal Services in December 2009, Kelley Rider Goodwin launched a lifelong passion for helping others. By 2010, she’d started focusing on family law across six counties in the Denver area. She established her own family law firm four years later, handling all facets of the practice including custody, divorce, domestic violence, mediation, modification of court orders and grandparent’s rights.
People’s: Ryan Kalamaya, Kalamaya Goscha
Ryan Kalamaya is a trial attorney focusing on family law. After starting his own firm, Kalamaya dedicated himself to supporting people at the most painful, stressful and emotional points in life. His practice is centered on telling the stories of individuals and supporting them throughout the course of their legal matters.
Best private equity lawyer
Barrister’s: Stan Doida
Stan Doida leverages his impressive expertise in both business and the law to support clients in securities, financing, mergers and acquisitions, entrepreneurship and start-ups, venture capital and contracts. A talented private equity lawyer and legal advisor to businesses, Doida also often acts as outside general counsel to businesses on day-to-day operational needs.
People’s: Keith Trammell, WilmerHale
Keith Trammell counsels public companies, private equity funds and corporate governance clients. He was one of Law Week’s Lawyers of the Year in 2018 and 2021. He was named by Law Week readers in this category of Barrister’s Best from 2016 to 2020, and this year marks his triumphant return to Barrister’s for the fifth time.
Best real estate lawyer
Barrister’s: Jared Hassan, Hassan & Cables
Specializing in real estate matters, Jared Hassan helps clients buy and sell properties and with commercial and residential leases, title and due diligence review and loans. Hassan also often represents clients in disputes and civil litigation related to real estate matters.
People’s: Rita Connerly, Fairfield & Woods
Readers selected Rita Connerly for this category in our 2022 edition of Barrister’s Best. She’s also been nominated by Law Week readers for our Top Women special editions in 2012 and 2019. Connerly’s background in real estate law is extensive and she leverages her background as an in-house attorney and government lawyer to provide legal support for commercial, residential and mixed-use real-estate development.
Best banking lawyer
People’s: Bob Vinton, Fairfield & Woods
Bob Vinton has counseled banks and financial institutions in operational and regulatory matters for more than 50 years. But his seemingly bottomless bank of experience doesn’t end there, he previously served as regional counsel for the U.S. Office of Comptroller of the Currency. In that role, he handled legal and regulatory enforcement for all national banks in a five-state region.
Best bankruptcy lawyer
Barrister’s: Tim Mohan, Foley & Lardner
A restructuring and bankruptcy litigator, Tim Mohan represents debtors, creditors, purchasers and investors with restructuring matters. He often works on Chapter 11 cases, state receiverships, out-of-court workouts, acquisitions and liquidations. The cases he handles can be complex and mostly come from the energy, oil and gas, manufacturing and retail industries.
People’s: Rob Cohen Jr., Cohen & Cohen
A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Panel Trustee, Rob Cohen Jr. focuses on creditor and debtor representation in consumer and corporate bankruptcy. He’s been named Barrister’s choice in his category twice before, in 2017 and 2022. As of 2022, Cohen has handled 10,000 Chapter 7 bankruptcy estates and has been involved in hundreds of lawsuits.
Best tax lawyer
People’s: Brian Huebsch, Ireland Stapleton
Brian Huebsch joined Ireland Stapleton earlier this year, bringing with him a 20-year practice commonly referred to as “tax controversy.” While the issues he commonly deals with are complex and involve a number of local or federal taxing authorities, Huebsch often tries to make the options and issues at hand clearer and more approachable to his clients. He’s often a panelist for continuing education courses to CPAs and fellow attorneys and he was an adjunct professor at the University of Denver’s graduate tax program.
Best securities lawyer
Barrister’s: Gil Selinger, Fairfield & Woods
Gil Selinger is the chair of the corporate department at his firm, and he focuses primarily on securities law. A former financial analyst with Goldman Sachs, Selinger regularly counsels securities intermediaries on compliance with federal and state securities laws.
People’s: Luke Ritchie, Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell
Luke Ritchie is a mainstay in Law Week’s Barrister’s Best. Readers have named him in this category for the past four years straight. A well-known securities and business litigator, Ritchie specializes in high-stakes litigation and regularly advises clients facing complex business disputes. Earlier this year, he joined Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell to launch the firm’s new securities practice.
Best antitrust lawyer
Barrister’s: Todd Seelman, Lewis Brisbois
With more than 30 years of experience, Todd Seelman is Lewis Brisbois’s national chair of its antitrust and competition practice and a member of the firm’s compensation committee. Law Week readers named Seelman best antitrust lawyer in Barrister’s Best from 2016 to 2018. His extensive experience handling complex commercial litigation and securities matters for the banking, insurance, energy and financial services industries speaks for itself.
People’s: Diane Hazel, Foley & Lardner
Diane Hazel was named best antitrust lawyer by Law Week readers in last year’s Barrister’s Best. A former Federal Trade Commission lawyer and state enforcer, Hazel represents clients in government investigations and antitrust litigation. It’s clear why our readers have selected her this year again. She’s handled some of the largest multidistrict antitrust cases in the country and her deep well of experience in antitrust includes assisting the technology, healthcare and energy industries.
Best mergers and acquisitions lawyer
Barrister’s: Steve Segal, Buchalter
Steve Segal focuses his practice on M&A and complex commercial transactions. Segal counsels start-ups and mature companies, serving as both general counsel and a strategic business adviser who is well-versed on all phases of a company’s life cycle. His hands-on approach is utilized by clients in a diverse array of industries, including data security, technology, healthcare, food and beverage, business-to-business services, media and entertainment, manufacturing and financial services.
People’s: Rochelle Rabeler, Holland & Hart
Law Week readers have voted Rochelle Rabeler the best local attorney in five different categories over the past decade. Her corporate law, M&A and transactional experience is extensive, spanning the past decade or longer. Rabeler’s approach allows clients to parse through solutions tailored to their unique needs. Her numerous professional successes are often dotted with abundant industry recognition and her commitment to community involvement.
Best health care lawyer
Barrister’s: Emily Weber, Foley & Lardner
Emily Weber spent more than a decade serving as in-house counsel at prestigious medical centers, bolstering her health care law practice with a deep understanding of health care systems. In her current legal practice, she focuses on the complex web of health care regulations and governance and fraud and abuse matters.
People’s: Jordan Henry Ross, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Jordan Ross works primarily on the university’s innovations team, which seeks to protect the university’s intellectual property. Her current practice with the University of Colorado is bolstered by her previous position as a litigator with the Denver office of Messner Reeves. Ross is also a member of the Doyle Inn of Court and the Colorado Bar Association.
Best environmental lawyer
People’s: Colin Harris, Faegre Drinker
Last year, Law Week readers named Colin Harris the best environmental lawyer. His deep well of experience in this practice area lands him on the list again this year. Harris has been recognized by peers for his understanding of the complex regulatory laws around air quality, water, natural resources, pipelines, public lands, climate change and more. He has three decades of experience handling environmental and pipeline safety compliance and litigation related to the wider energy sector.
Best oil and gas lawyer
People’s: Katie Moisan, Fairfield & Woods
Katie Moisan leverages her experience as an in-house attorney for an air medical transportation company, which allowed her to deepen her understanding of real estate law and leasing, permitting, engineering and construction contracts. She uses this to her advantage in her oil and gas practice, providing clients with support on title and land use issues.
Best water law lawyer
People’s: Paul Noto, Waterlaw (Patrick, Miller and Noto)
Paul Noto has two decades of experience in water law and while at the University of Colorado Law School, he was the recipient of a specialized award in this area. Since then, his accomplishments and relevant experience have continued to stack up. With an eye on the increasingly fluid practice area, Noto tracks developments at the legislative level. His command of water rights and water law in Colorado is extensive.
Best renewable energy lawyer
People’s: Rochelle Rabeler, Holland & Hart
In Rabeler’s second time on our list this year, readers acknowledge her impressive renewable energy practice. She has extensive experience in this area, counseling wind, solar, storage and other energy companies throughout the U.S. Law Week readers have voted Rabeler the best local attorney in five different categories over the past decade.
Best DUI lawyer
Barrister’s: Nick James, Kalamaya Goscha
Nick James is an experienced senior trial attorney. His passion for helping others began in law school where he earned high honors for his pro bono service. He helped earn the release of a teenager who was wrongfully convicted of 11 counts of attempted murder and sentenced to over 200 years in prison. He brings the same passion and dedication to his DUI practice and other criminal defense work.
People’s: Josh Landy, Ridley, McGreevy & Winocur, P.C.
Josh Landy is no stranger to industry recognition. He completed more than 90 jury trials in seven years as a Colorado State Public Defender and was nominated by his peers for Attorney of the Year in 2014. He has extensive experience in a wide range of criminal defense matters, including DUI, drug possession and distribution, fraud, forgery and property and aggravated motor vehicle theft.
Best marijuana law lawyer
Barrister’s: Jeff Gard, Gard Law Firm, LLC
After litigating hundreds of cases, peers may regard Jeff Gard as an authority on cannabis and hemp law. He’s one of only a handful of Colorado attorneys to become a life member of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar. Gard is experienced in trials before both state and federal courts.
People’s: Dan Garfield, Fairfield & Woods
Dan Garfield has more than 25 years of experience in cannabis law. A leading cannabis industry attorney, Garfield represents hemp farmers, CBD manufacturers and related businesses. In 2022, Law Week readers also selected Garfield as the best marijuana law lawyer in Barrister’s Best.
Best criminal defense lawyer
Barrister’s: Kevin McGreevy, Ridley, McGreevy & Winocur, P.C.
Serving as lead counsel in more than 50 jury trials, Kevin McGreevy has extensive experience in all phases of criminal defense. In addition to having roots at the Colorado State Public Defender’s office, McGreevy now advises on issues of criminal liability and conducts internal investigations.
People’s: David Beller, Recht Kornfeld
David Beller’s specialty is criminal defense. He often works with clients who are involved with state or federal criminal investigations. He’s previously served as a public defender and is a former president of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar. He was named one of our Up & Coming Lawyers in 2007, and since then has garnered other industry recognition while stacking up courtroom wins.
Best criminal defense: white collar lawyer
Barrister’s: Rick Kornfeld, Recht Kornfeld
Before starting his private practice, Rick Kornfeld was a former prosecutor. He was previously the state’s special assistant attorney general and now specializes in white collar criminal defense. Kornfeld leverages extensive experience as a litigator and investigator to help his clients in cases with federal and international implications, with a portion of his practice dedicated to international work.
People’s: Patrick Ridley, Ridley, McGreevy & Winocur, P.C.
Patrick Ridley focuses his practice on white collar crimes, criminal defense, internal investigations and civil litigation. A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Ridley has tried more than 100 jury trials in complex and challenging cases. This year marks the sixth time Law Week readers have voted Ridley a Barrister’s Best attorney in this category. He was also named in the best criminal defense lawyer category in 2018.
Best immigration lawyer
Barrister’s: Christine Hernandez, Hernandez & Associates
Christine Hernandez has been chair of the Hispanic National Bar Association’s immigration section for nearly a decade. Admitted to the Colorado Bar in 2005, Hernandez’s work over the past two decades has been recognized by several prestigious organizations. She was one of Law Week’s Lawyers of the Year in 2019, and Hernandez was recognized as Law Week’s Barrister’s Best immigration attorney in 2020.
People’s: Hans Meyer, Meyer Law Office
Hans Meyer focuses his law practice on immigration law and criminal justice. Meyer, a former trial attorney with the Colorado State Public Defender’s Office, previously served as the director of public policy for the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition. He’s been recognized by several local and national organizations for his work in immigration law, and he was recognized as Law Week’s Barrister’s Best immigration attorney in 2022.
Best trust/estates lawyer
People’s: Joe Morris, Bond & Morris, P.C.
Joe Morris has been practicing law for over four decades. The firm’s current managing shareholder, his practice areas include estate planning, trust administration, business planning and related income tax, gift tax and estate tax matters.
Best nonprofit lawyer
Barrister’s: Richard Hess, CP2
Richard Hess, recently elected to the Colorado Bar Association’s trust and estate section’s executive council, dedicates part of his practice to family philanthropy, as well as managing intergenerational philanthropy. Hess is a frequent lecturer on topics related to estate planning, and he is an active member of community organizations across the Denver metropolitan area.
People’s: Kristin Bronson, Colorado Lawyers Committee
Kristin Bronson joined the Colorado Lawyers Committee after six years as Denver’s city attorney, and has built up over 25 years of experience in her legal practice. She led the formation of the Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund, a comprehensive citywide youth violence prevention plan and two nonpartisan panels on voting rights and election integrity. She was one of Law Week’s Top Women in 2021 and Law Week’s Barrister’s choice for public sector lawyer in 2019.
Best corporate law lawyer
Barrister’s: John Kellogg, Frost Brown Todd
John Kellogg moved to Frost Brown Todd in April, becoming the firm’s first partner-in-charge at its new Denver office. Kellogg works with corporations, private equity funds and investors on complex corporate matters. A significant focus of his practice is on off-market or distressed acquisitions, and he assists clients in acquiring distressed assets, often through Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code. His experience as a former CPA helps him bring real-world financial experience and an ability to understand the financial impacts of deal structures.
People’s: Jenna Seigel, Cruz-Abrams Seigel LLC (CAS Law Firm)
Jenna Seigel’s practice is focused on corporate transactions and general business law. Seigel represents start-ups and international corporations along with everything in between. In her practice, she acts as a general counsel, advising clients on day-to-day topics and milestone events. She is also the chair of the board of directors of Illuminate Colorado, a nonprofit that works to strengthen families, organizations and communities to prevent child maltreatment.
Best in-house counsel lawyer or legal team
People’s: Sierra Space
Sierra Space is a commercial space company focused on multiple areas of space exploration and development. The company’s offerings include a runway-capable spaceplane, military space systems and space technology.
Best appellate law lawyer
Barrister’s: Scott Challinor, Conover Law
Scott Challinor is the Colorado Bar Association’s chair for its elder law section and chair of a subsection focused on appellate cases and issues related to estates, trusts and protective proceedings. His practice focuses on probate, trust and protective proceeding litigation, fiduciary representation and appeals. Challinor is also a frequent presenter on issues related to elder law, estates and trusts.
People’s: Anne Whalen Gill
Anne Whalen Gill’s practice focuses on civil appeals and family law appeals. Her experience spans 40 years, and during that time she has litigated a wide range of appeals. She’s built up exceptional analytical and writing skills during her career, and partnered with Judge Leonard Plank to write the first edition of Colorado Appellate Law and Practice. She’s previously been recognized as both Barrister’s choice and People’s choice by Law Week readers for appellate law.
Best intellectual property lawyer (non-litigator)
Barrister’s: Karam Saab, Kilpatrick Townsend
Karam helps his clients build patent portfolios to protect their newest and most important products. He manages patent portfolios for several Fortune 500 companies, and he also helps smaller companies grow their patent presence. Currently, Saab is focused on a range of cutting-edge technology products, including artificial intelligence. He also works pro bono, and has helped low-income families complete adoptions and helped long-time residents file for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
People’s: Brian Kinnear, Husch Blackwell
Brian Kinnear has broad intellectual property experience, from HVAC systems to a wide array of novel technologies. His concentration at Husch Blackwell is in the automotive and manufacturing industries. Kinnear is widely recognized for his IP and patent work, and he has previously been listed by Law Week as a top patent lawyer in 2009.
Best intellectual property litigator
Barrister’s: William Groh, Ball & Barry Law
William Groh has represented individuals and small to mid-sized businesses for his entire career. His practice areas include trademark infringement, copyright infringement and trade secret infringement. Groh is both adept at resolving cases before trial and at pursuing litigation in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
People’s: Justin Krieger, Kilpatrick Townsend
Justin Krieger is a first chair inter partes review and post-grant review litigator, and he supervises a post-grant patent practice team at Kilpatrick Townsend. He’s racked up a 90% win rate in challenging third-party patents and defending against patent challenges before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and he’s been widely recognized for his IP work.
Best employment lawyer for plaintiffs
Barrister’s: Diane King, King Employment Law
Diane King’s work includes all aspects of employment law, and she has worked on hundreds of employment cases in a career spanning over three decades, with great success. King is involved in a number of organizations, including serving as president and treasurer of the National Employment Lawyers Institute on Law and Policy, vice president of the National Employment Lawyers Association and founder of the Colorado AIDS Project Legal Referral Service.
People’s: Laura Wolf, Spark Justice Law
Laura Wolf’s practice focuses on individuals suffering from abuses of their civil rights, employees facing discrimination in the workplace, housing discrimination and sexual assault survivors. She serves on the board of the Lawyer Civil Rights Coalition and the Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center, and through her role as a member of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association public policy committee, she took part in drafting the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.
Best employment lawyer for defendants
Barrister’s: Kristin White, Fisher Phillips
Kristin White’s practice includes counseling and defending clients in regulatory workplace safety matters and advising employers on their obligations to injured workers. She’s a strong advocate for her clients before government agencies and administrative boards, but she also works to keep problems from happening in the first place through education and prevention.
People’s: Jon Watson, Spencer Fane
Jon Watson’s practice focuses on a wide range of federal and state labor and employment statutes. He counsels employers to ensure compliance, defends employers in litigation and advises on collective bargaining and traditional labor matters. Watson assists businesses of all sizes, both in Colorado and nationally. He is involved in multiple community organizations and has been recognized by two national organizations for his work.
Best disability law lawyer
Barrister’s: Katie Roberts, The Wilhite Law Firm
In Katie Roberts’s more than two decades of experience, she has helped thousands of injured workers receive workers’ compensation benefits and disabled people get Social Security disability benefits. She’s a member of multiple legal organizations, and has argued cases for clients in both the federal district court and the Colorado Court of Appeals.
People’s: Jack Robinson, Spies, Powers & Robinson, P.C.
Jack Robinson’s practice focuses on special education and disability law, and he is a strong advocate for the rights of children with disabilities. His experience includes trying cases before the Colorado Court of Appeals, Colorado Supreme Court, 10th Circuit Court of Appeals and U.S. Supreme Court.
Best personal injury law lawyer
Barrister’s: Phil Harding, Harding & Associates
Phil Harding didn’t just play an attorney on KWGN’s “Ask the Attorney” segment, he’s also an experienced trial lawyer who’s been recognized by multiple national organizations in his more than three-decade-long legal career. His practice spans from Colorado to the U.S. Supreme Court, and in addition to his legal work, Harding is the CEO for a company that creates mechanical parking devices.
People’s: Ross Ziev, Legal Help in Colorado
Ross Ziev has won his clients millions in settlements and verdicts. Licensed across three states, he’s represented clients from many backgrounds, from homeless individuals to doctors and lawyers. Ziev makes our Barrister’s Best list for the fourth time in a row, as readers have voted him a top attorney in this category since 2021. Ziev also volunteers with Reading Partners Colorado, a nonprofit that provides tutors to students in the Denver metro area.
Best medical malpractice lawyer for plaintiffs
Barrister’s: Jennifer Marshall, Thomas, Keel & Laird
Jennifer Marshall handles catastrophic injuries across the country, with a practice focus on complex medical malpractice. She’s an industry thought leader in electronic medical records evidence and audit trail use in medical negligence litigation, and she teaches lawyers nationwide on the topic. A former paramedic and health care worker, Marshall brings a unique and varied medical background to her legal work.
People’s: Lorraine Parker, Parker Lipman
Lorraine Parker is both an experienced trial attorney and counselor, and she’s been a trusted trial advocate for more than three decades. Parker is a fellow at the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Attorneys, and she was inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates. Her work was recognized with the Colorado Women’s Bar Association’s Mary Lathrop Award in 2013. Parker has been listed in Barrister’s Best as Law Week’s People’s choice three times previously, and as Barrister’s choice in 2019.
Best medical malpractice lawyer for defendants
Barrister’s: Kevin Kuhn, Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell
Since Kevin Kuhn graduated law school in 1977, he’s seen more than 135 trials to verdict. He has extensive experience defending high-stakes medical malpractice cases involving a wide range of health care professionals. Kuhn is a fellow of both the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and he is a frequent presenter on medical malpractice topics. Kuhn was voted a top attorney in this area by Law Week readers in Barrister’s Best last year, and this year marks his fifth time being listed in this category by peers.
People’s: Troy Rackham, Spencer Fane
Troy Rackham defends a broad swath of health care facilities and providers on regulatory, employment and ethics matters. Rackham handles complex litigation involving health care providers, and he teaches courses for medical professionals on the risks and benefits of social media, technology and electronic medical records. Rackham has extensive experience on the appellate side, and he also volunteers his time pro bono to clients in need. Rackham was previously recognized by Law Week readers in this category in 2022.
Best construction defects lawyer for plaintiffs
Barrister’s: Mari Perczak, Burg Simpson
Mari Perczak has over 30 years of experience as a trial lawyer and has won many multi-million dollar verdicts for clients. She gives presentations to attorneys and property managers on issues relating to construction defect litigation, trials and evidence preservation. This year marks Perczak’s second year in a row in Barrister’s Best.
People’s: Duncan Griffiths, Griffiths Law
Duncan Griffiths has represented a wide variety of clients in his practice, from homeowners to business owners, owners’ associations, special districts, commercial building owners and more. Griffiths is a formidable litigator and known for his creative solutions. He’s recovered more than $50 million for clients over 60 large cases. Griffiths has previously been recognized by Law Week readers as a best overall litigator in Barrister’s Best, along with three other listings.
Best construction defects lawyer for defendants
Barrister’s: Lisa Dunn, Higgins, Hopkins, McLain & Roswell
For over two decades, Lisa Dunn has represented developers, contractors and subcontractors in construction-related disputes. Dunn has spoken across the country on construction and insurance matters, and she’s worked on several appellate cases during her career. She’s admitted in four states, and has consulted and represented some of the nation’s largest builders.
People’s: Jonathan Pray, Brownstein
Jonathan Pray has a powerful combination of expertise in both the real estate and construction industries. He’s one of Brownstein’s lead litigators, and he’s helped resolve disputes on some of Denver’s largest development and construction projects. Pray’s work on construction and real estate trends has been published several times, and he’s previously been recognized by readers in Law Week’s Barrister’s Best in 2020 and 2023.
Best class action/mass tort lawyer for defendants
Barrister’s: Jessica Fuller, Husch Blackwell
Jessica Fuller has overseen massive class action lawsuits and settlements with tens of thousands of complaints. She represents clients from religious, commercial and governmental backgrounds and handles bet-the-company litigation, mass exposure cases, class action defense and settlement work and other complex commercial litigation matters.
People’s: Abby Harder, Lewis Roca
Abby Harder is the co-lead of Lewis Roca’s class actions group, and she has experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in all phases of litigation. Harder helps her clients achieve their business objectives by providing creative and cost-effective strategies, and she has broad experience in discovery in litigation involving significant e-discovery and data management issues.
Best insurance lawyer for plaintiffs
Barrister’s: Nelson Waneka, Western Slope Law
Nelson Waneka has secured dozens of multi-million dollar verdicts for his clients, including several approaching or exceeding $20 million. Waneka has handled hundreds of insurance and injury cases, and has handled around 100 appeals in both Colorado state courts and federal courts. Waneka founded the Colorado chapter of the Cure Starts Now, a private funder for researching pediatric brain cancer.
People’s: Brad Levin, Levin Sitcoff
In Brad Levin’s more than four decades of legal experience, he’s won many multi-million dollar verdicts for his clients. His practice has a particular focus on insurance bad faith and insurance coverage disputes, and he has lectured frequently on both topics. Levin has been recognized for his work by several state and national organizations, and he was listed in Law Week’s Barrister’s Best in 2018 and 2022.
Best insurance lawyer for defendants
People’s: Brian Spano, Lewis Roca
Brian Spano primarily focuses his practice on representing corporate clients in a wide variety of commercial and insurance-related disputes. He has served as receiver and counsel to the Colorado Commissioner of Insurance, and he counsels and represents insurance carriers in regulatory actions. He was previously recognized by Law Week readers in Barrister’s Best in 2022.
Best legal support professional (paralegal, legal assistant etc.)
People’s: Lisa LaFramboise, Griffiths Law
Lisa LaFramboise has been part of Griffiths Law for more than two decades and helped Suzanne Griffiths found the firm. She’s a regular in the Colorado family court system, and in the past few years has been working with the firm in civil courts as well. LaFramboise also participates in cancer walks around the country and creates and sends motivational cards to chemotherapy patients through Chemo Angels.
Best Colorado court reporter/videographer service
People’s: Pike Reporting
Pike Reporting operates as a full-service court reporting firm, providing both court reporters and legal videographers for depositions. The company was founded in Kentucky in 1976 and expanded to Denver in 2016.
Best legal marketing/design firm
People’s: Jon Pushkin, Pushkin PR
Pushkin PR is a public relations firm that helps companies with brand strategy, crisis communications, public relations and digital strategy. Pushkin PR uses earned media and community relations to help distinguish law firms as thought leaders in their practice areas.
Best quick courier for important documents
People’s: Swift Courier Services
Swift Courier Services is a full-service courier company largely operating in the Front Range. Its specialty is same-day deliveries, and operates vehicles ranging from bicycles to 24-foot box trucks.
Best resort for partner/firm retreat
People’s: The Broadmoor
Nestled in the foothills of Colorado Springs, the Broadmoor is a five-star resort that’s hosted a wide range of dignitaries since its opening in 1891.
Best hotel to put up a client
People’s: The Brown Palace
The Brown Palace is a hotel and spa in downtown Denver, founded in 1892. The Brown Palace boasts 243 unique guest rooms and suites and has nearly 20,000 square feet of meeting space.
Best pre-court breakfast
People’s: Dozens
Dozen’s restaurant is celebrating its 40th year — no doubt thanks to a loyal clientele that includes many lawyers looking for a delicious and filling breakfast before a long day in court.
Best happy hour
People’s: Guard and Grace
Guard and Grace, named after chef Troy Guard’s daughter, is a modern steakhouse in downtown Denver. Its menu offers a variety of steak and seafood, with an extensive wine list and creative cocktail menu.
Best spa
People’s: Woodhouse Spas
Based out of a Victorian home built in 1886, Woodhouse Spa Denver offers a wide variety of spa treatment options and amenities.
Best gym/athletic club
People’s: Vasa
Vasa operates several gyms throughout Colorado with a variety of classes and amenities.
Best golf course
People’s: City Park Golf Course
Located just east of downtown Denver, City Park Golf Course is a full 18-hole public golf course run by Denver Parks & Recreation.
Best weekend getaway
People’s: Breckenridge
Known for its towering peaks and excellent skiing, Breckenridge offers an experience for everyone. The town offers a wide variety of restaurants and a range of activities that make it an all-seasons destination.