Squire Patton Boggs announced Monday that Cole Wist, a two-term former member of the Colorado House of Representatives and assistant minority leader, re-joined the firm as of counsel in the environmental, safety and health practice, based in Denver.
Wist previously practiced at what was then Patton Boggs for 11 years and led the office’s litigation pratice before continuing his career at Ogletree Deakins and Holland & Hart.
Wist has counseled clients in regulatory and tort matters following disasters in a range of industries, including construction sites, surface and underground mines, cement plants, pipelines, smelters and chemical plants. Wist has litigated product liability and toxic tort cases to verdict.
His practice at Squire Patton Boggs combines his public policy and private practice experience, a perfect fit for the firm, he said.
“I’ve admired the firm’s ability to combine policy practice and traditional legal practice,” Wist said. “It provides a variety of ways to solve problems for clients, and if you really look at the core of what lawyers do, it’s solving problems.”
Wist handles regulatory enforcement matters for clients before federal agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration and the Chemical Safety Board. He frequently advises and trains employers regarding inspection strategies, liability prevention and crisis management. His experience also includes representation of clients on retaliation and whistleblower claims. In his practice at the firm, he will continue to work with companies in “crisis management” in those areas.
“Cole’s deep relationships and sophistication in addressing complex policy, health and safety, and litigation matters — on both a state and national level — will greatly enhance our offerings to clients,” said Karen Winters, leader of the environmental, safety and health practice.
In addition to his legislative service, Wist has served as a member of the board of trustees of Colorado Mesa University, the Governor’s Task Force on Civil Justice Reform and the Dean’s Advisory Board for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences for the University of Denver. Wist has also represented Colorado as a commissioner on the Uniform Law Commission.
“Squire Patton Boggs will always be home to me,” Wist said. “From its unparalleled global network to diverse practice groups with vast resources, as well as collegial culture, Squire Patton Boggs checked all the boxes when I decided to transition back to the private sector.”
LATERAL WATCH
Ireland Stapleton has added Ryan Wilcox to the firm’s real estate practice group.
Wilcox works with developers and investors on acquisition, construction, leasing of commercial property and entity formation.
“We’re excited to have Ryan on board,” said Ireland Stapleton managing director Erica Tarpey. “He’s seen a wide variety of deals and disputes, and he adds depth to our real estate team.”
Prior to joining Ireland Stapleton, Wilcox worked in a boutique real estate firm. He will continue his pro bono work for organizations such as Historic Denver.
Wilcox received a law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and an undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado.
Cordell & Cordell announced Thursday that the firm recently hired attorney Nathan McKibben in its Greenwood Village office.
McKibben received a law degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma.
JUDICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
The 18th Judicial District Nominating Commission has nominated three candidates for a district court judgeship created by the retirement of Judge Charles Pratt, effective Sept. 16.
Nominees Alfredo Hernandez of Parker and Valeria Spencer and Eric White, both of Centennial, were selected by the commission on Aug. 16 at the Arapahoe County Justice Center.
The governor has 15 days from Aug. 19 to appoint one of the nominees as 18th District judge.
Comments regarding any of the nominees should be sent via e-mail to the governor at [email protected]
The 4th Judicial District Nominating Commission will meet at the El Paso County Courthouse on Oct. 2 to interview and select nominees for appointment to a 4th District judgeship. The new district court judgeship was created pursuant to Senate Bill 19-043 and is effective Jan. 1.
Application forms and information about requirements are available from the office of the ex officio chair of the nominating commission, Justice William Hood, 2 E. 14th Ave. in Denver, and the office of the court executive, Scott Sosebee, 270 S. Tejon Street in Colorado Springs. Applications are also available on the court’s home page at www.courts.state.co.us/Careers/Judge.cfm
Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. Sept. 16. Any person wishing to suggest a candidate to fill the vacancy may do so by 4 p.m. Sept. 9.
The 12th Judicial District Nominating Commission will meet at the Alamosa Combined Court on Oct. 4, to interview and select nominees for appointment by the governor to the office of district judge for the 12th Judicial District. The vacancy will be created by the retirement of Chief Judge Pattie Swift. The vacancy will occur on Jan. 15.
Application forms and information about requirements are available from the office of the ex officio chair of the nominating commission, Justice Monica Márquez, 2 E. 14th Ave. in Denver, and the office of the court executive, Christina Gallegos, 702 Fourth Street in Alamosa. Applications are also available on the court’s home page at www.courts.state.co.us/Careers/Judge.cfm
Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. Sept. 20. Any person wishing to suggest a candidate to fill the vacancy may do so by 4 p.m. Sept. 13.