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Law Firm Updates
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP announced Dec. 19 Roger Tsai joined the firm’s labor and employment practice group as a partner in the Denver office. Tsai assists universities and companies in the healthcare, technology and energy sectors in filing immigration petitions and counsels companies through investigations from the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Tsai also serves on the ABA – Commission on Immigration and the Board of Governors for the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell LLP announced Dec. 19 Eric Holway joined the firm as of counsel. Holway defends healthcare providers in medical malpractice cases and other high-stakes litigation. He also has represented hospitals, individual providers and insurers in premises liability, breach of contract and professional negligence cases.
Snell & Wilmer announced six attorneys have been elected to join the firm’s partnership, effective March 1, 2024, including Denver-based attorney Laurie Choi. Additionally, six attorneys were promoted to the counsel role, effective Jan.1, 2024, including Denver-based Gary Graca. Choi has a background in construction management, general contracting and civil and environmental engineering, and provides contract drafting and negotiation assistance, resolution of disputes arising from construction projects, legal advice for providing construction services, filing and bonding around mechanic’s liens and other construction concerns. Graca focuses his practice in commercial finance, real estate and corporate and securities. He has represented investment groups in acquisition matters and has served as counsel to several manufacturing and service industry entities involved in bank refinancing, workouts and orderly liquidations. He also has experience representing clients on problem loan transactions.
The Judiciary
Gov. Jared Polis appointed Arturo Hernandez to the 17th Judicial District Court Dec. 19. This appointment fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Judge Donald Quick and is effective Jan. 23, 2024. Hernandez is a senior lead deputy district attorney in the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, a position he has held since 2022. His practice consists of criminal prosecution. He earned his undergraduate degree and J.D. from Ohio State University.
The 2nd Judicial District Nominating Commission nominated three candidates for a district court judgeship created by the appointment of Judge Pax Moultrie to the Colorado Court of Appeals, effective Jan. 1, 2024. Nominees Lisa Gomez, Blair McCarthy and Elizabeth McCarthy, all of Denver, were selected by the commission on Dec. 19. Under the Colorado Constitution, the governor has 15 days from Dec. 20 to appoint one of the nominees. Comments regarding the nominees can be sent to the governor at [email protected].
The 18th Judicial District Nominating Commission nominated three candidates for an Arapahoe County court judgeship created by the appointment of Judge Chantel Contiguglia to the district court in the 1st Judicial District, effective Jan. 1, 2024. Nominees Christina Apostoli of Aurora, Megan Brewer of Centennial and Garen Gervey of Westminster were selected in a meeting on Dec. 19. Under the Colorado Constitution, the governor has 15 days from Dec. 20 to appoint one of the nominees. Comments regarding the nominees can be sent to the governor at [email protected].
The 17th Judicial District Nominating Commission nominated three candidates for a district court judgeship created by the retirement of Judge Roberto Ramírez, effective Jan. 6, 2024. Nominees Sara Price and Jeffrey Ruff of Denver and Meghan Saleebey of Greeley were selected by the commission on Dec. 20. Under the Colorado Constitution the governor has 15 days from Dec. 21 to appoint one of the nominees. Comments regarding the nominees can be sent to the governor at [email protected].
Kudos
Messner Reeves LLP announced Dec. 15 Bruce Montoya was selected by the American Arbitration Association to serve on its National Panel of Arbitrators. With 40 years of experience as a trial attorney, he manages the firm’s litigation practice group which focuses on high-exposure, personal injury, commercial and class-action cases. Montoya’s practice focuses on business litigation, commercial litigation, healthcare, medical malpractice and retail, restaurants and hospitality. He earned his J.D. from the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law.