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Law Firm Updates
On May 16, national firm Foley & Lardner LLP announced Tammy Westerberg joined its Denver office as a partner in the litigation department and business litigation and dispute resolution practice. Westerberg, a University of Denver Sturm College of Law graduate, represents clients in sophisticated and complex commercial litigation, with an emphasis on disputes in the Colorado market.
National firm Spencer Fane LLP on May 16 announced James Korte joined its Denver office in the labor and employment practice. Korte, a University of Denver Sturm College of Law graduate, focuses his practice on traditional labor relations and state and federal employment law matters including strategic workforce planning, union avoidance, labor-related litigation, National Labor Relations Board representation and more.
The Judiciary
The 18th Judicial Nominating Commission announced finalists on May 18 for an upcoming vacancy on the Arapahoe County Court. The position will be created by the July 1 resignation of Judge Anne Ollada. The nominees are Christina Apostoli, LaQunya Baker and Michael Carter, all from Aurora. Gov. Jared Polis must appoint the position by June 2.
On May 19, the 18th Judicial Nominating Commission announced three finalists for an upcoming district court vacancy covering Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln Counties. The vacancy will be created by the July 1 retirement of Judge David Stevens. The three nominees are Benjamin Figa and David Karpel, both from Englewood, and Donna Stewart from Castle Rock. Gov. Polis must appoint the position by June 3.
Gov. Polis appointed commissioners for judicial nominating and performance evaluation commissions across the state on May 19. Kim Verhoeff from Lamar will serve as an attorney and Democrat from Prowers County on the 15th Judicial District Nominating Commission with a term expiring on Dec. 31, 2027. Lanie Meyers-Mireless, also from Lamar, will serve on the 15th Judicial District Nominating Commission as a non-attorney and Democrat from Prowers County with a term expiring on Dec. 31, 2027. Samuel Rose, from Aspen, will sit as a non-attorney on the 9th Judicial District Judicial Performance Commission with a term expiring in November 2026.
Kudos
National firm Merchant & Gould P.C., with an office in Denver, announced on May 17 that it received Mansfield Rule Plus Certification. The Mansfield Rule Certification recognizes law firms that prove a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through hiring, promotion and leadership decisions. The “plus” certification recognizes firms that achieved 30% diverse representation in leadership, roles, client pitches and staffing.