Have an announcement for Law Week Colorado’s people section? Let us know.
Law firm updates
Holland & Hart announced Oct. 7 that Jon Bender, a commercial and tax litigation partner, was appointed administrative partner of the firm’s Denver office. He succeeds corporate partner Susan Oakes. Bender is a longstanding member of the firm’s diversity and inclusion committee, a member of its recruitment committee and a mentor and supervisor of associates and summer clerks.
On Oct. 8, Hall Estill announced a strategic affiliation with veteran Grand Junction law firm, Rider & Quesenberry. The firm noted the collaboration will harness the extensive expertise of both firms, providing comprehensive legal support across various industries and practice areas throughout the region.
On Oct. 9, Dickinson Wright announced that Christopher Johnson joined the firm’s Denver office as of counsel. Johnson focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, commercial transactions and outside general counsel matters. In his corporate finance practice, he places an emphasis on private equity and venture capital matters. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University and his J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law.
The judiciary
On Oct. 4, Gov. Jared Polis announced a panel to review applications and recommend finalists for the appointment of the interim district attorney for the 7th Judicial District serving Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Seth Ryan, effective Oct. 31. The panel includes former Denver DA and former Gov. Bill Ritter, 1st Judicial District Attorney Alexis King, 13th Judicial District Attorney Travis Sides, former 7th Judicial District Attorney Dan Hotsenpiler and Chief Legal Counsel to Governor Polis Kara Veitch.
On Oct. 6, The Denver County Court Judicial Nomination Commission submitted three nominees to Denver Mayor Mike Johnston to fill the vacancy for Judge James Zobel. Nominees include Arnie Beckman, Cindy Dang and Brian Williamson. Johnston now has 15 days to appoint the new Denver County Court judge.
Applications are now being accepted for upcoming and current vacancies on 19 Judicial Nominating Commissions throughout Colorado. 39 judicial nominating commission vacancies will be filled between now and mid-January 2025. Judicial nominating commissioners are volunteers who serve six-year terms. They interview applicants for judicial vacancies and nominate candidates to the governor for consideration.
Kudos
Armstrong Teasdale announced on Oct. 10 that for the fourth consecutive year, it has been named a Top Performer and Compass Award winner by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. The awards recognize member law firms and corporations that show a strong commitment to building more diverse organizations and a more inclusive legal profession.