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Law firm updates
Sherman & Howard announced Aug. 22 that corporate and transactional attorney Joanie Donahue joined the firm’s business and real estate practice group. Donahue has assisted companies from New York to Colorado on various matters, including mergers and acquisitions and finance. She has experience drafting commercial agreements, disclosures and closing documents for M&A transactions. Donahue received her J.D. from New York University School of Law and her bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard University. While attending law school, she served as the executive editor for the NYU Journal of Legislation & Public Policy.
Philip Goldberg PC, based in Denver, announced a recently launched new website for its family law practice. The website is designed to provide more information to help Denver families cope with divorce, child custody, parental rights, property division, spousal maintenance and other issues, according to the announcement.
On Aug. 22, Polsinelli announced that Scott Perlov joined the firm’s Denver office as a shareholder in its venture capital and emerging growth companies practice. Perlov has more than 20 years of experience advising investors, startups and emerging companies in all stages of the business lifecycle. His clients span a wide range of industries, including technology, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, media, consumer products, life sciences and healthcare. Perlov is the fourth new venture capital shareholder the firm has added in the past 12 months. He received his J.D. from American University Washington College of Law and holds an LL.M. from New York University School of Law. He received his bachelor’s degree from Colgate University and obtained an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Spencer Fane announced Aug. 26 that Justin Winquist joined the firm’s Denver office as an of counsel attorney. He will be a part of the firm’s litigation and dispute resolution practice group. Winquist helps national property and casualty insurance carriers navigate insurance coverage and bad faith claims, providing guidance with a focus on minimizing litigation. He has experience in matters involving complex commercial litigation and business disputes, class actions, appeals, personal injury and product liability. Winquist earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and his J.D. from American University’s Washington College of Law.
Spencer Fane announced Aug. 28 that Nick Fedewa joined the firm’s Denver office as an associate in its real estate practice group. Fedewa helps clients with real estate and business transactions, with a focus on providing counsel for capital markets financing and other complex financial transactions. His work includes matters involving Rule 144A and Regulation S. In addition to his primary area of focus, Fedewa handles contracts and lease agreements. Fedewa earned his bachelor’s degree and J.D. from the University of Michigan.
The judiciary
On Aug. 23, Gov. Jared Polis appointed Melissa Meirink to the Colorado Court of Appeals. This vacancy is created by Judge Anthony Navarro not standing for retention, and the appointment is effective Jan. 14, 2025. Meirink is a staff attorney for the Colorado Supreme Court, a position she’s held since 2014. Her practice consists of reviewing criminal and civil appeals to assist the Colorado Supreme Court, according to the announcement. Previously, Meirink was a senior associate at Greenberg Traurig LLP from 2011 to 2013 and an associate at Holland & Hart LLP from 2005 to 2011. Meirink earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2001 and her J.D. from Seattle University School of Law in 2005.
On Aug. 28, Polis appointed Billy-George Hertzke to the 14th Judicial District Court. The vacancy is created by the retirement of Judge Michael O’Hara III and is effective Jan. 14, 2025. Hertzke is a partner at SGR, LLC, a position he’s held since 2011. His practice consists primarily of civil litigation, according to the announcement. Previously, Hertzke was an associate at SGR, LLC from 2003 to 2011. Hertzke earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1996 and his J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2003.