June 13, 2016 – Twenty-five Sherman & Howard lawyers and five Sherman & Howard practice areas were recognized in the 2016 release of Chambers USA – America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. This honor follows a rigorous and independent law firm research and evaluation process that seeks to identify and rank the world’s best lawyers (i.e. those who perform best according to the criteria most valued by clients – such as technical expertise, business acumen, prompt delivery and value for money).

Chambers recognized Sherman & Howard’s Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions, Labor & Employment (including Employee Benefits), Litigation: General Commercial, Real Estate and Construction for practice group band rankings. Here’s what they had to say*:

Corporate/Mergers and Acquisitions According to Chambers, Sherman & Howard offers expertise across a range of financial and commercial transactions. The firm is well-known for advising on joint ventures, syndicated credit facilities and M&A transactions and draws on a bench of attorneys who are adept at handling deals across a range of industries, including telecommunications, natural resources and construction. One client reported ““The thing I like the most about the firm is that they are pragmatic problem solvers” while another reported “It was always a very cooperative relationship. They kept us in the loop and got right on with it.”

Garth Jensen is a well-regarded attorney who frequently represents issuers in high-value IPOs and M&A transactions. Sources say: “He’s been very helpful in providing us with good, solid legal advice with an appreciation for our business, how our business works and how his advice impacts our business.” (Band 2)

Jill Sweeney was recognized in the Corporate/Commercial area in New Mexico. She is highly regarded for her work on government securities and tax increment districts. Clients find her to be “very professional and at the same time very relatable. She’s made herself available almost 24/7 and she’s always able to answer my questions. She goes above and beyond my expectations.” Another points out that “she knows the city of Albuquerque inside out and knows all the key players. She does a great job keeping us out of trouble.” She splits her time between New Mexico and Colorado. (Band 2)

Labor & Employment A thriving practice that retains its stellar reputation as a go-to firm for handling a range of labor and employment matters on behalf of employers. [The group is] Noted for its ability and track record in bet-the-company cases including whistleblowers, disability access and union expansion issues and draws on a deep bench of experienced attorneys that provides the full range of labor and employment expertise. “The firm is very professional, very responsive and knowledgeable.” “They provide practical advice – they know our business well, know what will work and what won’t, and try and find a solution for that.”

Sources say Raymond Deeny “is responsive and always provides practical advice.” He is a top choice for a range of issues including wrongful discharge and discrimination. He is adept at handling jury trials before both state and federal courts. (Band 2)

John Alan Doran, who leads the firm’s Labor and Employment Group in both Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, has been ranked by Chambers USA every year since 2005.  He is well recognized for his employment litigation practice where he handles unfair dismissal, retirement benefits and trade secret cases. He recently represented Central Refrigerated Trucking in resolving claims brought by the EEOC concerning pre-employment screening examinations. One source said that John is “one of the smartest lawyers in town and has a diversified practice.” (Band 2)

Charles Newcom has over 35 years’ experience in a range of matters including discharge, discipline and pay and benefits. He is adept in an array of industries and is particularly well-known for his work representing mining companies in litigation arising from whistleblowing, citations and accidents. (Band 2)

The “terrific” Bernie Siebert is praised by market commentators for his strategic and industry-specific advice. He has over three decades’ experience in a plethora of labor issues including collective bargaining, arbitration, union elections and unfair labor practice charges. (Band 2)

Theodore Olsen is a seasoned attorney who remains a key senior adviser in this practice. One source describes him as “one of the smartest people on the planet.” (Senior Statesman)

John Wymer of Sherman & Howard elicits much high praise from the market, with one peer saying: “He’s a good communicator, responsive, and always well prepared; he’s highly respected and a formidable opponent – a great lawyer, outstanding in everything he does!” Wymer is well versed in a range of matters, including harassment, trade secrets and restrictive covenant litigation. (Band 1)

Employee Benefits Giving the firm’s Employee Benefits Practice Group its highest rating, Chambers noted:

Kathleen Odle is experienced at handling all employee benefits issues including welfare benefits, equity-based plans, executive compensation and retirement plans. She is highly regarded for her compliance work under IRS and ERISA regulations. Market commentators say: “She practices at a very high level, she’s well regarded – a really good employee benefits lawyer.” (Band 1)

Litigation: General Commercial A solid civil litigation team noted for its track record in complex and sophisticated business disputes. They represent a range of regional, national and international clients and are recommended for partnership, fiduciary duty and class action cases, among other matters. A client said “They’re my firm of choice for arbitration and litigation.”

Commentators affirm that Christopher Koenigs “provides exceptional service.” He is well-known in the market for his work in class actions and securities litigation as well as other complex commercial litigation. One interviewee states: “I respect his intellect and ability to give clients the best service possible.” (Band 2)

The “excellent” Gordon Netzorg is described by market commentators as “a very talented guy.” He is recognized for his work on corporate, partnership and limited liability company disputes, and is adept at securities and fraud litigation. He is considered an expert in the oil and gas field and also frequently advises on real estate litigation. (Band 3)

James Sawtelle leads the firm’s IP practice group. He performs consistently well on a range of commercial, employment and IP disputes and is an experienced trial lawyer who is also adept at handling appellate cases for clients. (Band 4)

Greg Falls, who manages the firm’s Phoenix and Scottsdale offices, was named a “Recognized Practitioner” in the Litigation: General Commercial – Arizona category. Greg represents individuals, companies and other organizations in litigation disputes related to ownership or operation of real property, contracts or other related commercial litigation. (Recognized Practitioner)

Peter Koclanes, who chairs the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, has more than 25 years of experience with trials, arbitrations, hearings seeking expedited remedies, corporate internal investigations, risk avoidance, and ethics.  He is a “Recognized Practitioner” in this edition of Chambers. (Recognized Practitioner)

Real Estate Sherman & Howard received a Band 2 ranking in the latest edition of the publication in the area of Real Estate. A dominant firm in the Colorado real estate market, they offer high-quality representation in a range of real estate matters, including commercial leasing, financing, transactions and land use. They are also recognized for their construction practice which focuses on advising developers, contractors and design professionals, among others. One client stated “The firm provides excellent service and is willing to do anything they are able to in order to satisfy their clients.”

“Problem solver” Robert Brown “is a very, very good lawyer,” comment impressed observers. He has a wealth of experience in a range of real estate matters, including transactions, leasing and land use. (Band 1)

Sources say Rebecca Fischer “is extremely responsive but, more importantly, extremely detail-oriented.” She is well known for her work advising clients in the leisure and hospitality sector on transactions, land use and regulatory matters. (Band 1)

Azim Hameed of Sherman & Howard L.L.C. is often sought after by home builders and financial institutions to advise on acquisition and financing mandates. One client appreciates that he “looks out for our best interests and takes directions well, as well as being very organized.” (Band 4)

Peter Spiller practices in the firm’s Scottsdale, Arizona office. He is a “Recognized Practitioner” in the Real Estate – Arizona ranking. He represents purchasers and sellers of real property in the negotiation and administration of a variety of acquisition and sale agreements. (Recognized Practitioner)

Diana Wendel has extensive experience in a broad range of real estate matters, including acquisitions and sales, leasing and foreclosures. Market commentators describe her as “very responsive and very smart,” adding: “She clearly knows her stuff.” (Band 2)

Real Estate: Construction Including Michael Cook and Bret Gunnell among Colorado’s leading construction lawyers, and giving them its highest Band 1 ranking, Chambers notes:

The esteemed Michael Cook is a highly respected trial lawyer and mediator. He has over three decades of experience assisting clients in the construction sector. (Senior Statesman)

Bret Gunnell “is very good at trial strategy,” according to observers. He is highly regarded for representing contractors, developers and owners in construction contract negotiation and drafting, as well as a range of disputes. He also offers guidance on project risk management. (Band 1)

Natural Resources and Environment

Ron Eddy is head of the environmental practice group at Sherman & Howard L.L.C. He is praised by his peers as “one of the really good environmental lawyers.” He represents clients in a range of issues including cleanups, compliance audits and hazardous waste issues. (Band 2)

Intellectual Property

Jon Tandler has over 30 years of experience and is a Recognized Practitioner in Intellectual Property. He concentrates on technology, brand licensing and transactional IP advice. (Recognized Practitioner)

Leisure and Hospitality

Robyn Stowell of Sherman & Howard L.L.C. is head of the firm’s golf, resorts and private clubs team. She advises clients on a wide variety of transactional and financing matters, possessing extensive experience assisting golf club owners. (Band 4)

About Sherman & Howard L.L.C. Sherman & Howard L.L.C. is one of the most successful law firms in the Rocky Mountain region. The firm helps its clients in most aspects of law affecting businesses and public institutions. Sherman & Howard’s approximately 180 attorneys practice law from 10 offices located in Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Missouri, and New Mexico.

* All quotes from Chambers USA 2016.