Education

  • J.D., University of Michigan Law School (1981)
  • B.A., Stanford University (1978)
    • Economics
    • With Honors

Leader. Dedicated. Diligent. Personable. These are words people use to describe Stefan Stein.

His integrity, judgment, and transparent style make him a trusted ally to clients and colleagues in the firm. Approachable and open to the views of others, Stefan encourages feedback, knowing he can learn from diverse perspectives. He does not shy away from difficult decisions but believes the best decisions are made through collaboration.

When the firm sought a new chief executive officer, he was an easy choice. The role was a natural progression based on Stefan’s leadership positions and experience throughout his career.

As a former senior vice president of risk management, chief ethics and compliance officer, and general counsel in the telecommunications/technology industry, Stefan possesses first-hand corporate experience, an insider’s perspective, and exceptional skill. Leveraging that experience and skill, he takes an analytical, practical approach, tackling business issues, investigations, and compliance matters to mitigate risk.

With decades of experience representing companies and individuals in complex business disputes, securities litigation, internal investigations, and government investigations and enforcement actions, Stefan looks at matters from both a legal and business perspective, enabling him to provide the best advice. He also provides guidance on indemnification and directors and officers insurance coverage matters.

Competitive by nature, he knew at an early age he wanted to become a lawyer and help others. Law was an area in which he could use his skills of persuasion to advocate for others, and he honed his skills as a trial lawyer while working in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Stefan has also been actively involved in community service throughout his legal career. He has served on several non-profit boards and was the interim CEO of Urban Peak, a non-profit that provides a convergence of services to homeless youth.

Whether Stefan is representing a client in a boardroom or courtroom or the interests of the firm through his executive position, he has established himself as a trusted advocate for those he serves.

Experience

GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATIONS, INTERNAL CORPORATE INVESTIGATIONS, & SECURITIES LITIGATION

  • Represents clients in federal and state criminal investigations, state consumer protection matters, and securities litigation.
  • Represents clients in internal investigations that evaluate and report on alleged misconduct, including prior representation of special committee of board of directors.
  • Led special litigation group at a Fortune 250 company that oversaw the company’s responses and defenses to (i) government investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the General Services Administration, and (ii) securities class actions, shareholder opt-out claims, and shareholder derivative actions.

 

CORPORATE ETHICS & COMPLIANCE

  • Led global ethics and compliance program at a Fortune 250 company that maintained high-integrity environment for ~30,000 employees and implemented outstanding practices regarding codes of conduct, training, investigations, and risk assessments.

 

TRIALS, APPEALS, & GRAND JURY INVESTIGATIONS

  • As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, handled all aspects of prosecution of federal crimes, including numerous jury trials, sentencings, appeals, and grand jury investigations.

 

DIRECTORS & OFFICERS (D&O) INSURANCE COVERAGE

  • Represented clients in domestic and international D&O policy rescission litigation. Negotiated and structured settlement transactions resulting in $275 million of insurance proceeds being placed in trust or escrow for the benefit of insureds; subsequently oversaw claims process.

 

CONSUMER & SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES

  • Led the legal group of a consumer/small business services division of a technology company and oversaw compliance with laws applicable to the business. Drafted a wide variety of consumer-related contracts and policies, conducted legal review of sales and marketing materials, and advocated for the company and its technology in state legislative and regulatory matters.

Professional Activities

  • American Bar Association
  • Colorado Bar Association
  • Denver Bar Association
  • Faculty of Federal Advocates
  • Citizen Oversight Board, City of Denver, board member
  • Colorado Nonprofit Development Center
    • Past board member
    • Past Vice Chair
  • Colorado General Counsel Group, past member
  •  Jewish Community Center of Denver
    • Past board member
    • Past Chair of Governance Committee
  • Urban Peak
    • Past Interim CEO
    • Past board Chair

Highlights

  • Super Lawyers, Colorado
  • Best Lawyers in America, Denver
    • Commercial Litigation (2020 – 2024)
    • Litigation – Securities (2022 – 2024)
  • Corporate Counsel Best Legal Department (Qwest Communications)
  • Director’s Award for Superior Performance as an Assistant U.S. Attorney
  • Special Achievement Award as an Assistant U.S. Attorney
  • Urban Peak Maverick Thinker Community Service Award
  • Consumer/Small Business Services, ViaSat, Inc., general counsel (2013 – 2016)
  • CenturyLink, Inc., counsel (2011 – 2013)
  • Qwest Communications International Inc., Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer and Senior Vice President-Risk Management (2009 – 2011)
  • Qwest Communications International Inc., senior vice president and deputy general counsel (2002 – 2009)
  • Litigation Group, Sherman & Howard L.L.C. (1996 – 2001); chair of Litigation Group, member (2001)
  • Public Corruption & Government Fraud Section, United States Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, deputy chief (1994 – 1996)
  • United States Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, Assistant United States Attorney (1988 – 1996)