June 5, 2017 – Twenty-one Sherman & Howard lawyers and seven Sherman & Howard practice areas were recognized in the 2017 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 (Band 3), Labor & Employment (including Employee Benefits) (Band 1), Litigation: General Commercial (Band 3), Real Estate (Band 2) and Construction (Band 1) for practice group band rankings in Colorado as well as the firm’s Labor & Employment practices in Arizona (Band 3) and Georgia (Recognized Practitioner). Here’s what they had to say*:

Corporate/Mergers and Acquisitions Chambers said “Sherman & Howard is well known for advising on joint ventures, syndicated credit facilities and M&A transactions.” The firm “draws on a bench of attorneys who are adept at handling deals across a range of industries, including telecommunications, natural resources and construction” with both national and international clients.

Garth Jensen is a “strong practitioner” known primarily for his securities practice. He handles M&A transactions and capital markets work for clients including US and German companies.

Jill Sweeney was recognized in the Corporate/Commercial area. She leads the firm’s New Mexico practice and focuses on the representation of issuers and underwriters in connection with the offering of government securities. Clients enthuse that “she is very specialized and she does some very complex work, but is happy to explain to the clients the things she does.”

Labor & Employment According to Chambers, Sherman & Howard has 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 firm “leverages its national footprint to work on behalf of employers both statewide and across the country” and “draws on a deep bench of experienced attorneys.” Sherman & Howard is noted for its “ability and track record in bet-the-company cases, including whistle-blowers, disability access and union expansion issues” and counsels clients on a range of employment matters including collective actions, discrimination, wrongful termination and immigration. Industries represented include energy, healthcare and technology, among others.

Raymond Deeny is highlighted for his traditional labor practice and expertise in wrongful discharge cases. He regularly appears before state and federal courts.

John Alan Doran, who leads the firm’s Labor and Employment Group in both Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, is described as “one of the top employment attorneys in Arizona.” One client adds: “He is phenomenal – responsive, intelligent and a superb writer. I was deeply impressed.” He has a highly respected litigation practice and counsels clients on a diverse array of employment and labor matters.

Chuck Newcom is a seasoned employment lawyer with over 35 years of experience advising employers. His practice includes discipline, discharge and downsizing matters.

Theodore Olsen represents clients on complex legal issues drawing on over three decades of employment law experience.

Bernie Siebert is a highly experienced traditional labor law attorney with significant collective bargaining experience. He also advises clients on union elections, unfair labor practice charges and other labor law issues.

John Wymer, III leads Sherman & Howard’s Atlanta, Georgia office. Clients say John is “one of the most respected employment lawyers in the state of Georgia” and “he is very smart and quick on his feet, and is very practical when it comes to deciding case strategy.” He represents companies across the US in employment law disputes including sexual harassment claims and employee benefits and ERISA matters.

Employee Benefits

Kathleen Odle is a “highly respected employee benefits specialist with noted expertise in welfare benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans.” She also handles IRS and ERISA compliance matters.

Real Estate Sherman & Howard received a Band 2 ranking in the latest edition of the publication in the area of Real Estate. The team is recognized for offering “high-quality representation in a range of real estate matters, including commercial leasing, financing, transactions and land use” and has experience in leisure and hospitality, including ski areas, conference centers and golf resorts.

Robert Brown is “extraordinarily knowledgeable and personable,” according to clients, with more than 35 years of experience in commercial real estate, law handling acquisitions

Rebecca Fischer has a “wealth of experience in matters such as construction contracts and state sales and marketing regulations,” specifically in the hotel and resort space.

Azim Hameed represents developers, home builders and financial institutions on real estate transactions. Sources say he is “an excellent lawyer – he’s extremely detailed, highly knowledgeable and very pleasant to work with.” Clients appreciate his communication skills saying “he’s able to communicate complex ideas in simple language.”

Diana Wendel handles a range of real estate matters, including multimillion-dollar transactions. She also has expertise in foreclosure transactions and commercial leases.

Real Estate: Construction

Michael Cook is a seasoned trial lawyer and mediator known for his expertise across the full range of construction law including contract negotiation as well as jury and bench trials.

Commercial Litigation Sherman & Howard was recognized by Chambers as a solid civil litigation team noted for its track record in complex and sophisticated business disputes. The firm represents a range of regional, national and international clients and is recommended for partnership, fiduciary duty and class action cases, among other matters and also handles arbitration, appellate and administrative proceedings. Clients describe the team as “excellent, cost-effective lawyers,” and say “It was such a positive experience. They worked very quickly and I thoroughly enjoyed working with them.”

Peter Koclanes is a recognized practitioner in this edition of Chambers. He represents public and private companies in complex business disputes in trials, arbitrations, hearings, corporate internal investigations, risk avoidance, and ethics

Christopher Koenigs is known for his work in commercial litigation, class actions and securities litigation. One source says he is “one of the very best lawyers I’ve ever worked with,” adding: “I’d hire him in an instant for a complicated commercial litigation case with lots at stake.”

Gordon “Skip” Netzorg is praised for his “high-level strategy” and enjoys a strong reputation for limited liability, partnership and corporate litigation. He often works with bank directors and officers.

James Sawtelle is noted for his “on-the-ground analysis of key documents, and coming up with defenses that were ultimately able to persuade the court.” His areas of expertise include commercial, IP and employment disputes.

Natural Resources and Environment

Ron Eddy heads the environmental practice group and is a “quality lawyer” who advises clients in compliance, water quality and hazardous waste issues.

Intellectual Property

Jon Tandler was identified as a recognized practitioner. He has more than 30 years of experience in IP and concentrates on technology, brand licensing and transactional IP advice.

About Sherman & Howard L.L.C. Sherman & Howard L.L.C. is one of the nation’s leading law firms, assisting its clients in most aspects of law affecting businesses and public institutions. Sherman & Howard’s more than 180 attorneys currently practice law from 10 offices located in Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, Missouri, and New Mexico. This year the firm is celebrating its 125th anniversary.

About Chambers USA America’s Leading Lawyers for Business For more information on Chambers USA, please visit their website.

* All quotes from Chambers USA 2017.

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