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Law firm updates
Spencer Fane LLP announced on April 22 that Xian Wang joined the firm’s Denver office as an associate in the litigation and dispute resolution practice group. Wang received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison before earning her J.D. at the University of Minnesota Law School. While in law school, she was the student director of the University of Minnesota Law School Insurance Law Clinic.
Crisham & Holman announced April 29 that Matt Johnson has joined the firm as an associate. Johnson represents clients in a wide array of business and commercial litigation matters. In his three years of practice, Johnson has successfully briefed and argued a motion for summary judgment on an affirmative claim for more than $1 million. Johnson earned his J.D. at Baylor University School of Law, where he received the R. Jack Ayres Advanced Trial Advocacy and Ty Drury Excellence in Mock Trial Awards.
The judiciary
The 17th Judicial District has launched a new Competency Docket and Competency Diversion Program addressing the growing number of criminal defendants needing competency restoration services, according to an announcement from the judicial branch. The docket integrates provisions of House Bill 24-1355 and introduces a new competency diversion program for eligible participants. The bill establishes a structured referral process for defendants who are likely to be found incompetent to proceed in court. Unlike traditional diversion programs, the bill redirects individuals into the Bridges Wraparound Care Program with mandated court reviews and data collection. The Competency Court officially began operations on April 8 and currently serves defendants in Adams and Broomfield counties. The court meets twice a month and focuses on accelerating access to appropriate services while reducing the burden on the state’s limited inpatient resources. Chief Judge Kyle Seedorf will oversee Competency Diversion and Competency Docket in Adams County, and Judge Amanda Dewick will oversee Broomfield County. In Colorado, when a defendant is found incompetent to proceed, their case is paused until they are restored to competency. The effort is supported by a network of community partners, including Community Reach Center, the Sheriff’s Offices of Adams and Broomfield Counties, Bridges of Colorado, the Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health and Jail-Based Behavioral Services.
Movers & shakers
Foley announced it moved to new Denver office space at 1144 Fifteenth. The new space better accommodates the now approximately 40 Foley attorneys and business professionals who call Denver home, according to the announcement. The firm had been in its previous location since December 2021. Designed by Pickard Chilton and developed by Hines, 1144 Fifteenth is a Class-AA office tower with LEED C&G Gold certification grounded in the heart of Denver’s Central Business District. The building features a 5,000‑square‑foot gym, a tenant lounge, sculpted terraces and unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding city.
Gibson Dunn’s Denver office moved to 1900 Lawrence Street. The firm’s Denver office was established more than four decades ago. Gibson Dunn is the first tenant in this new triple LEED certified, trophy building in Denver, according to the announcement from the firm. The firm noted it occupies the top floor of the building on the 30th level, with the space boasting a wide variety of collaboration areas, from formal conference rooms to a casual work café. Building amenities include a rooftop terrace with a pickleball court, outdoor entertainment space, meeting and conference space, full gym and golf simulator.
Kudos
Fox Rothschild has elevated Denver-based Renee Sheyko to partner. Sheyko, a labor and employment attorney, focuses her practice on employment litigation, representing clients in wage and hour and other workplace disputes at trial, on appeal and in mediation and other dispute resolution forums.
Denver-based law firm Fortis Law Partners announced the promotion of Chris Amrhein, Tim Spiel and Connor Slivocka to non-equity partner, effective May 1. Amrhein has held high-level in-house roles, including general counsel of advanced emissions solutions, and previously served in leadership roles at The Timken Company, First Data and TriZetto. Spiel has extensive expertise in corporate finance, securities offerings, and mergers and acquisitions and regularly advises public and private clients on a broad range of transactional matters, including securities offerings, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance. Slivocka’s practice is focused on advising buy- and sell-side clients on complex mergers and acquisitions and corporate matters across technology, energy, health care and home services.
Odds & Ends
The Colorado Judicial Institute announced its Judicial Excellence Award nominations are now open. A nomination helps shine a light on the dedication, integrity and professionalism of Colorado’s judiciary. Nominations are confidential and acknowledge the remarkable individuals who uphold our legal system.
The Colorado Hispanic Bar Association announced its award nominations are now open. CHBA’s awards recognize outstanding individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the Colorado Latino community, according to the announcement. The award nominations will close on July 3 at 11:59 p.m. To make a nomination, email President-Elect Felipe Bohnet-Gomez. Include the full name of the nominee, the award they are being nominated for and your reasons for the nomination.