DENVER — The Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System (IAALS) is accepting nominations for the 2026 Alli Gerkman Legal Visionary Award. The national award honors early-career innovators working to make the justice system more accessible and effective.
Nominations will be accepted through Nov. 1, 2025, and the award will be presented in April 2026. Candidates should be within the first 15 years of their legal careers and demonstrate a record of advancing reform, improving public trust, and reshaping legal practices.
The award is designed to recognize past achievements and encourage leadership and innovation.
For more information and nomination forms, visit https://iaals.du.edu/alli-gerkman-legal-visionary-award.
Polsinelli Hires Former HHS OIG Senior Counsel for Health Care Litigation Practice
WASHINGTON — Polsinelli has hired Benjamin Wallfisch as a shareholder in its health care litigation and government investigations practices. Wallfisch is a former senior counsel in
the Office of Counsel to the Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Wallfisch spent nearly six years at HHS advising on the Anti-Kickback Statute, Stark Law and False Claims Act. He contributed to advisory opinions, policy guidance, and new safe harbor regulations, and worked with the Department of Justice on fraud investigations and settlements.
Before his government service, Wallfisch practiced in the private sector for more than a decade. He earned his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Wallfisch will be based in Washington, D.C., and Denver.
CPT Group to Host Free CLE Webinar on Data Breach Risks
IRVINE, Calif. — Class action settlement administrator CPT Group, Inc., will host a free, continuing legal education (CLE)-accredited webinar on cybersecurity and breach response at 1 p.m. Pacific time, Sept. 30.
“From Prevention to Protection: Safeguarding Companies and Class Action Administrators in the Breach Lifecycle” will feature attorneys M. Anderson Berry, David Ross and Jackson Biesecker, along with CPT Group President Julie Green. Panelists will discuss lessons from recent breach litigation, evolving legal standards, and practical strategies for data protection.
The session will cover risk identification, incident response, ethical duties, and emerging threats such as AI-driven fraud and deepfakes. Participants will receive CLE credit at no cost. Register at www.lawline.com/course/from-prevention-to-protection-safeguarding-companies-and-class-action-administrators-in-the-breach-lifecycle/ClassActionsAgainstCybercriminals_FreeCPT.
Foley Hoag Adds Life Sciences IP Partner in Denver, Expands Office Space
DENVER — Foley Hoag has added life sciences patent attorney Matthew Jonsen, Ph.D., as a partner in its Denver office, the firm announced Sept. 17.
Jonsen advises biotech startups, emerging companies, and universities on patent prosecution, portfolio strategy, and freedom-to-operate analyses in areas including genetics, gene-based therapies, and molecular biology.
“Matt’s arrival expands our practice as the first IP partner in the western region,” said David Halstead, co-chair of the firm’s intellectual property department. His addition coincides with Foley Hoag’s move into a larger office in Denver’s LoDo Towers, which the firm said reflects its commitment to growth in the western United States.
Jonsen earned his law degree from the University of Denver College of Law, his Ph.D. in molecular biology and biochemistry from the University of Utah School of Medicine, and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Perkins Coie Welcomes Back Veteran M&A Partner in Denver
DENVER — Perkins Coie has announced the return of mergers and acquisitions partner Jeff Beuche to its Denver office. Beuche, who previously played a leading role in the firm’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) practice, advises public and private companies, investors, founders, and management teams on complex transactions in various industries, including technology, healthcare, life sciences, retail, energy, and natural resources.
Jason Day, co-chair of Perkins Coie’s corporate practice, said Beuche’s return strengthens the firm’s national M&A capabilities, following the addition of a group of M&A and private equity lawyers in Texas earlier this year.
Beuche said he was drawn back to Perkins Coie by the firm’s collaborative platform and reputation for pragmatic, execution-focused client service. He earned his law degree from the University of Colorado and his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan.