Christopher "Chris" Achatz

Prominent role in shaping Denver’s continued evolution. Steers complex real estate deals through all transaction phases. Distinguished community leader. Focusing on high-value real estate projects, Aaron Hyatt has played an influential role in Denver’s development—from the Saint Paul Collection and 260 North in Cherry Creek, to the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center and History Center Colorado in downtown Denver. His work covers the lifecycle of complex and high-profile ...

Keith Lapuyade has more than 30 years of litigation experience. His knowledge of insurance law and bad faith, coupled with his extensive understanding of medical issues, is of particular value in medical malpractice litigation and often brings this special skill-set to bear in the personal representation of physicians, attorneys, and other professionals for purposes of establishing their rights with respect to their insurance coverage and financial well-being. Keith Lapuyade, of the law firm ...

Melisa Panagakos is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Melisa, who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Melisa is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dan is a passionate trial lawyer who focuses on complex business litigation, financial fraud and business torts, and professional liability. His clients range from individuals and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. His experience includes litigation regarding breach of contract, unfair competition and misappropriation of trade secrets, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty, embezzlement, intellectual property litigation, and appeals.He frequently serves as co-counsel or local counsel on ...

Micah Dawson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Micah, who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Micah is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Todd Fredrickson is managing partner of the Denver office. He also serves as Chair of the firm's Diversity and Inclusiveness Committee. Todd tries employment cases before juries, judges, and arbitrators. His practice involves representing employers in various matters arising under such laws as Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), and Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA). H...

Practiced in the area of employment law for approximately 42 years, litigating, arbitrating and mediating employment related issues. Lectured locally and nationally on innumerable occasions with regard to employment law issues. Served as lead counsel in the largest age discrimination case ever brought, and successfully resolved, in the State of Colorado. Secured one of the largest ERISA judgments ever entered in the State of Colorado and also secured the first race discrimination judgment for...

Brian L. Duffy is a president of the firm and previously served as Chair of the firm’s 600-member Global Litigation Department from 2009-2013. He focuses his practice on trial and appellate work in the class action, employment, energy, commercial contract and product liability areas, serving as national, regional and local counsel in high-profile cases. Brian represents public and privately-held entities and their principals in complex business-related disputes arising from both interna...

About Cynthia Cynthia L. Ciancio is a founding shareholder of Ciancio Ciancio Brown, P.C. She also heads up the firm’s Family Law Group. Ms. Ciancio’s practice specializes in high asset divorces and complex child custody disputes. She is also a certified mediator conducting both mediations and arbitrations for parties with or without lawyers. With over 20 years of experience exclusively in family law, and another four years prior as a Deputy District Attorney in Adams County, Ms. ...

Stephen Burg is a trial attorney at the law firm Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh Jardine, P.C. Mr. Burg’s practice is focused on representing victims of auto crashes, personal injury, trucking accidents, motorcycle collisions, product liability injuries, gas explosions, wrongful death, and harmful drug products. Mr. Burg has been recognized for his legal excellence both nationally and locally. He was named as a “Recommended Attorney” by the U.S. Legal 500. and has also been reco...