Diane C. Utz

Elisabeth A. Cortese is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Elisabeth A., 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 Elisabeth A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Cory Rutz represents property owners and developers in the acquisition and entitlement of commercial, residential and industrial projects. Cory’s practice includes assisting clients with local government approval of annexations, subdivisions, rezonings and development agreements. Her recent work includes advising clients on incorporating various types of short-term rental uses into their properties. With joint degrees in law and urban planning, Cory is also a certified member of the Ame...

Seth R. Belzley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Seth R., who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Seth R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Accomplished lawyer providing legal guidance across numerous state and federal environmental, public lands and natural resource issues. Known for finding pragmatic solutions to complex problems. Has a deep understanding of clients’ businesses and operations. A widely respected environmental lawyer, Eric Waeckerlin employs a thoughtful, solution-oriented approach in resolving all stages of complex environmental permitting, enforcement, policy and regulatory matters. He represents clients...

Leading real estate litigator. Shrewd transactional attorney skilled at risk mitigation. Deep grasp of legal and business issues impacting the real estate and construction industries. Jonathan Pray brings a powerful combination of expertise to his clients in the real estate and construction industries—deep experience as both a litigator and transactional attorney. One of the firm’s lead litigators, he has facilitated the resolution of disputes on some of Denver’s largest dev...

Jason Day is a partner with the firm's Business practice. He focuses his practice on securities regulations and public offerings. Jason counsels public companies on Securities Exchange Act of 1934, NYSE and NASDAQ compliance and disclosure issues. He also advises public company executives and boards regarding executive compensation, corporate governance, corporate finance, Sarbanes Oxley Act, Dodd-Frank Act, Regulation FD and Section 16 compliance. Jason's securities experience also includes ...

Emily Hippen focuses her practice on the acquisition, disposition, development and financing of commercial real estate projects located throughout the United States and the Caribbean. Emily successfully guides transactions from the land acquisition stage to ultimate disposition by combining her transactional expertise with her strong relationships with colleagues in other practice areas and attorneys in local markets. Emily understands that her clients’ successes may revolve around tigh...

Education Law School: University of Texas School of Law (J.D., 1996) Undergraduate Degrees: University of Colorado at Boulder (1992 - Dean's List PoliSci) Truck Driver Training, The Legacy Corporation, 2018 National Institute of Trial Advocacy Skills, 2002 Trial Lawyers College, 2012 Trial Lawyers College, Graduate Studies, 2013 ‍ Awards Martindale Hubbell Distinguished 2020 Top 50 Verdicts in the U.S. Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Client Satisfaction Award by the Am...

Kathleen M. Johnson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Kathleen M., who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kathleen M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James G. Heckbert focuses his practice on claims involving personal injury and wrongful death, ski injuries, auto and truck collisions, construction site negligence, medical malpractice, gas explosions, and defective products. In a distinguished career spanning four decades, Mr. Heckbert has secured eight jury verdicts in excess of $1 million. He has obtained numerous other settlements and judgments for amounts also exceeding $1 million. Mr. Heckbert is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Ad...