Ellen E. Stewart

Jim was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. He graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Economics in 1988. He attended the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and graduated in 1992. He was elected to Order of the Coif and was honored as the Valedictorian of his graduating class. Jim was voted the Outstanding Graduating Senior Award for 1992. In addition to receiving the Valedictorian Award for McGeorge School of Law, 1992, Jim has received many merit awards, i...

Over the course of his career, Chris Carrington has had the opportunity to view the law from many different perspectives. Before co-founding his own practice with partner Doug Richards, he served as a state prosecutor in the 18th Judicial District. Once in private practice, he served as litigation counsel to the Lehman Brothers estate for nearly a decade. Since then, his practice has grown and now focuses exclusively on civil and commercial litigation. Today, Mr. Carrington helps clients with...

Kevin P. Hein is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Franchise Law. Kevin P., who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kevin P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Richard Huttner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice. Richard, who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Richard is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Every case is personal, and every story is unique—whether someone is wronged by a trusted business partner, by a lawyer hired to protect an interest, or by an individual, corporation, or manufacturer that should have done the right thing. Nicole is skilled at gathering and telling each client’s story. She is organized, analytical, and precise, but her advocacy for her clients is empowered by her empathy and her passion for being a trial lawyer. Nicole represents clients in high st...

Robert W. Steinmetz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law, Health Care Law, Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Robert W., who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert W. is hel...

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.

Kim Martin represents real estate developers, investors and owners of residential, commercial, industrial, TOD and mixed-use projects. She has a specific focus on large-scale greenfield and brownfield development projects, including all aspects of land use entitlements—securing approvals for annexations, development agreements, zonings and rezonings, subdivisions, site plans, transferable development rights, public revenue sharing agreements and vested property rights. Kim assists clien...

Darius T. Dugas Carter is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Darius T., who practices law in Lone Tree, Colorado, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Darius T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Richard Tegtmeier is an experienced and accomplished trial lawyer in Taft's Compliance, Investigations, and White Collar Defense group. He specializes in complex criminal and civil litigation and has tried more than 200 cases before juries. He is respected throughout the country for his unique ability to navigate the courtroom and the complex process of a jury trial—he has the confidence required to think and act outside the box and produce the type of results that can only come from de...