James A. "Jim" Pinto

Concentrates on oil and gas, environmental and land use law. Involved in many of the major disputes facing the energy industry in Colorado. Mark Mathews has successfully represented oil and gas and mining clients and real estate development companies in litigation and regulatory rulemakings concerning oil and gas preemption and royalty issues, hazardous waste contamination, enforcement of oil and gas regulations, zoning and development disputes and land use permitting issues. Mark is outside ...

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...

Elizabeth Salinas Van Orman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Elizabeth, who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elizabeth is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Erica Payne focuses her practice on complex civil litigation and appeals. She has significant experience in a variety of fields including insurance bad faith, breach of contract, business disputes, and construction defect. She is a tenacious, empathetic, and prepared lawyer when advocating for her clients. Erica’s passion for mountain climbing and endurance running drives and informs her law practice. When presented with a challenge, she analyzes it from multiple angles and then attacks...

Jill Curry-Jahn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law, Family Law and Litigation - Insurance. Jill, who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jill is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dezarae Lacrue is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Dezarae, who practices law in Aurora, Colorado, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Dezarae is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

B. Scott Pullara is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. B. Scott, who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which B. Scott is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Munsey Ayers represents clients in real estate, land use and municipal law matters. Munsey has a well-established reputation working with private sector clients on annexation, zoning and subdivision, vested property rights and public finance matters, including negotiating development agreements, tax sharing agreements and public-private financing mechanisms such as public improvement fee (PIF) and tax increment financing (TIF) arrangements. In this regard, Munsey’s clients rely on his a...

Christopher L. Ottele is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Christopher L., 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 Christopher L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brenda McClearn is a Partner practicing in both the Charlotte and Denver offices. For nearly three decades Brenda has skillfully defended professionals and businesses in state and federal courts, as well as in administrative proceedings before licensing boards. She focuses her practice on medical malpractice, professional malpractice and ethics, health care, dental, aging services, products liability, general liability and business litigation matters. She is also an active part of the Nationa...