William J. Lapham

Guides the strategic direction of the firm as managing partner. Twenty-five years of litigation experience. Develops innovative and practical solutions to solve complex problems. As Brownstein’s managing partner and a member of its executive committee, Rich works closely with clients, attorneys, policy advisors, staff and industry and community leaders to drive the firm’s strategic growth and development. From leading new ways to enhance client value to building and retaining a di...

Preeminent natural resources attorney. Obtains and defends development approvals for energy, mining and recreation industries. Executive level experience in the ski industry. Andrew Spielman is a widely respected energy, public lands and natural resources lawyer assisting with policy and regulatory issues involved in developing new facilities, as well as in the public land use and environmental permitting process. Committed to client success, Andy helps navigate the cyclical nature of the ene...

Understands complexities of water litigation, acquisitions and transactions. In 40-plus year career has led 750 water litigations and over 20 Supreme Court appeals. Former senior water counsel and first assistant attorney general for the Water Unit of the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. Steve Sims is a leading western water law attorney with a focus on water court litigation, water acquisition strategy and water transactions in the west. He brings four decades of experience represen...

Nick Fogel is the practice group leader of Burg Simpson’s workers’ compensation department, which has achieved Tier 1 status by US News and World Report (the highest-ranking available). His practice is devoted to those who have been injured while working on the job and in the line of duty. In this capacity, Nick has extensive courtroom experience handling a wide variety of matters. Nick’s practice focuses on the representation of law enforcement, firefighters, and first resp...

Peter Kinsella is a partner in the firm's Technology Transactions & Privacy and Intellectual Property practices. His practice is focused on advising start-up, emerging and large companies on intellectual property, technology, licensing and transaction matters. Prior to joining the firm in 2010, Pete was a partner with Faegre & Benson LLP. Prior to that, he worked in various legal capacities with Qwest Communications International Inc. (formerly US WEST Inc.) in Denver, CO and Honeywel...

Kellie N. Fetter is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Kellie N., 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 Kellie N. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Thirty-five years navigating complex land use and water issues. Facilitated hundreds of millions in water rights deals. Respected authority on water, land use and environmental law matters. Few can rival Wayne’s experience handling high-profile land use, water, environmental and condemnation matters. Public entities and private companies throughout the Rocky Mountain region have counted on his experience to handle challenging land use and water issues, including water rights litigation ...

Tyler J. Sewell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Tyler J., 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 Tyler J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Laura Browne is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Laura, 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 Laura is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

In business and legal malpractice litigation, Betsy’s clients include small and large businesses, as well as individuals seeking to protect their business and personal interests. She represents clients before state and federal trial courts, in arbitration, and on related appeals. Betsy’s trial practice focuses on high-stakes business and legal malpractice litigation in disputes involving claims of breach of fiduciary duties, fraud, negligence, breach of contract, dissolution and r...