Best Lawyers in Colorado, United States for Litigation - Labor and Employment
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Cities
Stephen E. Baumann II is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Stephen E., 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 Stephen E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Lauren E. Schwartzreich is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Lauren E., 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 Lauren E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
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.
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...
David C. Gartenberg is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. David C., 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 David C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
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.
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...
Virginia Woodfork is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Virginia, 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 Virginia is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
John Melcon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment and Nonprofit / Charities Law. John, who practices law in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Emely Garcia is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Labor and Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Emely, 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 Emely is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Karl F. Kumli is an associate in the Denver, Colorado, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Focused on assisting clients in navigating questions related to safety and health concerns in the workplace, Karl’s experience includes both a background as in-house counsel as well as outside advisor. This perspective allows Karl to better understand the needs and constraints clients face in overcoming questions about workplace safety. Prior to joining Jackson Lewis, Karl represented companies before st...
Mikaela Shaw Masoudpour is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Labor and Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Mikaela Shaw, 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 Mikaela Shaw is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Emily R. Stevens is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Labor and Employment Law - Employee, Labor and Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Emily R., 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 Emily R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Marielle A. Moore is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Labor and Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Marielle A., 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 Marielle A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.