Holland & Hart News

Robert Keatinge honored with Richard N. Doyle CLE Award of Excellence

Holland & Hart partner Robert Keatinge was honored with the Richard N. Doyle CLE Award of Excellence by the Colorado Bar Association and CLE in Colorado, Inc. at a reception December 7, 2009.  The Doyle award, which has only been presented to a few recipients in its history, recognizes the honoree's contributions to continuing legal education in the state. In Mr. keatinge's case, the speakers presenting the award noted that he has made great contributions to the ongoing cause of legal education not only in Colorado but nationwide in his work with the American Bar Association. Mr. Keatinge is well-known as a writer and speaker on many legal topics and has played an active role in drafting business legislation.

Gavin Reese Honored with Heart & Hands Award

Gavin Reese was honored with the United Way of Salt Lake "Heart & Hands Award" on November 17, at the Utah Philanthropy Day 2009 luncheon hosted by the Utah Nonprofits Association and the Utah Society of Fund Raisers. The Heart & Hands award honors people who make significant contributions to charitable causes throughout our community through his or her volunteer or philanthropic service. Gavin joined other honorees, all of whom were selected as outstanding volunteers from nonprofit service, cultural and educational organizations across the state.

Holland & Hart Highly Recommended in Five States as a Leader in Litigation

Holland & Hart has been highly recommended as a top litigation firm for the states of Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming in Benchmark: Litigation, a guide to America's leading business litigation firms and attorneys. Individually, 15 Holland & Hart attorneys were named as Local Litigation Stars.

Of Holland & Hart, Benchmark: Litigation said, "Holland & Hart is a powerful and respected firm around the Rocky Mountain region... The firm’s network of offices allows it to handle matters that are filed in multiple jurisdictions, and coordinate its efforts between offices in order to optimize results for the client." The publication continued, "With specialties in financial services litigation, environment law, products liability, and white-collar crime, the firm has benefited from clients looking to hire the more cost-efficient firms outside the West and East Coasts."

Read the complete article on the Holland & Hart website

Holland & Hart Partner Elected to City Council for South Ogden, Utah

 Holland & Hart partner Bryan Benard was elected to fill one of two open seats on the South Ogden City Council. The Standard-Examiner reported that Benard views smart growth and revitalization as a major issue facing South Ogden, now and in the future. He expects that land use issues that impact the tax revenue base and quality of South Ogden's lifestyle, along with public safety, will be among the primary concerns facing the South Ogden City Council. Benard is a labor and employment attorney who represents both private and public clients in wrongful termination, harassment, and discrimination claims in both federal and state courts, as well as in administrative proceedings before federal and state agencies. He practices in the firm's Salt Lake City office.

Read more about Benard's ideas for his new position here.

Firm's Summer Associates Program Ranked 23rd in the Nation

In a time when law firms are cutting attorneys and programs to survive the current economic hardship, Holland & Hart's 2009 Summer Associates Program once again ranked well in The American Lawyer's Summer Associate Survey.  The program ranked 23rd in the nation and first in Denver according to the recent survey.

These rankings are based on feedback from 4,971 law students at 151 law firms across the country. The publication scored the firms' programs on nine key areas, including the interest level of the work, how much of it was real training and guidance, interactions with partners and full-time associates, how well the firm communicated its goals and expectations, how accurately the firm portrayed itself in interviews, how it rated overall as a place to work, and the respondents' inclination to accept a job if one were offered.

All nine of Holland & Hart's Denver 2009 summer clerks responded to the survey and gave the firm an average score of 4.630 out of 5 when the city average for Denver was 4.510.

Courtroom Victory for Farmers Against DuPont and Bureau of Land Management Over Misuse and Misbranding of Herbicide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a 17-week trial, an Idaho jury unanimously ruled that DuPont and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) must pay $17.8 million to four Idaho farmers whose crops were injured or destroyed when the BLM sprayed DuPont's herbicide Oust on nearby land: 50,000 acres of land in the South Central part of the state.

 

The jury trial was one of the longest to take place in Idaho federal court, and it involved Idaho's potato and sugar beet growers against one of the largest chemical companies in the nation, DuPont, as well as the largest landowner in the country, BLM. The jury found DuPont negligent as DuPont failed to give adequate warnings regarding its product, and determined that DuPont's product was misbranded, defective, and unreasonably dangerous. The jury also found BLM negligent for its selection of Oust and its selection of the application sites on which it was applied, in addition to conduct that constituted a nuisance and trespass under Idaho law. Neither DuPont nor BLM notified the nearby landowners that the herbicide was being sprayed. Now DuPont and BLM could face damages in excess of $250 million.

 

The case was filed in 2002 after an investigation by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture of what was described as the largest agricultural disaster in the history of the state.  Attorneys from across the country were involved in the action, including those from the U.S. Department of Justice and Holland & Hart. The case sets a precedent for more than 100 other farmers in the state. The trial court determined that the result of this bellwether trial would determine liability and other issues for the remaining cases. The bellwether plaintiffs were chosen by the court as representative of a number of other growers whose crops were damaged by Oust. The bellwethers each had fields a significant distance from the Oust application sites, each grew different types of crops, and each attempted to cope with the problems caused by Oust in different ways. It was a stunning victory in that the jury held that one of DuPont's most successful pesticides, sold all over the world, was misbranded. The damages awarded came close to what each of the four bellwether plaintiffs requested. The verdict is also noteworthy in demonstrating that even in the current hard economic times, the jury was still willing to embrace a large scale verdict and award damages at or near the top of what Plaintiffs were asking for each of the four farmers.  

 

One of Holland & Hart's clients in the case, Lance Funk, was a fourth generation Idaho farmer who came close to losing the farmland that his great grandfather homesteaded in the 1800's as a result of the Oust that contaminated his crops. Another one of Holland & Hart’s clients, Jerome and Tina Clinger, had to re-finance their entire farming operation after spending years trying to build up some equity in their operation. 

 

Attorneys involved in the trial included Steven Andersen, Peter Houtsma, Doug Abbot, Walter Bithell, Amanda Brailsford, Pamela Simmons Howland, Tracy Crane, and Ammonn Hansen of Holland & Hart.

Nevada Attorneys Among Top One Percent According to Nevada Business Magazine

Holland & Hart partners Bradley Boodt, Karen Dennison, Lance Earl and Steven Peek have been included in Nevada Business Magazine's 2009 Legal Elite, placing them in the top one percent of Nevada's attorneys. They have received this recognition by earning the trust and endorsement of their peers. 

Balloting for Legal Elite began earlier this year when Nevada Business Magazine asked members of the Nevada Bar to nominate their colleagues. Each attorney was given a score, and Nevada Business Magazine's research team reviewed the top 100 scorers to determine eligibility. The resulting 100 Legal Elite come from 42 separate firms throughout Nevada.

The publication says that Legal Elite, which "highlight[s]the top attorneys as chosen by their peers, will be an invaluable resource for anyone looking to retain an attorney." For the entire list of this year's Legal Elite, click here.

Partners Selected by Barrister's Best and People's Court

Law Week Colorado's third annual Barrister's Best edition selected Holland & Hart Partner Robert Pomeroy "Best renewable energy lawyer," and the People's Court voted Partner Brian Kinnear "Best patent lawyer." The firm's Subprime Mortgage practice also won the title of "Best practice group to capitalize on an emerging market."

The special edition celebrated the best things about living and working in the legal world in Colorado. This year's issue was the largest yet, and contained more than 100 different categories designed to honor and recognize Colorado's "best and brightest" attorneys. For those identified as "Peoples' Court" winners like Kinnear, more than 400 Law Week Colorado readers submitted ballots.

Of Pomeroy and Holland & Hart, the publication said, "The firm's traditional energy practice ... has been broadened to aid clients in complex transactions surrounding the purchase and sale of Renewable Energy Reduction Credits. Now, the firm brags that it handles projects from inception to completion." Of Holland & Hart's Subprime Mortgage group, the paper commented, "The firm created this practice group to enhance client service through a comprehensive approach to legal issues from both near- and long-term market impacts."

Partner Jane Michaels was also featured for the "Best verdict in the worst recession since the Great Depression." "Michaels secured the largest verdict in the state last year - not a shabby $14.3 million." The issue continued, "Represented by Michaels, National Oilwell Varco successfully defeated defendant Pason Systoms USA Corp. in early November after Michaels proved the defendant willfully infringed on her client's patent."

Firm Releases White Paper on Transmission Siting Challenges in the Western United States

The electric transmission system in the western United States is currently inadequate to accommodate future energy needs, especially considering the increasing demand for renewable energy. Complicating transmission expansion are the myriad federal, state, and local requirements that govern siting, construction, and operation of transmission systems. 

Using this premise as a starting point, Holland & Hart LLP has released a new white paper by attorneys James Holtkamp and Mark Davidson, titled “Transmission Siting in the Western United States: Overview and Recommendations Prepared as Information to the Western Interstate Energy Board." 

Holtkamp and Davidson outline in the white paper the current regulatory systems of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming and recommend that those states incorporate their respective best practices into a regional transmission siting regime. 

 

Holtkamp and Davidson stress in the white paper how serious the need is for a coordinated and rational approach to transmission project siting. Such an approach would assure protection of environmental and other critical interests, incorporate ample opportunity for input from affected stakeholders, allow for reasonable recovery of costs, and place a priority on the compelling interests in modernizing the transmission grid.

 

The white paper is available here.

 

 

Firm Ranks Fourth Among Law Firms With Highest Level of Women Equity Partners

In the 2009 edition of the Vault/MCCA Guide to Law Firm Diversity Programs, Holland & Hart LLP ranked fourth among 277 major law firms in the category of "highest percentage of women equity partners." *

Holland & Hart has long been a leader in the legal profession for its diversity efforts. "Holland & Hart appreciates the value of its diverse work force," said managing partner, Tom O'Donnell. "These statistics confirm our commitment to providing a supportive work environment in which women can succeed."

Read the full list of rankings at http://www.mcca.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.viewPage&pageID=1940.

*NOTE: Holland & Hart LLP's partnership is comprised only of equity partners.

Holland & Hart Named a 2009 Best Law Firm for Women by Working Mother Magazine

Holland & Hart LLP has been named among the 2009 Best Law Firms for Women by Working Mother magazine and consulting firm Flex-Time Lawyers. The firm is recognized for its continued attention to work/life balance and women’s issues.

The 50 winning firms were selected based on their workforce profiles, family-friendly benefits and policies, flexibility, leadership, compensation, advancement and retention of women, among other criteria. Holland & Hart and the other winning firms employ more lawyers who work reduced hours (8 percent versus 5 percent nationwide) and employ more female equity partners who share in their firms’ profits (20 percent versus 16 percent nationwide).

"We couldn't be happier to be recognized by Working Mother," said firm chair, John Husband. "This honor illustrates our commitment to cutting-edge diversity recruitment efforts and to creating a supportive work environment for women. Holland & Hart recognizes the strength of talent and breadth of perspective that come from a diverse workforce."

“The recession has created a shift in the legal industry and now is the time to push through mutually-beneficial, cost-effective reforms that directly benefit work/life balance and allow working moms to succeed both at home and in the court room,” said Carol Evans, President, Working Mother Media.

“We are proud of our 2009 Best Law Firms for Women because they understand that when the market improves, the war for talent will return and they will be better positioned to recruit and retain the best and brightest,” said Deborah Epstein Henry, Founder and President, Flex-Time Lawyers. “Big salaries and bonuses will no longer be the pivotal means for firms to draw the best talent, and culture and environment will become more important ways for firms to distinguish themselves.”  

The 50 Best Law Firms for Women and their work/life balance and women-friendly policies are highlighted in the August/September issue of Working Mother. You can view Holland & Hart's profile, here. Winning firms will be honored at a luncheon at the Pierre Hotel in New York on September 15.

Partner Joins ABA Roundtable on Managing Change

Holland & Hart partner Carl Barton recently joined an American Bar Association (ABA) Law Practice Roundtable on "Managing Change: How Law Firms are Managing the Wake-up Call," which appears in the July/August 2009 issue of the ABA's publication, Law Practice: The Business of Practicing Law.

Five attorneys representing different regions around the country discussed issues such as the impact that the current recession is having on U.S. law firms, how technology is reshaping the practice of law, the revival of alternative fee arrangements, and coping with short-term challenges while still keeping an eye on long-term objectives. 

Read what Barton and the others have to say about these and other interesting issues in the full article online.

Holland & Hart Wins Landmark Adoption Ruling

In April, 44-year-old plumber Jeffrey Hannasch’s legal battle for his adoption records led to a landmark Court of Appeals ruling. As a result of Hannasch's case, some 8,000 people adopted in Colorado between July 1, 1951, and July 1, 1967, will have an easier time obtaining their previously sealed adoption records.

Rich Uhrlaub, a volunteer coordinator with Adoptees in Search —The Colorado Triad Connection, heard about Hannasch’s case, and helped bring in lawyers Susan Combs and Marcy Glenn from Holland and Hart, who agreed to take the case on appeal on a pro bono basis.

In a unanimous published decision, the Colorado Court of Appeals reversed the district court’s order refusing Hannasch's request to access his adoption records. The court accepted Holland & Hart's view of Colorado’s adoption-records statute that an adoptee may have access to all court records and papers regarding the adoption.

Read more about Hannasch's compelling story and victory, here.

Partner Speaks at Aspen/Snowmass State of Real Estate Symposium

At this year's Aspen/Snowmass State of the Real Estate & Development Economy Symposium and Panel Discussion, a team of panelists addressed current market conditions and the best ways to react to those changes.

The heart of the recent two-hour event consisted of a panel discussion of local business and community leaders, including Thomas Todd, a partner with Holland & Hart. Todd and the symposium presented brief information about current and predicted real estate trends in the area, perceived myths about what's going on in the marketplace, and recommendations for successfully navigating the changing real estate scene.

The symposium was held at the Doerr-Hosier Center (at the Aspen Institute) and was hosted by BJ Adams and Company Real Estate. For more information about the event, click here.

American Lawyer's Associates Survey Ranks Holland & Hart Among Top in the Country

Holland & Hart ranked 35th in the country according to The American Lawyer's Associates Survey 2009. This annual survey seeks to find how midlevel associates across the country rate their firms as workplaces.

"The people at Holland & Hart are committed to one another, a diverse work force, teamwork, and work/life balance," said John Husband, chair of the firm. "The firm's core values are constant encouragement to be the leading firm in the Mountain West."

The survey examined 12 areas that contribute to job satisfaction. They include relations with partners and other associates, the interest and satisfaction level of the work, training and guidance, policy on billable hours, management's openness about firm strategies and partnership chances, the firm's attitude toward pro bono work, compensation and benefits, and the respondents' inclination to stay at their firm for at least two or more years.  

For more information and the complete list, visit www.law.com.

Attorney Among Denver Mayor's Water Board Appointments

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper on Friday appointed Holland & Hart attorney Greg Austin to the Denver Board of Water Commissioners.

Austin is an experienced lawyer with a long record of public and community service in Denver. He has advised the firm’s clients — primarily in the area of business transactions — since 1962. Ausin retired from the partnership in 2001 but continues serving as Of Counsel to the firm.

Austin already dedicated four years of his career to government service. During those years he served in Washington, D.C. as general counsel to the U.S. Small Business Administration and solicitor (general counsel) to the U.S. Department of Interior from 1973-1977.

Partner Begins Term as President of Idaho State Bar

Partner Newal Squyres recently began his term as President of the Idaho State Bar. He was elected to the Idaho State Bar Commission in 2007, and is serving on the Commission for a three-year term. Squyres has long been a leader within the organization, helping to establish the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the Idaho Bar. As President, Squyres will oversee a wide variety of functions and programs of the Bar all while maintaining a fully active commercial litigation practice.

The Idaho State Bar promotes high standards for practicing law in Idaho and is responsible for regulating the practice of law, including admission, licensing and discipline of attorneys.

 

Squyres is consistently listed in The Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, as well as in Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel and Mountain States Super Lawyers, and was selected as one of the top 75 Super Lawyers in the entire Mountain States region. Squyres also served as the managing partner of Holland & Hart's Boise office from 2004-2007. His practice includes a wide variety of complex civil litigation, and Squyres frequently speaks on trial preparation and technique.

 

For more information, click here.

Native American Law Practice Nationally Recognized

Holland & Hart LLP once again received high rankings in the 2009 Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business guide. Sixty-three Holland & Hart attorneys and 11 of the firm's practice areas were recognized this year, but the firm's Native American Law practice is especially pleased because it was ranked nationally for the fourth consecutive year.

In a recent Law Week Colorado issue, Melissa Meirink and Holland & Hart's Native American Law practice were featured for this honor. The article highlighted that the firm's Denver office is bringing new ideas and direction to this specialized, small legal field. "[Offering counsel on Indian Tribes] is a really valuable service that Holland & Hart provides that you can't necessarily find at other firms," said Meirink.

Read more about the practice and its Chambers recognition in Law Week Colorado's July 6, 2009 issue.

Attorney Named Among Idaho Accomplished Under 40

The Idaho Business Review has announced the 2009 recipients of the Idaho Accomplished Under 40 awards, and among them is Holland & Hart Boise attorney, Pamela Simmons Howland.

According to the publication, this year was the most competitive to date. More than 140 young movers and shakers across the state were nominated for the distinction. Howland was awarded for her professional accomplishments, leadership, community involvement and long-term goals.

The top 40 achievers were recognized on June 23 at an awards dinner at the Boise Centre on the Grove.

For the entire list of this year's honorees, click here.

Anne Castle Confirmed as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science

Holland & Hart partner Anne Castle has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science. In this position, Castle will oversee water and science policy and will have responsibility for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Geological Survey. 

On June 19, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said of the confirmation, "Anne Castle has more than 25 years of experience in water rights, water quality, and natural resources law." He continued, "I welcome Anne to our leadership team and look forward to working with her on the major water and science challenges we face, from climate impacts, to drought and regional water issues."

Castle is the former Chair of Holland & Hart’s Management Committee and former Chair of the firm’s Natural Resources Department. She is consistently listed in Best Lawyers in America for water law and was selected by The Women’s Vision Foundation for its prestigious Woman of Vision award in 2008.

In 2007, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter appointed Castle to the South Platte River Basin Task Force. Castle was appointed a member of the Colorado Ground Water Commission from 1994 to 2002 by former Colorado Governor Roy Romer. She also was the Chair and an elected member of the Board of Directors for the Genesee Water and Sanitation District from 1989 to 2002.  

Read more about Castle's confirmation, here.