Utah Business is proud to partner with Chambers and Partners to publish this year’s Legal Elite. Since its founding in 1989, Chambers and Partners has differentiated the best legal talent by identifying and ranking law firms and lawyers globally through rigorous interview and assessment processes. Rankings are determined by technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by the client.
Corporate/M&A
Leading Firms
What the team is known for: Dorsey & Whitney is renowned throughout the state for its securities, venture capital and public company work and is also involved in private equity matters, advising on fund formation as well as buyout investments into portfolio companies. The firm benefits greatly from Dorsey’s international profile, with its Utah-based lawyers regularly working alongside colleagues based in other jurisdictions. It has notable experience representing clients in the technology sector.
Strengths: “The team is very knowledgeable.”
Work highlights: Dorsey & Whitney represented Vidler Water Resources in its acquisition by D. R. Horton worth $300 million.
Notable practitioners: Nolan Taylor is highly regarded in M&A law and often advises on big-ticket acquisitions in the fintech sector. He has additional experience handling debt and equity financing. Alan Bell regularly advises investors on acquisitions in the health and technology sectors. He also has experience in private equity fund formation. David Marx has extensive expertise assisting clients with public offerings. He advises clients from a variety of sectors including technology, automotive and life sciences. Layne Smith focuses his practice on M&A, financing transactions and joint ventures. He is co-chair of Dorsey’s mergers and acquisitions practice group.
Senior Statespeople
Leading Individuals
Up-and-Coming Individuals
Associates to Watch
Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
Senior Statespeople
Leading Individuals
Scott Hagen of Ray Quinney & Nebeker is active representing clients in sensitive discrimination cases and claims of breach of contract. He maintains a strong focus on ERISA litigation. Brian King is a sole practitioner who expertly handles ERISA litigation for his clients. He offers noted experience representing plaintiffs in class actions. Waldan Lloyd of Dentons has extensive experience advising on the transfer and merger of benefit plans, in addition to assisting with the termination of high-value pension plans. Scott Petersen of Fabian VanCott has a strong track record advising clients on ERISA litigation and frequently provides legal support to employers in relation to employee benefit and compensation plans. John Walch of Dentons focuses his practice advising clients on employee benefit and compensation plans. He has additional expertise in ERISA litigation.
Natural Resources & Environment
Leading Firms
What the team is known for: Holland & Hart remains a clear market leader for environmental law in Utah. Deep bench of specialist attorneys includes several who have previously held posts with state and federal regulators. Covers all aspects of the field, with particular strengths in water rights, air quality compliance and issues arising from Utah’s hazardous materials laws. Clients include municipalities and national corporations. Offers significant abilities handling litigation matters as well as providing regulatory advice.
Work highlights: Holland & Hart LLP represented Basin Electric in development of comments on Clean Power Plan and Affordable Clean Energy Rule and also represented Basin Electric in associated DC Circuit and Supreme Court litigation.
Notable practitioners: Kevin Murray is a leading attorney in this space. He attracts praise for his expertise in environmental law and is particularly noted for his knowledge of contamination and remediation matters. Jody Williams is a highly esteemed practitioner with considerable expertise in water rights. She is well-placed to handle mandates involving multiple states. Emily Schilling is a respected practitioner recognized for her expertise in clean air issues. She handles compliance and permitting as well as agency enforcement proceedings. Ashley Peck has a robust environmental law practice with expertise in water and contamination matters. She regularly assists clients with disputes relating to oil spills. Shawn Welch frequently assists clients with disputes in the oil and gas sector. He also has experience handling contentious land use issues.
What the team is known for: Parsons Behle & Latimer maintains its leading position in the Salt Lake City market, fielding one of the largest environmental law practices in the Mountain West. Assists national and international clients with a range of matters, including air and water quality, public lands work and project permitting issues. Utilizes extensive experience advising onsite cleanup and redevelopment matters. Also experienced in representing clients in environmental litigation.
Work highlights: Parsons Behle & Latimer represented Homestake Mining Company in a CERCLA interim removal action concerning the former Black Jack and Mac uranium mines on Navajo Nation lands in eastern New Mexico.
Notable practitioners: Richard Angell has expertise coordinating environmental cleanup mandates and remedial actions in the mining sector. He also represents clients in environmental compliance, cost recovery actions and enforcement proceedings. Jim Butler is well known for his work in the mining sector, regularly advising industry clients on project permitting. He capably manages contested administrative proceedings. Lisa Kirschner is an environmental lawyer focused on water law who works with clients to secure and defend permits. She also advises on regulatory compliance under both state and federal water statutes and handles related enforcement proceedings. Michael Tomko is commended for his experience in clean air matters. He manages the permitting process and regulatory compliance. Michael Malmquist is an energy and natural resources-focused attorney with expertise in siting and project permitting. He also has experience in transactions involving renewable energy assets. Jacob Santini comes recommended for his expertise on air quality matters. Michael Zody is a notable environmental litigator who is adept at handling cases relating to the Clean Water Act. He also represents clients in air quality enforcement proceedings. Jason Steiert is an up-and-coming attorney with significant experience in natural resources and environment law. He provides due diligence, compliance and leasing support for clients in various industries.
Leading Individuals
Up-and-Coming Individuals
Intellectual Property
Leading Firms
What the team is known for: Dorsey & Whitney has a market-leading practice in Utah covering the full range of IP activities. Offers expertise in a wide range of technical industries, with particular experience in oil and gas and medical device technologies. Well-placed to handle cross-border mandates.
Strengths: “The team has great breadth and depth of patent prosecution knowledge.”
“The group provides detailed and in-depth analysis for cases, and they are very supportive.”
“The firm is very responsive.”
Work highlights: Dorsey & Whitney provided Durafuse Frames and its parent company Core- Brace with comprehensive patent prosecution services and related counseling on seismic reinforced frames.
Notable practitioners: Brett Foster is widely recognized for his expertise in contentious IP mandates, including large-scale patent infringement litigation at trial and appellate levels. Grant Foster is applauded for his expert handling of a range of IP matters including trademark litigation, patent infringements and portfolio management. Matthew Bethards is a go-to patent expert for an impressive roster of clients, including within the life sciences sector. He advises on the management and prosecution of portfolios, including those spanning several jurisdictions. Mark Miller is a well-respected choice of counsel for patent infringement disputes. He has notable expertise in handling cases in the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. Bryan Pratt is an experienced patent expert who advises on all aspects of the development and management of domestic and cross-border portfolios, as well as protecting rights. He is also recognized for his expert counsel on complex technology issues. Marcus Simon maintains an impressive patent prosecution practice which sees him advise both domestic and international clients on a range of complex mandates. He is recognized for his industry expertise in sectors such as oil and gas and medical devices. Aaron Barker centers his practice on advising his clients on a range of patent matters including prosecution, portfolio management and infringement. Catherine Lake is highly capable across a range of trademark, copyright and trade secret matters. Her practice includes drafting IP agreements and advising on infringement issues.
What the team is known for: Maschoff Brennan is a preeminent IP boutique with a strong pool of nationally significant clients. Active in both prosecution and enforcement work, and particularly known for its litigation strength, with notable expertise in information technology. Regularly represents clients in a range of patent and copyright infringement litigation. Well-placed to handle cases in the appellate stages.
Strengths: “The team repeatedly demonstrates their ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters.”
“This firm is a top choice for intellectual property matters.”
“They work with an exceptional understanding of the underlying legal framework and fit that framework to the needs of our business.”
Work highlights: Maschoff Brennan obtained a preliminary injunction for Softketeers barring its former contractors and their new employer from disclosing or using source code created or acquired during their employment at Softketeers.
Notable practitioners: Eric Maschoff acts for an impressive technology client base on a range of patent and trademark matters, including preparation and prosecution. He is also recognized for his licensing capabilities. Richard Gilmore handles the preparation and prosecution of trademarks and patents for a wide-ranging client base, and regularly counsels on global strategies. Kirk Harris has a strong IP litigation practice with expertise in handling trade secret, patent and copyright cases. He also advises on IP protection. C.J. Veverka is well regarded for his expertise in IP litigation mandates. His recent activity includes high-profile copyright and patent infringement litigation.
Senior Statespeople
Leading Individuals
Up-and-Coming Individuals
Litigation, General Commercial
Leading Firms
What the team is known for: Parr Brown Gee & Loveless is a well-known Utah firm with a seasoned and respected litigation department. The firm is active in bankruptcy, securities and commercial contract litigation, with its diverse caseload also encompassing construction, product liability and First Amendment issues. It is often sought out by clients to tackle complex tax fraud lawsuits.
Notable practitioners: Jonathan Hafen maintains a broad litigation practice across a range of industries, advising on matters such as tax fraud, insurance claims and breaches of contract. Robert Clark attracts a broad roster of clients with his strong trial practice, which also includes arbitration proceedings. He acts on single-plaintiff and class actions involving issues such as IP infringements, antitrust issues and securities law. Jeffrey Hunt is a go-to lawyer for media and entertainment clients facing big-ticket disputes, bringing to bear significant expertise in First Amendment claims as well as IP litigation. Stephen Hale has a civil litigation that is complemented by particular experience in construction and insurance coverage disputes. He also acts on cases involving tax issues.
What the team is known for: Parsons Behle & Latimer is a well-established regional firm with one of the largest litigation teams in the Mountain West, practicing before federal and state courts, administrative agencies and arbitration panels across the nation. Its expertise covers the full spectrum of commercial litigation, including bankruptcy, land use and false advertising matters. The firm also fields an active white-collar criminal defense practice. It is additionally experienced in claims relating to alleged breaches of fiduciary duty.
Strengths: “I’m really impressed with the lawyers there. They are incredibly responsive and provide their opinion, not just options.”
“The team is very quick to respond.”
“They understand our industry and our strategy. They’re responsive to last-minute or unexpected developments.”
Work highlights: Parsons Behle & Latimer acted for Quickfresh and other defendants in a $20 million dispute brought by 1% Fitness alleging various claims including misappropriation of trade secrets.
Notable practitioners: Francis Wikstrom is a highly experienced lawyer who regularly represents clients in public law proceedings and commercial disputes. He is well-placed to handle land use and environmental cases. Julianne Blanch is a go-to lawyer for both commercial and medical malpractice litigation. She is well-placed to handle disputes such as breaches of fiduciary duty. Erik Christiansen is a fine choice of litigator for disputes such as securities fraud class actions, false advertising claims and investigations into insider trading. He also has notable experience working on arbitration proceedings. Michael Bailey practices across both Arizona and Utah, handling a range of civil litigation. He regularly advises on land use and environmental law mandates, including those involving administrative proceedings. Nathan Thomas assists a broad client base with commercial dispute resolution.
What the team is known for: Ray Quinney & Nebeker is an admired Salt Lake City firm with a sizable litigation group which remains one of the most respected in the state. The firm regularly acts as Utah counsel for a number of national leaders in their respective industries, including automotive and pharmaceuticals. It maintains an array of specialties including professional negligence, securities and antitrust class action cases. The team offers additional strength in product liability cases and personal injury litigation.
Strengths: “At every turn they are able to outmaneuver and outclass the opposing counsel.”
“They are very experienced and aware of litigation issues.”
“They understand the complexity of the subject matter with ease.”
Work highlights: Ray Quinney & Nebeker acted for EMCOR Group in a dispute with Meta and its insurers arising from an alleged HVAC and fire suppression system failure at a server facility.
Notable practitioners: James Jardine is a revered practitioner, with a multitude of experience in complex commercial litigation. He is especially active as an arbitrator and is also noted for work as a mediator. Justin Toth has a strong track record as a litigator in high-value commercial cases, with a particular focus on cross-border antitrust disputes. He is held in high regard for his handling of large-scale settlements. Jeffrey Weston Shields regularly assists clients with insurance and real estate claims. He is also a fine choice of counsel for bankruptcy proceedings, which form part of his longstanding commercial litigation practice. Kamie Brown has expertise assisting clients with product liability disputes. She also has notable experience handling wrongful marketing and personal injury claims. Rick Rose has a robust practice and is particularly active in negligence litigation. He is well-placed to advise clients in the energy and insurance sectors. Kristine Larsen undertakes a broad array of disputes, including commercial, insurance, real estate, product liability and personal injury.
What the team is known for: Snell & Wilmer has a respected department active in real estate, construction and shareholder litigation, among other business disputes. It also offers expertise in professional malpractice claims, white-collar criminal defense and trade secret matters. The firm represents clients across numerous sectors including mining, oil and gas, consumer goods, hospitality, insurance and healthcare, among others. It regularly acts on alleged breach of fiduciary duty claims.
Strengths: “It’s a great team that provides seamless communication.”
“Snell & Wilmer has attorneys with many different specialties. We can always find a person with the specialized skills required for the situation we are seeking to resolve.”
Work highlights: Snell & Wilmer successfully represented Arthur Grant in a condemnation trial.
Notable practitioners: Matthew Lalli’s practice encompasses an impressive spread of complex disputes, including breach of contract, fraud and malpractice claims. He regularly assists clients in the construction and real estate sectors. Troy Aramburu tackles wide-ranging civil disputes arising from diverse industries, including the energy sector. He is experienced in a range of contentious proceedings, including federal trials and those filed before bankruptcy courts. Mark Morris has a solid practice regularly advising clients on employment and trade secret disputes. He also has experience handling construction litigation. Amy Sorenson is a fine choice of litigator for disputes arising in the financial services sector, and regularly acts on matters such as unfair competition, licensing and copyright actions.
Senior Statespeople
Leading Individuals
Up-and-Coming Individuals
Labor & Employment
Leading Firms
What the team is known for: Holland & Hart LLP is highly regarded in the Utah labor and employment market, with broad skills covering drafting noncompete and nonsolicitation agreements, as well as advising on leave and accommodation issues and ongoing employment counseling. Litigation expertise spans wage and hour class actions and discrimination cases, as well as wrongful dismissal claims. Advises employers in a range of sectors including aviation, life sciences, energy and technology.
Strengths: “The firm is comprised of many outstanding attorneys, whose advice is timely and well thought out.”
“The team is incredibly capable of handling complex matters. The firm’s attorneys provide stellar legal advice.”
Work highlights: Holland & Hart represented USANA Health Sciences in a class action suit concerning alleged violations of wage and hours laws and other protections.
Notable practitioners: Bryan Benard attracts praise for his leading employment law practice, which includes advising on discrimination and unfair dismissal claims. He is particularly expert in wage and hour class actions, offering notable strength advising clients with California operations on large-scale mandates. Steven Suflas handles a range of employment disputes, including unfair labor practices and wage and hour matters. He also offers counseling on related matters. Greg Saylin’s practice encompasses an array of employment litigation. His broad client base benefits from his experience handling wrongful termination and breach of contract disputes as well as wage and hour class actions.
What the team is known for: Parsons Behle & Latimer PC has a large and experienced team, recently bolstered by the arrival of a number of lawyers from Jones Waldo. The firm has a comprehensive range of expertise that covers ERISA mandates, noncompetition, employee investigations, wage issues and breach of contract claims. It also holds specialized expertise in OSHA complaints and has a strong track record representing clients in complex discrimination claims.
Strengths: “Parsons Behle & Latimer’s team is great from top to bottom.”
“The firm is always responsive and knowledgeable of current trends and recent case law.”
Work highlights: Parsons Behle & Latimer represented ROI Solutions in a putative class action concerning alleged violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act, Utah Wage Payment Act and Montana Wage Payment Act.
Notable practitioners: Christina Jepson has a broad labor and employment practice, with notable experience handling matters involving allegations of discrimination and ERISA cases. She also assists clients with general employment advisory and training work. Michael Patrick O’Brien is held in high regard for his wide-ranging employment practice, which includes handling cases relating to discrimination, employee benefits and wages. He is also a go-to attorney for employers seeking risk avoidance strategies and counsel on day-to-day issues. Mark Tolman is a fine choice of litigator for a range of disputes at both trial and appellate stages, including discrimination claims, breaches of fiduciary duty and issues involving noncompete clauses. He also has experience of lobbying work.
What the team is known for: Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC has one of the largest labor and employment groups in the state, representing an impressive list of multinational and domestic clients. Possesses a breadth of expertise in noncompetition and trade secrets matters, as well as wrongful termination and discrimination and harassment disputes. Also has significant experience defending clients against complex class and collective actions. Regularly handles claims of breach of employment contract.
Strengths: “The team is very thorough and communicative.”
“The firm’s attorneys are very knowledgeable and excellent to work with.”
“Ray Quinney & Nebeker’s lawyers are the gold standard for employment law.”
Work highlights: Ray Quinney & Nebeker was retained to defend the Utah Attorney General’s Office, Attorney General Sean Reyes, former Chief Civil Deputy Bridget Romano, and former Solicitor General Tyler Green in defense of multiple claims including violation of Utah’s Whistleblower Act, Title VII retaliation, 1983 claims for violation of free speech and procedural and substantive due process violations, along with breach of contract.
Notable practitioners: Scott Hagen is regularly retained to handle high-stakes discrimination cases and breach of contract claims, as well as ERISA litigation. He also has experience handling class action litigation. Robert Rice is a leading employment lawyer who regularly acts for clients on non-competition matters. He also has experience handling employment-related defamation cases. Rick Thaler is highlighted for his broad-based labor and employment practice, which includes advising on big-ticket discrimination claims. His clientele includes large multinational companies. David Dibble regularly handles complex employment litigation for his broad client base in addition to providing compliance advice.
Leading Individuals
Real Estate
Leading Firms
What the team is known for: Holland & Hart LLP advises on the full range of real estate matters, including residential, resort and mixed-use developments. Demonstrates an impressive track record handling high-value acquisitions, development projects and land use planning. Prominent for its expertise in transactions involving multifamily housing, as well as real estate elements of renewable energy projects. Also noted for its handling of land use, zoning and entitlement matters.
Strengths: “The firm has a wide variety of legal experts.”
“Holland & Hart has an amazing amount of talent and expertise.
Work highlights: Holland & Hart represented Hamilton Partners and its affiliates in several acquisitions, sales and real estate financing and leasing transactions totaling more than $200 million.
Notable practitioners: Carl Barton regularly advises on residential, office, multipurpose and hospitality projects. He also acts for clients on real estate transactions such as financings and acquisitions. David Broadbent offers extensive knowledge of real estate financing as part of his broad transactional capabilities. He is well-placed to handle acquisitions, sales and financing of residential projects. Adrienne Bell regularly advises real estate developers and clients from the energy sector on large-scale developments. She brings wider experience in planning and entitlement concerns. Matthew Wirthlin handles a wide range of real estate transactions, including acquisitions and financing. He has notable experience in multifamily projects.
What the team is known for: Parr Brown Gee & Loveless Corporation is a highly regarded firm offering a comprehensive real estate service, with an excellent track record handling office, residential and mixed-use development projects. Advises clients on transactions, financing and leasing. Provides representation in trial for contentious real estate matters.
Strengths: “The team is commercial in providing feedback, prompt in responses and has great experience.”
Work highlights: Parr Brown Gee & Loveless represented EX Utah Development and its affiliates relating to the issuance of tax allocation revenue bonds for the installation of infrastructure improvements at the newly developed Mayflower Mountain Resort.
Notable practitioners: David Gee is a leading figure in the real estate legal market. He has significant experience handling acquisitions, financings and land exchanges on behalf of a range of commercial real estate investors and developers. Robert McConnell comes recommended for his longstanding real estate practice. He has proven experience handling a broad range of commercial and residential real estate developments, with additional expertise advising on low-income housing projects. Lamont Richardson maintains a broad-based transactional practice. He offers expertise in both commercial finance and real estate to advise on a range of development projects.