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

Band 1

Dorsey & Whitney LLP

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. 

Band 2

Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Snell & Wilmer LLP

Stoel Rives LLP

Band 3

Holland & Hart LLP

Mayer Brown LLP

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Band 4

Ballard Spahr LLP

Bennett, Tueller, Johnson & Deere

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Kirton McConkie

Kunzler Law Group

Senior Statespeople 

Anderson, P. Christian Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

Leading Individuals

Band 1

Taylor, Nolan S. Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Wells, Matthew Mayer Brown LLP

Weston, John Snell & Wilmer LLP

Band 2

Bell, Alan W. Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Fredman, Stuart A. Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Gardiner, Samuel P. Mayer Brown LLP

King, Seth R. Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Leishman, N. Todd Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

Marx, David Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Porter, Marc Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Band 3

Bagnasacco, Barbara Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Bean, Wade Kunzler Law Group

Flint, George Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Hawkins, Brent Bennett, Tueller, Johnson & Deere

Jones, Jeffrey Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

Merrill, Brad Snell & Wilmer LLP

Reece, Todd Holland & Hart LLP

Taylor, Thomas R. Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

Waddoups, Doug Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Band 4

Carman, Mark R. Carman Lehnhof Israelsen

Daines, Daniel Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Rogers, Jason Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Schefer, Michael J. Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Smith, Layne Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Smith, Russell K. Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

Winger, R. Gary Kirton McConkie

Yates, Robbie Kirton McConkie

Young, Scott F. Mayer Brown LLP

Up-and-Coming Individuals

Hurlbut, Nathan Greenberg Traurig LLP

Topham, Spencer Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Associates to Watch

Pack, Neela Mayer Brown LLP

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

Senior Statespeople

Lloyd, W. Waldan Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

Leading Individuals

Band 1

Hagen, Scott Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

King, Brian Brian S. King, PC

Petersen, Scott Fabian VanCott

Walch, John D. Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

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

Band 1

Holland & Hart LLP

Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Holland & Hart LLP 

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. 

Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

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.

Band 2

Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Band 3

Clyde Snow Attorneys at Law

Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Snell & Wilmer LLP

Stoel Rives LLP

Leading Individuals

Band 1

Christiansen, Steven J. Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Clyde, Steven Clyde Snow Attorneys at Law

Dragoo, Denise Snell & Wilmer LLP

Murray, Kevin R. Holland & Hart LLP

Williams, Jody Holland & Hart LLP

Band 2

Angell, Richard Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Banks, Martin K. Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Butler, Jim B. Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Cahoon, Brad Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

Jensen, Daniel A. Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Kirschner, Lisa Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Schilling, Emily Holland & Hart LLP

Tomko, Michael Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Band 3

Beless, Rosemary J. Fabian VanCott

Hall, Richard R. Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Houdeshel, Megan J. Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Jensen, Matthew Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Keller, H. Michael Fabian VanCott

Machlis, M. Benjamin Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Malmquist, Michael J. Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Parker, Wells Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Peck, Ashley Holland & Hart LLP

Santini, Jacob Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Welch, Shawn Holland & Hart LLP

Zody, Michael A. Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Up-and-Coming Individuals

Burghardt, Mark Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Clyde, Jonathan Clyde Snow Attorneys at Law

Steiert, Jason Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Wallin, Kassidy Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Intellectual Property

Leading Firms

Band 1

Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Maschoff Brennan

Dorsey & Whitney

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. 

Maschoff Brennan 

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.

Band 2

Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Stoel Rives LLP

Workman Nydegger

Band 3

Holland & Hart LLP

Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Thorpe, North & Western LLP

TraskBritt, PC

Band 4

Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

Keller Jolley Preece

Magleby Cataxinos & Greenwood

Senior Statespeople

Nydegger, Rick D. Workman Nydegger

Leading Individuals

Band 1

Berger, Arthur B. Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Foster, Brett Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Foster, L. Grant Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Laycock, Larry R. Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

Lorimer, Brent Workman Nydegger

Maschoff, Eric L. Maschoff Brennan

Walkowski, Joseph A. TraskBritt, PC

Band 2

Bethards, Matthew S. Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Bettilyon, Mark M. Thorpe, North & Western LLP

Cataxinos, Edgar R. Magleby Cataxinos & Greenwood

Gilmore, Richard Maschoff Brennan

Miller, Mark Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Pratt, Bryan Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Stringham, John C. Workman Nydegger

White, Juliette Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Band 3

de Jonge, Peter M. Thorpe, North & Western LLP

Frodsham, Michael Workman Nydegger

Grange, Kevin Lowenstein Sandler LLP

Harris, Kirk Maschoff Brennan

Johnson, R. Whit Foley & Lardner LLP

Marshall, Ryan L. Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Shimada, Tiffany Greenberg Traurig. LLP

Simon, Marcus Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Straight, Samuel C. Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Veverka, C.J. Maschoff Brennan

Band 4

Barker, Aaron D. Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Hulse, Loren Holland & Hart LLP

Karren, Scott Holland & Hart LLP

Lake, Catherine Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Magleby, James E. Magleby Cataxinos & Greenwood

Taylor, Paul Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Winchester, Cody Mitchell Barlow & Mansfield

Wright, David Foley & Lardner LLP

Up-and-Coming Individuals

Harris, Phil Holland & Hart LLP

Matthews, Sarah Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

Watson, James TraskBritt, PC

Litigation, General Commercial

Leading Firms

Band 1

Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Snell & Wilmer LLP

Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

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. 

Parsons Behle & Latimer PC 

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. 

Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC 

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. 

Snell & Wilmer LLP 

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. 

Band 2

Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Foley & Lardner LLP

Holland & Hart LLP

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Magleby Cataxinos & Greenwood

Mayer Brown LLP

Band 3

Ballard Spahr LLP

Burbidge Mitchell

Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

James, Dodge, Russell & Stephens, PC

McNeill | Von Maack

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Snow, Christensen & Martineau

Senior Statespeople

Haley, George M. Holland & Hart LLP

Jardine, James S. Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Wikstrom, Francis M. Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Leading Individuals

Band 1

Black, Kenneth B. Foley & Lardner LLP

Burbidge, Richard D. Burbidge Mitchell

Hafen, Jonathan O. Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Lalli, Matthew L. Snell & Wilmer LLP

Magleby, James E. Magleby Cataxinos & Greenwood

Moscon, Matthew Mayer Brown LLP

Tomsic, Peggy Magleby Cataxinos & Greenwood

Toth, Justin T. Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Band 2

Benard, Blaine Holland & Hart LLP

Benevento, Bryon J. Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Clark, Robert S. Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Gaylord, Mark Ballard Spahr LLP

Gross, Jefferson W. Gross & Rooney

Hatch, Brent Hatch Law Group

Hunt, Jeffrey J. Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Jordan, David J. Foley & Lardner LLP

Morse, Andrew Snow, Christensen & Martineau

Shields, Jeffrey W. Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Band 3

Aramburu, Troy Snell & Wilmer LLP

Blanch, Julianne Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Boren, Jason Ballard Spahr LLP

Brown, Kamie Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Christiansen, Erik Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Hale, Stephen E. W. Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Hogle, Christopher R. Holland & Hart LLP

Krannich, Jess Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Morris, Mark Snell & Wilmer LLP

Mortensen, David Foley & Lardner LLP

Rose, Rick L. Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Shurman, Lauren A. Mayer Brown LLP

Sorenson, Amy F. Snell & Wilmer LLP

Band 4

Bailey, Michael Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Deiss, Andrew Deiss Law

DiFrancesco, Lauren Greenberg Traurig. LLP

Ensor, Richard Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

James, Mark James, Dodge, Russell & Stephens, PC

Joffee, Steven J. Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Larsen, Kristine M. Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Marsden, Milo Steven Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Martinez, Chris Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Maxfield, Eric G. Holland & Hart LLP

McNeill, Jason A. McNeill | Von Maack

Thomas, Nathan Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Vartabedian, Melanie Ballard Spahr LLP

Von Maack, Christopher M. McNeill | Von Maack

Up-and-Coming Individuals

LeDuc, Carolyn Burbidge Mitchell

Stephens, Mitchell A. James, Dodge, Russell & Stephens

Labor & Employment

Leading Firms

Band 1

Holland & Hart LLP

Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Holland & Hart LLP

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. 

Parsons Behle & Latimer PC 

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. 

Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC 

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.

Band 2

Jackson Lewis PC

Leading Individuals

Band 1

Benard, Bryan Holland & Hart LLP

Durham, Matthew M. Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Hagen, Scott Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Jepson, Christina Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

O’Brien, Michael Patrick Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Rice, Robert Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Band 2

Suflas, Steven W. Holland & Hart LLP

Thaler, Jr. Rick Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Tolman, Mark Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Band 3

Dibble, David Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Hayman, Cheylynn Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Leithead, Villa Heidi E. C. Parr Brown Gee A

Petersen, Lisa R. Cohne Kinghorn

Saylin, Greg Holland & Hart LLP

Snow, Christopher Clyde Snow Attorneys at Law

Stavros, Andrew Stavros Law PC

Sutherland, Rick Jackson Lewis PC

Weron, Kathleen Ogletree, Deakins, Nash

Real Estate

Leading Firms

Band 1

Holland & Hart LLP

Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Holland & Hart LLP 

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. 

Parr Brown Gee & Loveless Corporation

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. 

Band 2

Ballard Spahr LLP

Kirton McConkie

Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Snell & Wilmer LLP

Band 3

Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

Stoel Rives LLP

Ward Molloy

Senior Statespeople

Gee, David E. Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Leading Individuals

Band 1

Barton, Carl Holland & Hart LLP

Ferrin, Shawn Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Hyde, Robert C. Kirton McConkie

Band 2

Bauman, Blake Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Broadbent, David K. Holland & Hart LLP

Budge, Wade Snell & Wilmer LLP

Clark, Melanie Foley & Lardner LLP

Evans, Nicole C. Ballard Spahr LLP

Evensen, Elizabeth Snell & Wilmer LLP

Hulme, Loyal Kirton McConkie

McConnell, Robert A. Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Richardson, Lamont R. Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Rowe, Keven M. Buchalter

Band 3

Behjani, Allison Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Bell, Adrienne Holland & Hart LLP

Buswell, Tyler L. Kirton McConkie

Cheney, Brian C Cheney Law Group

Davis, Ian Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

Hulse, W. Brian Snell & Wilmer LLP

Leishman, Kyle Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Moore, Larry Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC

Owens, Kerry L. Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Rosander, Brian Parsons Behle & Latimer PC

Spendlove, Gretta Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar

Wirthlin, Matthew Holland & Hart LLP

Up-and-Coming Individuals

Jenson, Craig T. Snell & Wilmer LLP

Rasmussen, Jeffrey S. Ray Quinney & Nebeker PC