Husch Blackwell LLP > Denver, United States > Firm Profile
Husch Blackwell LLP Offices

1801 WEWATTA STREET
SUITE 1000
DENVER, CO 80202
COLORADO
United States
- Go to...
- Rankings
- Firm Profile
- Main Contacts
Husch Blackwell LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Industry focus > Education Tier 1
Fielding a coast-to-coast presence, Husch Blackwell LLP continues to be a market leader in education with demonstrable strength in Title IX independence reviews and investigations. Hayley Hanson leads the practice and handles sensitive investigations on sexual assault and racial discrimination in higher education institutions, having over two decades of experience in this area. She also has additional expertise in the Clery Act and Title IV Federal Student Aid matters. Litigator Derek Teeter represents colleges and universities in complex disputes, with a specialty in sexual misconduct, religious liberty and freedom of speech issues. In Austin, Scott Schneider is the name for employment related matters and institutional misconductIn Chicago, core members of the group include managing partner Julie Miceli who advises both private and public institutions on financial aid and charitable contributions, strengthened by her background as former general counsel for federal student aid at the US Department of Education, and Lisa Parker who has a health-care related education focus and a strong regulatory practice. Senior counsel Richard Goldstein in Boston is rated by peers and focuses on litigation for healthcare clients. The group has an active pro-bono practice advising prominent black institutions on additional federal funding. Lawyers are based in Kansas City unless otherwise stated.Practice head(s):
Hayley Hanson
Other key lawyers:
Lisa Parker; Derek Teteer; Julie Miceli; Scott Schneider; Richard Goldstein; Sean Tassi; Annie Cartwright; Demetrius Peterson
Testimonials
‘Husch Blackwell is a leader in content knowledge across all issues of higher education. They have an array of subject matter experts and capabilities are far superior to any firms with whom we have dealt. Not only do they have a historic and current firm grasp on legal precedents and laws, they have a practical focus and understanding of clients’ situations and look to the future in recommendations. HB’s uniqueness comes in the human touch, the content expertise, the value provided and frankly, exceptional results. We are pleased by collaboration across issues as associates break down silos to get at solutions – and look to the future in recommendations.’
‘Great quality people, personable, highly responsive, focused and dependable, teachers, mentors, listeners, connectors and collaborators, respectful, the highest of integrity – to name a few. Hayley Hanson leads the pack – but we have to name everyone with whom we come in contact – Derek Teeter, Sean Tassi, Annie Cartwright, Julie Miceli, Demetrius Peterson – to name a few!
Key clients
Chicago State
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Indiana State University
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Johns Hopkins University
Louisiana State University
Northeastern Illinois University
Northwestern University
Northwest Missouri State University
St. Louis University
Texas A&M University
Trevecca Nazarene
United Educators
University of Illinois
University of Tulsa
Wichita State University
William Jewell College
Work highlights
- Represented Franciscan University of Steubenville in a federal case in Ohio filed by a faculty member against the university alleging he was constructively discharged based on age and religious discrimination from his own students.
- Advised on an independent investigation of sexual misconduct at Louisiana State University.
- Represented Northwestern University in an energy P3 for the campus, including negotiating a master energy-as-a-service agreement that provides for multiple service agreements on behalf of the private university.
Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: toxic tort Tier 3
Husch Blackwell LLP has a strong reputation for representing clients in the defence of a range of toxic tort matters, and has gained plaudits for its effective use of legal technology to streamline often resource intensive matters. The firm has had a more regional bent to its practice (particularly from its Missouri stronghold), however, the arrival in April 2021 of a 21-lawyer mass tort and litigation practice from Dentons substantially enhances the firm’s capabilities in the area and provides increasing geographical bandwidth on the West Coast. Based out of the firm’s Oakland office, Lisa Oberg is one of the new arrivals who adds increased firepower to the firm’s already strong asbestos litigation work. Joseph Orlet is a stalwart of the practice; based out of the firm’s St Louis office, he is a popular choice among clients for toxic tort and product liability matters.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
International Paint, LLC; Akzo Nobel Coatings, Inc.; and Akzo Nobel Coatings, Ltd.
Olin Corporation
Bayer
Marley-Wylain Company
Work highlights
Industry focus > Cannabis Tier 3
Husch Blackwell LLP ‘is very knowledge in the world of cannabis’ and handles cannabis and industrial hemp regulatory matters across all 50 states and Washington DC. The firm is primarily known for regulation and transaction work, but also provides expertise in corporate and securities, vendor contracts, employment law, corporate governance, real estate, IP, customs, sweepstakes, litigation and tax matters. The team is co-led from Denver by Steven Levine, who specializes in marijuana and industrial hemp regulatory work, as well as corporate and M&A, and Marshall Custer, who focuses his practice on the marijuana and industrial hemp industries. Associate Meghan Brennan left the firm in 2021.Practice head(s):
Steven Levine; Marshall Custer
Other key lawyers:
Alyssa Samuel; Lowell Pearson; Allee Barton
Testimonials
‘Husch is very knowledge in the world of cannabis. They have been instrumental in setting up our investment structure as well helping navigate the compliance issues at both the state level and federal level.
‘Cannabis is incredibly tricky, even more than just state regs. You must be able to adapt to changing regulations and sometimes only legal advice is the answer. Husch has been key to our success.’
‘Marshall Custer and Alyssa Samuel are my right-hand folks. They are prompt to answer questions and explain certain items in which I am not familiar. They help on all issues of compliance, investment structure and general legal questions.
‘Lowell Pearson and Allee Barton worked with us on a license settlement with the MO Dept of Health. The settlement resulted in exactly the way we wanted. Our in house team did a ton of work on the settlement but Lowell and Allee were there to steer us in the right direction and help navigate a successful settlement.’
‘Well rounded team that knows the cannabis industry, is efficient and available. Works to get job efficiently and effectively. Transparent in process and billing.’
‘Their knowledge and desire to complete tasks. Very deal friendly.’
‘This is a full service law firm with deep resources. Cannabis businesses need access to competent legal help across the spectrum, and this practice can fulfill those needs without having to outsource.’
‘Marshall Custer with Husch Blackwell is not only an amazing attorney but also a genuine person. I know that Marshall always has my best interests in mind. I often ask Marshall the question if you were in my shoes how would you handle or approach a given situation. Marshall provides me with honest, truthful insight that I really appreciate and hadn’t found until I found Marshall. Marshall’s experience is not only exceptional with regards to cannabis matters but all things business. I’m a lucky person to have him in my corner.’
Key clients
Schwazze
VCP23, LLC d/b/a Green Thumb Industries
Columbia Care, Inc.
Clear Cannabis, Inc.
Green Sage Real Estate
Los Sueños Farms
Futurevision d/b/a Medicine Man
Nutritional Elements d/b/a The Health Center
LivWell Enlightened Health
Native Roots
Industry focus > Energy: renewable/alternative power Tier 3
The ‘responsive and competent‘ renewable energy group at Husch Blackwell LLP handles an impressive volume of mandates, bringing together multi-disciplinary expertise across project finance, tax equity finance, corporate deals, energy regulations, real estate and construction issues. Entirely devoted to renewable energy project development, financing and transactions, the team acts for a variety of clients, including developers, investors and lenders involved in wind, solar and battery storage projects throughout the United States. The energy and natural resources team is jointly led by Cacki Jewart in Austin, and Steven F. Carman and John Crossley, both of whom sit in the Kansas City office. Crossley is the main point of contact for renewable energy matters, and routinely acts for project developers, sponsors and investors in this space. Focused on energy regulatory law, Maria Faconti is an up-and-comer in Austin, where Chris Reeder is also recommended for regulatory proceedings.Practice head(s):
Steven F. Carman; John Crossley; Cacki Jewart
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Responsive and competent.’
‘The Husch renewable team is top notch and best in class.’
Key clients
Diode Ventures
Savion, LLC
Copenhagen Instructure Partners
ENGIE North America Inc.
LightsourceBP Renewable Energy
Orsted Onshore North America, Inc.
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (and Liberty Utilities Co.)
Longroad
Cordelio Power
Taaleri Energia Oy
Jupiter Power
174 Power Global
Ares Energy Infrastructure
Swift Current Energy
Greenbacker Capital
Scout Clean Energy, LLC
Enel Green Power North America, Inc.
Santander Bank
CIBC
MUFG
Sumitomo
Natixis
Dynamic Holding
Green Plains
Sustainable Development Capital Ltd
M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market (sub-$500m) Tier 3
Hailed for its ‘deep bench of expertise, Husch Blackwell LLP is a Midwest firm with significant exposure to both inbound and outbound M&A, including SPAC and deSPAC transactions. The team is led by Kansas City-based Kirstin Salzman and is particularly accomplished within the electric utility, renewable energy and private equity fields.Practice head(s):
Kirstin Salzman
Other key lawyers:
Jim Goettsch; Mary Anne O’Connell; Steve Carman; Kate Bechen
Testimonials
‘What makes Husch unique is their ability to deliver top tier legal talent at mid-tier/regional hourly rates without having to sacrifice the quality of their advice. I have been incredibly pleased with the collaboration and willingness to partner from Husch on items like secondments of paralegal assistance, hosting of contract portals, and billing procedures/processes.’
‘The team was excellent in working under intense deadlines and incredibly complicated matters across multiple mergers simultaneously.’
‘Deep bench of expertise.’
‘The team maintains a calm, thoughtful presence in a highly charged, time intensive matters.’
‘Excellent at anticipating next steps and guiding parties through a maze of conflicting issues.’
Work highlights
- Represented Northern Genesis Acquisition Corp. II in the closing of its business combination with Embark Trucks Inc., a developer of autonomous technology for the trucking industry.
- Represented UpHealth Holdings, Inc., an innovative digital health company, in its business combination with GigCapital2, Inc. and Cloudbreak Health, LLC, a unified telemedicine and video medical interpretation solutions provider.
- Served as lead outside counsel to Casey’s in its $580m acquisition of Buchanan Energy, owner of Bucky’s Convenience Stores.
Government > Government contracts Tier 4
Husch Blackwell LLP represents contractors across the range on public procurement matters, particularly bid protests, claims, and contentious issues. Uniquely experienced in both the federal construction government healthcare spheres, the group, headed by Brian Waagner, advises on all phases of the contracting process, with Waagner sought after for regulatory compliance and bid protests. Hal Perloff is also notable in the team, extensively experiences in False Claims Act litigation. Michael Schrier joined the team in 2021 from Duane Morris LLP, bolstering the team’s capability at the intersection of procurement, employment, and litigation. Bid protests, contracts disputes, and transactional corporate matters are the purview of Steven Neeley, who is also recommended. All practitioners are based in Washington DC.Practice head(s):
Brian Waagner
Other key lawyers:
Hal Perloff; Steeve Neeley; Michael Schrier
Key clients
The Clark Construction Group, LLC
Lendlease (US) Public Partnerships LLC
Jacobs
Lawrence Livermore National Security
Day & Zimmermann
Express Scripts, Inc.
Centene Corporation
JF Brennan Company
SupplyCore, Inc.
Martin UAV, LLC
Tetracore
M.C. Dean
Total Administrative Services Corporation
W.S. Darley Company
Schutt Industries
Honeywell International Inc. (Aerospace)
Nicholson Construction Company
Labor and employment > Immigration Tier 4
Husch Blackwell LLP’s business immigration practice is housed in Kansas City, and has a national scope of matters including immigration-related investigations, audits, and visa work. The group is jointly managed by Kelli Meilink and Christine Fabin, and is highlighted for its national interest exemptions work, which has seen an increase of activity during the Covid-19 pandemic. Counsel Toni Blackwood has experience representing employers in compliance audits and investigations by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, whilst senior counsel Carrie Claiborne provides employment law expertise. The team works closely with its Washington DC based government solutions group to handle high-stakes investigations and contentious work.Practice head(s):
Kelli Meilink; Christine Fabin
Other key lawyers:
Toni Blackwood; Carrie Clairborne
Key clients
Lindt & Sprüngli
Christensen Farms and Feedlots, Inc.
Northwest Missouri State University
Frontmatec
DataChat
Work highlights
- Assisted DataChat with H-1B Cap cases.
Real estate Tier 4
Husch Blackwell LLP focuses on the Midwest real estate market. Its primary St Louis office is led by Caroline Hermeling, a seasoned partner in regional and nationwide real estate sales and acquisitions, development and leases. She also represents lenders in the enforcement of loan and security agreements, notes, guaranties, deeds of trust and related documents.Practice head(s):
Caroline Hermeling
Testimonials
‘The firm provides a high touch at a relatively low cost. Husch Blackwell provides an extremely high level of service on par with the best firms in the country.’
‘The individual attorneys I work with at Husch Blackwell are the most business oriented lawyers I work with. I trust them completely with my work.’
‘The extent of the Real Estate team’s knowledge and experience is a strength that I consider to be unparalleled.’
‘This firm is a true business partner. They not only deliver tremendous legal service, but also are eager to work with us on alternative billing, diversity and technology.’
Key clients
National Storage Affiliates
City of Anaheim, California/Angel Stadium
City of Fresno, California/Fresno Grizzlies
Union Pacific
Diode Ventures
GaleHart Communities
EPC Real Estate Group
Mac Properties
Hillyard Industries
MGE Capital LLC
Rockhurst University
Northwestern University
Clayco, Inc.
Raven Development
Western Union
Great Rivers Greenway District
Pearl Capital Management
TE Connectivity
Fiserv
Work highlights
- Represented Diode Ventures in the development of a technology campus called Golden Plains, which will be a high-end, multifacility data center.
- Represented Raven Development in the acquisition of an approximately $3.5bn, 5,000-acre mixed-use development consisting of residential, commercial, a golf course, a ski resort and lodge, and other amenities in Granby, Colorado.
- Represented Western Union in the transfer of more than 25 properties associated with a M&A transaction.
Industry focus > Healthcare: service providers Tier 5
Husch Blackwell LLP offers strong legal services to providers out of its office bases in Boston, Austin and the Midwest. Transactions are where the team’s strength lies, advising on large scale national transactions such as Talkspace’s SPAC listing, and smaller transactions focused on care centers. It has also aggressively expanded this year, bringing in seven partners from Summit Health Law Partners. Curt Chase leads the team from Kansas City, with strengths in physician integrations. Austin-based Hal Katz and Ellee Cochran are also recommended for transactional and regulatory matters respectively.Practice head(s):
Curt Chase
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are easy to work with and get the job done. They are always on time and provide helpful direction. The collaboration was exactly what we needed.’
‘I have valued their honesty and attention to detail without going over the top. They provide value and don’t just milk the clock. Curt Chase specifically is a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
UpHealth Holdings, Inc.
Kansas City Orthopedic Association
Edward Elmhurst Health System
Talkspace, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised Talksapce on the corporate and regulatory aspects of its $1.4bn spac offering.
Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (International Trade Commission)
Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions): defense
Husch Blackwell LLP > Firm Profile
The lawyers of Husch Blackwell understand that deep legal subject-matter expertise is merely the first step in building strong client relationships. Our firm is dedicated to an absolute focus on client service, building knowledge of each client’s business and delivering measurable value. From 25 offices, including our virtual office, the Link, we provide legal insight and business leadership that helps our clients identify smart solutions, advance their goals and move forward. In 2021, the firm added office locations in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, and Providence.
With predecessor firms stretching back over a century, Husch Blackwell has a deep commitment to and a shared history with the communities we serve. The firm’s current configuration is the product of a 2008 merger between St. Louis-based Husch & Eppenberger and Kansas City-based Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin forming a powerhouse Midwestern law firm. The firm has continued to expand its footprint throughout the Midwest since the merger, most notably combining with Texas-based Brown McCarroll in 2013 and Milwaukee-based Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek in 2016.
Rather than traditional legal practice areas, Husch Blackwell is organized around six strategic industries—energy and natural resources; financial services and capital markets; food and agribusiness; healthcare, life sciences and education; real estate, development and construction; and technology, manufacturing and transportation. This structure, implemented in 2012, provides the firm with the ability to field deep, interdisciplinary teams capable of quickly identifying the right skill sets required by each client’s unique legal and business challenges.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Paul Eberle | Chief Executive | paul.eberle@huschblackwell.com | 414 978 5550 |
Catherine Hanaway | Chair | catherine.hanaway@huschblackwell.com | 314 480 1903 |
Dan Bray | Banking & Finance | ||
Michael Hargens | Commercial Litigation | ||
JoAnn Sandifer | Commercial Litigation | ||
Anna Kimbrell | Energy | ||
Steve Levine | Food & Agribusiness | ||
Brian Waagner | Government Contracts | ||
Curt Chase | Healthcare | ||
Hayley Hanson | Higher Education | ||
Scott Davis | Insurance | ||
John Cruciani | Insolvency & Commercial Bankruptcy | ||
Dan Cohn | Intellectual Property | ||
Daisy Manning | Intellectual Property | ||
Cortney Morgan | International Trade & Supply Chain | ||
Erik Eisenmann | Labor & Employment | ||
Kirstin Salzman | Mergers & Acquisitions | ||
Ed Wilson | Private Equity | ||
Carrie Hermeling | Real Estate, Development & Construction | ||
Jeff Jensen | White Collar, Internal Investigations & Compliance |