The Wild West Elite: The Go-To Law Firms Of Texas, Colorado, And Utah

Engaging these firms can help the tech startups, unicorns, and venture capitalists of the new economy avoid or contain problems down the road.

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(Image by Andrew E. Russell)

Lake Whillans, a leader in the field of litigation finance, supports innovative entrepreneurs and businesses across the country, including those in vital epicenters of tech innovation. Throughout the year, we have explored the legal markets in these hubs, each unique in its own right.

So far, we’ve looked at the “White Sandal” firms of Silicon Valley and “Route 128 Elite” of Greater Boston — both indisputable markets where all manner of innovation is thriving.

Today, we look to the states of the “Wild West” — including Texas, Colorado, and Utah — which are home to an impressive amount of startup activity. Depending on which survey you believe, either Austin or Boulder can claim to lead the country in high-tech startups per capita. Meanwhile, the “Silicon Slopes” of Utah have emerged as a hotbed of entrepreneurship, with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently ranking the state No. 1 in innovation.

The legal market in this vast region comprises both well-established Biglaw titans (e.g., Vinson & Elkins, Akin Gump) and a multitude of specialist boutiques and smaller firms with deep local roots and thriving practices in areas ranging from estate planning to restructuring to white collar defense. And in these hotbed cities of tech and startup activity, there’s also plenty of cutting-edge patent, IPO, and M&A work.

Continuing our series of tech hub round-ups, Lake Whillans presents this handy primer on the Go-To Law Firms of the Wild West. These firms not only can handle every transactional need, but they do anything from taxes to setting up HR review processes. Engaging these firms can help the tech startups, unicorns, and venture capitalists of the new economy avoid or contain problems down the road. Should legal issues arise, Lake Whillans can step in and help resolve them.

  1. Best Firm for One-Horned Horsey Creatures: Wilson Sonsini

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When you think you’re on to the next big thing but need investors to get your crazy idea off the ground, this is the firm you want in your corner. From the firm’s early days in Silicon Valley, the lawyers at Wilson Sonsini have dedicated themselves to backing innovators and emerging companies. Today, their expertise in representing venture-backed clients has expanded to the rest of the country, and their venture capital practice counts some heavy-hitting partners in Austin among their ranks. Well-versed in every stage of private-company growth, these are the lawyers you need to help make your pipe dream a reality.

  1. Best Firm for Patenting Your Algorithm or Application: Jackson Walker

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With Texas roots that date back over a century, the lawyers at Jackson Walker know the ins and outs of the regulations affecting Texas businesses. The firm has built up a prominent patent practice, highly skilled at helping clients navigate the confusing waters of patent procurement. From the initial application to defending your patent in court, these lawyers have what it takes to protect your innovations. And when the chips are down, they’ve got the chops to enforce your rights against infringers through complex litigation and dispute resolution.

  1. Best Firm for Trademarking the Logo You Think Is So Cool: Bryan Cave

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With multiple offices in Texas and Colorado, this firm is dedicated to securing the trademark rights of companies throughout the West. Recognizing that trademarks are among a company’s most valuable assets, the firm’s trademark practice has dedicated itself to protecting company branding on a global scale. From trademark procurement to complex trademark prosecution, the firm’s lawyers have a proven track record of safeguarding their clients’ brand identities in Texas and around the world.

  1. Best Firm for Suing the Bigger Company That Stole Your Intellectual Property: Kilpatrick Townsend

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Established in 1995, the Denver office of Kilpatrick Townsend has developed into one of the largest intellectual property practices in Colorado. With clients ranging from local startups to global corporations, the firm is dedicated to protecting innovation in Colorado’s key industries, from aerospace to telecommunications. The firm’s lawyers have been consistently recognized as the top intellectual property practitioners in the state, and they have what it takes to defend and protect your innovations through all phases of litigation. Whether it’s a trademark appeal or a complex patent infringement case, this is a shop you want to call when your intellectual property rights are on the line.

  1. Best Firm for When You Actually Find Yourself in a Courtroom: Norton Rose Fulbright

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With offices in Austin, Dallas, Denver, and Houston, this firm has dominated the region when it comes to handling complex commercial disputes. Dedicated to fighting for the needs of their clients, the firm’s lawyers know their way around a courtroom. From jury trials to appeals, the attorneys at Norton Rose Fulbright have a proven track record in courts and tribunals across the country, on both a federal and state level. Whatever issues your commercial dispute may involve, these lawyers will handle it every step of the way. When the stakes are high, this is the firm you want to call.

  1. Best Firm for Keeping That Glass Ceiling Off: Akin Gump

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Specializing in the most complex of labor and employment issues, Akin Gump has consistently been recognized as a leader in the field. From discrimination claims to OSHA enforcement actions to wage-and-hour lawsuits, this firm handles it all. The firm’s labor and employment attorneys are well-versed in the laws and regulations today’s employers face. With an increased national focus on workplace discrimination and equal pay, your company needs the best lawyers available seeing that you don’t run afoul of the law. Akin Gump’s attorneys are the team you need to help you avoid the risk of litigation and adopt employment practices that will give you a competitive advantage.

  1. Best Firm for Helping You Get Office Space: Davis Graham & Stubbs

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Headquartered in Denver, Davis Graham & Stubbs has been providing superior business law advice for more than a century and offers some of the most comprehensive real estate services in the Mountain West. Whether you’re looking for commercial, office or retail space, this firm has you covered. Representing players on both sides of the table, these lawyers have the experience necessary to handle your needs every step of the way, from lease negotiation to construction financing. They not only have the real estate know-how to get your business up and running, they also have the litigation chops needed to protect your interests when your property rights are on the line.

  1. Best Firm to Keep You Out Of Prison: DeGuerin, Dickson & Ward

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Having famously represented the likes of cult leader David Koresh, accused murderer Robert Durst, and House Majority Leader Tom Delay, there’s no bigger player in the Texas criminal defense game than Dick DeGuerin. He’s the first choice for those facing heat in the Lone Star State, from U.S. senators to Enron bankers. DeGuerin’s firm focuses on criminal defense work and has a proven track record for success in the courtroom, from celebrity cases to minor offenses. Even if you’re not famous, Dick DeGuerin is the guy you want to call when you’re facing possible time in the Texas slammer.

  1. Best Firm to Win the Trial Over Your Intellectual Property: Kirton McConkie

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One of the largest intellectual property firms in the region, the IP attorneys at Kirton McConkie offer an unrivaled depth of legal experience when it comes to protecting your rights and interests. Heavy hitters in both the domestic and international arenas, these lawyers are adept at tackling any intellectual property matters that come their way. From biotech to pharmaceuticals, the firm has handled the complex intellectual property portfolios of some of the world’s largest corporations. Boasting an impressive roster of attorneys with scientific backgrounds, Kirton McConkie excels in the courtroom, deftly handling the most complicated of trademark, trade dress, and patent litigations.

  1. Best Firm for When You Need Estate Planning After Your IPO: Hutchinson Black and Cook

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For more than 125 years, Hutchinson Black and Cook has been the go-to law firm for Boulder companies. Its thriving will, trusts and estates practice is capable of handling the most complex of estate planning needs. Offering an unprecedented level of client service, the firm’s attorneys can help you plan every aspect of your estate, from powers of attorney to charitable giving to guardianship arrangements. They’ll even handle your probate and litigation needs. When it comes to something as important as planning for your future, this is the firm you can trust.

  1. Best Firm to Advise Minority Shareholders: Fryar Law Firm

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Specializing in shareholder oppression cases, this niche Houston boutique firm is dedicated to protecting shareholder interests and boasts a depth of business law knowledge that belies the firm’s small size. Experts in the ever-changing legal landscape governing small business ownership, these lawyers will fight for your rights when you feel you’re being marginalized by other shareholders. With a focus on representing entrepreneurs and business owners in disputes among partners, the firm’s utmost goal is to get you a fair resolution. When you’re facing a falling out with your business partner, these are the lawyers you want in your corner.

  1. Best Firm to Independently Advise the Board of Directors: Andrews Kurth Kenyon LLP

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With offices in Austin, Houston, Dallas, and The Woodlands, Andrews Kurth has Texas covered when it comes to advising companies on corporate governance matters. Recognized as one of the country’s top securities law firms, these attorneys have the legal know-how to guide their clients through the confusing landscape of corporate regulation. The firm’s attorneys specialize in working one-on-one with company boards of directors to develop client-specific best practices. Whether it’s a question of reporting requirements, fiduciary duties or employment policies, these are the people to consult to make sure you’re on the up and up.

  1. Best Firm to Help You Make Sure You Have Capital to Keep the Lights On Until Daybreak: Cooley

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Claiming to have unrivaled access to the world’s most influential venture capital investors, Cooley has represented thousands of billion-dollar startups and some of the world’s top innovators. For the past decade, the firm has consistently been recognized as the go-to shop for VC-backed companies going public. The firm has expanded its expertise to Colorado, specializing in helping local emerging companies through all stages of their corporate existence. These are the lawyers to consult if you’re worried about having the funds to keep your company up and running.

  1. Best Firm for Incorporating Your Two-Person Company Because Somebody Told You There Were Tax Benefits: Snell & Wilmer

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With offices in Denver and Salt Lake City, Snell & Welmer is the go-to firm for entrepreneurs and emerging businesses in the West. Known as much for their client-centered service as for their deep business-law knowledge, the firm is sympathetic to the struggles and challenges involved in starting up a business. They offer cost-effective legal solutions to clients in a wide range of industries. Whether you’re an internet startup or a retail shop, the lawyers at Snell & Wilmer will help you choose the business setup that’s right for you.

  1. Best Firm for Planning (or Avoiding) the Re-Startup: Clyde Snow

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Based out of the firm’s Salt Lake City office, the lawyers at Clyde Snow deftly handle all aspects of Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 matters. Offering a breadth of experience in representing parties on both sides of bankruptcy matters, the firm is the go-to choice for debtors and creditors alike. If bankruptcy or reorganization can’t be avoided, the lawyers at Clyde Snow have the skills to prosecute and defend bankruptcy-related claims, and they have a proven track record of getting the best possible results for their clients.

  1. Best Firm to Keep You Out of E-Discovery Hell: Jones Day

It’s undeniable that technology has irreversibly changed the landscape of litigation. E-discovery is a crucial factor that can make or break your case, and you need lawyers who are skilled at handling it. Jones Day offers some of the deepest experience out there when it comes to all aspects of e-discovery. With several of the firm’s key e-discovery players based out of Dallas and Houston, Jones Day has companies in the Lone Star State covered. From document retention to foreign-language document review, these are the lawyers you can rely on to handle all your e-discovery needs.

  1. Best Firm for When You Are Ready to Get into the Asian Market: Vinson & Elkins

A long-time heavyweight in the Texas legal arena, few Lone Star firms can rival Vinson & Elkins when it comes to knowing the Asian market. Offering more than 30 years’ experience representing clients throughout Asia, the firm has offices on the ground in Beijing, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Tokyo. Their attorneys are adept at handling all aspects of complex transactions and disputes, both for clients looking to do business in Asia and Asian clients looking to invest abroad. The firm’s proven track record for representing top-tier global clients makes them the clear choice for anyone looking to enter the Asian market.

  1. Best Firm for Designing Your Employee Stock-Option Plan: Stoel Rives

Offering vast experience in all aspects of employee benefits law, the attorneys at Stoel Rives are experts when it comes to implementing employee stock ownership plans. With a benefits practice based out of the firm’s Salt Lake City office, Stoel Rives serves major clients in a broad range of industries doing business throughout the country. Whether you’re in entertainment or energy, these lawyers can help you implement stock-option plans and other employee benefits that best suit the specific needs of your company. From health insurance to retirement plans to executive compensation, these folks have you covered.

  1. Best Firm for Lobbying Congress in Your Favor: Locke Lord

When Texas companies want their voices heard in Washington, D.C., they turn to Locke Lord. Consistently recognized as the top law firm lobbying practice in the Lone Star State, Locke Lord has cornered the market on Texas public advocacy. The firm’s lawyers know their way around Capitol Hill and are no strangers to the legislative halls in Austin. Locke Lord’s public law practice is led by none other than Robert Miller, a dedicated attorney who has been universally recognized a one of the top lobbyists in Texas and one of the best government relations lawyers in the country. When legislation can make or break your business, this is the guy you call.

  1. Best Jack-of-All-Trades Firm for High-Growth Companies: Baker Botts

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Texas roots don’t get much deeper than those at Baker Botts. Since its founding in Houston in the 1840s, the firm has exploded to become one of the world’s leading full-service law practices. Serving a broad range of industries with an increasing focus on emerging technologies, the firm’s expertise is spread across 15 offices around the globe. From banking and finance to complex commercial litigation, there’s no legal matter you can throw at this business law powerhouse that they can’t handle. Baker Botts is the go-to firm for Texas companies looking to be competitive in today’s market.