Our Team
Chuong M. Le 
Attorney
Chuong M. Le, Attorney
Bio:
Chuong Le represents clients in the areas of private client services, corporate law, and cross-border transactions. He has represented individuals and multi-generational families in legacy planning, public and private foundations, charitable giving and tax planning. Chuong has also represented domestic and international companies during startup and formation, corporate restructures, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, import and export, and provided counsel to companies entering emerging markets, restructures, succession planning and growth strategies. He has also represented companies in various phases of real estate holdings and investments. Chuong emphasizes providing his clients with personal attention and an innovative and comprehensive approach to helping them meet their business and legal needs. He is dedicated to understanding the challenges that clients face on a regular basis and working closely with them to assist in achieving their goals.
Areas of Expertise:
Representative Experience:
- Represented a corporation in multinational expansion
- Represent clients in various real estate matters, including landlord/tenant issues, development, acquisition, structures and taxes
- Advised clients on acquisition and sale of multi-million dollar company, including obtaining collateral and perfecting security interest for third-party loans, drafting of asset purchase agreements, promissory notes, security agreements, consulting agreements, leases and pledge agreements
- Provided cultural and linguistic perspective in resolving real estate venture dispute in Viet Nam with team of attorneys
- Advise startup companies on corporate structure, disclosure and privacy statements, shareholder agreements and redemption agreements involving shareholders and investors
- Represent foreign clients in immigration and business transactions in the U.S.
- Advise corporate clients in the areas of formation, joint ventures, contracts, real estate and taxes Private Client Services and Tax Strategies
- Represent U.S. and foreign clients on wealth and tax strategies in U.S. and foreign jurisdictions
- Counsel diverse clients utilizing culturally relevant methods on legacy planning and disposition and protection of assets through qualified terminable interest property trusts, power of appointment trusts, generation skipping trusts and special needs trusts
- Represent clients on wealth and privacy strategies utilizing tax and corporate structures
Education:
- University of Denver
(L.L.M., Taxation, 2013) - University of Colorado at Denver
(School of Public Affairs, Leadership Development, 2008) - University of Denver Sturm College of Law
(J.D., 2003) - The Colorado College
B.A., Political Science, 2000) - American University
(Foreign Policy Program, 1998)
Languages:
- English
- Vietnamese
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
- Colorado Employee Ownership Office at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), Governor Appointment, Commission Member
- Hope Communities, Board of Directors
- US Vietnam Council, Board Chair
- Colorado Lawyer Trust Account Foundation, Board Member
- Brighton Economic Development Corporation, Board Member
- Colorado Bar Association, Member
- Denver Bar Association
- Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Colorado, Member
- Asian Real Estate Association of America – Ventura County Chapter
Publications and Speaking Engagements:
- “Estate Planning – Leaving Your Legacy,” Speaker, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (November 18, 2019)
- “ARIA Paves the Way for US Reengagement with Asia,” Author, Law360 (July 9, 2019)
- Doing Business in Vietnam Symposium, Moderator, Snell & Wilmer event (April 19, 2019)
- “This Big Law Lateral Wants to Build a Colorado-Vietnam Business Pipeline,” Profiled, The American Lawyer (September 19, 2018)
- Joint Ventures and Teaming Arrangements, Speaker, PSA TEC, Westminster, Colorado (May 9, 2017)
- Speaker on various legal topics, Small Business Development Center, Westminster, Colorado (annual presentation, 2015-2018)
- Modern Considerations in Estate Planning, Presentation (various locations) Estate Planning Basics, Presentation (various locations)
Bar Admissions:
- Colorado
Court Admissions:
- Supreme Court of Colorado
- United States District Court, District of Colorado
- United States Tax Court
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April Greene Apking
Attorney
April Greene Apking, Attorney
Bio:
April Greene Apking brings over a decade of legal experience to the firm with an emphasis in the areas of immigration, space and telecommunications, and business and corporate law. Ms. Greene Apking works with businesses in applying for various visas for employees and with individuals in applying for visas, permanent residence, and naturalization. In addition, she has represented clients in immigration court as well as before the Board of Immigration Appeals and Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. She works closely with the local community to provide education on immigration processes and benefits. In Ms. Greene Apking’s business and corporate practice, she uses her legal expertise to guide decisions involving corporate acquisitions and transitions. She has worked with non-profits and start-up companies advising on corporate governance and structure.
Areas of Expertise:
Education:
- University of Colorado School of Law
(L.L.M., Space and Telecommunications Law, 2009) - University of Nebraska College of Law
(J.D., 2005) - William Smith College
(B.A., Comparative Literature with Emphasis in Russian, 1989) - Finger Lakes Community College
(A.S., Business Administration, 1986)
Professional Affiliation & Leadership:
- Colorado Bar Association, Member
- Denver Bar Association, Member
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): Member, Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee
- Dragon 5280: Board Member, Emerging Leader Program Committee
- Pomona High School Marching Festival 2017 Co-Chair
- Minoru Yasui Inn of Court: Member (2009), Executive Committee (2010-2015)
- Youth on Record: Fundraising Volunteer (2012), Board of Directors and Co-Chair HR/Legal/Policy Committee (2013-2015), Treasurer (2015)
- Colorado Women’s Bar Association (2007-2012)
- National Association of Women Judges (2011-2012)
- Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition Regional Judge (2011, 2012, 2013)
- University of Colorado School of Law Appellate Advocacy Judge (2007, 2008, 2011)
- Thomas Tang Asian Pacific Moot Court Competition Regional Judge (2011, 2012)
Publications and Speaking Engagements:
- The Rush to Develop Space: The Role of Spacefaring Nations in Forging Environmental Standards for the Use of Celestial Bodies for Governmental and Private Interests, 16 COLO. J. INT’L ENVTL. L. & POL’Y 429
- Contributing Author, Colorado Practice Series, Criminal Practice and Procedure, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 Pocket Parts
- A Step in the Right Direction: Colorado’s First Space Legislation, 90 DENV. U. L. REV. ONLINE SUPP.
- Status of Immigration Policies and Resulting Impact in the Classroom, BUENO 2017 Summer Institute, Boulder, Colorado, Presentation (July 20, 2017)
- Business Immigration and Real Estate Investment, AREAA, Presentation (August 24, 2017)
Bar Admissions
- Colorado
Court Admissions
- Supreme Court of Colorado
- United States District Court, District of Colorado
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Colby Weber
Attorney
Colby Weber, Attorney
Bio:
Colby Weber brings over a decade of experience to the firm serving clients in the areas of business and corporate law, estate planning, and tax law. Colby approaches complex legal issues in a practical and efficient manner that results in a solution for clients. She has represented clients with complex tax issues before the IRS, advised charities and non-profits, and represented multigenerational families in their legacy planning and wealth preservation. Ms. Weber’s background in economics steered her interest in tax law which naturally evolved into her other areas of expertise that address the needs of both businesses and individuals.
Areas of Expertise:
Education:
- University of Denver
(L.L.M., Taxation, 2003) - University of Denver Sturm College of Law
(J.D., 2003) - University of Colorado at Boulder
(B.A., Economics, 1999)
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
- Colorado Bar Association, Member
- Mothers of Multiples Society, Board of Directors
- Pine Ridge Elementary PTCO, Board of Directors
- Boy Scouts of America, Cub Scout Pack 2010, Board of Directors
Bar Admissions:
- Colorado
- New Mexico
Court Admissions:
- Supreme Court of Colorado
- United States District Court, District of Colorado
- United States Tax Court
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Daniel Ackerman
Attorney
Daniel Ackerman, Attorney
Bio:
Dan Ackerman is 3i Law’s Chair of Intellectual Property Practice Group. Dan Ackerman partners with and supports leading brand owners in both the transactional side of intellectual property as well as the brand management side. Dan counsels clients on early phase assessment and development of IP assets, structures and negotiates the operational agreements that help brands grow, and serves as a trusted advisor in maintaining and protecting clients IP rights. His practice focuses on brand management, trademark, copyright, domain, privacy and data security, business and technology transactions, licensing and litigation matters for clients in virtually all fields of business. Dan’s experience covers a broad spectrum of technology, software, consumer products, health, medical and science, entertainment, manufacturing, food and beverage, and other industries. In a complex evolving legal market, the recognition of adding the most value to client’s business model without spoiling their budget is key. Tailored IP strategy is an integral part of developing brands into market staples. Dan focuses on carefully crafting an approach to protecting intellectual capital that is aligned with the strategic vision of each client.
Areas of Expertise:
- Intellectual Property
- Domestic and International Portfolio Management
- Trademark, Copyright, Domain, Marketing & Advertising
- Transactional & Due Diligence
- Enforcement, Litigation & Disputes
Representative Experience:
- Advise early stage companies on potential IP structures and development strategies
- Represent private companies to prepare IP portfolios for initial public offerings
- Represents clients in various trademark clearance search, applications, office action responses, prosecution and appeals, maintenance and renewal filings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
- Represents clients in trademark opposition, cancellation and ex parte appeals before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board at the U.S. PTO
- Advise clients on international brand expansion strategy for multi-jurisdiction project for trademark, copyright, patent and domain components
- Represent foreign clients in immigration and business transactions in the U.S.
- Draft and negotiate master services agreements, SaaS, PaaS, technology transfer, joint development, license and royalty agreements
- Advise clients in consumer products, healthcare, software & technology, gaming and sweepstakes on regulatory compliance, advertising and IP matters
- Represented cannabis clients on marketing, advertising, brand development topics
- Successful representation of brand name pharmaceutical client in multi-billion dollar patent litigation resulting in judgment for client plus award of attorneys fees
Education:
- University of Denver Sturm College of Law
(J.D., 2003)- Zarlengo Scholar, Intellectual Property Law Society Officer
- Middlebury College
(B.A., Political Science, 1998)- Men’s Soccer
- Men’s Golf (Captain)
Languages:
- English
- French (Conversational)
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
- International Trademark Association, Committee Member
- Rocky Mountain Intellectual Property & Technology Law Faculty
- Colorado Bar Association, Intellectual Property Law Section Member
- Denver Bar Association
- Veterans Beer Alliance (Colorado Nonprofit), Founding Member
- EPIC Foundation (501(c)(3) Charity), Board Member
Publications and Speaking Engagements:
- 2017 Rocky Mountain Intellectual Property & Technology Law Institute: Trademark Track
- 2018 IP Update: Misleading Trademark Renewal Notices
- 2017 IP Update: UPSTO Issues Guidance for Examination Post-Matal v. Tam
Bar Admissions:
- Colorado
- Massachusetts
- S. District Court, District of Connecticut
Court Admissions:
- Supreme Court of Colorado
- United States District Court, District of Colorado
- United States Tax Court
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Jessamyn L. Jones
Attorney
Jessamyn L. Jones, Attorney
Bio:
Jessamyn focuses her practice on employment law, civil litigation, and commercial law. She advises employers regarding anti-harassment and anti-discrimination, return-to-work protocols, restrictive covenants, employee/independent contractor classifications and agreements, separation and severance negotiations and agreements, and employee handbooks. Jessamyn has also assisted with internal workplace investigations, as well as investigating internal Title VII complaints for numerous higher educational institutions. She has given numerous presentations to employers and human resource associations regarding workplace compliance with state and federal laws, employment law updates, and best practices. Jessamyn also practices general civil and commercial litigation, ranging from contract disputes to business separations. Her number one goal when working to resolve any dispute is to listen to the needs of the client and figure out the most efficient and effective way to achieve resolution.
Areas of Expertise:
- Labor and Employment
- Business & Corporate
- Civil Litigation
Representative Experience:
- Represented client in jury trial through favorable verdict on claims of breach of contract through in State District Court
- Represented client in bench trial through favorable verdict on claims of breach of contract and fraud in State District Court
- Represented company in arbitration on breach of employment, non-solicitation, and non-complete agreements
- Chaired appeals case involving a directed verdict in front of Colorado Court of Appeals
- Represented clients in civil, employment and construction matters
- Represented clients in grievance claims against the EEOC and CCRD
- Advised companies regarding employment decisions, including hiring, disciplinary action, and termination
- Advised companies regarding compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations related to employment law
- Advised clients regarding employment best practices
- Prepare and negotiate employment related agreements, including offer letters, employment contracts, independent contractor agreements, separation and severance agreements, non-solicitation and non-compete agreements, and confidentiality agreements
- Investigated internal Title VII complaints on behalf of numerous higher educational institutions, and draft reports of investigatory findings
- Represent management in union grievance arbitrations
Education:
- University of Denver Sturm College of Law
(J.D., 2014) - Metropolitan State College of Denver
(B.S., Political Science, 2010)- President’s Honor Roll 2006-2010
- International Honor Society, National Scholars Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
- Colorado Bar Association
- Colorado Women’s Bar Association
- El Paso County Bar Association, Board of Trustees
- Ben S. Wendelken Inn of Court
- Colorado Bar Association Leadership Training (COBALT 2019)
- Colorado Bar Association Leadership Training, Sessions Committee
- Colorado Bar Foundation Bar Fellow
- R.E.A.C.H. Pikes Peak, Board of Directors
- University of Denver, Sturm College of Law Professional Mentor, 2020
Publications and Speaking Engagements:
- “Employment Considerations and Best Practices related to COVID-19,” Speaker, Central Bancorp (August 2020)
- “Tips and Strategies for Effective Cross-Examination”, Speaker, Colorado Bar Association Solo-Small Firm Institute (June, 2020)
- “State and Federal Employment Law Updates,” Speaker, Colorado Springs Human Resources Association (CSHRA) (October, 2019)
- “Uncommon and Creative Claims Against Employers,” Speaker, Colorado Springs Human Resources Association (CSHRA) (August, 2016)
Bar Admissions:
- Colorado
- Washington
Court Admissions:
- Supreme Court of Colorado
- United States District Court, District of Colorado
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Debra Conroy
Attorney
Debra Conroy, Attorney
Bio:
Debra Conroy brings over two decades of legal experience to the firm with an emphasis on private client services, estate planning, business, and tax. She represents families, entrepreneurs, and numerous businesses including operating farms and ranches, restaurants, and medical practices.
The most important part of her practice is to educate clients and explain in a straightforward manner, the often-confusing information and options related to personal, tax, and business planning. Deb’s goals are to ensure that none of her clients feel overwhelmed by the planning process and each person she meets knows she cares about their best interests and happiness.
Areas of Expertise:
- Estate Planning and Administration
- Private Client Services
- Tax
Education:
- University of Denver – Sturm College of Law
(LLM, Tax, 2001) - University of Oregon School of Law
(J.D., 1999) - Colorado State University
(B.A., Wildlife Biology, 1995)
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
- Yampa Valley Community Foundation, Board Member
Jan 2018 – Present - Chhiring Foundation, Board Member
Sep 2017 – Present
Bar Admissions:
- Colorado
Court Admissions:
- Supreme Court of Colorado
- United States District Court, District of Colorado
- United States Tax Court
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Jennifer A. Wadhwa
Attorney
Jennifer A. Wadhwa, Attorney
Bio:
Jennifer A. Wadhwa represents clients in business and family-based immigration matters. She has represented serial entrepreneurs and established companies in securing lawful immigration status for foreign workers, owners, and family members. Jennifer has also represented individuals at the Denver and Los Angeles Immigration Field Offices and numerous U.S. Consulates and Embassies around the world. In addition to direct representation in immigration matters, Jennifer provides I-9 audits and training to ensure business clients avoid costly errors and remain in compliance with these regulatory requirements.
In addition to her legal experience, Jennifer is a seasoned HR professional with more than 10 years of experience working with pre-IPO start-ups and Fortune Global 500 companies in computer software and information technology services. In those roles, Jennifer facilitated the corporate immigration practice with outside counsel to secure both immigrant and non-immigrant visas for non-U.S. workers.
Jennifer provides accessible, high-touch legal services to ensure that clients are heard, informed, and supported throughout their immigration process.
Areas of Expertise:
- Business and Family-based immigration
- Work visas, green cards, citizenship, I-9 compliance
- Appeals, litigation, administrative law
- Employment law
Education:
- University of Denver, Sturm College of Law
(J.D., May 2012) - California State University
(B.A., Human Development, March 2005)
Languages:
- English
- Spanish (Professional proficiency)
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Colorado Chapter, Executive Committee, Secretary 2022-2023
Publications:
- Boulder Interdisciplinary Committee, Boulder, CO, September 2019, Co-presenter, Intersection of Family and Immigration Law
- PELA Annual Conference, Genesee, CO, August 25, 2017, Co-presenter, Tips for Employment Lawyers Taking Pro Bono Immigration Cases
- Colorado Victims’ Advocates Conference, Keystone, CO, October 24, 2016, Co-presenter, Economic Justice and Security for Victims of Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence
- New York University Clinical Law Review Writers’ Workshop, New York, NY, September 23, 2016, presented draft version of article on white privilege and interracial marriage
- Colorado Advocacy in Action Conference, Vail, CO, June 6, 2016, Co-presenter, Economic Justice and Security for Victims of Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence
- PELA Annual Conference, Genesee, CO, August 28, 2015, Co-presenter, UI Appeals: Hot Topics
Bar Admissions:
- Colorado, 2012
Court Admissions, Supreme Court:
- S. District Court, Colorado, 2013
- Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, 2018
- Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)
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Justin R. Cruz
Attorney
Justin R. Cruz, Attorney
Bio:
Justin R. Cruz focuses his practice on helping clients identify their intellectual property assets and create strategies to protect and enforce them. Justin has extensive experience litigating intellectual property disputes, including patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret cases in federal courts. He also has assisted clients with validity challenges to patents at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, both assisting clients invalidate patents and defend against challenges to the validity of clients’ patents.
Justin’s experience also includes assisting venture clients with their IP strategy, such as helping clients navigate IP issues on the transactional side including addressing and allocating litigation risk with IP assets and with IP due diligence.
Justin is also a blockchain enthusiast. He was a co-leader of the Blockchain group of an AmLaw 200 firm. He also volunteered with then Governor Hickenlooper’s Council for the Advancement of Blockchain Technology, where he worked with the smart contract subgroup to identify possible use cases and promote the adaptation of blockchain technology. Justin’s enthusiasm for all things blockchain can be seen with his understanding of a client’s vision leveraging blockchain technology and how to help achieve those goals
Areas of Expertise:
- Intellectual Property
- Enforcement, Litigation, & Disputes
- Patent, Trademark, Copyright, & Trade Secrets
- Blockchain Technologies
Education:
- DePaul University College of Law
- University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
(B.A., Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology and Psychology (Double Major), 2002)
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
- Super Lawyers: Rising Star IP Litigation, selected 2017-2019
- Vice-Chair, Advisory Board of Directors: Center for Legal Inclusiveness: 2017-Present
- Board of Directors: Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Colorado 2010-2018
Representative Publications and Speaking Engagements:
- “Imitation: Flattery or Infringement”, presenter, Outdoor Retailer Snow Show (Dec. 2018)
- Top Startups in Colorado, pitch judge, Denver Startup Week (Sept. 2018)
- “Blockchain and Intellectual Property, Harnessing the Potential of the Blockchain”, webinar CLE presenter, (July 2018)
- “Patent your technology or keep it close to the vest”, presenter, Denver Startup Week (Sept. 2017)
Bar Admissions:
- Colorado
Court Admissions:
- United States District Court for the District of Colorado
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
- United States Patent and Trademark Office
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Grant T. Shibao
Attorney
Grant T. Shibao, Attorney
Bio:
Grant T. Shibao focuses his practice on civil litigation and commercial law. Grant has experience representing clients in all stages of litigation at both the State and Federal level. His practice includes contract disputes, general business disputes, general civil claims. Grant also practices in the area of sports law. He represents and advises athletes during review by governing bodies of their respective sports and legal actions to preserve the athlete’s rights. Grant’s objective with every client is to use prompt communication to ensure that the client’s goals and expectations are achieved efficiently and effectively throughout all phases of litigation.
Areas of Expertise:
- Civil Litigation
- Commercial Litigation
- Athlete’s Rights
Education:
- University of Denver, Sturm College of Law
(J.D. 2020, Certificate in Legal Research) - University of Colorado, Boulder
(B.A. 2017, Majors: Political Science & History)
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
- Colorado Bar Association
- Asian Pacific American Bar Association – Treasurer
- Colorado Bar Association Leadership Training (COBALT) – Class of 2022
- Colorado Bar Association – Young Lawyers Division
- Minoru Yasui Inn of Court
- Adams and Broomfield Bar Association
- Colorado Bar Association – Sports and Entertainment Section
- Brighton Economic Development Corporation – Treasurer
- Asian Real Estate Association of America
- Colorado Companies to Watch – Economic Development & Supporting Partner Committee
Publications:
- U.S. v. Gatto: An Old Case Provides a New Look at College Basketball’s Latest Scandal, 22 U. Denver Sports & Ent.L.J. 1, Andrew Janson & Grant Shibao, Spring 2019.
Bar Admissions:
- Colorado
- Washington
Court Admissions:
- Supreme Court of Colorado
- Supreme Court of Washington
- United States District Court, District of Colorado
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Piper W. Turner
Attorney
Piper W. Turner, Attorney
Bio:
Piper W. Turner focuses her practice on Banking and Financial Services, Commercial Litigation, Legal Compliance, Real Estate, and Corporate Law. With more than two decades of experience representing clients with regulatory and legal concerns, she is gifted at identifying business issues and mitigating risks. Removing the mystery of potential legal impacts allows her clients to focus on serving their customers.
In the courtroom, Piper has defended class action lawsuits, real estate transactions valued at more than $100 million, and everything in between. She possesses the strong discovery, analytical, and writing skills integral to a winning case. Piper has represented clients in the financial services and banking sectors on matters including compliance management, preparing for regulatory examinations, interfacing with regulators, and responding to MRAs, drafting policies, procedures, agreements, disclosures, and customer notices. She is experienced in investigating customer and whistleblower complaints, addressing data breaches and privacy matters, and mergers and acquisitions.
A personalized touch allows Piper to deliver legal services differently. Working with clients, she focuses on understanding their business goals and legal needs, allowing her to customize representation to the client’s unique needs.
Areas of Expertise:
- Banking and Financial Services
- Commercial Litigation
- Legal Compliance
- Real Estate
- Corporate Law
Representative Experience:
- Spearheaded legal services delivery for all aspects of consumer banking for a $50B bank operating in 8 states.
- Triumphantly represented lead lender and participating lenders in State and Federal litigation over a $110M mixed use real estate development.
- Successfully defended appeal of summary judgment decision in my client’s favor before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Represented financial institutions before the CFPB, the OCC, the Federal Reserve Bank, and HUD.
- Achieved case dismissal in my client’s favor in overdraft class action litigation.
Education:
- University of Southern California
(B.A. in English and Theater, 1992) - University of Oklahoma
(J.D. with Honors, 1995)
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
- Colorado Bar Association
- Texas Bar Association
- Oklahoma Bar Association
Publications:
- Author, Defamation Law: Privileges from Liability: Distinguishing Quasi-Judicial Proceedings from Proceedings Which Are Preliminary to Judicial Hearings, 47 L. Rev. 541 (Fall 1994).
- Co-Author, What is your Risk Appetite for Utilizing an Automatic Telephone Dial System (“ATDS” or “autodialer”)? Tulsa Lawyer Magazine (July 2017).
Bar Admissions:
- Colorado
- Texas
- Oklahoma
Court Admissions:
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, 1996
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, 1996
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, 1996
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims, 1996
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, 1996
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, 2018
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 2019
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Zachary S. Dougherty
Attorney
Zachary S. Dougherty, Attorney
Bio:
Zachary S. Dougherty represents corporate clients in a broad range of transactional matters including employee ownership structures, corporate and non-profit formation/governance, construction contracting, UCC commercial transactions and real estate work. Zach also specializes in the myriad legal issues surrounding uncrewed aerial systems (UAS, or drones), helping clients navigate the sometimes unpredictable legal and regulatory requirements for drone operations. His work in this area includes best practices, risk assessments, insurance requirements, and civil liability (trespass, invasion of privacy, etc.). He currently serves on the board of directors for Mountain West UAS, a 501(c)(3) devoted to drone education and safety and has made numerous public speaking engagements on a range of drone law issues.
Zach’s professional philosophy is two-fold: 1) trust is at the core of meaningful client relationships; and 2) attorneys should be more than defensive “shields.” Providing clients with a clear understanding of the law enables them to find new pathways to innovation.
Areas of Expertise:
- Business and Corporate
- UAS – Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drone)
Representative Experience:
- Drafted assignments, security agreements and other documents in connection with to entity formations, governance and restructuring, specifically including employee ownership strategies and structures.
- Co-founded and served as legal counsel for residential development company; drafted and negotiated construction and real estate contracts and handled internal corporate governance.
- Advised public charity on development of an outdoor drone education/training facility and spearheaded grant application resulting in a $50,000 matching grant to fund drone-based education.
- Counseled quasi-public economic development entity on issues related to regulatory compliance and on origination, servicing and enforcement of small business loans.
- Drafted and reviewed third-party contracts for drone service providers.
- Substantive involvement with numerous commercial lawsuits involving a broad range of issues, including contractual breaches, property rights, financial disputes, employment agreements and construction defects.
Education:
- Notre Dame Law School
(Juris Doctorate, 2008) - University of Colorado
(B.A. Economics, English, 2004)
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
- Mountain West UAS (Board of Directors)
- American Bar Association
Publications:
- UAS Roundup Conference, hosted by UAS Colorado, host and moderator (September 12, 2022)
- Law-Tech Connect Workshop at AUVSI XPonential 2022, moderator (April 12, 2022)
- UAS Roundup Conference, moderator (October 18, 2022)
- UAS Virtual Fall Roundup (April 21, 2021)
- Drone Law Basics workshop for Central Colorado UAS (March 6, 2021)
Bar Admissions:
- Colorado
Court Admissions:
- Colorado
- United States District Court, District of Colorado
- US Bankruptcy Court
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Nga Vương-Sandoval
Immigration DEI Advisor
Nga Vương-Sandoval, DEI Advisor
Bio:
Nga Vương-Sandoval concurrently serves as the Immigration DEI Advisor for 3i Law, the US Refugee Advisory Board Project Manager and the Refugee Congress Honorary Delegate. She previously served at Colorado Department of Law, Office of the Inspector General and in homeland security and specialized in counterintelligence and counterterrorism. She has also served as Adjunct Faculty at University of Colorado and Metropolitan State University.
Nga and her family fled their homeland due to the Việt Nam War and became refugees. They were displaced in refugee camps before resettling in the U.S. and were known as the “boat people.” As a Việtnamese refugee, she embraces her heritage and refugee experience. She’s a fierce national and international human rights advocate and a passionate educator for the plight and struggle of other underrepresented and forcibly displaced communities.
Areas of Expertise:
- Public speaking (Keynote speaker, host, moderator, panelist, media, etc.)
- Refugee, immigrant, diversity, multiculturalism, advocacy and education
- Building roadmaps to inclusion
- Storytelling
- DEI training
Education:
- University of Colorado
(M.C.J., Criminal Justice) - University of Colorado
(B.A Political Science, Minor English Writing)
Languages:
- English
- Vietnamese
Professional Affiliations:
- Refugee Congress Honorary Delegate for Colorado
- White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, Region 8 – Member
- Lutheran Family Services Board of Directors – Vice-Chair for the Program Services Committee and the first refugee elected to the LFSRM Board of Directors
- Christina Noble Children’s Foundation – Noble Ambassador
- Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau – Founding member and public speaker
- Denver’s Little Sài Gòn Redevelopment Group – Advisory member
- Denver Elections Advisory Committee – Advisory member
- Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission – Commissioner (previous)
Leadership:
- Honored with a mural by iconic artist/muralist Thomas Evans (I Am Detour) in the historic Denver Five Points District.
- Honored as “Five Inspiring Former Refugee Women Share What International Day Means to Them” by USA for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (USA for UHNCR)
- Recognized by Asian Avenue Magazine as 100 Asian to Know in Denver
- Met with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden – Advocated to raise the Presidential Determination for refugee admissions
- 2021 Colorado Attorney General’s Award for “Outstanding Community Service”
- 2021 Refugee Congress Excellence Award
- 2021 Mile High Japanese American Citizens League Structural Award
Public Speaking:
- TEDx Talk “Assimilation Is Colonization” – Presenter
- United Nations Association USA (UNA for USA) 2021 “World Refugee Day: The Power of Inclusion” – Speaker
- StoryCorps – American Pathways “Stories of Refugees, Asylees, Dreamers and Muslims” – Host
- The Colorado Health Foundation “At the Heart of the Matter: Fierce, Fearless Women Leading Social Change” – Panelist
- “A Conversation Among Asian American Pacific Islander Leaders and Activist” – WMFDP Insider Outsider Podcast – Panelist
- Mile High Japanese American Citizens League Day of Remembrance “Resistance” event – Keynote Speaker
- Denver City Council Proclamation 19-0295: Honors Vietnamese American Community of Colorado in Denver – Speaker
- AAPI Solidarity Against Hate – Speaker
- 2019 Womxm’s March on Denver – Speaker
- 2018 Womxn’s March on Denver – Speaker
- 2018 Families Belong Together Rally – Speaker
- 2017 Colorado World Refugee Day Proclamation- Speaker
Publications and Media:
- Badge of Honor This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Nga Vương-Sandoval Celebrates her Name, and her Journey (May 2022)
- A Movement for Refugee Leadership (Stanford Social Innovation Review, 2021)
- Vietnamese Refugees Who Came To The US After The Fall Of Saigon Share Their Stories To Show How Crucial It Is For Afghan Families To Get The Same Chance (Business Insider 2021)
- New Funding for Local AAPI Organizations Will Help Communities Heal and Find Their Voices (5280 Magazine, 2021)
- Unbound Philanthropy Report “From Resettlement to Belonging: Opportunities for Refugee Leadership and Civic Participation” – (Unbound Philanthropy 2021)
- Governor Signs Bias-Motivated Crimes Bill (Asian Avenue Magazine, 2021)
- Settled Into New Homes, Refugees in U.S. Say They Are Working For a Better Life for All (Kansas Reflector, 2021)
- Colorado Woman, Former Vietnamese Boat Refugee Pushes for More Refugees to be Resettled in America (CBS 4 Denver, 2021)
- Discovering Hidden Treasures: Embracing My Identity as a Việtnamese Refugee (History Colorado, 2021)
- Asian Americans Rally in Denver For a Stop To Hated, Racism and Violence (The Denver Post, 2021)
- Detour Has a New Mural Welcoming Refugees and Immigrants (Denverite, 2020)
- Colorado’s Sharing COVID-19 Information in Many Languages to Reach Everyone in the State (KUSA 9News, 2020)
- Some Colorado lawmakers are trying to expand access to multilingual ballots (KUSA 9News, 2020)
- A Former Refugee Goes to Washington to Lobby For Future Refugees (Colorado Public Radio, 2019)
- I Want People To Know How Proud We Are To Be Vietnamese (Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 2019)
- Nga Vuong-Sandoval: Refugee, Activist, Historic Preservationist and Activist For Colorado Refugees (History Colorado, 2019)
- Colorado Lawmakers Moving Forward To Ensure A Steady Flow of Money For Refugees (Denverite, 2019)
- Multiple Projects Along South Federal Boulevard Paint a Picture Of What It Could Become (Denverite, 2019)
- Lutheran Family Services Elects First Refuge Board Member (Denver Westword, 2019)
- Yearlong Exhibit of Chinese Zodiac Sculptures Now in Civic Center Park (KUSA 9News, 2017)
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