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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J. Elle Tauer
Attorney
J. Elle Tauer, Attorney
Bio:
Elle Tauer has represented clients in business and non-profit formation, general litigation, tax matters and resolution, and estate planning. She has extensive experience in representing clients in front of the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Tax Court. She takes an integrated approach in solving client issues in order to account for the many variables that faces many businesses and individuals. Elle’s background in Classical Studies fostered her interest in multiple legal fields which continues to assist her multifaceted analysis of various topics and compliments the complexities of general litigation.
Areas of Expertise:
Representative Experience:
- Specialized in tax resolution issues with the IRS regarding collections at the civil level, including collection resolution, innocent spouse relief, garnishment and levy release, installment plans, and tax court petitions.
- Managed multiple Internal Revenue Service actions through Examination Process, Audit Procedure, Summons Enforcement Actions and other various related activities regarding individual, business, tax shelter and foreign currency investment actions.
- Advised clients on tax issues relating to business structuring and investments.
- Strategized and prepared multiple closely held business entities, business valuations, gifting considerations, estate and financial planning concerns for various individuals and families.
- Drafted Federal Court Appellate Briefs, State Court Appellate Briefs, Confidential Settlement Agreements, Pleadings, Motions, Briefs, and Discovery requests on various types of business and personal civil litigation matters filed in Colorado Federal, District and County Court, as well as drafting, maintaining and managing litigation through local counsel in New York, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Ohio.
Education:
- University of Denver Sturm College of Law
(L.L.M., Taxation, 2005) - University of Denver Sturm College of Law
(J.D., 2002) - Georgetown University Law Center
(Public International Law and International Business Transactions, 2000) - University of Colorado at Boulder
(M.A., Classical Antiquity, 1999) - University of Colorado at Boulder
(B.A., Classical Studies, with minor in Philosophy, 1997)
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
- Colorado Bar Association
Bar Admissions:
- Colorado
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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
Court Admissions:
- Supreme Court of Colorado
- United States District Court, District of Colorado
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Elizabeth Moss
Attorney
Elizabeth Moss, Attorney
Bio:
Elizabeth Moss brings over a decade of Land Management legal experience to the firm with an emphasis on oil and gas matters. She has held positions as Counsel, Land Manager, Business Development Manager, and Landman at small, mid-sized, and large independent oil and gas companies. Elizabeth’s diverse background has led to a broad range of experience including negotiation and drafting agreements for oil and gas transactions including Purchase and Sale Agreements, Surface Use Agreements, Joint Venture Agreements, Waterflood Agreements, Operating Agreements, Lease Agreements, and Letters of Intent. Elizabeth has worked in the Eastern-Denver Julesburg, Permian, Piceance, Uinta, San Juaquin Basins. Elizabeth has negotiated agreements for the oil and gas companies with the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation and advised oil and gas companies on Tribe Preference regulations. Elizabeth has advised oil and gas companies on the due diligence and integration matters for acquisitions.
Areas of Expertise:
- Oil & Gas
- Private Client Services
Education:
- Western Michigan University
(J.D., 2003) - Louisiana State University
(B.G.S., 2000)
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
- Colorado Bar Association
- American Association of Professional Landmen
- Certified Professional Landman
- Denver Association of Professional Landmen
- Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation
Bar Admissions:
- Colorado
- New York
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Ramon G. Rhymes
Attorney
Ramon G. Rhymes, Attorney
Bio:
Ramon Rhymes brings over two decades of experience to the firm serving corporate and private clients, businesses, and healthcare organizations in corporate transactions including IP and technology licensing, complex service agreements, negotiations, corporate transactions, employment law, and corporate litigation. His clients range from startups to billion-dollar enterprises.
Mr. Rhymes has developed and implemented web-based metric tracking and contract template distribution and workflow systems to drive efficiencies for corporate law departments. Mr. Rhymes is the founder and CEO of ContractsRX, a SaaS company delivering innovative ways to reduce the time and risk associated with legal contracting through turnkey contracting engine solutions that help businesses drive greater transparency in the contracting process, reducing the time, costs, and risks associated with completing deals.
Areas of Expertise:
- Business & Corporate Legal Matters
- IP Technology Licensing
- Healthcare Technology & Solutions
- Employment Law
Representative Experience:
- Negotiated healthcare technology license and service deals with large healthcare payer organizations particularly with BlueCross and BlueShield entities.
- Lead the legal operations group for a healthcare technology SaaS company with $100mm annual revenue.
- Negotiated and drafted corporate contracts for a $1mm+ business to business office products company.
- Represented company in a $100mm international paper supply agreement.
- Represented company in license and service deals valued well over $500mm with large payer organizations.
- Advised several organizations to substantially reduce spending through implementing basic sourcing principles, reducing the number of active suppliers and by consolidating purchase agreements.
Education:
- Santa Clara University School of Law
(J.D. Contracts, Negotiation, Trial Team, 2001) - University of California, Berkley
(B.A. Legal Research and Writing, minor in Dutch Studies, 1991)
Publications/Honors/Awards:
- “Leading from Behind” – leading through times of adversity.
- The State of Healthcare in the U.S. 2013
- Pinnacle Award (Jan. 2012)
- Circle of Distinction (2009-2012)
Languages:
- English
- Japanese
- Dutch
Bar Admissions:
- Colorado
- California
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Abby T. Parker
Attorney
Abby T. Parker, Attorney
Bio:
Abby T. Parker focuses her practice on corporate law, healthcare law, employment law, and data security and HIPAA compliance. Abby has experience in drafting business license applications relating to state marijuana laws, hemp laws, and public policy. She has also completed extensive legal research and drafted memoranda on topics including corporate law, criminal law, civil law, and marijuana law. While attending the University of Colorado Law School, Abby was the lead editor for a law journal and participated in Moot Court. Abby brings attention to detail, empathy, and hard work to her clients and is passionate about helping clients achieve their desired outcome in every transaction.
Areas of Expertise:
- Business & Corporate
- Data Security
- HIPAA Compliance
- Marijuana Law
Education:
- University of Colorado Law School
(J.D., 2020, with a certificate in Environmental, Energy, and Natural Resources Law) - University of Maine
(B.A., English, with a minor in Animal Science, 2016)
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
- Colorado Bar Association
Bar Admissions:
- Colorado
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Jeffrey A. Cramer
Attorney
Jeffrey A. Cramer, Attorney
Bio:
Jeffrey A. Cramer brings more than three decades of experience to the firm with a focus on estate planning, estate administration (including probate), guardianship and elder law, personal client services, and civil litigation. He has represented a wide variety of contract and family disputes, personal injury and employment-discrimination claims, as well as probate and guardianship contests in both trial and appellate courts.
Jeff has been certified by the Florida Supreme Court as both a circuit court and family mediator. He has received the highest rating from his peers, “AV” by the Martindale-Hubbell Company, is listed in the “Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers” and “Who’s Who in American Law.” Jeff has served as Escambia-Santa Rosa County Bar Association President and both as Northwest Florida Chapter President and member of the National Board of Directors of the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates. Jeff also has been an adjunct professor of employment law at Florida Coastal School of Law, a frequent lecturer at continuing legal education seminars and has published several articles on civil trial issues.
The extensive trial experience gathered from handling thousands of diverse civil matters over several decades has provided the skills necessary for Jeffrey to enable individuals and families to plan effectively for their future. He focuses his practice on providing compassion and personalized attention to his clients in their initial estate planning and ensuring they remain up to date and current on an ongoing basis.
Areas of Expertise:
- Estate Planning and Administration
- Private Client Services
- Guardianship and Elder Law
Education:
- University of Florida
(J.D. with Honors, 1974)
Member, Editorial Board, University of Florida Law Review, 1973-1974 - Vanderbilt University
(B.A., 1972)
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
- National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys, 2007-2019
- Florida Bar: Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section, Elder Law Section
- Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, June 1990 – May 31, 2005)
- Circuit Court Certified Mediator, January 1995 – December 2008)
- Certified Family Law Mediator, January 2005 – December 2008) Martindale-Hubbell Rating: “AV”
- International Association of Defense Counsel, 1993-1998
- American Board of Trial Advocates National Board of Directors,1993 Northwest Florida Chapter, President, 1992
- Ecambia-Santa Rosa County Bar Association President, 1990 – 1991
- Florida Bar
Board Certified Worker’s Compensation Lawyer, Aug. 1988 Aug. 2003; Health Law Committee; 1983 – 1986
Workers Compensation Rules Committee, 1980 – 1983 - Southside Businessmen’s Club, 2009 – 2019
- Jacksonville Vanderbilt Club
Alumni Recruiting Chair, 2005 -2008 - Etz Chaim Synagogue
Board of Directors, 2002 – 2003 - Partners in Education
Warrington Elementary School – Pensacola, 1990 – 1998
Rufus Payne Elementa1y School – Jacksonville, 1994 – 2000 - Pensacola Vanderbilt Club
President, 1985 – 1990 - Temple Beth-El
Board of Trustees, 1987 – 1988 - Speech and Hearing Board, Baptist Health Care Foundation, 1987
- Sertoma International
Gulf Coast District Governor, 1986 – 1987
Distinguished Governor Award, 1987 - Leadership Pensacola, 1985, 1986
- Five Flags Sertoma Club
Distinguished Honor Club Award, 1986
President, 1985 – 1986
Publications:
- Consumer Protection Under the Florida Consumer Finance Act: Illusion or Reality? 27 U. Fla. Law Review (Winter, 1975)
- Discovery of Hospital and Medical Records, 58 Fla. Bar Journal (March 1984)
- Guest Editor, Worker’s Compensation Section News and 440 Report (March/April 1985 and November/December 1985)
- Waiver of the Psychotherapist – Patient Privilege: “The Garden Variety” Damages Conundrum, The Check Off, Florida Bar Labor and Employment Section (March 2008)
Bar Admissions:
- Florida
Court Admissions:
- Supreme Court of Florida
- S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
- S. Circuit Court of Appeals
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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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Nga Vương-Sandoval
Immigration DEI Advisor
Nga Vương-Sandoval, Immigration DEI Advisor
Bio:
Nga Vương-Sandoval concurrently serves as the Immigration DEI Advisor for 3i Law, the Refugee Congress Delegate for Colorado and serves as an Investigator in regulatory compliance. She previously served at the Office of the Inspector General at the state homeland security office and specialized in counterintelligence, counterterrorism, security threat groups and prison radicalization. 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 and is a fierce advocate and educator to the plight and struggle of other underrepresented 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 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:
- 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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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
- Colorado Bar Association – Young Lawyers Division
- Minoru Yasui Inn of Court
- Colorado Bar Association Leadership Training (COBALT) – Class of 2022
- Adams and Broomfield Bar Association
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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