DENVER (April 17, 2009) - Seven Holland & Hart attorneys have been recognized in Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America. Paul Schlauch is one of the top 500 lawyers in the nation according to the publication, and Betty Arkell, Robert Bassett, Walt Bithell, John Combs, Jane Michaels, and Jack Palma are included as finalists. These attorneys have been included as finalists for the past two consecutive years.
Thousands of attorneys were nominated by their peers and the Lawdragon editorial staff, who selected 2,500 finalists and the top 500 attorneys in the United States. Those named to the list represent less than one-half of one percent of the legal profession, placing them among the most elite group of legal professionals.
Schlauch is a partner in Holland & Hart's Denver Tech Center office with more than 35 years experience in legal issues relating to the mining industry. For the last four year, the International Who's Who of Business Lawyers named him as "Lawyer of the Year" for mining worldwide. His practice includes counseling on operational and regulatory matters and representing clients in a wide array of transactions as well as in litigation and arbitration.
Arkell is a partner in the Denver office and has more than 30 years experience as a corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions lawyer. Her clients include established and emerging growth companies as well as venture capital and private equity funds.
Bassett is of counsel to the Denver Tech Center office. He practices natural resources and international law with an emphasis on the mining industry. He also serves as the manager of the firm's Minerals practice group.
As a trial lawyer in Holland & Hart's Boise office with more than 35 years of experience, Bithell's practice emphasizes complex business and commercial litigation. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, past president of the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association, and past president of the Idaho State Bar.
Combs is of counsel to Holland & Hart's Denver office and has extensive business immigration law experience. He helps employers develop streamlined processes for permanent residency applications, nonimmigrant visa petitions, employment verification compliance programs.
Michaels is a partner in the firm's Denver office and focuses her trial practice on intellectual property and complex commercial litigation. She was selected in 2006 as one of Lawdragon's top 500 attorneys in the nation. Michaels is a Fellow of The American College of Trial Lawyers and The International Society of Barristers.
Palma is a partner in the Cheyenne office with more than 25 years experience in natural resources and environmental law, including extensive work in federal and state public land law, NEPA, environmental regulatory compliance and permitting, oil and gas, minerals, and water.
The Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America is the leading guide to the nation's best lawyers and judges. For more information and the complete list of the top 500 attorneys, visit www.lawdragon.com.