DENVER (October 22, 2007) - Five Holland & Hart partners are recognized in this year's 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, Walt Bithell, Jane Michaels, and Jack Palma are included as finalists.
More than 20,000 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 has more than 30 years experience in legal issues relating to the mining industry. In 2005, 2006, and 2007 the International Who's Who of Business Lawyers named him as the "World's Leading Mining Lawyer." 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 has more than 30 years experience as a corporate and securities lawyer and was named as one of Lawdragon's 500 Leading Dealmakers in America earlier this year. Her clients include established and emerging growth companies as well as venture capital and private equity funds.
As a trial lawyer for more than 35 years, Bithell's practice emphasis is complex business and personal injury 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.
Michaels has extensive experience as a trial lawyer, focusing on intellectual property and 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 has over 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. He has worked on environmental and regulatory permitting associated with coalbed methane development, as well as conventional oil exploration production, natural gas processing and pipeline facilities within Wyoming and has been an adviser to oil and gas producers with respect to day-to-day legal issues.
The Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America is the leading guide to the nation's best lawyers and judges. The Fall 2007 issue will be released in early November and can be seen now online at www.lawdragon.com.