DENVER (March 17, 2008) - Holland & Hart partner James Hartley has become a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in America.
The induction ceremony at which Hartley became a Fellow took place on March 8, 2008, before an audience of approximately 700 persons during the 2008 Spring meeting of the College in Tucson, Ariz.
Hartley chairs Holland & Hart's 175-member Litigation Department and leads the firm's Antitrust practice. He has practiced with Holland & Hart in Denver as a trial lawyer since 1974. In that time, he has focused his practice on antitrust and patent infringement litigation. He is recognized as a leader in his field by Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, and Colorado Super Lawyers.
"This is a well-deserved honor for Jim, who has dedicated his professional life to excellence in advocacy. Jim has been recognized as one of the most successful trial lawyers in Colorado and has long been acknowledged as one of the top antitrust practitioners in the United States," said Firm Chairman John Husband.
Founded in 1950, the College is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada. Fellowship in the College is extended only by invitation and only after careful investigation to those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of 15 years trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship.
Membership in the College cannot exceed one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province. There are currently 5,661 members, including active Fellows, Emertius Fellows, Judicial Fellows (those who ascend to the bench after their induction), and Honorary Fellows.
"It is a great honor and privilege to be asked to join the company of this elite group of trial lawyers," said Hartley. "Of course, this honor is made possible only by the many wonderful people with whom I have had the privilege of working over the past 34 years."
The College strives to improve and elevate the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice, and the ethics of the trial profession. Qualified lawyers are called to Fellowship in the College from all branches of trial practice. They are carefully selected from among those who customarily represent plaintiffs in civil cases and those who customarily represent defendants, as well as those who prosecute persons accused of crime and those who defend them. The College is thus able to speak with a balanced voice on important issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice. For more information about the American College of Trial Lawyers, visit www.actl.com.