When you walk through downtown Denver, the glass and steel of the skyscrapers can start to look the same. But tucked into that skyline is a name that basically helped build the city from the ground up: Sherman & Howard LLC Denver CO. This isn't just another law firm. Founded in 1892—back when Colorado was still figuring out its own identity—it stands as the oldest law firm in the Mile High City.
Honestly, in a town where businesses pop up and vanish like mountain fog, staying relevant for over 130 years is a feat. But things changed big time on January 1, 2025.
The Massive Merger You Probably Missed
If you’ve been looking for Sherman & Howard LLC Denver CO lately, you might have noticed a new name on the door: Taft.
In a move that shook the Rocky Mountain legal scene, Sherman & Howard merged with Taft, an Am Law 100 powerhouse. This wasn't a "struggling firm gets bought out" situation. It was a strategic marriage. By joining forces, they created a legal behemoth with over 1,000 attorneys spanning from D.C. to the Mountain West.
Stefan Stein, the former CEO and current Mountain West Chairman, put it pretty simply. He noted that while the name on the letterhead changed, the people didn't. You’ve still got the same attorneys who know the local zoning laws and Colorado courtrooms like the back of their hand, but now they have a national engine behind them.
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What Does This Mean for You?
- More Muscle: If a local developer is fighting a multi-state environmental case, they now have resources in 10 different states.
- The "One Taft" Model: Unlike some firms that are run by a central "mother ship," this firm uses a decentralized model. Denver leaders still make Denver decisions.
- Deep Bench: We’re talking about a combined revenue projected to hit $875 million in 2025. That’s a lot of specialized expertise under one roof.
Beyond the Suit and Tie: What They Actually Do
Most people think of big law firms as places where people bill hours in dark rooms. Sherman & Howard is a bit different because they’ve touched almost every industry that makes Colorado, well, Colorado.
They are huge in Public Finance. Think about the infrastructure you use every day. If a new highway gets built or a hospital gets funded, there’s a decent chance their public finance team—led by veterans like Jill Sweeney or Matthew Hogan—was involved in the legal plumbing.
Then there’s the Construction and Real Estate side. Denver has been under construction since the 90s (kinda feels like it, right?). The firm handles everything from massive regional malls to the complex "synthetic lease" financing for mountain resorts. When a project in Aspen or Steamboat Springs hits a snag with mechanics' liens, these are the folks who usually get the call.
The People Behind the Reputation
Let’s talk about the "heavy hitters" for a second. You don't get ranked by Chambers USA or Best Lawyers by just showing up.
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Garth Jensen is a name that comes up constantly in Corporate Governance and M&A. If a major tech startup in the Denver Tech Center is looking to be acquired, he’s likely the one looking over the contracts. On the litigation side, Gordon "Skip" Netzorg is basically a legend in banking and finance disputes.
It’s not just the old guard, either. Their Family Law group is actually the largest in a full-service firm in the entire Rocky Mountain region. People like Jordan Fox and Kathryn DeVries handle the high-net-worth divorces and complex trust issues that keep the tabloids (and the courts) busy.
Recent Notable Moves
- Joe Daniels Returned: A prominent litigator who spent 11 years at the firm left briefly but came back in early 2025. It says a lot when top talent returns after a merger.
- Phoenix Expansion: Since the merger, the firm has been aggressive. They signed a lease to double their office footprint in Phoenix to 25,000 square feet.
- Cross-Border Tax: Chris Haunschild joined the team to handle domestic and cross-border M&A deals valued at over $100 billion collectively.
Why Local Roots Matter in 2026
You might wonder why a national firm like Taft would want a Denver legacy firm. It's because Colorado is weird. Our water laws are unique. Our foreclosure statutes were literally shaped by Sherman & Howard attorneys.
When you hire Sherman & Howard LLC Denver CO (now Taft), you aren't just hiring a lawyer. You're hiring a century of institutional memory. They’ve seen the boom-and-bust cycles of the 80s, the tech crash of the early 2000s, and the current housing squeeze. They know how Colorado judges think because they've been arguing in front of them since before those judges were born.
Actionable Steps for Navigating Denver Legal Needs
If you are a business owner or an individual looking for counsel in the Mountain West, the landscape has shifted. Here is how to approach it:
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- Audit Your National Reach: If your business is expanding outside of Colorado, check if your current firm has the "bench strength" that the new Taft/Sherman & Howard merger provides. You might not need to hire separate counsel in different states anymore.
- Check the Specialization: Don't just look for "a lawyer." Look for the practice group. If you're in aerospace or government contracting, ask for the specific attorneys who have handled those niche sectors—Sherman & Howard has a specific group dedicated to this.
- Review Your Estate Plan: With the recent shifts in tax laws in 2025 and 2026, the firm’s "Private Client" practice is one of the most respected in the country. It might be time for a refresh if your assets are tied up in complex trusts or real estate.
- Visit the New Hub: Their Denver office is located at 675 Fifteenth Street, Suite 2300. It’s a tech-forward space designed by Stantec that’s built for modern collaboration, not just stuffy meetings.
The legal world in Denver is changing fast. While the name on the building might have a new addition, the influence of Sherman & Howard continues to be a cornerstone of the Colorado business community.