Esteemed peer-reviewed award highlights outstanding professional achievements

DENVER (August 15, 2024)–Seven attorneys at Denver-based Fortis Law Partners have been honored with inclusion on the 2025 The Best Lawyers in America® list. Now, more than half of the firm’s full-time attorneys are featured on the highly-respected list. Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review gathered from lawyers who practice within the same geographical region and area of law. As the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession, a listing in Best Lawyers® recognizes high-caliber legal expertise, ethics and professionalism.

Best Lawyers® recognized Fortis Law Partners co-founders Julie Herzog and Christine Lamb for the fifth year running, partner Elizabeth (Liz) Hartsel for a third consecutive year, while partners Henry Baskerville and David Olsky were honored for the first time. The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in AmericaⓇ  list included Fortis attorneys Michael Annerino and Charlie Carlin. 

“This recognition highlights our team’s drive, innovative mindset, and commitment to finding solutions for our clients,” said Fortis partner Julie Herzog. “Any success we have as attorneys ultimately, and most importantly, represents success for our clients.” 

Best Lawyers honored Herzog’s expertise in Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate, Commercial Transactions/UCC and Securities/Capital Markets. Herzog leads the firm’s corporate/securities practice. She has helped clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies navigate corporate and merger and acquisition transactions and successfully raise capital for three decades. She is also the co-founder of Full Velocity Consulting, which provides businesses with outsourced C-suite services, and a member of the exclusive Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Speakers Academy, where she has the opportunity to share personal and professional insights at conferences around the U.S. and internationally.

Best Lawyers recognized partner Chris Lamb for her expertise in Employment Law – Management and Labor and Employment Litigation. Super Lawyers has also recognized Lamb for employment law for nine years. She heads Fortis’ respected employment law practice group and frequently represents clients in state and federal court, and before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the US Department of Labor, the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment and other government entities. She is also certified as a labor & employment arbitrator by the American Arbitration Association®, the nation’s leading alternative dispute resolution services provider. 

Partner Henry Baskerville was noted for his skill in commercial litigation, an area of expertise where he’s also received recognition from Super Lawyers for twelve consecutive years. He also has an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Along with Lamb, Olsky and Hartsel, Baskerville is a member of the firm’s litigation practice group, which was ranked in the 2024 Chambers guide, a distinction attained by only the top 0.5% of U.S. law firms. He is an experienced trial lawyer who focuses on complex commercial litigation, cannabis law, white-collar criminal defense, government contracts, and construction law. Baskerville is a co-founder of Full Velocity Consulting, where he utilizes his extensive corporate compliance, internal investigation and government contracting experience to advise clients from a wide range of industries.

Partner David Olsky was also honored for his work in Commercial Litigation. He is a respected litigator who has delivered exceptional results for his clients for nearly two decades as he represents individuals and companies across the country in “bet the firm” matters.  He is particularly proficient at litigating complex commercial cases on contingency, with clients reaping millions of dollars from his efforts. In addition to his civil practice, Olsky has substantial experience representing individuals and companies in responding to government investigations and conducting numerous internal investigations for corporate clients.  He is a board member of the Colorado Judicial Institute board member and a FINRA arbitrator.

Best Lawyers recognized Fortis partner Liz Hartsel for her work in Labor and Employment Litigation and Employment Law – Management.

Hartsel is highly experienced in helping businesses and employees mitigate risks and navigate labor and employment laws. When litigation is unavoidable, she is skilled at guiding clients on both sides of disputes regarding discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims, wrongful termination, and wage and hour (FLSA) claims. In addition, Hartsel regularly advises employers on labor issues, such as collective bargaining and Department of Labor appeals.

The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in AmericaⓇ  designation spotlights up-and-coming attorneys who have been in private practice for less than ten years and who, based on peer reviews, are practicing at an exceptionally high level of professionalism and competence. Partner Charlie Carlin and Associate Michael Annerino earned this honor for their work in commercial litigation. Carlin specializes in complex commercial litigation and internal investigations, with additional expertise in securities litigation, labor and employment law, and criminal law.  He was promoted to partner at the firm in January 2024. Annerino is also a member of the firm’s litigation team, where he represents individuals in all phases of their cases, from pre-litigation settlement negotiations through trial.  He recently received the Super Lawyers Rising Stars designation in recognition of his expertise in General Litigation.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Bree DeVita at bree@themaverickpr.com. 

About Fortis Law Partners

Fortis Law Partners offers broad expertise to help clients achieve effective legal solutions, from the simplest matters to the most challenging business problems. Whether a successful outcome means winning at trial, dismissing a lawsuit, negotiating a settlement, closing a transaction, or just getting thoughtful legal advice, Fortis lawyers get results. Our business-minded problem-solving approach, coupled with a persistent dedication to client service, enables us to create unmatched value. Practices include Cannabis; Commercial Litigation, Compliance Programs and Internal Investigations; Construction; Corporate / Securities / M&A; Employment Law;  Psychedelics; Real Estate & Development; Tax; Trademark; and Trusts & Estates. For more information, visit FortisLawPartners.com. Continue the conversation on LinkedIn and Facebook.