Holland & Hart announced that skilled trial attorneys Melissa Kerin Reagan and Katie Varholak have joined the firm as partners in the Denver office. They each bring wide-ranging experience that aligns with and enhances strengths of the firm’s Commercial Litigation team.
“We are thrilled to welcome these powerhouse trial attorneys who each bring specialized expertise that will be an asset to firm clients and to our litigation team across the firm,” said Matt Smith, leader of the firm’s Commercial Litigation practice. “The firm and the team will also benefit from Melissa’s and Katie’s experience serving in executive leadership roles and their commitment to developing and mentoring more junior litigators.”
Melissa helps clients navigate legal and business issues to proactively avoid disputes, and when necessary, to forcefully defend business decisions. She counsels telecommunications and wireless services providers through the complex federal, state, and local regulatory hurdles required to deploy new technologies, expand services, and maintain existing networks. Melissa also provides outside general counsel services to mid-market companies needing in-house legal support on matters ranging from operational policy and procedures, risk management, privacy, and security issues, and resolving business disputes.
“I’m delighted to join this group of excellent attorneys who deliver the highest level of service to clients,” said Melissa. “I care deeply about equity and inclusion in the legal profession and look forward to getting involved in programs and initiatives that help further the firm’s commitment to nurture and cultivate diverse perspectives.”
Katie is a respected, go-to litigator when the stakes are high and the issues are complex. In the insurance coverage aspect of her practice, she protects clients’ risk profiles with sage counsel at the contract stage, and when disputes arise, she provides pragmatic guidance on the legal and business impacts. She also advises high net worth individuals and families in complicated trust and estate disputes and fiduciary litigation, representing corporate and individual trustees and personal representatives with fiduciary responsibility for individual and family wealth.
“One of the many reasons I’m excited to join Holland & Hart is the firm’s strong culture,” said Katie. “True collaboration and teamwork are not always a given in the legal profession and I’m looking forward to working closely with my new colleagues on ways to deepen connections and service to my clients and firm clients.”
Before joining Holland & Hart, Melissa and Katie were members at Sherman & Howard.