Taft, formerly Sherman & Howard, welcomed litigator and former federal prosecutor Theodore O’Brien to its Denver office. O’Brien previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney in both the District of Colorado and the Southern District of Florida.

Leading high-impact investigations and prosecutions, O’Brien has considerable experience as a trial attorney. He has handled matters including wire fraud, money laundering, identity theft, narcotics trafficking, firearms offenses, and COVID-19 relief fraud related to EIDL and PPP loan programs. O’Brien has conducted white-collar investigations, overseen witness examinations, argued motions, and served as trial counsel in multiple jury trials.

“I am excited to return to private practice and use the skills and experience I gained as a federal prosecutor to litigate on behalf of Taft’s clients,” said O’Brien. “As an assistant U.S. attorney, I was on the ground floor of enforcing federal laws, prosecuting fraud, and protecting the public. Now, I am looking forward to advocating for the interests of the firm’s clients while collaborating with a team of talented Taft attorneys.”

“Theodore is a wonderful addition to our growing litigation team,” said Tamir Goldstein, Taft’s Mountain West Litigation group chair. “Our clients will benefit greatly from not only his extensive courtroom experience, but also his inside knowledge of how criminal and civil investigations are constructed. It gives our firm and our clients the edge they need in achieving a successful outcome.”

O’Brien earned his J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law, where he served as executive editor for the University of Miami Business Law Review, and received his B.A. in political science from the University of Oregon. Additionally, he served as a judicial intern to the Honorable John O’Sullivan, chief magistrate judge for the Southern District of Florida.  O’Brien is licensed to practice in Colorado, Florida, and Massachusetts.

Effective Jan. 1, 2025, Sherman & Howard combined with Taft, creating a firm powered by more than 1,000 attorneys from Washington, D.C. to the Mountain West. The merger has fueled strategic growth across the Mountain West, with 21 attorneys joining since the combination was announced.

About Taft

Founded in 1885, Taft is one of the nation’s fastest-growing law firms, with a 140-year legacy rooted in the historic Taft family. With more than 1,050 attorneys and a modern, non-headquarter operating model, Taft is committed to delivering exceptional legal service to today’s organizations and individuals. The firm is recognized nationally in the Am Law 100, Chambers USA, Best Lawyers®, and Super Lawyers. Learn more at Taftlaw.com.