Taft, one of the nation’s fastest-growing law firms, continues the strategic growth of its Denver office with the addition of partners Robert Botts, Jr., Zane Gilmer, and Selena Samale. The group joins Taft from Stinson and brings significant experience in energy, environmental, litigation, banking and financial services, and mining law. These additions further strengthen Taft’s capabilities in Colorado and across the Mountain West.

“Robert, Zane, and Selena each bring a thoughtful, practical approach to serving clients, along with experience in industries that are deeply important to Colorado and the broader Mountain West,” said Lyle Wallace, partner-in-charge of Taft’s Colorado and Nevada offices. “Beyond the strength of their individual practices, they are a great fit for our team and the collaborative culture we continue to build in Denver.”

Partners joining the firm:

• Robert Botts, Jr. advises mining and energy companies, commercial lending and financial institutions, and privately-held businesses, navigating them through matters, including corporate compliance, commercial transactions, capital raises, debt and equity financing, mergers and acquisitions, operational matters, and corporate governance.
• Zane Gilmer is a litigator who represents clients in complex business disputes and government investigations and enforcement actions, with a focus on cases involving financial services, investor fraud, securities, corporate mismanagement, and consumer protection issues.
• Selena Samale advises community banks and other regulated entities, privately held companies, nonprofits, and investors on a broad range of corporate and transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, financings, joint ventures, and commercial partnerships.

“Our joining Taft unlocks significant opportunities for each of our practices and for the firm as a whole,” said Botts. “The scale and continued growth of Taft’s platform were major draws for us, particularly in our ability to better serve clients and collaborate across a wide range of practice areas. We also saw an opportunity to contribute additional resources and capabilities that complement and strengthen the firm’s existing platform.”

Samale added: “What stood out to me about Taft was the combination of a strong local presence and a culture that encourages collaboration across the firm. The attorneys here are invested in one another’s success, creating an environment where knowledge, experience, and resources are shared freely. I’m excited to be part of a team that values those relationships and works together to deliver the best possible outcomes for clients.”

“Taft’s growth speaks for itself,” said Gilmer. “The firm is expanding into new markets that align with where my clients operate, giving me the ability to draw on a deep local bench of attorneys, while also being able to access resources on a national scale. Ultimately, this move creates more opportunities for my clients, while also providing me with the platform and support to continue growing my practice.”

The additions represent the latest step in Taft’s continued expansion across the Mountain West and investment in Colorado following the firm’s 2025 combination with Sherman & Howard. Since that time, Taft’s Colorado platform has grown by 33%, reflecting the firm’s continued focus on strategic growth and attracting top talent across key practice areas.

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 1,250 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.