Taft, one of the fastest growing law firms in the nation, has named highly regarded M&A attorney Lyle Wallace as partner-in-charge of its Colorado and Nevada offices. In this new role, Wallace will lead the firm’s strategic direction across Colorado and Nevada, advance key growth and market-expansion initiatives, and champion a culture of collaboration and excellence.

“I am grateful for the leadership opportunities the firm has afforded me over the years and look forward to guiding our Colorado and Nevada offices into our next chapter of success and growth,” said Wallace. “I am very fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly talented attorneys and staff and am committed to ensuring that Taft continues to deliver exceptional client service. Our firm will also focus on attracting and retaining top talent, while meaningfully engaging with and supporting our communities.”

Wallace succeeds Stefan Stein, who first served as CEO of Sherman & Howard (S&H), then transitioned to Mountain West chairman and Colorado partner-in-charge when Taft and Sherman & Howard merged at the beginning of 2025.

“Leading Taft’s Mountain West offices and before that Sherman & Howard, has been a pleasure and privilege, and I’m excited to see the positive impact Lyle’s leadership will bring to the firm,” said Stein. “He has been instrumental in driving growth and strategy in Denver, and with him at the helm, I am confident our strong momentum will continue.”

Wallace is a respected mergers and acquisitions attorney with more than 25 years of experience guiding clients through complex transactions. Licensed and based in Colorado, Wallace demonstrated his leadership while serving as practice group leader of S&H’s Business & Real Estate practice group and on the S&H Executive Committee.

“Stefan’s leadership has been transformational,” said Wallace. “His commitment to Sherman & Howard and then to Taft has been inspiring. The work he did put the firm in the best possible position for us to achieve even greater success. I look forward to stepping into this role and building on the foundation that Stefan has created.”

Taft’s firmwide Chairman and Managing Partner Robert J. Hicks commended the Mountain West leadership team. “Stefan has played a pivotal role in shaping our Mountain West presence, and we are grateful for the vision and dedication he brought to the region,” said Hicks. “We’re thrilled to have Lyle step into this position. He continues our tradition of leaders who are deeply committed to the business and legal communities we serve. As our firm continues to grow, Lyle is poised to expand our footprint and strengthen client relationships in these markets.”

A leader inside and outside of the firm, Wallace serves as a board member for the Colorado Business Roundtable, as well as being on the Executive Committee of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, and the Host Committee of the Denver Smart Business Dealmakers Conference.

Additionally, Wallace is active in the community. He co-founded the Mile High Five Foundation supporting Colorado’s at-risk youth, and the Green & Gold Foundation, which supports Colorado State University. He previously served on the boards of Youth Opportunity Foundation and Denver Active 20-30 Children’s Foundation, now called Denver Children’s Foundation.

Effective Jan. 1, 2025, Sherman & Howard combined with Taft, the first of three mergers in 2025. The firm also added Morris, Manning & Martin (Atlanta and Washington, D.C.) and Mrachek Law (Florida). Today, Taft enters 2026 as an Am Law 100 firm with more than 1,250 attorneys in 25 offices nationwide and projected revenues exceeding $1 billion.

In Colorado, Taft has welcomed 25 attorneys to its offices since announcing its merger. At the same time, across the entire Mountain West region, the firm has significantly expanded its corporate, labor and employment, domestic relations, fintech, IP, litigation, and private client capabilities. Taft expects this momentum to continue in the Mountain West over the coming year, with Wallace at the helm and an emphasis on innovative, client-focused solutions across the region.

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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.