Taft, one of the nation’s fastest-growing law firms, announced the addition of seven lawyers to its Colorado Springs office. Led by partners Steve B. Smith and Jill Chalmers, the group joins Taft from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) and brings deep experience in sports law, intellectual property, employment law, and litigation.

The additions represent the latest step in Taft’s continued expansion across the Mountain West and its investment in the Colorado market following the firm’s 2025 combination with Sherman & Howard. Since that time, Taft’s Colorado platform has grown by 30%, reflecting the firm’s continued focus on strategic growth and attracting top talent across key practices.

“Joining Taft represents a major step forward for our entire team,” said Smith, speaking on behalf of the group. “The firm offers an exceptional nationwide platform, with offices across the country and a multitude of resources. This move creates real momentum that allows us not just to continue the work we’re known for, but to expand it in new and meaningful ways.”

New partner Jill Chalmers added: “Taft gives us the opportunity to grow, to branch into emerging areas, and to elevate the services we can offer our clients. I made the decision to join Taft because I wanted to be part of a firm that truly values my work in intellectual property and understands its importance in full-service practice. I view IP protection as paramount, and moving to a firm that shares that belief, and genuinely supports the growth of the practice, was essential for me.”

Following the recent arrival of a prominent five-member IP team in February, this is the second major lateral group to join Taft in as many months that features IP.

Partners joining the firm:

• Steve B. Smith is a nationally recognized sports law attorney who has spent more than three decades representing clients across the Olympic movement, naming rights agreements, sponsorship and licensing agreements, television and media contracts, and stadium operations. He previously led the sports and entertainment practice at BCLP and served as managing partner of its Colorado Springs office.
• Jill Chalmers is a highly regarded intellectual property attorney who works closely with clients on matters, including brand selection and trademark clearance, registration, portfolio management, and global brand protection. She previously co-led the trademark practice at BCLP.

Of Counsel joining the firm:

• Martha Kohlstrand focuses her practice on class actions and commercial litigation, particularly matters arising under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). In addition to litigation matters, Martha advises companies on TCPA and data privacy compliance. She also represents clients in sports arbitrations and special education law matters.
• Deborah Menkins focuses her practice on education and employment law, advising clients on a wide range of matters from ADA/Section 504 and wrongful discharge issues to wage and hour disputes and immigrant visas for prospective employees.
• Brent Rychener is a litigator who handles complex disputes with a particular focus on sports, anti-doping, and education-related litigation. He is widely recognized for his work in critical matters involving elite athletes, National Governing Bodies (NGBs), and educational institutions.

Associates joining the firm:

• Julie Bellville focuses her practice on technology and IP disputes, assisting clients with matters such as trademark and copyright registration, enforcement and counseling, social media and internet-related issues, and licensing and transactional work.
• Annalisa Kolb focuses her practice on complex litigation and dispute resolution, with a robust sports law practice representing NBGs and international sports federations. She also advises clients on consumer privacy and data security matters.

“Bringing this talented group on board significantly enhances our presence in Colorado Springs and strengthens Taft’s rapidly expanding platform across Colorado and the Mountain West,” said Lyle Wallace, partner‑in‑charge of Taft’s Colorado and Nevada offices. “Taft has built tremendous momentum in the region, and the addition of this team reflects our continued commitment to strategic growth and attracting top talent. These attorneys are widely recognized for their legal ability and integrity and are held in incredibly high regard not only within Colorado’s legal community, but nationally and globally. We are thrilled to welcome them to Taft.”

Taft’s continued growth in Colorado Springs underscores the firm’s long-term strategic plan and proven record of success. Over the past 18 years, Taft has completed nine mergers in key markets, each followed by notable expansion in local attorney ranks. This approach, combining targeted geographic mergers with strategic lateral hires, has fueled sustained growth across virtually every market. After completing three mergers in 2025, Taft stands among the nation’s fastest-growing law firms with more than 1,250 attorneys across 25 offices and projected revenues exceeding $1 billion.

Recent mergers:

• Atlanta and Washington, D.C.: Effective Dec. 31, 2025, Taft completed its merger with Morris, Manning & Martin. The merger expands Taft’s presence in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, establishing a foothold in Atlanta and deepening its reach in Washington, D.C.
• Florida: Effective June 30, 2025, the firm completed its merger with Mrachek Law, an 18-attorney litigation boutique in Florida with offices in West Palm Beach and Stuart, marking Taft’s entrance into the Southeast. Complementing this move, Taft also launched an office in Naples in June, expanding its Private Client practice.
• Mountain West: Effective Jan. 1, 2025, Taft combined with Sherman & Howard, Denver’s oldest and third-largest firm, adding offices in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico. Since the announcement of the merger, the firm’s Mountain West offices have welcomed 54 attorneys, significantly expanding its corporate, labor and employment, fintech, IP, litigation, and private client capabilities.

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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.