Forget the usual suspects. The real action in the legal market is happening a mile high. Denver is booming. Big Law is taking notice. And it’s happening fast.
Top-tier firms are flocking to the Rockies. They’re chasing a surge in tech, energy, and private equity work. This isn’t a slow burn. It’s an explosion.
Just look at the timeline.
This year, global giant Reed Smith planted its flag. They opened a 20-lawyer shop in February 2025. They see Denver as a “vibrant, fast-growing market.” They’re not wrong.
Go back a few months. In late 2024, Texas heavyweight Vinson & Elkins moved in. They’re targeting the city’s innovation and energy sectors. Before them, national player Venable launched a Denver office in May 2024.
The list goes on. Frost Brown Todd arrived in April 2024 with a nine-partner team. Local firm KO Law had to find a bigger office that same month just to keep up with its own growth.
And it’s not just about new offices. Existing players are expanding. Husch Blackwell has been on a hiring spree, snapping up litigation and IP talent throughout the last year.
What’s the draw? A thriving economy. Denver isn’t a one-trick pony. It’s a hub for tech startups, energy deals, and a red-hot real estate market. That means high-value work for lawyers.
It’s also a magnet for talent. Attorneys want to live here. Firms need that talent to grow. It’s a simple formula.
The legal press is obsessed with New York and Silicon Valley. But the smart money is watching Denver. The influx of elite firms is reshaping the market. Competition is heating up. The battle for talent is fierce.
This is the new frontier for Big Law. It’s happening right now. And it’s a story you need to be watching.