DENVER — Effective October 1, 2025 — Fennemore, one of the nation’s fastest-growing Am Law 200 firms, is deepening its footprint in the Western U.S. by merging with Denver-based Galvanize Law, a respected women-owned boutique focused exclusively on construction law.

The strategic combination gives Fennemore a sharper edge in the booming construction markets of the Rocky Mountain West, adding significant depth to its litigation and advisory services for an industry that’s both driving—and grappling with—the region’s rapid growth.

“Construction is one of the most dynamic sectors in the Rocky Mountain region,” said James Goodnow, CEO of Fennemore. “This combination deepens our litigation bench and broadens our advisory services at a time when clients need forward-thinking legal partners. We’re excited to welcome a team whose energy, vision, and entrepreneurial drive resonate with Fennemore’s culture and values.”

Meeting a Growing Demand for Construction Expertise

The Mountain West continues to see a construction boom—new housing, large-scale infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and commercial development are transforming cities like Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. But this growth comes with rising land, water, and material costs, skilled labor shortages, and more frequent disputes over defect claims, entitlements, and payment delays.

“Colorado’s construction market has enormous opportunity, but it’s also seeing mounting legal challenges as projects get more complex and costs climb,” said Tami York, Fennemore’s Denver Office Managing Partner. “Galvanize brings a respected name in Denver’s construction and business communities. Their practical approach, industry insight, and deep client relationships align perfectly with our team’s strengths. Together, we’re building a modern legal platform—designed for the evolving needs of the industry.”

A Strong Cultural Fit—and a Bigger Platform

Founded and led by January Allen and Kate Strauss, Galvanize is licensed in six states and trusted by contractors, owners, and developers for both transactional counsel and high-stakes litigation. As construction disputes become more complex, clients increasingly rely on specialized firms like Galvanize for deep industry knowledge—and practical problem-solving.

“We recognized the need to scale our firm to meet rising business expectations and compete for top talent. Joining a larger firm made sense only when we found the right fit, and we found that in Fennemore,” said Allen.

Strauss added, “This combination gives us more than just size. It gives us expanded bench strength, cutting-edge tools, and a regional platform that elevates what we can offer. We can now serve clients with more precision, more insight, and more depth—without losing the culture that built our success.”

From Disputes to Strategy: A Full-Service Approach

With this merger, Galvanize’s clients gain a full-service platform spanning labor and employment, insurance coverage, succession planning, M&A, and general counsel services—in addition to its construction focus. This integrated support means clients can rely on a single firm from project launch to dispute resolution, ensuring continuity as they navigate a shifting real estate and construction landscape.

The move reinforces Fennemore’s people-first growth strategy, which has helped it expand steadily throughout the Western U.S. in recent years. The firm has prioritized combining deep regional roots with specialized sector expertise—qualities that resonate strongly in the fast-changing construction space.

As the combined team prepares for the official October launch, both firms say they are focused on helping clients tackle the opportunities and headwinds that define construction today—whether that’s defending defect claims, resolving contract disputes, or navigating the ripple effects of labor shortages and cost escalations.

“Together, we’re building a stronger bench for the industry’s next chapter,” York said.

Originally reported by AZ Big Media.