Culture
Wheeler Trigg O'Donnell is an entrepreneurial law firm focused on complex civil litigation for Fortune 500 companies and other successful entities that have a strong interest in protecting their brand names, products, people, and customers.
The firm was established on February 1, 1998 by a core group of experienced attorneys who wanted to practice within an environment that focused all of its resources and skills on civil trials.
The majority of our work takes place in federal and state courtrooms and administrative venues outside of Colorado. Our highly mobile trial teams have successfully argued complex cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, 11 of the 13 U.S. Courts of Appeals, two-thirds of the U.S. District Courts, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and many federal agencies.
Our lawyers are also trial-tested in every state court system – at circuit, appellate, and supreme court venues – and before state regulatory agencies. We have tried cases to verdict in 40 states, plus the District of Columbia. Needless to say, our practice relies greatly on the latest technology and our proximity to Denver International Airport.
The essence of trial work demands time, effort, and unflagging dedication. Rather than setting a rigid billable-hour requirement for associates, we assume that every person at WTO will be available to meet and to exceed our clients' expectations. We value this kind of talent and hard work and seek to compensate our lawyers and staff accordingly.
WTO is committed to serving its community as well as its clients. All WTO lawyers have the opportunity to do pro bono legal work, from routine matters to extremely high-profile cases. In addition, the WTO Foundation provides regular opportunities for all WTO personnel and their families and friends to work together on organized volunteer activities and fundraising campaigns to benefit local nonprofit and charitable organizations.
WTO Team at the 2009 Furry Scurry for Denver Dumb Friends League
At WTO, we value the differences in people and believe that diversity enhances our ability to succeed. The firm provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. It is the policy of the firm that all employees shall work in an environment free from all forms of discrimination. The firm does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Every year since 2004, Wheeler Trigg O'Donnell has been rated one of the Best Places to Work in Denver in a survey conducted by the Denver Business Journal. In the 2009 survey, WTO was ranked number two in the large company category and was the highest ranked law firm in all size categories. Recognized for our collegial atmosphere, community-mindedness, and high standards of excellence, WTO is a desirable place to work.
In keeping with our Rocky Mountain location and our entrepreneurial approach to the profession of law, we operate as a team in a collegial atmosphere. We offer a wellness program, casual dress Fridays, and an open-door policy. Business cards are provided for everyone who works at WTO.
The firm provides a free breakfast to all employees each Friday and fresh fruit every weekday morning. Ice cream treats are a regular summer feature. Each month, there is cake in celebration of those who are observing a birthday. Every employee receives a gift on Staff Appreciation Day in April.
The WTO team is supportive and tight-knit. When an employee is faced with illness or other personal challenge, the firm is flexible and co-workers are quick to rally in support.
Each year, WTO sponsors for all lawyers and staff an elegant holiday dinner dance, an on-site holiday kids' party (with gifts for all children), a summer picnic held at one of a variety of attractive Denver venues, and an intra-firm cabbage ball competition.
2008 Cabbage Ball Competetion Winners
Lawyers and their guests are invited to participate in two additional events – the annual off-site fall retreat and the annual summer evening social.
Colorado is an exciting place to work – and play. The state is well-known as an outdoor recreation destination with its many ski resorts, four national parks, four national monuments, 11 national forests, three national recreation areas, 40 state parks, sacred Native American sites, old forts, and ghost towns.
Denver is highly ranked in many surveys that assess desirable locations for lifestyle and business matters. In the Denver metro area, there are museums, theaters, concerts, night clubs, fine dining restaurants, and a variety of professional sporting events. Denver sports fans have been voted the most loyal and most enthusiastic fans out of America's top 41 sports cities. There are lots of activities for families and singles, outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, culture aficionados, and sports fanatics.
If you look at the "Personal Interests" section of our lawyers' Web site biographies, you will discover why many of them – who could practice this kind of sophisticated law anywhere in the United States – chose to come to WTO.
For more information about our firm culture, please contact Howard Jenkins, Director of Administration, at 303.244.1855 or jenkins@wtotrial.com.