WTO Leadership Updates Move Firm Forward

Denver – Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell (WTO) announced firm leadership updates effective February 1, 2024, as the firm celebrates its 26th anniversary this week. WTO partners elected four management committee members.

As part of the changes, the firm has introduced leadership term limits. “We are very intentionally creating space for WTO’s third generation of leaders to move into management—and for future generations to rise through the ranks, as well,” Managing Partner Michael Williams said. “WTO’s leadership pipeline is incredibly exciting.” 

The management committee comprises:

•    Carolyn Fairless, President – Carolyn has taken more than 25 trials or arbitrations to verdict or judgment. Chambers USA ranks her in Band 1 for General Commercial Litigation in Colorado, and she is one of the nation’s leading trial lawyers for major law firms facing professional liability claims. One of the first female law firm managing partners in the Mountain West, Carolyn has helped lead WTO since 2012.

•    Joseph Farchione, At-Large Member – Joe is a go-to healthcare defense lawyer and has tried more than 100 cases to verdict nationwide. The Best Lawyers in America has recognized Joe in Medical Malpractice Law for eight straight years, and he is a founding member of the healthcare defense association American Legal Connections. He has previously served on WTO’s management committee.

•    Katie Reilly, At-Large Member – Katie is nationally recognized for representing clients in antitrust matters and class actions in highly regulated industries. BTI Consulting has named her a nationwide Client Service All-Star MVP (four straight years), and Chambers USA ranks her for commercial litigation in Colorado. She has previously served on WTO’s management committee.

•    Mike Williams, Managing Partner – Mike has earned broad recognition for representing companies in high-stakes class actions and commercial litigation. He is nationally ranked in Chambers USA, and BTI Consulting has named him a Client Service All-Star MVP. Mike previously served as a WTO Co-Managing Partner.

Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell lawyers have taken more than 1,100 trials and arbitrations to verdict or award and hundreds of appeals to opinion all across the nation, with exceptional results for our clients. 

Established in 1998, WTO today numbers more than 110 trial lawyers and litigators. The firm represents sophisticated clients in high-stakes civil trials, appeals, and related litigation ranging from complex commercial to class actions to catastrophic torts.