Utah Business Magazine Recognizes Six Snell & Wilmer Attorneys as Legal Elite 100

SALT LAKE CITY – Snell & Wilmer is pleased to announce that six attorneys were selected for inclusion in Utah Business Magazine’s “Legal Elite 100.” This award honors Utah’s leading attorneys who are actively making an impact in their legal field. These attorneys were peer-nominated and selected by a panel of seasoned legal and law enforcement experts for their demonstration of exceptional legal knowledge, ethical standards, and professional accomplishments.

Brian Cunningham’s practice is concentrated in banking and commercial finance. He advises lenders on all aspects of loan originations for real estate, commercial, asset-based, tax-advantaged and affordable housing, and other syndicated and bilateral transactions. He regularly represents investment banks and other financial institutions on their securities-based lending programs, operations, and letter of credit matters. He also advises lenders on portfolio sales and acquisitions, distressed debt, loan servicing, creditor’s rights, loan workouts, foreclosures, and restructurings.

Denise Dragoo focuses on natural resources, coal law, water law, environmental law, mining law, public land law, and issues affecting the oil and gas industry, as well as mine safety and health law. She has worked extensively on environmental permitting for mining and energy-related projects, many of which are located on public land. She also assists clients with compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and related administrative appeals. She practices before the U.S. Department of Interior Board of Land Appeals, the Utah Board of Oil, Gas and Mining, and state and federal environmental agencies.

Leeza Evensen serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group. Leeza’s practice is concentrated in real estate law, focusing on hotel, resort, retail, condominium, office, and other commercial real estate development and disposition; office/retail leasing; zoning and land use; partnerships and joint ventures; construction; real estate workouts; real estate financing; and general commercial and corporate transactions. She advises clients on complex real estate matters that arise in connection with the development of utility-scale wind and solar projects. Leeza has a special expertise in the acquisition, development, construction and financing of public charter and private school facilities. Her experience includes representing real estate developers, ski resorts, landowners, real estate investment trusts (REITs), financial institutions and governmental agencies.

Brad Merrill’s practice is concentrated in corporate and securities, with extensive experience with corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and all aspects of debt and equity financing. As part of his corporate practice, Brad has also developed extensive expertise in renewable energy transactions, bank regulatory matters, and aircraft transactions.

Mark Morris has resolved general business disputes of all kinds, including matters in the areas of construction, real estate, securities, legal malpractice, employment, professional liability, trade secrets and defense of class action matters. Mark has been recognized by his peers for not only his litigation skills, but also for his judgment and background in general corporate and business issues that have been informed by his many years of resolving primarily business disputes. Mark always seeks efficient, amicable, and reasonable resolutions to his clients’ problems, including informal and formal negotiation and mediation before and after a case commences. When agreed resolutions satisfactory to his clients fail, Mark’s clients benefit from his extensive experience in getting results from judges, juries, and arbitrators. Mark has tried over 70 cases in his 40-year career.

Amy Sorenson is a nationally recognized civil litigator with over two decades of experience in the federal and state courts of Utah, Nevada, and California. With a collaborative approach and an energizing presence, Amy has led high profile matters ranging from complex business litigation to federal Constitutional and statutory “bet-the-company” challenges and beyond. A trusted advisor to business both in and out of the courtroom, Amy also has led and resolved difficult internal investigations matters. Her industry-specific knowledge includes financial services, higher education, and sports and technology.