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Hot Topics
Explosion Accidents:
"Pooch alive after
Breck blast"
– Denver Post
"Baxter to Proceed with Recall of Remaining Heparin Sodium Vial Products"
– FDA
Yamaha Rhino ATV Rollover Accidents
and Injuries
"UBS Hit by
Another Lawsuit"
– Ben Levinsohn, BusinessWeek
"Hedge Funds
Frozen Shut"
– Matthew Goldstein, BusinessWeek
"MRI Contrast Can Cause Disease – Gadolinium Blamed
For Problems"
– Dayle Cedars
7News, Denver, CO
Results
$690,000,000
Global settlement with Eli Lilly and Company regarding its product Zyprexa negotiated by a plaintiffs' attorney group including members of Burg Simpson.
$5,800,000
Hines, et al, vs. Cody Gas Company, et al: verdict for injuries, damages, losses from gas explosion.
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Our Offices
40 Inverness Drive East
Denver, CO 80112
Phone: 303.792.5595
Fax: 303.708.0527
WYOMING OFFICE
Phone: 307.527.7891
Fax: 307.527.7897
OHIO OFFICE
Phone: 513.852.5600
Fax: 513.852.5611
DALLAS OFFICE
Phone: 972.934.1313
Fax: 972.231.3983
ARIZONA OFFICE
Phone: 602.508.6040
WASHINGTON D.C. OFFICE
Phone: 202.544.7600
Community Events
Alumni Teach-In Day a Great Success at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio
In celebration of the 175th anniversary of the University of Cincinnati, the College of Law planned an Alumni Teach-In Day. While a number of practicing attorneys who participated are in the Cincinnati area, several visited from as far away as Texas, Florida, Georgia and Delaware; graduates from the classes of 1978 through 2002 participated. Janet G. Abaray, class of '82 shared her insights and perspectives on Torts.
Ms. Abaray is a shareholder in the firm of Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh & Jardine; she is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Ohio, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Third, Sixth, Tenth and Eleventh Circuits and the United States Supreme Court.
Cincinnati Magazine recognized Ms. Abaray as one of Cincinnati's best litigation attorneys in 1995, and she was named an Ohio Super Lawyer for 2005, 2006 and 2007. Ms. Abaray has achieved the highest rating from her peers for quality of legal work, professionalism, and ethics by receiving an "AV" rating by Martindale-Hubbell.
Ms. Abaray lectures frequently in the areas of products liability litigation, trial techniques and epidemiology. She has published articles in journals of the American Bar Association, Litigation Section, the Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers Association, the University of Cincinnati Law Review and the University of Dayton Law Review.
Peter W. Burg Appointed to the Board of Directors for Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado
Craig Hospital is a world-renowned private, not-for-profit hospital and research center that specializes exclusively in treatment and research of patients with spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. Craig is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2007. In 2007 Craig treated patients from 48 states and was ranked in the Top Ten Rehab Hospitals for the 18th consecutive year by US News and World Report.
Peter W.Burg is one of four new members appointed to the Board of Directors for 2007. Mr Burg joins the Craig Board of 15 members. Members are selected for their interest and ability to benefit the mission of Craig Hospital.
Mr. Burg is a frequent lecturer and speaker within the business community at large; his presentations have included topics about Litigating Head Trauma Cases and Managing Personal Injury Litigation; Mr. Burg was a contributing author to the book Litigating Head Trauma Cases. His empathy, respect and service to clients and their families guide interactions and he has a passion for excellence. Mr. Burg has attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement--he has achieved the highest rating from his peers for the quality of his legal work, professionalism and ethics. These characteristics contributed substantially to Mr. Burg's appointment to the board.
"We are pleased to have Mr. Burg as a member of the Board of Directors here at Craig Hospital," said Ken Hosack.
Kid's Cure is a "Top 20" event in Colorado
The Brent Eley Foundation was founded in 1997 and Brent's Place in 1998 to honor the son of Denver business leader Donn Eley and his wife, Linda. Brent was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma at age 13 and passed one year later. The dream was to help those living with cancer by providing housing and programs through partnerships in the community.
Several Burg Simpson employees participated in the 19th Annual Kid's Cure for Cancer in July 2007. The 5K Run/Walk*1K Fun Run*Community Fair was held in Inverness Park, I-25 at County Line Road.
Denver Bar Association Community Action Network Back to School Supply Drive
The Denver Bar Association Community Action Network sponsors an annual Back to School Supply Drive. Burg Simpson is but one of the 55 Denver-area law firms that collected school supplies and cash donations benefitting hundreds of students in the Denver Public School System. Volunteers distributed more than 300 backpacks. The new backpack is filled with school supplies to help the students start their school year off right.
Above: A number of Burg Simpson employees along with their daughters or sons are pictured above.
Photo: Courtesy of " The Docket" published by COBAR.
The 2007 Colorado Children's Hospital Courage Classic
The Courage Classic raises money for the sick and injured kids at Children's Hospital in Denver, Colorado. One of the nation's top pediatric research hospitals, Children's trains more pediatricians and pediatric specialists than any other hospital in the region and ensures kids' health issues are in front of the local, state and federal legislators. U.S. News & World Report and CHILD Magazine both rank the Children's Hospital as one of the top 10 pediatric hospitals in the United States. A not-for-profit organization, the hospital relies heavily on support of donors to achieve its mission. Over the past 18 years, the Courage Classic has raised more than $17 million for Children's, thanks to hard working rider-fundraisers and generous sponsor support.
Burg Simpson is proud to support Children's Hospital and the Colorado Courage Classic.
Beanies for Baghdad
In May 2003, Maj. Jim Barker was serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq. His sister and her son sent him the beanie baby "Courage" while he was in Kuwait prior to the ground war. He, in turn, gave Courage to a young Iraqi girl in late April of that same year. Maj. Barker quickly learned that Beanie collectors WORLDWIDE wanted to support the cause by sending extra beanies and school supplies. More than 1 Million Toys have now been distributed.
Recently, employees of Burg Simpson sent 7 boxes of beanies plus 250 American flag pins which were received by SSG Kirk Wallace who is working with a Marine Unit.
Visit BeaniesForBaghdad.com for more information on how to make a donation/support this cause.
University of Wyoming College of Law
Burg, Simpson, Eldredge, Hersh & Jardine pledge $50,000 to the Williams N. Brimmer Legal Education Center at University of Wyoming College of Law to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the State.
- Document from Paul J. Hickey, Chairman, College of Law Dean's Advisory Board in response to the pledge.
- Donor Honor Roll for the William N. Brimmer Legal Education Center at University of Wyoming College of Law.
Michael S. Burg named to the Board of Trustees for the Colorado Symphony Orchestra
Michael S. Burg was recently named to the Board of Trustees for the Colorado Symphony Orchestra (CSO). The CSO's ongoing projects include youth education programs and outreach, musical education and collaboration with other Colorado performing arts organizations. CSO accomplishments include more than 100 performances each year for more than 250,000 audience members and 50,000 school children are served by Youth Concerts and in-school programs.
Burg Simpson Remains Committed to Kaps for Kendall
The Kaps for Kendall foundation serves a dual purpose: to raise money to fight Fanconi Anemia and to provide special hats to children and adults who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy and radiation. Through Kaps for Kendall, each special hat is sponsored through a $25 donation toward the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund; the hats are distributed to area hospitals and clinics to be given to chemotherapy/radiation patients.
Allison Adams and Whitney Atkinson started the Kaps for Kendall foundation as a tribute to their late sister, Kendall. Kendall died from Fanconi Anemia at the age of 20 on March 14, 2004. Allison and Whitney also lost their brother to the same disease in 2006 at the age of 18.
Fanconi Anemia, an inherited anemia, can eventually lead to bone marrow failure. It is a recessive disorder, so if both parents carry the defective gene, then each of their children has a 25% chance of inheriting those defective genes from their parents. Currently, the only long-term cure for the blood defects in Fanconi Anemia is bone marrow transplant. Additionally, people with FA are more at risk to develop forms of cancer, including acute myelogenous leukemia and squamous cell cancers. The disease usually presents itself before children are twelve years old, but more rarely reveals itself in adulthood.
In a September 24, 2007 appearance on Colorado & Company at Channel 9, Allison and Whitney informed viewers that the foundation's goals for 2007 include more than 400 hats! Hoping that the 9News segment increases awareness of this project, the number of needed hats is expected to grow. With non-knitter donations and our in-house knit and crochet team members, Burg Simpson remains committed to this foundation for a long time to come.
If you are interested in sponsoring or donating a hat or would like more information, please visit www.KapsforKendall.com.
Burg Simpson invites others to find a charitable cause and devote their time and energy to it.
Click here to read the full coverage of Burg Simpson's previous involvement with Kaps for Kendall in 2006 and view the pictures of Burg Simpson employees meeting with the founders of the Kaps for Kendall Foundation.
New Orleans Book Drive
On March 2nd, 2006, Burg Simpson delivered books, donated by employees of the firm, to Bradford Publishing Company in Denver who hosted a book drive to benefit the Louisiana libraries that were damaged or destroyed during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Prior to the hurricanes, Louisiana had 339 public libraries, but 106 were either damaged or destroyed by the storms. Because the libraries are public, they are funded by the property taxes paid by businesses and homeowners. Due to the extensive damage to the area, many businesses were destroyed and thousands of homeowners have decided not to return to the area.
Click here to read the full coverage of Burg Simpson's involvement with Louisiana libraries and view the pictures from the day Ms. Arroyo delivered the books.
PUSH
Michael Burg and Peter Burg are on the Dinner Committee for the Craig Hospital PUSH for a Cure Dinner, which assists with research for traumatic brain injury patients.
Click here to view the article featured in the April 4, 2006 edition of the Rocky Mountain News, "Dahlia: PUSH for the Cure inspires hope from tragedy"
Habitat for Humanity
On October 8, 2005, Burg, Simpson, Eldredge, Hersh & Jardine P.C. kicked off its year-long "Buildable Hours Campaign." Borrowing the "Buildable Hours" phrase from Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, eight Burg Simpson shareholders and employees, spent their Saturday building a home with Habitat for Humanity for a local family. Through Burg Simpson's efforts and the efforts of several other groups of volunteers, the family of Gary and Maria Howard had a brand new house that they could call home, just in time for the 2005 holiday season. Burg Simpson had the pleasure of working directly with Gary Howard who was "proud to be partnering with Habitat." Gary not only had a smile on his face the entire day, he couldn't have been more enthusiastic about working on his home. On the sign posted in the front yard of the home, Maria Howard says, "This opportunity is like a dream come true for all of us."
Click here to read the full coverage of Burg Simpson's involvement with Habitat (as featured in Colorado Lawyer) and view the pictures from the October build day.
In addition to participating in the Habitat build on October 8, 2005, Burg Simpson employees contributed tools and donations to Habitat for Humanity to assist in the effort to rebuild those areas of the Gulf Coast that were devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Burg Simpson will be building additional homes with Habitat for Humanity later in 2006.
Food Bank of the Rockies
Burg Simpson provides annual contributions of money and canned goods to support the Food Bank of the Rockies.
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Burg Simpson provides annual support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Colorado and Wyoming.
Cell-Phone Donation
Burg Simpson has donated dozens of cell phones to be refurbished and then donated to battered persons.
Ali Meyer Golf Tournament, benefiting The Ali Meyer Foundation
Ali was one of Burg Simpson's clients who passed away at age 15, as a result of injuries she sustained after being hit by a car. Her father started the Ali Meyer Foundation to benefit The Children's Hospital Foundation. Burg Simpson was one of the first Platinum sponsors of the Ali Meyer Golf Tournament.
Beacon Center's Cherish the Children Gala
Burg Simpson participates in providing financial support for the Beacon Center through the Cherish the Children Gala. Beacon Center is a comprehensive private, non-profit service agency for adolescents and their families. Beacon Center was founded in 1970 to meet the social, educational, and emotional needs of male and female adolescents and their families. The organization includes three residential treatment centers, two on-grounds schools, community based treatment programs, licensed drug and alcohol services, and professional mentoring services. This year's gala raised $380,000.
Nicole Schock Scholarship
Burg Simpson provides yearly support for the Nicole Schock Scholarship, given to deserving students who want to attend the University of Wyoming Health Sciences Center.
Warrior Foundation
Burg Simpson supports the Warrior Foundation, which raises money for educational grants or scholarships given to children of Special Forces soldiers killed in training or combat.
Mizel Museum
Burg Simpson is an annual Sponsor/Benefactor for the annual Mizel Museum Dinner, at which they present the Community Cultural Enrichment Award to a member or members of the community.
Above: Mike and Peter Burg with Larry Mizel and Mayor John Hickenlooper which appeared in the June 7 edition of The Villager Newspaper referencing sponsor status for The Mizel Museum Silver Anniversary Dinner by Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh & Jardine, P.C.
Photo: Courtesy of Glory Weisberg, The Village Newspaper.
Holocaust Awareness Institute
Burg Simpson has been a Benefactor of the Remembrance & Hope dinner for the Holocaust Awareness Institute.
National Jewish Medical and Research Center
The firm supports the National Jewish Medical and Research Center through its annual sponsorship and attendance at the Beaux Arts Ball.
Denver Zoological Foundation
Burg Simpson is an annual sponsor of the Do at the Zoo, benefiting the Denver Zoological Foundation. Diane Vaksdal Smith, a shareholder in the firm, and her son, Cooper, participated in the most recent zoo backpack giveaway.
University of Wyoming Art Museum
Burg Simpson was a contributing sponsor of the University of Wyoming Art Museum's Gala, honoring Ann Simpson for her lifetime commitment to the arts in the state of Wyoming.
University of Denver, Sturm College of Law
Burg Simpson is an annual supporter of the DU Law School Law Stars Dinner, honoring University of Denver Alumni.
Michael S. Burg is on the University of Denver Alumni Board and participates in various programs through with the law school's alumni activities, including "Coffee Talks" with law students, and the mentoring program.
Alzheimer's Foundation
Burg Simpson is an annual sponsor of the AWARE Luncheon which benefits the Alzheimer's foundation and provides funding for continued research in the area of Alzheimer's.
American Transplant Foundation
Michael and Peter Burg attended the VIP Dinner at Ocean, benefiting the American Transplant Foundation.
Bar Association Activities
Colorado Bar Foundation
Michael S. Burg, Scott J. Eldredge, and Diane Vaksdal Smith are Fellows of the Colorado Bar Foundation and provide annual contributions to support the work of the Foundation.
Colorado High School 22nd Annual Mock Trial Competition - 2007
Diane Vaksdal Smith was the presiding judge for rounds 1 and 2 of the Arapahoe County Regional Mock Trial competition. She also arranged and helped to chaperone attendance in Round 1 by 56 eighth grade students from Mountain Ridge Middle School; they will be next year's entry level competitors.
Other Burg Simpson attorneys who participated in the Arapahoe County Regional competition include Jennifer Thompson who was a scoring panelist for Rounds 1 and 2 and Brian Matise who coached a team of students from Cherry Creek High School.
Jeff Pederson joined Retired Judge Jim Smith to coach a team of students from La Adademia of the Denver Inner City Parish for Denver's Regional Competition.
Mock Trial State Competition, March 14-15, 2008
Above: This is a photograph of the Cherry Creek High School Mock Trial Team that Brian Matise coached this year. The team placed 7th in the state finals with a 3-1 record, losing only to the eventual state champion which was George Washington High School of Denver.
Arapahoe County Bar Association
The Colorado Supreme Court heard oral arguments at Arapahoe High School on two cases as part of their Courts in the Community Program. Diane Vaksdal Smith met with teachers several weeks before the arguments to "teach" the teachers what the students should be learning to understand the Supreme Court arguments. Scott Eldredge was among other members of the Arapahoe County Bar Association (ABCA) who went into the classrooms the week prior to the arguments to help prepare the students by answering questions and reviewing the facts of the two cases.
Various members of Burg Simpson, including Peter Burg, Steve Laman and Diane Vaksdal Smith, serve on the Board and chair committees of the ACBA
Denver Bar Association Community Action Network - Roll Out the Barrels Food Drive
Burg Simpson provides yearly support in food donations.
Denver Bar Association Community Action Network - Kids in Need of Dentistry
Burg Simpson has participated in the drive to provide toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste to be donated to children.
Denver Bar Foundation
Burg Simpson is a supporter of the Denver Bar Foundation through sponsorship and annual attendance at the Barrister's Ball.
Pro Bono Representation
Colorado
Burg Simpson attorneys in Colorado represented the interests of the Denver Bar Association Legal Fee Arbitration Committee in proceedings before the Supreme Court.
Wyoming
Burg Simpson attorneys in Wyoming provide pro bono representation through the Wyoming Public Defender and Indigent Defense Fund, for indigent clients who need help in civil or criminal matters.
