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National law firm comes to Denver, snatches up small IP firm.A sole-proprietor law firm in LoHi has become the first Colorado office of a national firm.“I was at the point where I could either expand Schell IP or find the right fit: A law firm with a broad range of capabilities, more of a national reach,” said Jeff Schell.“Whiteford, among many other law firms, had been in touch with me to see if it would make sense to merge,” he said of his new employer.“Whiteford was really the first one that seemed to be a good fit for what we have going on.I really want to build bridges outside the state.” Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is a century-old business law firm with 200 lawyers scattered across 19 offices, primarily in the Northeast.The Denver office is its first foray into the West.“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to the firm,” said Managing Partner Martin Fletcher.“We came to know him through his work with emerging companies in Colorado and board membership on economic drivers such as the Downtown Denver Partnership and TiE.” Schell has done this before.His firm Rocky Mountain Patent merged with Hall Estill in 2019.“My superpower for startups has been in using patents to maximize valuations, both at initial investment and at exit,” he said.“I’ve always valued the flexibility of my own firm.” The Denver lawyer doesn’t just represent startups, he runs them.He was CEO of TranS1, a medical device company, and managing director of Proov, a women’s health testing kit.“I am not your typical lawyer.I don’t mean to be brash, but I don’t think there are many lawyers who have had eight-figure exits,” Schell said, referring to the sale of those startups.Whiteford’s Denver office opened May 18 at Schell IP’s former location: 2128 W.32nd Ave.“We are looking at expanding that footprint and very likely expanding the team over the next six months,” Schell said, then noted Whiteford may end up where most Denver firms do.“I’m very committed to the renaissance of downtown Denver.So, I think we will at some point find the right location that provides a destination for the startup community to get not just legal resources but marketing and manufacturing and fundraising resources,” he said.A sole-proprietor law firm in LoHi has become the first Colorado office of a national firm.“I was at the point where I could either expand Schell IP or find the right fit: A law firm with a broad range of capabilities, more of a national reach,” said Jeff Schell.“Whiteford, among many other law firms, had been in touch with me to see if it would make sense to merge,” he said of his new employer.“Whiteford was really the first one that seemed to be a good fit for what we have going on.I really want to build bridges outside the state.” Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is a century-old business law firm with 200 lawyers scattered across 19 offices, primarily in the Northeast.The Denver office is its first foray into the West.“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to the firm,” said Managing Partner Martin Fletcher.“We came to know him through his work with emerging companies in Colorado and board membership on economic drivers such as the Downtown Denver Partnership and TiE.” Schell has done this before.His firm Rocky Mountain Patent merged with Hall Estill in 2019.“My superpower for startups has been in using patents to maximize valuations, both at initial investment and at exit,” he said.“I’ve always valued the flexibility of my own firm.” The Denver lawyer doesn’t just represent startups, he runs them.He was CEO of TranS1, a medical device company, and managing director of Proov, a women’s health testing kit.“I am not your typical lawyer.I don’t mean to be brash, but I don’t think there are many lawyers who have had eight-figure exits,” Schell said, referring to the sale of those startups.Whiteford’s Denver office opened May 18 at Schell IP’s former location: 2128 W.32nd Ave.“We are looking at expanding that footprint and very likely expanding the team over the next six months,” Schell said, then noted Whiteford may end up where most Denver firms do.“I’m very committed to the renaissance of downtown Denver.So, I think we will at some point find the right location that provides a destination for the startup community to get not just legal resources but marketing and manufacturing and fundraising resources,” he said.