Denver-based law firm Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe, PC marked its 85th anniversary with a September 22 reunion of 100 current and former lawyers and friends of the firm, including the widows of the firm’s founders: Katie Stapleton (widow of Ben Stapleton), Phyllis Pryor (widow of Wilber “Wib” Pryor), and Patricia Pascoe (widow of Monte Pascoe).
Since opening its doors in 1926, Ireland Stapleton has been involved with matters that have shaped the City of Denver, the state of Colorado, and even the law of the United States. The firm prevailed in its first five U.S. Supreme Court cases, including landmark decisions in anti-trust law and securities regulation, and argued a sixth case involving the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“For decades, our firm has been involved with legal matters that have defined this city,” says K.C. Groves the firm’s co-managing director. “Through it all, our focus has remained on three core values: defining our success through the results we achieve for clients, active community involvement, and mentoring the next generation of leading attorneys. These values have established a legacy that we are proud to be a part of and continue to uphold.”
Other landmark matters handled by Ireland Stapleton include the purchase and sale of Denver’s Elitch Gardens; the original incorporation of King Soopers grocery store chain; the lease/sale of Winter Park ski area on behalf of the City and County of Denver; the incorporation of the Denver Broncos; the representation of Aspen Highlands Skiing Corporation; and the development of the Cherry Creek Country Club.
Today, a group of 32 innovative and energetic lawyers drive the direction of the firm. Those who have built their careers at the firm mentor the next generation of groundbreakers and precedent-setters.
Having grown in size and added new capabilities over the years, today the firm represents clients in diverse practice areas including litigation, bankruptcy, business, employment, environmental and energy, estate planning, real estate, and special districts law.