Prominent attorney Donald Samuels has joined Am Law 100 firm Polsinelli as a shareholder, bringing more than 30 years of experience in employment law and litigation.
Well-known as a passionate advocate and trusted advisor to his clients, Samuels has earned a strong reputation for his in-depth knowledge of the law, high standards, practical approach, integrity, and understanding of client needs. He has a client base that spans from S&P 500 companies and manufacturing enterprises to city governments and start-up technology companies.
Samuels represents employers throughout the United States and holds licenses in Colorado, California, and Texas. His extensive experience specifically includes wage and hour issues including class and collective actions, discrimination and wrongful termination claims, sexual and racial harassment claims, whistle blower and retaliation claims, and enforcement of non-compete and restrictive covenants.
“Don’s experience includes all aspects of employment law, with considerable trial experience, and he has recently been notable for his insights on pay equity and the #MeToo movement,” said Denise Drake, a shareholder at Polsinelli and chair of the firm’s Employment Disputes, Litigation and Arbitration practice. “Adding Don to the team will benefit our clients and strengthen our ability to help them navigate complex legal issues.”
Samuels experience also includes advising on performance issues and terminations; negotiating and drafting executive employment and severance agreements; and delivering in-house training on sexual harassment, performance management, hiring practices and Golden Rule ManagementSM.
“I am very pleased to join the Polsinelli team,” Samuels said. “The firm sets high standards for professionalism and integrity. Polsinelli has a particularly strong collaborative culture, which drew me to the firm, and ensures that client needs are best served. I look forward to working with a great group of new colleagues and with my existing and new clients.”
Samuels is also an employment law arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association, a member of the board of directors of the Colorado Judicial Institute, and a mentor at Denver University Law School. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Colorado, California, and Texas Bar Associations.
“Don is a welcome addition in this time of strategic growth in the Denver market,” said Polsinelli Shareholder and Denver Office Managing Partner Jennifer Roberts. “His expertise and sensitivity about complex employment issues will be a benefit to our clients whether they be small employers or large.”
Polsinelli has added more than 20 new attorneys since the start of its 2018 fiscal year in Denver alone. Nationwide, the firm has more than 60 full-time Labor and Employment attorneys who represent Fortune 500 corporations and privately-owned entrepreneurial firms.
Recent national rankings and recognitions include being ranked in Tier 1 for Litigation – Labor and Employment in U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Law Firms.” Polsinelli was also rated as a Standout in both complex and everyday employment litigation in the 2018 BTI Litigation Outlook – one of only 15 firms recognized, based on a survey of more than 300 general counsel at companies with more than $1 billion in revenue.
Samuels has been recognized with numerous individual distinctions including:
•Civic Involvement & Honors Lexology 2013 Client Choice Awards
•Employment & Labor Law Week Colorado, “Barrister’s Best 2010, Best Employment Lawyer”
•Employment & Labor Law Week Colorado, “People’s Choice The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation – Labor & Employment,” 2013–present
•Chambers USA, Labor & Employment, 2010–present
•Colorado Super Lawyers, 2009–2017
•FORTUNE Magazine, “Top-Rated Lawyer in Labor & Employment”
•2013 ALM Top Rated Lawyers, Southern California, 2012–present
•Top Rated Lawyer in Intellectual Property by Martindale-Hubbell,
•2013 AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell
•Colorado Corporate Counsel Black Book, 2007–2008
•AAA Employment Law Arbitrator, 2000–present
•CLE International Intellectual Property, presenter, 2005–2007
•Chairman of the ABA Litigation Section’s State Legislation Committee 1991–1994
•Member of the ABA Task Force on Initiative and Referenda 1994
•Contributor to ABA Employment & Labor Relations Law Journal
•Southeast Metropolitan Law Club, President, 2002–2003
•Special Advocate for the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center
