Inclusion in the trusted national guide indicates outstanding professional excellence
DENVER (August 22, 2022)—Fortis Law Partners has been honored with the selection of five of the firm’s attorneys in the 2023 U.S. News – Best Lawyers in America® list, a recognition given only to the top 6% of practicing lawyers. For the third year in a row, Fortis Law Partners co-founders Julie Herzog and Christine Lamb were recognized as Best Lawyers® in their respective areas of expertise. Additionally, partners Julian Izbiky and Elizabeth (Liz) Hartsel were included in the Best Lawyers rankings for the first time. Senior Associate Lenora (Leni) Plimpton was named as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for the third year running. Recognition by Best Lawyers is based exclusively on peer reviews gathered from lawyers who practice within the same geographical region and area of law.
Best Lawyers honored Fortis partner Julie Herzog for her work in Corporate Law and Commercial Transactions/Uniform Commercial Code Law. Herzog leads the firm’s corporate/securities practice and specializes in mergers and acquisitions. For nearly 30 years, she has helped entrepreneurs and companies successfully raise capital and navigate the M&A process. Herzog is also the co-founder of Full Velocity Consulting, which provides businesses with outsourced, C-suite services, creator of a nano-learning course on raising capital for the global Entrepreneurs Organization and a regular speaker at conferences around the U.S.


Best Lawyers recognized partner Chris Lamb for her expertise in Employment Law – Management, Labor and Employment Litigation and Workers’ Compensation Law. Lamb heads up Fortis’ employment law practice group. Lamb frequently represents clients before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the US Department of Labor, the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment and other government entities. She is also certified as a labor & employment arbitrator by the American Arbitration Association® (AAA), the nation’s leading provider of alternative dispute resolution services.
Julian Izbiky, partner at Fortis Law Partners, was endorsed by Best Lawyers for his work in Corporate Law. Izbiky is a seasoned and respected expert in business law and mergers and acquisitions, with over 40 years of experience helping clients start or buy businesses, operate, and eventually sell them. Izbiky has closed over 1,000 business purchase and sale transactions in the small and lower middle market spaces. Over the past year, he has closed 41 deals ranging in size from less than one million to 24 million dollars. Izbiky also holds an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.


Fortis partner, Liz Hartsel, was recognized by Best Lawyers for her work in Labor and Employment Litigation. Hartsel is highly experienced in helping businesses and employees mitigate risks and navigate labor and employment laws. When litigation is unavoidable, she is skilled at guiding clients on both sides of disputes regarding discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims, wrongful termination, and wage and hour (FLSA) claims. In addition, Hartsel regularly advises employers on labor issues, such as collective bargaining and Department of Labor appeals.
The U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” designation spotlights up-and-coming attorneys who have been in private practice for less than 10 years, and who, based on peer reviews, are practicing at an exceptionally high level of professionalism and competence. Leni Plimpton earned this honor for her work in commercial litigation.

“Each of us is honored to receive this recognition from our peers and Best Lawyers,” Herzog said. “We view it as an acknowledgment of our efforts and dedication to helping our clients find effective solutions to complicated situations,” she continued.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Shawna McGregor at shawna@themaverickpr.com or 917-971-7852.
About Fortis Law Partners
Fortis Law Partners offers broad expertise to help clients achieve effective legal solutions, from the simplest matters to the most challenging business problems. Whether a successful outcome means winning at trial, dismissing a lawsuit, negotiating a settlement, closing a transaction, or just getting thoughtful legal advice, Fortis lawyers get results. Our business-minded problem-solving approach, coupled with a persistent dedication to client service, enables us to create unmatched value. Practices include Commercial Litigation, Corporate / Securities / M&A; Employment Law; Tax; Cannabis; Trademark; Construction; Trusts & Estates; Psychedelics; Compliance Programs and Internal Investigations; and Real Estate & Development. For more information, visit FortisLawPartners.com. Continue the conversation on LinkedIn and Facebook.