West Hartford-based litigation firm Gfeller Laurie LLP has opened its first Colorado office and hired three experienced attorneys specializing in ski litigation, as the firm expands its sports and recreation practice westward.
The litigation firm announced Monday that Steve Zweig and Maryjo Zweig have joined as senior counsel, while Brian Birenbach was named counsel.
The new Denver office, located at 2301 Blake St., Suite 100, brings the firm’s total attorney count to 33.
All three new hires have extensive experience defending ski areas and recreational facilities in New York and Colorado courts.
Steve and Maryjo Zweig, who are married, are both past presidents of the Association of Ski Defense Attorneys, as is Gfeller Laurie co-founding partner Charles F. Gfeller.
“They are among the most qualified attorneys handling ski litigation and risk management in the United States,” Gfeller said. “… We are eager to expand the reach of our ski litigation presence into Colorado.”
Steve Zweig has practiced trial law for nearly 40 years and has defended ski areas in state and federal courts throughout New York, trying cases to verdict in 17 different counties in New York.
Maryjo Zweig has more than 35 years of legal experience and has successfully defended ski areas and river-rafting operations in New York and Colorado courts.
Birenbach focuses on product liability, personal injury and sports liability cases, representing ski resorts, ski shops and equipment manufacturers across New York and Colorado.
Gfeller Laurie’s sports and recreation practice represents facilities throughout the United States and the Caribbean, including ski areas, ice arenas, water parks, rock climbing facilities and equine operations.
“The transition of our practice into Gfeller Laurie is a natural fit,” Steve Zweig said. “The firm is a nationally known leader in sports and recreational risk management and litigation, particularly with respect to the ski industry.”
Gfeller Laurie now operates offices in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Colorado. The firm handles litigation across industries including insurance, financial services, construction, healthcare and professional liability.
Steve and Maryjo Zweig and Birenbach previously worked for Zweig Law in Cedarhurst, New York.
