Why the Rule of Law Matters — And Why We Showed Up / September 17, 2025 by Thomas Werge

Today is the 238th anniversary of the signing of our nation’s most important document. Yesterday, Judge Gary Jackson helped to organize rallies in support of the rule of law on the steps of every courthouse in Colorado. Here in Denver, lawyers, judges, prosecutors, teachers, police officers, legislators, and others gathered at the City and County building in a powerful public moment: to reaffirm the oaths we took as lawyers and public servants to uphold the Constitution.

In a time of tumult and strong political currents, this event serves as a reminder that our legal foundations are not optional, nor can they be taken for granted.

The event underscored our Constitutional principles of due process, equal protection, separation of powers, and the independence of the judiciary — values that are fundamental to our democracy. The upholding of the Constitution is not a political issue – it is an issue that is important for all Americans.

In recent times, legal experts and members of the legal community have sounded alarms about threats to the courts, lawyers, and our judicial system: political pressure, disparagement of judges, and attempts to undercut constitutional principles. This gathering was, in part, a response to those threats. It was a chance to say: “We see these dangers. We reject them. And we will speak up when the Constitution is not followed.”

Werge & Corbin Law Group was proud to stand alongside fellow attorneys, judges, and community members at this important moment. The event was a reminder that these principles are not abstract — they are the foundation of our democracy and the safeguard of our rights. Showing up was about more than symbolism - it was about living out the responsibility that comes with our profession — to uphold the Constitution, defend legal institutions, and serve our community with integrity. The Constitution is more than an artifact; it’s the supreme law of the land.

The rule of law, however, is only as strong as our collective commitment to it. We are proud to have joined with colleagues across Colorado to demonstrate that commitment today!

P.S. See Tom’s silly hat in the picture? It says “Preserve Our Constitution.” If you’d like a hat to wear to show your support for the Constitution, you can order one HERE and show your support within your community.

Werge & Corbin Attorneys Recognized in 2026 Best Lawyers® / August 22, 2025 by Thomas Werge

We are proud to share that Kelsey Martin and Tom Werge of Werge & Corbin Law Group have been honored in the 2026 editions of Best Lawyers® in America.

Kelsey Martin has been selected by her peers for inclusion in the sixth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for her excellence in:

Commercial Litigation

Litigation – Construction

Litigation – Intellectual Property

This recognition celebrates attorneys early in their careers who demonstrate outstanding professional excellence, and Kelsey’s inclusion highlights both her dedication to her clients and her growing impact in the legal community.

Tom Werge has once again been named to the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for his expertise in:

Commercial Litigation

Litigation – Intellectual Property

Tom’s continued recognition reflects his reputation for skillful advocacy and his commitment to guiding clients through complex disputes with clarity and confidence.

These accolades are a testament not only to Kelsey and Tom’s individual accomplishments but also to the collaborative spirit and client-focused service that define Werge & Corbin Law Group.

Congratulations to Kelsey and Tom on this well-deserved recognition!

Now Playing in California: Werge & Corbin Expands Law Practice / July 30, 2025 by Thomas Werge

We’re incredibly proud to share that Tom Werge has officially been admitted to the California Bar—a milestone that marks a new era for Werge & Corbin Law Group and a major leap forward for our growing music law practice.

Unlike most states, California does not allow reciprocity – the practice of admitting out-of-state lawyers that have been practicing for a certain number of years in another jurisdiction.

California also has one of the most demanding licensing processes in the country and has been known for having one of the most difficult bar exams with one of the lowest pass rates of all U.S. jurisdictions and a high percentage of repeat takers. That makes Tom’s achievement all the more exciting—getting in on his first attempt, more than 15 years after taking the Colorado Bar Exam.

California is the heart of the music and entertainment world. With Tom officially admitted, we will now be more able to serve our California clients without any limitation. From contract negotiations to royalty disputes, from licensing to litigation, we’re expanding the legal muscle we can offer artists, producers, and industry professionals.

This moment is weighty. And for our firm, our clients, and the future of our music law practice, it’s just the beginning!

Big News: Tom Werge Joins the National Roster of AAA Arbitrators! / July 8, 2025 by Thomas Werge

We’re excited to announce that Tom Werge has officially been invited onto the National Roster of Arbitrators for the American Arbitration Association (AAA)! This honor reflects not only his deep experience and professionalism, but also his commitment to fair, efficient, and accessible dispute resolution.

Arbitration is the process by which parties engage a neutral third-party (arbitrator) to decide their disputes instead of going to court. The AAA is the premier provider of arbitration services in the United States. It is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fair, effective, efficient and economical methods of dispute resolution through education, technology, and solutions-oriented service.

Since Tom started Werge & Corbin Law Group in 2016, it has been squarely focused on helping small businesses solve big problems—quickly, affordably, and with as little red tape as possible. Those goals are consistent with what arbitration is supposed to offer: a faster, more cost-effective, and private alternative to going to court. Unfortunately, arbitration can become just as drawn out and expensive as traditional litigation in many cases. Not with Tom.

Tom’s focus as an arbitrator is to return the process to what it was meant to be: straightforward, focused, and efficient, whether under the commercial AAA procedures or the AAA expedited rules. In joining the AAA, Tom also hopes to build upon his previous experience as an arbitrator with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration panel and as a neutral on the Colorado Bar Association’s Legal Fee Arbitration Committee.

Although Tom looks forward to continuing to develop his work as an arbitrator as a portion of his practice, his focus remains clear -- helping the small business and music clients as their attorney. His work as an arbitrator only adds more perspective to help the firm’s clients gain insight into the deliberative process by which arbitrators and judges decide cases, without taking anything away from the hands-on support we provide to our clients.

Tom is now officially available for selection and appointments as a AAA arbitrator, including for commercial, entertainment, construction, employment, and international matters. This is a big step for Tom and for our firm, and we’re thrilled to share it with you!

Building Community, One Connection at a Time: The Impact of CLBA’s Mentorship Program / May 7, 2025 by Thomas Werge

At the heart of the legal field lies something often overlooked: the power of connection. And when it comes to creating meaningful connections for LGBTQ+ attorneys and law students in Colorado, few organizations are doing more than the Colorado LGBTQ+ Bar Association (CLBA).

One of the driving forces behind this effort is Kelsey Martin, attorney at Werge & Corbin Law Group and the current Mentorship Chair for CLBA. Kelsey has served on the board for the past three years and, in 2023, founded the CLBA’s formal mentorship program—a program that has quickly become a cornerstone of the organization’s mission.

Now in its second year, the mentorship program runs alongside the academic calendar, pairing LGBTQ+ attorneys with LGBTQ+ law students for one-on-one mentorship. These relationships go far beyond career advice. They’re about navigating the distinct challenges queer and trans individuals face in the legal profession—from working in states where it’s unsafe to live openly, to breaking through the still-present barriers that exist in law firms where LGBTQ+ representation remains sparse at higher levels.

Mentorship matters even more in a profession where connection is essential. From finding your footing on the path to the judiciary, considering a change in practice area, exploring opportunities to move in-house, seeking advice on opening your own practice, finding client referral sources, or making the move into a partnership position, the legal field is full of new opportunities. That’s why Kelsey’s program pairs mentors and mentees not only based on shared identities like gender or sexual orientation, but also by legal practice areas—to build meaningful, relevant connections that help both parties grow.

Over the past year alone, the CLBA mentorship program has hosted several events to foster this community—including a recent gathering at the Colorado Supreme Court with Justice Gabriel. Just last weekend, Kelsey shared insights about the program at the CODACC retreat in Greeley, reinforcing her commitment to inclusive legal mentorship.

The CLBA’s mission is clear: to foster connection, representation, and support for LGBTQ+ attorneys and students. With leaders like Kelsey Martin helping shape the future of the profession, and with the support of law firms who sponsor these vital programs, the Colorado legal community becomes a stronger, more inclusive place for all.

Want to support this work? As sponsors of the CLBA, Werge & Corbin Law Group know how important financial contributions to great organizations are. Sponsorships help make events like these possible and ensure the mentorship program continues to grow—because when we build community, we build a better legal system for everyone. You can donate directly or read more about the CLBA.

The Heart of the Matt(er): Welcoming Matt Stevens to Werge and Corbin Law Group / April 15, 2025 by Thomas Werge

We’re thrilled to welcome Matt Stevens back into the legal fold—right here at Werge and Corbin Law Group. It’s a full-circle moment, one that began over a decade ago when Matt and Tom first worked together at Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell LLP.

But before we dive into the present, let’s rewind to the unique and fascinating path Matt’s career has taken.

Eleven years ago, a very cool opportunity came knocking—one Matt couldn’t ignore. He was invited to be a member of the faculty at the Advisory Board, a best practices research firm that functioned like a university research department, serving clients across the healthcare ecosystem. It was filled with thoughtful, dedicated people, asking and attempting to answer some of the thorniest questions plaguing health:

How do we respond to reimbursement changes?

What surgeries should we do with a robot?

What’s the most effective care team model?

Should we merge, be acquired, or stay independent?

As faculty, Matt’s job was to traverse the country—49 states, three health systems a week—presenting the research, applying it to real-world challenges, and helping healthcare leaders find solutions that balance innovation with operational demands.

With a background in law and quantitative economics, Matt’s skillset fit like a lock-and-key into this work. He could explain healthcare economics and regulations, interpret complex data, and advise health systems on policy, operations, and technology with equal fluency.

As rewarding as that work was, the pace of change was slow, and Matt began to feel the pull of legal practice again—this time with a renewed perspective. Over the years, he’d been moonlighting with Werge and Corbin Law Group, and something clicked. The mix of litigation and transactional work, the kind of clients, and collaborative problem-solving all felt right.

So, he made the leap. And we’re so lucky to have him back.

Matt brings with him experience working with Fortune 100 companies—where rigor and complexity are the norm—but his passion? Applying those skills to help smaller clients solve real-world problems with real impact.

Whether it’s cutting through the noise of litigation to focus on what truly counts or guiding businesses through a high-stakes restructuring, Matt loves law’s requirement that the complex be made clear.

That’s where his mind goes. Finding what’s at the heart of the matter. Or in our case, the Heart of the Matt(er).

We’re beyond excited to have Matt officially on the team—bringing his intellect, empathy, and one-of-a-kind career journey into every client relationship. Welcome back, Matt!

Werge & Corbin Law Group provides efficient, high quality legal services to small businesses and individuals. We are focused on serving small businesses, music and entertainment industry clients, creatives, and nonprofits. Our strengths lie in both transactional and litigation work. We cover most legal issues that small businesses encounter from formation through dissolution.

No Objections: Mock Trials Make Social Work Education Real! / April 1, 2025 by Thomas Werge

Every semester, Melissa Boucher, Counsel at Werge & Corbin Law Group, brings the courtroom to life for her Legal Issues in Social Work class at Metropolitan State University of Denver—and it’s anything but theoretical.

As part of their curriculum, masters-level social work students testify as DHS case workers in a high-stakes mock trial based on a fictional child dependency and neglect case. These aren’t just pretend scenarios in a classroom. These trials take place in an actual judge’s courtroom, providing an immersive, realistic environment that mirrors what they may face as future caseworkers.

The students take the stand and testify—without a single note in front of them—after memorizing the history of the case, the recommended treatment plan, and the parents’ compliance with the plan. They’re questioned by real attorneys playing the roles of County Attorney, Guardian ad Litem, and Respondent Parent Counsel, bringing both intensity and authenticity to the experience. Melissa grades each student’s performance based on their testimony, professionalism, and ability to think on their feet—just like they’ll need to in the real world.

Why is this important? Because for many students, this is their first exposure to the legal side of social work. And it’s a side they absolutely need to understand. Social workers are often the voice of DHS in court, advocating for children’s safety and family stability. With that role comes immense power and responsibility—if misused, it can fracture families rather than help reunite them. Melissa’s class teaches students to wield that power with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

The feedback speaks for itself. Students routinely describe the experience as their “favorite” assignment and say they “learned so much” from the trial. It’s a transformative assignment that stays with them far beyond the classroom.

A special shout-out to Metropolitan State University of Denver, a university committed to breaking down barriers to higher education and creating student-centered learning experiences like this one.

Are you an attorney who wants to volunteer for a future mock trial? Melissa is always looking for professionals to participate! Reach out to her at melissa@werge.law to get involved.

Because the best way to prepare social workers for the courtroom—is to actually put them in one.

In addition to supporting Werge & Corbin Law Group’s litigation practice, Melissa works with small business and nonprofit clients in transactional matters, including entity formation, corporate governance, contracting, and dissolution.

From Courtroom to Classroom - Greg Corbin Does It All! / March 18, 2025 by Thomas Werge

For Greg, Partner at Werge & Corbin Law Group, teaching has always been appealing.

“Throughout my career, I’ve practiced law with a teaching mentality, ensuring my clients fully understand their business decisions so they can make informed choices. Transitioning to the classroom felt like a natural extension of that approach.”

At DU’s Sturm College of Law, Greg teaches Corporate Drafting, a practical course designed to prepare future transactional attorneys. The class focuses on translating business deals into clear, enforceable contract terms.

“It’s not just about writing legal agreements,” said Greg “It’s about understanding the business behind them, identifying risks, and crafting documents that serve both legal and business objectives. That’s what good lawyers do.”

As attorneys, Greg believes we have a duty to give back to our community. For some, that means sitting on nonprofit boards or running a small firm. For others, it means pro bono work or mentoring young lawyers. For Greg, it’s also about preparing the next generation to succeed in the legal field.

“Watching students develop their skills, gain confidence in their abilities, and prepare for their careers is incredibly fulfilling.”

Teaching this course has been an eye-opening experience for Greg as well. With only 12 students, the setting is intimate, allowing for deep discussions and personalized mentorship. What stands out to Greg the most is their passion for this work.

“These students genuinely want to be great lawyers, and their curiosity is inspiring. Their enthusiasm for learning keeps me energized and reminds me why I fell in love with the law in the first place.”

This experience has reinforced the idea that knowledge should be shared. Whether it’s with clients, colleagues, or students, passing on expertise ensures that the legal profession continues to evolve with informed, thoughtful, and dedicated professionals!