Lauren Wheeler

I am originally from Berkeley, California and I moved to Denver in 2020 for college. I studied International Relations and Business Legal Studies at the University of Denver. My interest in the legal field started from a young age seeing my dad advocate for immigrants as a nonprofit attorney for Catholic Charities. I always felt inspired by the idea that a good attorney could change someone’s life for the better. My interest in law deepened during my college internship at U.S. Senator Michael Bennet’s office, where I got to observe the way policy directly impacted communities around me. Everyone deserves a good advocate, someone they can trust to stand up for their interest and guide them through difficult situations. I want to be that source of hope and advocacy for my clients someday.

During the application process, I quickly learned that CGH wasn’t like other law firms. The interviews invite candidates to share who they truly are and encourage people to reveal parts of their character to determine if CGH is a good fit. Because CGH places a high value on integrity, the firm is full of wonderful people who genuinely care about the work we do. I have met some of my best friends through CGH, and I am infinitely grateful that I get to work next to them every day.

My first trial case was a very formative experience for me. For months, the whole team was preparing vigorously, working weekends, and dropping everything at any moment to prioritize this case. We got to know the client very well and came to understand how much this accident had impacted her and her life. To the whole team’s disappointment, the jury returned a verdict that was not representative of the loss in her case. It made me realize that not every trial outcome is sunshine and rainbows. Some defense attorneys and insurance companies are highly skilled at downplaying the extent of an injured person's damages. But that is exactly why we are in this fight, to advocate for the underdog and work to get them the justice they deserve. Trial can be a gamble, but I am proud to be part of a firm that stands by its clients, refuses to accept undervalued settlements, and is willing to take cases to trial when justice demands it.

I live in a family full of attorneys, so legal talk is commonly at the center of family gatherings. Being in the litigation department also gives me a unique opportunity to learn about trial outcomes in other relevant cases or new laws that affect our practice.

I find the ongoing debate over executive power and presidential accountability particularly interesting. It has made me realize how policy can be selectively crafted to benefit certain people at the expense of others. As someone pursuing a legal career, I am interested in how courts resolve these issues because the decisions will shape not only my future profession but also the future of the United States and its constitutional system.

A typical day for me at the firm starts with an espresso from the fancy Breville in our office, socializing with my coworkers over coffee, locking in on my work while listening to Daily Bread mixtapes on Soundcloud through my headphones, eating lunch in the kitchen that I meal-prepped, followed by a walk around the Curtis Park neighborhood, and then ending with another grind session until the end of the day.

The most rewarding part of my job is talking with clients. It reminds me how oftentimes, we are the only source of hope and support they have during difficult times.

The firm truly prioritizes client care and recovery over its own profit margin. For example, CGH will reduce its own fee from a settlement in order to make sure the firm never receives more than the client after medical liens are paid. This kind of philosophy is nearly impossible to find in the large mega-firms that operate in Denver.

Exercise has always been a passion of mine. I love to weightlift and do group classes through Classpass, ranging from Pilates to High Intensity Interval Training. I am also teaching myself how to cook healthy and interesting meals. I try a new recipe every week. Whether it is a hit or a miss, it’s always a fun time in the kitchen.

I unwind by talking to my long-distance twin sister on the phone. She is the most important person in my life, and our phone calls bring me peace and comfort.

Don’t be afraid to put yourself in new spaces, even if you are worried you do not belong. Talk to someone in your life that has also explored the legal field and see if they have anything valuable to share about their experience. If you do not know anyone, reach out to paralegals/attorneys on LinkedIn. Make meaningful connections with as many people as possible, because you never know who might help you land your dream job down the road.