Reed Smith announced it is expanding its capital markets practice with the addition of partner Liz Graffeo in Denver, bringing more public-company and securities depth to the firm’s Global Corporate Group as it continues to build out a fast-growing office in the Colorado market.
Global law firm Reed Smith said Graffeo joins as a partner in the Global Corporate Group within its Business & Finance Department, a move the firm framed as part of ongoing momentum in its capital markets platform and broader corporate practice. Matthew Mohn, chair of the Global Corporate Group, said the capital markets team has been a significant driver of growth and positioned Graffeo’s hire as a way to deepen the firm’s national bench while expanding its reach in Denver. He cited her experience advising public companies on complex transactions and said her addition strengthens the firm’s ability to handle sophisticated public company matters.
Graffeo’s practice centers on corporate and securities work for public companies, including SEC reporting and disclosure obligations, corporate governance, stock exchange requirements, and Section 16 reporting. She also advises on a range of transactions, including IPOs, follow-on equity and debt offerings, and mergers and acquisitions, and has experience defending against activist stockholders. Her industry exposure spans life sciences, consumer goods, real estate, hospitality, and other sectors.
Jay Spader, managing partner of Reed Smith’s Denver office, said the hire supports long-term growth plans in the Denver market and reflects continued investment in expanding the firm’s regional capabilities. The firm said its Denver office opened in February 2025 and is targeting demand from a city it described as home to major public company headquarters across diverse industries, driving the need for sophisticated capital markets counsel.
Graffeo said she was drawn by the firm’s entrepreneurial and collaborative culture and expects to contribute across the full spectrum of public company work. She joins Reed Smith from WilmerHale and earned her J.D. from George Washington University Law School, along with a Master of Public and International Affairs from Virginia Tech and a B.A. from Emerson College.
KEY QUOTES
“Our capital markets team has been a key driver of significant growth, reflecting the depth and breadth of our global corporate platform, as well as our strong track record of delivering results for clients. Liz further deepens our bench nationally while expanding our reach in Denver. She brings extensive experience, strong industry knowledge, and a proven history of success advising public companies on complex transactions. Liz is a highly skilled lawyer who will enhance our ability to handle sophisticated public company matters and continue to provide exceptional service to our clients.”
Matthew Mohn, Chair, Global Corporate Group, Reed Smith
“Liz is an outstanding addition to our rapidly growing Denver office, which has experienced significant momentum since launching last year. Her arrival represents a strategic hire that supports our long-term growth plans in the Denver market and underscores our commitment to expanding our platform and capabilities in the region. Liz’s experience and reputation further strengthen our ability to serve clients locally and nationally and reflect our continued investment in top-tier talent.”
Jay Spader, Managing Partner, Denver Office, Reed Smith
“I’m excited to join Reed Smith. The firm’s entrepreneurial and collaborative culture creates terrific opportunities to grow client relationships and deliver results. I look forward to contributing across the full spectrum of public company work.”
Liz Graffeo, Partner, Global Corporate Group, Reed Smith
