Earl Rhodes maintains an active trial practice in the areas of local government activities, construction, professional malpractice and defense of personal injury. He graduated from Wesleyan University in 1972 and from the University of Denver Law School in 1975. He joined the firm in 1985, after serving four years as the Garfield County Attorney, and became a shareholder in 1988

Earl was with the firm of Johnson, Makris and Hunsaker, P.C. of Denver, Colorado, from 1975 through 1978. He worked in the areas of insurance defense and subrogation. From 1979 through 1981, he was an Assistant Weld County Attorney where he worked in the areas of general litigation and child welfare. From 1981 through 1985, he was the Garfield County Attorney. In this capacity, he worked on government land use regulations and the construction and financing of large government projects, while also advising the County's various agencies.

Earl G. Rhodes | Partner

Earl is admitted to the State District Courts for Colorado and Utah, the Federal District Courts for Colorado and Utah, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court for the United States of America. He has an active appellate practice, and has argued cases in the Colorado Appellate Courts and the Utah Supreme Court.

Earl is married and has three daughters. In addition to spending most of his money, his family takes up most of his time. His wife, Cynthia, is very active in civic affairs. Earl is an avid reader and likes to travel. He also spends as much time as possible outdoors participating in his favorite activities: mountain biking, cross-county skiing and whitewater rafting. Grand Junction is a special place for him because of its proximity to both the Colorado mountains and Utah's canyon country.

Earl can be reached by phone at 970-242-2645 or by email at earl@youngelaw.com.

Yeulin V. Willett graduated magna cum laude from the University of Colorado, earning a B.S. degree in Business-Finance in 1980 and gaining membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, an honorary organization recognizing academic achievement in the study of business. He then received his Juris Doctor degree from C.U.'s School of Law in 1984, graduating in the top 20% of his class.

Yeulin has focused his practice on litigation and trial work since January of 1984. He became associated with the Firm in 1987, became a shareholder in 1990, and has served as the Firm's managing shareholder. In 2010, Yeulin received the highest possible attorney Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell "AV Preeminent".

Yeulin V. Willett | Partner

As a member of the Colorado Bar Association, Yeulin served as chairman of its Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee and sat on its Litigation Council. Additionally, he has been actively involved in the Alliance Defense Fund, the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association, the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys and the Defense Research Institute. He has been on the panel of the American Arbitration Association. He is a graduate of the Master Advocates Program of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy.

In addition to being trial counsel for clients in litigated matters, Yeulin is also comfortable in related roles, having been retained to serve as expert witness, mediator, arbitrator and/or consultant in numerous cases.

Yeulin supports the Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado and the Mesa County Pro Bono Project. He has made continuing legal education presentations, has lectured on litigation and insurance and made related presentations to local schools. He has served in leadership roles for numerous charitable and non-profit organizations including: the Riverfront Commission's Urban Trails Committee; the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association, receiving its "Golden Spoke" award; the Grand Junction Traffic Safety Council, serving as its President for two years; the Powderhorn Racing Club and United States Ski Association ski racing program, as secretary and vice president; the Fruita-Redlands Little League; Masonic Lodge Mesa #55 A.F. & A.M.; and various church and ministry organizations.

Yeulin has taught various upper-level courses at both Mesa State College and Colorado Christian University, including business law, political science, economics, and accounting. He has consistently received the highest evaluations from his students.

Yeulin's father also practiced law in Western Colorado for over 20 years and his mother served as a municipal judge in Delta, Colorado for many years. He and his wife, Rose, are the proud parents of two girls and twin boys. Together with his family, Yeulin is an active athlete and outdoorsman with primary interests in football, baseball, mountain and road biking, tennis, skiing and hunting. He has a passion for the Western Slope, all things outdoors, Shelby Mustangs, Harley-Davidsons, and the search for an abundant life.

Yeulin can be reached by phone at 970-242-2645 or by email at yeulin@youngelaw.com.

Brent Carlson joined the firm as an associate in 1992. He became a shareholder in 1997, and served as managing shareholder from 2001 through 2006. His practice is devoted primarily to civil litigation, with emphasis on construction litigation.

Brent was born and raised in San Bernardino, California. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1982, and graduated from the University of Santa Clara Law School in 1985. He passed the California State Bar Examination the same year, and practiced in California through October, 1992. A change of lifestyle brought him and his family to Grand Junction in 1992, a decision he has never regretted. Since moving to Colorado, he has maintained a very busy and challenging practice, and has tried numerous cases throughout Western Colorado. He is a member of the Colorado Defense Lawyers' Association, the Defense Research Institute, the Mesa County Bar Association, and the Colorado Bar Association.

Brent A. Carlson | Partner

Brent volunteers his time by serving on the Board of directors for the Mesa County chapter of Habitat for Humanity, is on the Speaker's Board for Habitat, and is a Deacon and an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Grand Junction. He has also served on the Board of Directors of Crimestoppers of Mesa County, and coached youth soccer and youth basketball. His personal interests include snow skiing, basketball, and golf.

Brent can be reached by phone at 970-242-2645 or by email at brent@youngelaw.com.

Chris Ballard received his undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of South Florida in 1994, and his law degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1998.

After graduation, Chris practiced at the Tulsa law firm of Meier, Cole and O'Dell, where he advised clients on a wide variety of issues, including commercial litigation, contracts, domestic relations, probates, wills, and workers' compensation. In 2000, Chris began working as General Counsel and Human Resources Director for a privately held Tulsa corporation.

Chris was admitted to practice law in Colorado in 2001. Moving to Grand Junction in 2002, Chris joined Younge & Hockensmith as a general practice associate. Soon thereafter his work became primarily litigation, almost exclusively in the firm's insurance defense department.

J. Christopher Ballard | Partner

In 2006, Chris became a shareholder of the firm, and in 2007, he took over the responsibilities of managing shareholder. He practices in all areas of business, as well as providing extensive support for the litigation division of the firm.

Chris is a member of the American Bar Association, Colorado Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, Mesa County Bar Association and is admitted to practice before the Colorado Supreme Court and all Colorado State Courts.

Chris can be reached by phone at 970-242-2645 or by email at chris@youngelaw.com.

Ben Wegener graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in December of 2001, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and minor in Economics. During his undergraduate years, Ben was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and participated in various community service organizations.

In 2005, Ben graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law, receiving his Juris Doctorate degree with Distinction. While in law school, Ben was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, Student Bar Association, Moot Court Board, and participated in Moot Court competitions. Ben was able to obtain practical legal experience by acting as a Law Clerk for two Nebraska law firms while he was a law student.

Benjamin M. Wegener | Partner

Ben and his wife, Brooke, moved to Grand Junction in August of 2005 when he joined Younge & Hockensmith as a general practice associate. He provides extensive support for the insurance defense and litigation division of the firm.

Ben grew up near Cornlea, Nebraska on his family's farm where they raised corn, soybeans, and livestock. Ben and his wife enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, including skiing and hiking. His wife, Brooke, is an interior designer for a local company, as well as an accomplished ballet dancer.

Ben can be reached by phone at 970-242-2645 or by email at ben@youngelaw.com.

Dennis Baker received his undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Christian University and went on to complete his law degree at Oklahoma City University, School of Law. In practice since 1974, his experience includes 11 years as Legal Counsel with First Interstate Bank in Denver. He joined Younge & Hockensmith in 2006 as a business associate.

Dennis practices in the areas of Banking Law, Creditor Bankruptcy, Commercial Litigation, Collections, Foreclosures, Replevins, Landlord-Tenant disputes, and Commercial Real Estate. He is a member of the Mesa County Bar Association and Colorado Bar Association. Active in Rotary Club for the past six years, he is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Grand Junction.

Dennis E. Baker | Of Counsel

Dennis has been an affiliate faculty member of Regis University since 1995, teaching online classes in Business Law in the undergraduate program and Business Ethics in the MBA program. Dennis is well known in the financial community for his lectures on banking law issues.

Dennis and his wife, Arlene, are active in the community. Arlene is past president of the Grand Junction Musical Arts Association, and past president of Junior Service League. Dennis works with the Redlands Community Center and is on the Meth-Free Mesa County Task Force. Together, they enjoy hiking, golf, photography and travel. They have four adult sons and two grandchildren.

Dennis can be reached by phone at 970-242-2645 or by email at dennis@youngelaw.com.

Matt Hardin graduated from Texas Tech University in May 2008, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. In May 2011, Matt graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law, as well as the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University receiving a Master of Business Administration. While in law school, Matt was on the school's ABA National Negotiation team and was graduate advisor of the university's rock climbing club.

Matt took and passed the July 2011 Colorado Bar Examination, and he is now a member of the Colorado Bar Association and the Mesa County Bar Association. Matt moved to Grand Junction immediately after the bar exam with his girlfriend, Jessica, who is a Deputy Public Defender with the Colorado State Public Defender's Office in Grand Junction. Matt joined Younge & Hockensmith shortly thereafter in September 2011.

Matthew B. Hardin | Associate

Matt enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking. Matt is a member of, and volunteers his time with, the Western Colorado Climbers' Coalition.

Matt can be reached by phone at 970-242-2645 or by email at matt@youngelaw.com.

Meg Foley graduated from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., in May 2002, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in American history. After graduation Meg moved to Denver and joined the National Civilian Community Corps, a division of AmeriCorps dedicated to strengthening communities through national and community service. Through AmeriCorps Meg worked for various nonprofit organizations, including the National Sports Center for the Disabled, Habitat for Humanity, and the American Red Cross.

In December 2008, Meg graduated from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. While in law school, Meg was a member of the Natural Resource and Environmental Law Society and participated in the University of Denver Environmental Law Clinic. Meg took and passed the February 2009 Colorado Bar Examination, and she is now a member of the Colorado Bar Association and the Mesa County Bar Association. Meg and her husband, Joe Pecorino, moved to Grand Junction in March of 2009 when Meg joined Younge & Hockensmith as a general practice associate. She provides support for the insurance defense and litigation division of the firm.

Meg E. Foley | Associate

Meg and her husband enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and trail running. Meg volunteers her time with the Junior Service League of Grand Junction and the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, Colorado. Her husband teaches in the Mesa County School District.

Meg can be reached by phone at 970-242-2645 or by email at meg@youngelaw.com.

Dan G. Griffin returned to his hometown of Grand Junction to practice law with the firm in February 1967, after completing his undergraduate education at Mesa College and Stanford University and obtaining his Law Degree at the University of Colorado.

Dan's law practice has concentrated in civil law with attention given to real estate, estate planning, probate, elder law, general business, health and hospital law. He is a member of the Colorado Bar Fellows, Colorado Bar Association, Mesa County Bar Association, and is Past President of the Mesa County Bar Association, Past Chairman of the Young Lawyers Section of the Colorado Bar Association, and maintains membership in the real estate, and probate and trust law sections of the Colorado Bar Association.

Dan G. Griffin | Of Counsel

Dan has also served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors of the Colorado Bar Association and is a past member of the Board of Governors of the Colorado Bar Association. He has been a member of the American Academy of Hospital Attorneys, and has served on the 21st Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance for the State of Colorado. Dan has presented programs to professional and client groups on topics including wills, probate, and estate planning. Dan withdrew as a shareholder of the firm in 2006, and currently enjoys an 'Of Counsel' relationship with the firm, which allows him to spend more time with his wife, Rita.

Dan's community services include work as a Director of the Grand Junction Lions Club, including serving as its President in 1987/88, past Secretary of the Mesa County Republican Central Committee, past Director of the Western Colorado Center for the Arts, Inc., and as a Director of local Homeowners' Associations.

Dan's recreational activities include snow skiing and tennis.

Dan can be reached by phone at 970-242-2645 or by email at dan@youngelaw.com.

Leila Reilly graduated from Texas A&M University in December 2000, receiving a Bachelor of Science in animal science. In May 2005, Leila graduated from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California. While in law school, Leila was President of the Environmental Law Society, a member of the National Association of Environmental Law Societies, Vice President of the mediation team and participated in mediation competitions. During law school, Leila gained experience in different areas of law working as a law clerk for a private firm and interning for a nonprofit land trust.

Leila is a member of the Colorado Bar Association and Mesa County Bar Association. She joined Younge & Hockensmith in January 2011, with more than four years of insurance defense litigation experience. Leila practices in the areas of estate planning and business law while providing support for the insurance defense and litigation division of the firm.

Leila J. Reilly | Associate

Leila enjoys a variety of outdoor activities including mountain biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Leila is a member of the Grand Junction Riverfront Commission. She volunteers her time with Colorado Legal Services and is a foster pet parent for Mesa County Animal Services.

Leila can be reached by phone at 970-242-2645 or by email at leila@youngelaw.com.

You can also follow Leila's blog at http://youngelaw.blogspot.com.