Partner Ben Fernandez has been named to the Denver Business Journal's 2017 Top 40 Under 40 list. The recognition highlights individuals who represent a promising next generation of Denver leaders—rising stars who have already accomplished much, but whose best days in the community are likely ahead.

Fernandez joined WilmerHale's Denver office in 2015 to help build the firm's Intellectual Property practice in Colorado. He handles complex intellectual property issues for companies including shoe giant Crocs and Zoll, a medical products company. 

Outside of his day-to-day responsibilities, Fernandez dedicates significant time to pro bono work. He is a volunteer adjunct professor at the University of Colorado Law School's Entrepreneurial Law Clinic, supervising the work of the clinic's patent law students, and for the past 10 years, has organized the judging for a University of Colorado Law School competition that requires students to write papers in technology and law.

In addition, he is an active supporter of the Mi Casa Resource Center and the Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado. Fernandez volunteers his time regularly at the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association's "Business Legal Night" series, which provides free legal guidance for small businesses owned by women, minorities and low-income entrepreneurs.

When asked by the journal his secret to success, "Devotion," Fernandez replied. "I try to maintain a sensitivity to how others feel and what they want to accomplish."

The Denver Business Journal considered nearly 500 nominations and only seven lawyers were selected. Honorees were chosen based on three criteria: business leadership, recognition of accomplishments and community involvement. The journal featured Fernandez in its March 17 issue.