PROFILE OF MICHAEL C. SANTO
PROFILE OF ALICIA WILLIAMS
PROFILE OF JENNIFER SPRINGER
Partner of Bechtel & Santo, L.L.P.
Betty retired from active practice as of January 1, 2011, but continues with the Firm in an “Of Counsel” status. She is a contributing author for: The Practitioner's Guide to Colorado Employment Law, Continuing Legal Education (CLE) in Colorado, Inc.; The Practitioner's Guide to Colorado Business Organizations, CLE in Colorado, Inc.; and the Employer's Advisory, a Bechtel & Santo quarterly newsletter, published since 1994. She is a member of the Mesa County Bar Association (President 1996) and Colorado Bar Association (Member, Labor Law Section since 1982; Board of Governors, 1997-1999). Betty has served as Board member and Chair of several non-profit organizations including Mesa County Economic Development Council (n/k/a/ Grand Junction Economic Partners); Mesa County Pro Bono Association; The Business Incubator Center; Cinema at the Avalon; Hilltop Rehabilitation Hospital; Hospice of the Grand Valley; and Western Colorado Area Health Education Center and The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.
Partner of Bechtel & Santo, L.L.P.
Michael Santo began practicing law in his home state of Michigan in 1992 after receiving his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and his law degree from the University of Detroit. Within a couple of years after graduation from law school, he fulfilled a life-long dream of moving to Colorado when he accepted a position with Dufford, Waldeck, Milburn & Krohn. Since that move in 1994, Michael focused his practice on defending companies in employment litigation, including race, sex, age, national origin, religious and disability discrimination lawsuits; wrongful discharge; and wage and hour matters. In addition, he regularly represents employers in prosecuting and defending claims of trade secret misappropriation, unfair competition, and employee raiding.
Counseling companies on day-to-day employment issues is also an important part of Michael’s practice. This includes counseling employers on hiring, discipline, and termination decisions; on leave and disability issues; and on preparing and revising employee handbooks. By helping employers develop sound personnel policies, Michael has assisted many Colorado companies, large and small, in minimizing the risk of employment-related litigation.
Michael is also a frequent lecturer on employment law issues, and contributing author for: The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Employment Law, Continuing Legal Education (CLE) in Colorado, Inc. (1999 and supplements); The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Business Organizations, CLE in Colorado, Inc., (2004); and The Employer’s Advisory, a Bechtel & Santo quarterly newsletter, published since 1994.
In 2003, he also realized another life-long goal when he completed his first Ironman Triathlon. Since that race, he continues to participate in triathlons of varying lengths and has spent time helping to organize Grand Junction’s first triathlon club, The Grand Junction TriDogs.
Associate of Bechtel & Santo, L.L.P.
Alicia Williams graduated magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 2003 with dual B.A. degrees in History and Film, Television, and Theatre. After obtaining her undergraduate degrees, Alicia moved to Dublin, Ireland where she earned an M.A. in Film Studies from the National University of Ireland, Dublin. Upon returning to the United States, Alicia worked as a project manager for a publishing house in Boston for two years, where she produced textbooks for grade schools, high schools, and colleges.
Having always considered pursuing a career in the law, Alicia went back to school and graduated with a J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, in 2010. During law school, Alicia served as a law clerk for the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, Civil Commitment Division. Alicia also was awarded the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Excellence in Labor Law Student Award during law school. After graduation, Alicia moved to Colorado and clerked for Arapahoe County Court Judge Christine Chauche. Alicia joined the firm of Bechtel & Santo, LLP, in 2011, where she focuses on labor and employment law.
Associate of Bechtel & Santo, L.L.P.
Jennifer Springer graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2003 with a B.A. in English and History. Having worked for two years as a manager for a large retail chain store after graduation from CU, Jennifer returned to school and graduated with a J.D., magna cum laude, from the Quinnipiac University School of Law, Hamden, Connecticut, in 2008. Jennifer was active in her law school's mock trial team, and competed in the National Trial Competition, hosted by the Texas Young Lawyers Association and the American College of Trial Lawyers. During law school, Jennifer clerked for Mesa County District Court Judge Brian J. Flynn. Under Colorado's Student Practice Act, Jennifer also worked as a County Court Deputy District Attorney for the District Attorney's Office for the 21st Judicial District. During her final year at law school, Jennifer worked for the New Haven County Bar Association, helping with the Bar Association's Ask a Lawyer Program. After graduation, Jennifer returned to Colorado from Connecticut and, until she left the office in 2011, worked as a District Court Deputy District Attorney for the District Attorney's Office for the 21st Judicial District. During her time at the District Attorney's Office, Jennifer represented the People of the State of Colorado in various criminal cases. Jennifer joined the firm of Bechtel & Santo, LLP, in 2011, where she focuses on labor and employment law.