Insights and Analysis
AI-washing – when AI hype becomes a litigation risk
Elizabeth (Liz) Alice Och
Counsel Litigation, Arbitration, and Employment
Liz counsels clients through every stage of litigation, from early case assessment through trial. Her experience spans matters involving federal statutes, tort claims, class actions, government investigations, and regulatory compliance. Liz’s background with intricate statutory frameworks—such as the False Claims Act and environmental laws—equips her with the skills to distill highly technical issues into compelling legal arguments. She has extensive experience in federal and state courts, including the District of Colorado, and she regularly handles dispositive motions and overall case strategy.
Known for her collaborative and solutions-oriented approach, Liz works closely with clients to understand their business objectives and risk tolerance, allowing her to develop pragmatic strategies aligned with commercial goals. She is a trusted team leader recognized for efficient project management and focused execution, particularly in high-stakes matters with multiple stakeholders.
Developing future talent is a central focus of Liz’s professional practice. She invests heavily in hands-on training and direct coaching to help junior attorneys develop practical litigation skills. Liz chairs the Denver office’s recruiting committee and is active in the firm’s national recruiting efforts.
Liz is also deeply engaged in the Denver community. She is a graduate of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Denver program and was named to the Denver Business Journal’s 40 under 40 list. She serves as President of the Colorado Lawyer Trust Account Foundation (COLTAF) and maintains an active pro bono practice.
First-chaired trial in breach-of-contract case regarding commercial lease dispute in Colorado state court.
Represented medical device distributor in six-week federal jury trial in complex False Claims Act/Anti-Kickback Statute case in the District of Minnesota.
Defended major technology company in case brought by another PRP under CERCLA Sections 107 and 113; successfully dismissed Section 107 claim on motion-to-dismiss briefing.
Representing an industrial client in various environmental and litigation matters in connection with a Superfund site in Washington state.
Conducted fast-paced, on-site internal investigation of exposure under the Clean Air Act related to ethylene oxide emissions at medical device manufacturing facility.
Dismissed a purported class action brought by a royalty holder against an oil and gas company before the Denver District Court and Colorado Court of Appeals.
Successfully briefed BLM lease-prioritization matter in federal court for Peabody Energy, freeing up over US$1bn of coal for extraction.
Representing a higher education finance nonprofit organization in a proposed class-action suit, successfully securing dismissal of the claims.