Ryley Carlock & Applewhite, one of the leading law firms in the West, with offices in Colorado and Arizona, today announced the election of three new shareholders at the firm, effective January 1. The 120 - lawyer law firm named W. Scott Jenkins, Jr., James M. Noble, and Melissa Schmucker as shareholders.

"This shareholder class epitomizes everything we try to be at Ryley Carlock & Applewhite," said Rodolfo (Rudy) Parga, Jr., Managing Shareholder. "These new shareholders provide tremendous value to their clients, are heavily involved in their communities, and constantly strive to be at the forefront of understanding the law in ways that provide outstanding client service and value. Most of all they are outstanding people who fit our firm values to the tee," said Parga.

Melissa Schmucker (Phoenix Office) practices primarily in the areas of real estate finance and development, representing institutional and private lenders in real estate and commercial loan transactions, loan restructurings and workouts, including loan syndications, borrowing base transactions and leasehold financing. Melissa's experience includes lender representation in mixed-use, condominium, office, retail, industrial and residential projects. Melissa received her J.D. from Notre Dame Law School, where she served on the Journal of Legislation as Assistant Notes Editor, and her A.B. degree in public policy studies from Duke University. Melissa worked as a policy and budget analyst at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C.

James M. Noble (Denver Office) practices in the areas of water, energy, resources and environmental law. He advises firm clients on environmental, water and natural resources issues in New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado. Jim graduated cum laude from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2002. During law school, Jim served as coordinating/Processing Editor of the Natural Resources Journal. Jim was elected to the Order of the Coif, and he received the Dean's award for significant contribution to the law school community and an award in Legal and Judicial Ethics. Jim received his B.A. in architecture from the University of New Mexico.

W. Scott Jenkins, Jr. (Phoenix Office) represents banks and other financial institutions in real estate and commercial loan restructuring and workouts, loan enforcement, foreclosures, receiverships and bankruptcies. Scott's commercial litigation practice consists of representing clients in general business and real estate disputes. Scott received his J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law (2002), where he graduated cum laude and his B.A. from The University of Arizona (1999). This year, Scott was named to the Phoenix Business Journal's Top Forty under 40 and also selected to Class 31 of Valley Leadership's Leadership Institute. Scott is also a member of the board of directors for Junior Achievement of Arizona and Saint Mary's High School Scholarship and Benefit Fund.

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