Attorney Bio

Jay Hermele brings more than a decade of legal experience to High Plains Law, offering tailored legal solutions for businesses and individuals. Over the years, Jay has successfully guided clients through high-stakes commercial litigation, complex corporate and business transactions, and intricate intellectual property matters. His broad skill set includes complex commercial trial advocacy, negotiating and drafting contracts, forming business entities, managing business acquisitions and sales, and prosecuting trademarks.

Jay has helped clients across a diverse range industries such as technology, real estate, finance, cannabis, media, oil and gas, and franchise. He takes pride in understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of each sector, ensuring his clients receive practical, cost-effective legal representation. What sets Jay apart is his commitment to clear communication and a proactive approach. He believes that strong attorney-client relationships are built on trust, transparency, and accessibility, which he prioritizes in every interaction. Whether navigating a trademark dispute or structuring a business deal, Jay works collaboratively with clients to achieve their goals while keeping costs reasonable.

Outside the office, Jay enjoys getting outdoors and staying active, hiking, skiing, and taking advantage of all Colorado has to offer. A sports enthusiast, he is an avid supporter of the Oregon Ducks and rarely misses an opportunity to cheer them on. His well-rounded perspective and passion for teamwork inform his practice, allowing him to connect with clients on a personal level while delivering exceptional legal services.

Jay is ready to partner with you to protect your business, and position you for future success. Contact him today to discuss your legal needs.

Steve Brander is Of Counsel at High Plains Law LLC, bringing over a decade of federal legal experience with a focus on health care and tribal law. Since earning his law degree in 2011 from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, Steve has built a distinguished career, including eleven years of service with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the General Counsel (OGC). During his tenure at OGC, he served as primary counsel to the Great Plains Area Office of the Indian Health Service, where he developed expertise in Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) contracting and compacting.

Steve has extensive experience negotiating ISDEAA agreements, including contracts, compacts, annual funding agreements, multiyear funding agreements, funding tables, use agreements, 105(l) leases, and other related legal documents.  Steve has been involved in numerous negotiations and Contract Disputes Act (CDA) claims concerning Secretarial amount funding and contract support costs (CSC), including CSC generated from third-party expenditures.

He has also represented the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on a variety of regulatory and compliance matters. His legal acumen encompasses the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Medicare and Medicaid regulations, among other statutes and regulations.

In addition, Steve has advised on medical professional credentialing, medical staff bylaws, accreditation, risk management, and federal audits. He is recognized for his collaborative approach and commitment to supporting tribal self-determination and effective health care delivery.

Steve maintains strong professional relationships with colleagues in both the public and private sectors, including current and former members of IHS and tribal leadership. He is licensed to practice law in Colorado and is authorized to practice federal law—including ISDEAA matters—nationwide. His practice is dedicated primarily to ISDEAA transactions and related legal concerns, while also supporting a broad range of legal matters for tribal health departments.

Contact Steve at High Plains Law LLC to learn how his experience and dedication can support your organization’s legal needs.