FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – JUNE 2, 2025

PRESS CONTACT: Lindsey E. Rasmussen / 612.867.9940 / LRasmussen@hilltoppublicsolutions.com 

Denver, CO — Kaplan Kirsch is pleased to announce the return of John Putnam and Allison Ishihara Fultz and the addition of Samuel Kohn, three nationally respected attorneys who recently held senior roles in the Biden Administration. Their arrival strengthens the firm’s position at the forefront of infrastructure, transportation, environmental, and Native American law at a time when these sectors are navigating unprecedented policy changes and a shifting funding and regulatory environment.

“John, Allison, and Sam are not only some of the sharpest legal minds in the country, they’re also trusted advisors who know how to get things done in government,” said Steve Kaplan, co-founder of Kaplan Kirsch. “We’re thrilled to have them on our team at a time when our clients are navigating historic changes in infrastructure, energy, and tribal governance.” Steve’s personal public service includes serving as General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Transportation and as City Attorney for Denver.

John Putnam – who served as General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Transportation – where he was a top legal advisor to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, rejoins the firm as a partner in its Denver office. John is a founding partner of Kaplan Kirsch and previously served as its Managing Partner. Most recently, he served as Senior Advisor to the Colorado Department of Transportation, where he was the Governor’s Chief Negotiator on the renegotiation of the 99-Year lease of the Moffat Tunnel under the Continental Divide lease, and also played a lead role in advancing passenger rail service and implementing statewide greenhouse gas policies in the transportation sector. He is a widely-known, trusted legal strategist and brings a unique perspective on state and federal transportation, environmental and energy policy. With a background spanning federal, state and local government, John offers a distinct perspective that strengthens the Kaplan Kirsch team’s work in infrastructure, transportation, and environmental law.

“Having worked at the highest levels of both state and federal government, I’m excited to bring those gained insights back to Kaplan Kirsch,” said Putnam. “This is a time of enormous opportunity – and complexity – for infrastructure, transportation, and climate projects. I’m looking forward to helping our clients put policy into action – from aviation, transit and rail to renewable energy and beyond.”

Allison Ishihara Fultz returns to the firm’s Washington, D.C., office after more than three years as Chief Counsel of the Federal Railroad Administration. With a background in both law and architecture, Allison brings unique insight to the firm, advising clients on complex infrastructure projects across the country, with a focus on regulatory compliance, intergovernmental agreements, establishing rail and transit operating agencies, and creative rail development solutions, making her a go-to advisor for both public and private sector clients.

“Transportation and infrastructure are critical sectors both experiencing unprecedented changes in the United States right now. We have a tremendous opportunity to modernize systems, connect communities on a regional and national scale, and build more reliable and effective foundations for our country,” said Fultz. “It’s exciting to be back at Kaplan Kirsch helping clients lead in this transformative movement.”

Samuel Kohn joined the firm as a partner in the San Francisco office. He brings nearly 15 years of experience to the firm representing Indian Tribes, Alaska Natives, and tribal consortia on issues of governance, land use, infrastructure, and federal engagement. A member of the Apsáalooke Nation (Crow Tribe of Montana), Samuel served as Senior Counselor to the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior. He is an expert on Indian law and policy and strengthens the firm’s institutional knowledge on self-governance, cultural preservation, Indian gaming, and fee-to-trust issues. He has extensive litigation and transactional experience and is known for his ability to navigate complex legal and policy challenges facing Native American communities across the United States. 

“We are in a pivotal moment for Indian affairs,” said Kohn. “Indian Tribes’ sovereign rights are being tested by the growth of tribal self-determination, the need for modernization, and the urgent demand for true government-to-government accountability. I’m proud to be part of Kaplan Kirsch to expand Indian law work to uphold respect, equity, and the sacred responsibility to support self-determination, protect Indigenous knowledge, and build a future rooted in resilience and justice.”

Putnam, Fultz, and Kohn bring unmatched knowledge in federal law and policy – and an intricate understanding of how infrastructure, climate, and Native American issues intersect at every level of government. Their return marks a major expansion of the firm’s capabilities as current and new clients take on ambitious projects in an ever-changing landscape. Bob Randall, Managing Partner at Kaplan Kirsch, and previously the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, is particularly proud of the Firm’s expertise which capitalizes on its attorneys’ public as well as private sector roles.

“Our clients are confronting some of the most complex legal and policy challenges of our time, and they need advisors who bring both practical experience and big-picture vision,” said Randall. “John, Allison, and Sam bring precisely that. Their impactful government service and subject-matter expertise perfectly complement our firm’s interdisciplinary and collaborative model. Along with our existing team of outstanding lawyers, they are helping us build one of the most forward-looking infrastructure and public law practices in the country.”

About Kaplan Kirsch
Kaplan Kirsch LLP is a national law firm focused on solving complex legal, regulatory, and policy challenges for a diverse array of public and private sector clients in the infrastructure, environmental, energy and climate change, land use, Native American law, and transportation sectors. With offices in Denver, Washington, D.C., New York, and San Francisco, the firm is known for crafting innovative solutions to high-risk and seemingly intractable problems involving the interplay of many disciplines. Attorneys at Kaplan Kirsch have been counsel to a variety of public agencies, including municipal utilities, across the United States, represented public interest organizations in high-profile environmental litigation, served as government counsel at the highest levels of federal, state and local government, and represented a wide range of clients on cutting-edge compliance issues. Learn more at www.kaplankirsch.com. 

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