Awards
5280 Top Lawyers
Each of Killmer Lane’s partners has been repeatedly designated among 5280’s Top Lawyers. David Lane has been designated as a Top Lawyer in the area of Civil Rights. Darold Killmer has been designated as a Top Lawyer in the area of Civil Rights and the area of Labor and Employment: Plaintiff.
American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado Carle E. Whitehead Civil Rights and Liberties Award
Darold Killmer and David Lane were awarded the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado’s 2010 Carle E. Whitehead Award for “dedication to defending civil liberties and the rule of law.”
Best Lawyers in America
“Best Lawyers in America” has consistently recognized Killmer Lane and partners Darold Killmer and David Lane for their outstanding work. In 2014, Darold Killmer was designated as the Lawyer of the Year in his practice area.
Center For American and International Law Commitment Award
In 2009, David Lane was recognized for years of working with Texas capital defense lawyers to improve their trial skills.
College of Labor and Employment Lawyers Fellow
Darold Killmer was named a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers in recognition of his devoted and distinguished career in the practice of labor and employment law (2008 – present, and 2020 – present, respectively).
Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
David Lane was the recipient of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar’s prestigious Jonathan Olom Award in 1995 for exceptional service and sacrifice in the representation of the criminally accused.
Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council Dan B. Davidson Award
David Lane was recognized in 2011 for his exceptional service to the Colorado disabilities community.
Colorado Super Lawyers
Darold Killmer and David Lane have each been consistently designated as Colorado Super Lawyers, an honor limited to five percent of the attorneys in Colorado. Darold Killmer has been repeatedly been named as among the Top 100 Colorado Super Lawyers. In 2010, Darold Killmer was designated as one of the Top 50 Lawyers in the State. Michael Fairhurst has been designated as a Rising Star for both 2017 and 2016.
Colorado Trial Lawyers Association Access to Justice Award
Darold Killmer and David Lane were awarded the 2010 Colorado Trial Lawyers Association’s Access to Justice Award, honoring “perseverance, courage and character shown over and over in cases of extraordinary circumstances.”
Colorado Trial Lawyers Association Case of the Year, 2010
In 2010, David Lane and Darold Killmer were recognized for the case of Masters v. Gilmore, et al., for the wrongful conviction of an innocent man.
Colorado Trial Lawyers Association Finalist for Case of the Years 2019, 2014, 2010, 2008, 2007
Michael Fairhurst was a finalist for the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association’s 2019 Case of the Year Award for the case of K.S., et al. v. Colorado Department of Human Services, et al., demanding accountability and policy changes on behalf of people with mental disabilities who were involuntarily strip-searched by State workers.
David Lane was a finalist for the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association’s 2014 Case of the Year Award for the case of Burns v. Hickenlooper, et al., striking down Colorado laws prohibiting same sex marriage.
The Guantanamo Litigation was one of three finalists for the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association’s 2010 Case of the Year Award. Darold Killmer and David Lane represent five Yemeni men who are imprisoned by the United States government, although they have never been charged or tried for any crime. The firm’s ongoing representation of these men is pro bono.
Darold Killmer was a finalist for Colorado Trial Lawyers Association’s 2008 Case of the Year Award for the case of Rice v. City of Denver, et al., wherein the firm represented the estate and parents of a young woman who died after she was denied medical care while in the Denver jail.
Bonner v. City of Aurora was one of three finalists for the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association’s 2007 Case of the Year Award. Darold Killmer represented the family and estate of Jamaal Bonner, an unarmed, young African-American man who was shot and killed by members of the City of Aurora Police Department. The case resulted in a significant monetary settlement and substantial procedural changes and training within the Aurora Police Department.
Denver’s Best Lawyers, Best Lawyers®
Darold Killmer and David Lane have each been selected by Peer Recognition as among Denver’s Best Lawyers. In 2012, David Lane was selected as one of the Lawyers of the Year in the area of First Amendment law, and one of Denver’s Best Lawyers in the areas of Civil Rights, Criminal Defense and First Amendment law. Darold Killmer has been consistently selected as among Denver’s Best Lawyers in the area of Labor and Employment law.
Dr. Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award, Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance
Darold Killmer and David Lane were recognized with the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award in 2018.
Lawyers of the Year, Law Week Colorado
Darold Killmer and David Lane were recognized by Law Week Colorado as 2015 Lawyers of the Year.
Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado Access to Justice Recognition
Killmer Lane was recognized by the Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado in 2011 for its important contributions to improving access to justice in the State of Colorado.
Martindale-Hubbell Rating of AV-Preeminent®
Darold Killmer and David Lane have each consistently been awarded the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards by Martindale-Hubbell.
Newsed Community Development Civil Rights Award
David Lane was the recipient of the Newsed Community Development Award in 1997.
Shoes of Justice Award, AME Shorter Community
In 2015, Darold Killmer and David Lane were awarded the AME Shorter Community’s Shoes of Justice Award, honoring individuals who have “walked the walk of Justice.”
Southern Center for Human Rights Frederick Douglass Human Rights Award
Each year the Southern Center for Human Rights honors those who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of human rights. In 2007, Darold Killmer was the recipient of the Frederick Douglass Human Rights Award for representation of six Yemeni men detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The firm’s representation of detainees held indefinitely by the United States government is consistent with our mission to defend the rights of our clients against oppressive and illegal government conduct.
Supreme Court of Colorado Pro Bono Award
Killmer Lane has been consistently awarded for its outstanding contribution, service and commitment to pro bono achievement.
Killmer Lane is committed to the promotion and protection of civil rights. We represent clients in various areas of civil rights litigation.
We represent employees and former employees who have suffered illegal treatment at the hands of their employers.
Killmer Lane is consistently recognized by the Colorado Supreme Court and others for its outstanding commitment to representing underdogs, regardless of their ability to pay.
Raquel was absolutely amazing! When she called me to gather my statement pertaining to an employment discrimination inquiry, she was very attentive to my concerns. As I was explaining my situation, she had many follow-up questions to ensure that she understood my situation which gave me confidence that she was listening to me. She has the patience and attentiveness that I really need during this difficult process. This level of professionalism drew me in to express myself confidently. I didn’t feel rushed while talking to her as i can tell she wanted to be as thorough as possible to get my story.
Darold Killmer and his team did amazing work on my case resulting in a mediation settlement exceeding my expectations. They never gave up even though it took longer than I expected. They are trustworthy, provide excellent communications and one of the most respected law firms in Colorado.
Prompt, professional, helpful and thorough … I strongly endorse Killmer Lane. Specifically, I worked Michael Fairhurst. Michael responded quickly and took time to thoroughly explain all of my options. He provided sound and pragmatic advice while working under a tight timeline. His professional and honest communication style provided a calm, reliable viewpoint which made navigating a stressful time much easier. Additionally all of the intake staff and associates were wonderful through the process. Great practice and would happily work with them again.
This law firm is absolutely awesome. There names are well known nation wide! If any one of them are your attorney you’re in good hands. Sit back and relax they got you.
When I contacted Michael, of the firm Killmer Lane, LLP, I was broken. I had been discriminated against, was very ill, and I felt defeated. Michael listened; that was the biggest thing for me. Instantly I felt relief, like someone besides me cared. I received exceptional advice and Michael and my team understood my anger and gently helped me move past that. This firm is extremely knowledgeable on civil rights and all the other areas of law that will support your case … I would recommend Michael Fairhurst, and the rest of the team he works with without any hesitation as attorneys who listen to their clients and follows through to get them the absolute best results.
I had Darold Killmer and Maddie Lips as my attorneys and they were great through the entire process. Articulate, punctual, and thoughtful as well. They really are the best, go with them for employment matters!
Thorough, knowledgeable, compassionate, and great people. I really felt like I had a huge team helping me get justice, and my life back. I am forever grateful for their help.
One of the toughest times in my life was when I found myself needing a civil rights attorney. I was lucky enough to meet attorney Michael Fairhurst with Killmer Lane. If you believe you have been wronged and need someone to be your advocate, Michael is the one to contact at the Western Slope Office. He always made me feel very comfortable with his reassuring and confident demeanor. And more importantly, he is extremely knowledgeable and worked very hard to learn every detail pertaining to my situation. He fought hard, and we won! I would highly recommend his services to anyone!
They stand up for ones rights no matter what.
The best of the best.
There are not enough good words to say about Killmer Lane, and more specifically Darold Killmer. Such an unbelievably honest and caring lawyer – I didn’t even know they made them this way. If they accept your case – they will work hard for you, always be there for you, and ensure you succeed – not only in your case, but personally too. Best place in CO for legal support.
You will not find a finer group of attorneys. They are principled, passionate professionals who are dedicated to fighting for the underdog.