Darold Killmer

Darold Killmer

Partner
dkillmer@killmerlane.com

Darold Killmer has spent his entire career since becoming a lawyer in 1986 fighting for the constitutional and civil rights of people battling against government or corporate oppression. He has won more civil rights and employment discrimination trials than nearly any lawyer in Colorado and secured substantial settlements on behalf of his clients in hundreds of such cases. While a Senior Trial Attorney at the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, he was Lead Trial Attorney in what was then the largest age discrimination class action in the history of the country, EEOC, et al. v. Martin Marietta Corp., which settled in an amount valued by the federal district court judge at $200 million.

Darold Killmer has spent his entire career since becoming a lawyer in 1986 fighting for the constitutional and civil rights of people battling against government or corporate oppression. He has won more civil rights and employment discrimination trials than nearly any lawyer in Colorado and secured substantial settlements on behalf of his clients in hundreds of such cases. While a Senior Trial Attorney at the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, he was Lead Trial Attorney in what was then the largest age discrimination class action in the history of the country, EEOC, et al. v. Martin Marietta Corp., which settled in an amount valued by the federal district court judge at $200 million.

Mr. Killmer has trained and mentored many of the lawyers now working in the field of civil rights and employment law, and has taught these subjects at law schools, colleges and universities, and in continuing legal educational conferences and seminars. He has made frequent appearances in the media, discussing his cases or various legal issues of interest, and has consistently been recognized by federal and state judges and other members of the legal profession as an expert witness in his areas of legal practice.

The Best Lawyers in America© – 1995-present

  • Civil Rights Law
  • Employment Law – Individuals
  • Litigation – Labor and Employment

Best Lawyers, Colorado

  • Denver’s Best Lawyers, Labor and Employment Law
  • Denver’s Best Lawyers, Civil Rights Law
  • Denver Civil Rights Law “Lawyer of the Year”
  • Denver Employment Law – Individuals “Lawyer of the Year”

Super Lawyers

  • Civil Rights Law and Employment Law
  • Top Rated Civil Rights Lawyer in Denver
  • Selected “Top 50 Lawyers in Colorado”
  • Selected “Top 100 Lawyers in Colorado”

Law Week Colorado, “Lawyers of the Year,” December 2014.

Martindale Hubbell AV-Preeminent Rating® – The highest peer rating standard, given to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers.

American Civil Liberties Union, Carl E. Whitehead Civil Rights Award, 2010.

Southern Center for Human Rights, Frederick Douglass Human Rights Award (Recognition for pro bono representation of persons detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba), 2007.

Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award, 2018

Shorter Community AME Church, Shoes of Justice Award, 2015

Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, Access to Justice Award, 2010 (Award honoring “perseverance, courage and character shown over and over in cases of extraordinary circumstances”

Colorado Trial Lawyers Association – Case of the Year Award Finalist, multiple years:

  • 2010 – Timothy Masters v. Gilmore, et al: Lawsuit brought on behalf of a wrongfully prosecuted and imprisoned man alleging violation of constitutional rights. Case resulted in settlement of $10,000,000 against the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, and their officials.
  • 2010 – For pro bono representation of men imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
  • 2009 – Hall v. Zavaras, et al: Case against the Colorado Department of Corrections for the sexual assault of an incarcerated woman by a guard.
  • 2008 – Rice v. City of Denver, et al: For the death of a young woman who was denied medical care while in the Denver jail.
  • 2007 – Bonner, et al. v. City of Aurora, et al: Case against the City of Aurora, Colorado for the police shooting and killing of an unarmed black man.

Colorado Supreme Court – Pro Bono Legal Services Recognition.

  • Recognizing firms who provide substantial pro bono services primarily for indigent persons and/or organizations that serve indigent persons

University of Denver College of Law, Adjunct Professor of Law

College of Labor & Employment Lawyers, Fellow

National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA), Faculty

National Employment Lawyers Association, Colorado Chapter (PELA)

  • Co-President, 1990; Board of Directors, 1998-2017

Colorado Plaintiffs Employment Lawyers Association, Exceptional Service Award, 2016

Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, Trial Talk Magazine

  • Employment Law Editor, 1989 – 2014
  • Civil Rights & Constitutional Law Editor, 1993 – 2014

University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, J.D. 1986

University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, B.S. 1983

United States Supreme Court

Colorado Supreme Court

Wyoming Supreme Court

United States Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

United States District Court, District of Colorado

Faces of Guantanamo: Indefinite Detention, Center for Constitutional Rights, 2012 (Contributing author)

Ramadan at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, FRONT RANGE MUSLIM NEWS, October 2011

A Tortured Voice From Guantanamo, DENVER POST, May 31, 2009

Violence Against Women Act: A Civil Rights Tool Allowing Victims of Gender Motivated Crime to Strike Back, THE COLORADO LAWYER, September 1999 (Co-author)

Violence Against Women Act: Valuable But Little-Known Civil Rights Statute Provides Necessary Remedies for Gender-Motivated Violence, TRIAL TALK, September 1997, pp. 12-14

Binding Arbitration as the Exclusive Forum For Addressing Sexual Harassment Claims: A Further Erosion of Rights For the Victim, TRIAL TALK, September 1997, pp. 6-11

The Tentacles of Batson: The Supreme Court Prohibits Peremptory Challenges on the Basis of Gender, TRIAL TALK, November 1994, pp. 20-22

Survey of Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing, with Lynn D. Feiger, Jeffrey Hyman and Sean Carman, 1991 WILEY EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE, Henry H. Perritt, Jr., ed., Wiley Publications, New York, pp. 269-309

Denver Jury Awards Three Former Employees $990,000.00 Against Utility Company for Wrongful Discharge, TRIAL TALK, February 1990, pp. 33-34

Federal Judges Define Scope of Civil Rights Statute, TRIAL TALK, March 1990, pp. 73-74

Emerging Employment Torts and Their Application: Defamation/Self-Publication, Negligent Misrepresentation, and Intentional Interference with Contract, Lynn D. Feiger, Co-Author

  • Paper presented to Committee on Employee Rights and Responsibilities, American Bar Association Section of Labor & Employment Law (March 1989)

“Guantanamo Bay: The Failure of all Three Branches of Government,” South Asian Bar Association of North America, Leadership Retreat, October 5, 2013

“Effective Deposition Strategies and Techniques for Adverse Witnesses,” National Employment Lawyers Association National Convention, San Diego, CA, June 2012

“Attorney-Client Privilege Issues in Employment Law,” Colorado Bar Association Employment Law Conference, Denver, Colorado, May 3-4, 2012

“Guantanamo Bay after Ten Years – Where Have We Been, Where Are We Going?” National Lawyers Guild, Denver, Colorado, April 18, 2012

“Civil Rights Law,” Aspen Academy, Greenwood Village, Colorado, April 3, 2012

“Guantanamo Bay – Ten Years and Counting,” Washington, D.C., January 10, 2012

“Racism in the 21st Century,” National Association of Human Rights Workers, 64th Annual National Conference, Aurora, Colorado, September 21, 2011

“Police Brutality and Municipal Responses,” Sturm College of Law, Denver University, November 4, 2010<

“Best Practices: Depositions in Employment Litigation,” National Employment Lawyers Association Annual National Convention, Washington, D.C., June 2010.

“Bringing and Defending Section 1983 and Other Civil Rights Claims against the Government,” Colorado Bar Association Employment Law Conference, Denver, Colorado, May 2010

“Pointers and Pitfalls in Civil Rights Litigation,” Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, Annual Convention, Steamboat, Colorado, August 2009

“Deposition Goals and Strategies in Employment Cases,” National Employment Lawyers Association, Denver, Colorado, March 2009

“Strategies for Confronting Adverse Witnesses,” Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, Annual Convention, Snowmass, Colorado, August 2008<

“Strategies for Confronting Adverse Witnesses: Putting the Corporate Executive on the Stand,”  National Employment Lawyers Association, Washington D.C., March 8, 2008

“Media Relations in High Profile Cases,” Faculty of Federal Advocates, U.S. District Court, District of Colorado, December 6, 2007

“First Amendment Claims in the Workplace,” Plaintiffs Employment Lawyers Association, Annual Retreat, Genesee, Colorado, August 25, 2006

“In the Trenches: Trends and Developments in Discovery and Trial Practice,” Colorado Bar Association, Denver, CO, June 23, 2006

“Employment Claims Against Public Entities Under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983,” Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, Denver, CO, December 2, 2005

“Hot Topics in Employment Law,” Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association, November 17, 2005

“Assessing and Calculating Damages,” Colorado Bar Association, Denver, Colorado, April 21, 2005

Chair, Employment Law Program, Colorado Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, Snowmass, Colorado, August 11-14, 2005

“The First Amendment and Free Speech in Schools,” Littleton Academy, April 8, 2005.

“Employment Law Claims Under Title 42 U.S.C. Section 1983,” Lorman Legal Seminars, Executive Tower Hotel, Denver, Colorado, December 10, 2004

“Tips for an Effective Cross Examination,” Colorado Bar Association 2004 Annual Employment Law Conference, Denver, Colorado, October 14, 2004

“The Do’s and Dont’s of Discovery Practice,” Colorado Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, Steamboat, Colorado, August 13, 2004

“Litigating Civil Rights Cases in the Real World,” University of Colorado School of Law, February 26, 2004

“Trial of the Employment Law Case – Mock Jury Presentation,” Colorado Bar Association, Employment Law Program, October 24, 2003

“Mediating Employment Law Cases – Mock Mediation,” Denver, Colorado, September 9, 2003

“Civil Rights in the Workplace in the 21st Century,” Denver University College of Law, October 10, 2002

“Mediating Legal Disputes in the Employment Setting,” International Academy of Mediators, Boulder, Colorado May 3, 2002

“The Use and Abuse of Protective Orders and Confidentiality Clauses,” Adam’s Mark Hotel, Denver, CO, December 14, 2000; Red Lion Hotel, August 15, 2002; Executive Tower Hotel, February 4, 2004

“How Juries Decide Employment Cases,” Colorado Bar Association Employment Law Program, Denver, CO  November 30, 2000; October 3, 2002

“Lessons From the Pros – Leading the Jury to Favor Your Client,” Colorado Bar Association Annual Employment Law Conference, March 8-9, 2001

“Obtaining Larger Verdicts In Employment Cases,” Colorado Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, August 12, 2000

“False Claims, Whistleblowing & Civil RICO,” Institute for Advanced Legal Studies, Denver University, May 22, 1998

“The New EEOC Regulations Regarding Psychiatric and Mental Disabilities,” Institute for Advanced Legal Studies, Denver University, December 9, 1997

“The Violence Against Women Act of 1994 – An Opportunity to Fight Back,” Denver University School of Law, Student Symposium, November 25, 1997

“42 U.S.C. Section 1983 and the Bad Faith of Self-Insured Governmental Agencies,” Colorado Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, July 1997

Instructor/Faculty, Second Annual Rocky Mountain Child Advocacy Training Institute, National Institute of Trial Advocacy, May 18-20, 1997

“How to Terminate Employees and Avoid Legal Liability,” The Cambridge Institute, April, 1992, September 1993, April 1994, May 1995, April 1996, April 1997, April 1998

“Trouble in the Workplace: Fixing Problems Before They Escalate,” The Institute for Advanced Legal Studies, University of Denver College of Law, February 29, 1996

“Through the Looking Glass: An Insider’s View of the EEOC,” Colorado Bar Association Labor Law Committee Forum, February 1996

“How to Handle Discovery, Expert Witnesses and Damages Issues Under the Americans With Disabilities Act,” Colorado Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, August 1996

“Hispanic Bar Association Advocacy Training Program,” National Institute of Trial Advocacy, November 1-2, 1996

“Trial Skills Workshop,” Instructor/Faculty, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Washington, D.C., July 9-14, 1995

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, TAPS Seminars, Recent Updates and Developments Within the EEOC and Discrimination Law, August 16, 1995; Compensatory and Punitive Damages in Employment Discrimination Cases, 1999

“The Federal False Claims Act,” Colorado Bar Association Labor Law Committee Forum, 1994

“Employment Law – Developments in the Law, Analysis of Verdicts and Settlements, and Alternative Dispute Resolution,” Judicial Arbiter Group, Inc., May 1993

“What Every Employer Should Know About the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Cambridge Institute, January 1991, April 1992, April 1993, May 1994

“Hot Topics in Employment Law,” Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, November 20, 1992

“Sexual Harassment – Legal Status and Developments,” Doyle’s Inns of Court, January, 1992

“The Americans with Disabilities Act,” National Restaurant Association Risk Management National Meeting, August 1-3, 1991, Colorado Springs, Colorado

“What Every Employer Needs to Know About the American with Disabilities Act,” Rose Medical Center, June 19, 1991, Denver, Colorado

“A Topic of Some Interest on Employment Verdicts,” Presentation to Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association, February 16, 1990

“The Impact of the Supreme Court’s 1988-89 Term on Employment Discrimination Law,” Presentation to the Labor Law Forum Committee, Colorado Bar Association, October 12, 1989

“Affirmative Action After Martin v. Wilks (the Birmingham Firefighters Case),” Presentation to Local Government Committee, Colorado Bar Association, July 19, 1989

“Drug Testing and Civil Liberties,” Bi-centennial of Bill of Rights Seminars, presented May 11, 1989 and May 24, 1989, Denver Public Schools

“Negligence Claims in Employment Cases: The Next Frontier?” Presentation to Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association, May 27, 1988

Killmer Lane

OUR ATTORNEYS

Killmer Lane, LLP offers a passionate group of lawyers with many years of experience. All of our attorneys emphasize representing people to ensure that their important legal rights are protected in the courts, the workplace, and in our society.

Darold Killmer

Darold Killmer

Partner

David Lane

David Lane

Partner

Michael Fairhurst

Michael Fairhurst

Partner

Liana Gerstle Orshan

Liana Orshan

Partner

Reid Allison

Reid Allison

Partner

Maddie Lips

Maddie Lips

Associate

Tom Kelley

Tom Kelley

Of Counsel

Quote
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.
June L.
The best of the best.
La G.

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!

Jeanne S.
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.
Michelle R.
They stand up for ones rights no matter what.
Gale R.

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.

Kd K.

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.

Dustin H.

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.

Keshia

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.

Brian S.

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.

Heather R.

You will not find a finer group of attorneys. They are principled, passionate professionals who are dedicated to fighting for the underdog.

Jim S.

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!

Kate M.

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