David Lane
Partner
dlane@killmerlane.com
David Lane has been a featured lecturer in over 75 continuing legal education seminars throughout the United States, including many national seminars devoted to various aspects of death penalty litigation and civil rights topics. Mr. Lane has spoken extensively and nationally regarding the Colorado method of jury selection in capital cases. He has been on the faculty at the University of Denver and University of Hawaii schools of law and is a frequent lecturer in law schools and in undergraduate colleges on topics involving civil rights. Mr. Lane has been certified by numerous U.S. District Courts for accepting death penalty cases at trial, on appeal, and in post-conviction and has argued before the United States Supreme Court.
Colorado ACLU, Board Member, 1993-1994
Colorado ACLU, Legal Panel Member, 1993-1996
Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association, Board Member, 1994-1998
Amnesty International, Member
National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Member
University of Colorado School of Law, Adjunct Professor of Law, 1988-1995
University of Denver School of Law, 1995-present
Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Jonathan Olom Award for Exceptional Service and Sacrifice, Recipient
Newsed Community Development Civil Rights Award, Recipient
Newsed Community Development Award, Recipient
Center For American and International Law Commitment Award, Recipient
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Colorado Carl Whitehead Award, Recipient
Colorado Trial Lawyer’s Association Case of the Year Award, Recipient
Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council Dan B. Davidson Award, Recipient
David Lane began his career as a public defender in New York City in 1980, representing indigent defendants charged with crimes in Brooklyn. Mr. Lane is currently a partner at Killmer Lane, LLP. He has been in private practice since 1987 practicing both criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Over the course of his career, Mr. Lane has taken approximately 250cases through jury trials in state and federal courts, ranging in length from two-days through months-long, complex trials including civil rights cases, white collar crimes and death penalty cases. He is also very experienced in the appellate arena having argued the First Amendment case of Reichle v. Howards in the United States Supreme Court. He has appeared in numerous state Supreme Courts and many federal appellate courts. Mr. Lane has been certified by numerous federal courts as “learned counsel” for federal death penalty cases. He has been retained by several foreign governments to represent their nationals in serious American criminal cases.
Mr. Lane has also represented numerous individuals in civil rights cases both in the workplace and in many other contexts. His civil rights practice includes many lawsuits against the police, prisons and jails alleging police brutality, lack of medical care and other constitutional violations of human rights. He also represents plaintiffs who are discriminated against in the workplace who have alleged race, age, sex, disability and religious discrimination. Mr. Lane has been an adjunct professor of law at the University of Colorado School of Law, the University of Denver School of Law, and the University of Hawaii School of Law. He has taught Civil Rights Litigation, Trial Advocacy, Professional Responsibility, and Death Penalty Jurisprudence for many years. Mr. Lane has appeared in the national news media countless times as an expert commentator on civil rights and criminal defense issues. He has also received many awards for his work.
University of California, Berkeley School of Law, J.D. 1980
University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, B.A. 1977
United States Supreme Court
Numerous Federal Circuit Courts of Appeal
Colorado Supreme Court
New York Supreme Court
California Supreme Court
Federal District Courts All Over United States
NAACP Legal Defense Fund’s Airlie Conference for death penalty defense attorneys
Numerous bar conferences regarding criminal defense issues
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.
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.
They stand up for ones rights no matter what.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
The best of the best.
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.