8/3/2019 Gerash
1/2
Daniel P. GerashEric L. Steiner, MD, JDAlex R. Steiner
GSA t t o r n e ~ ' s & Counselon 3t Law
GERASHSTEINEROf Counsel:Walter L. GerasBeth L. KrulewiLisa
Monet-Way
September 15, 2011
Supreme Court Nominating CommissionChiefJustice Michael Bender,
Ex Ofticio Chair101 West Colfax Avenue, Suite 800Denver, CO 80202To
Whom ItMay Concern:
I am writing to highly recommend Frederick T. Martinez for
appointment as thenext Colorado Supreme Court Justice. I have known
Fred and his family professionallyand personally for nearly
twenty-two years. We workcd together as young attorneys atthe
Public Defender Denver trial office for a number o f y ~ a r s .
While at the PublicDefenders' office, we tenaciously worked side by
side. However, when Fred went intoprivate practice we also tbed an
attempted first dcgree murder case where he did notpersonally
receive any direct reward other than the experience of the
litigation. Eventhough Fred was pulled in toward the end of
discovery and close to trial, I thought thatFred was able to
identify the key isslies on a relatively quick basis and help mount
asuccessful defense. He has also enjoyed much success at the
appellate level (search andseizure - People v. Montoya, 828 P.2d
251 (Colo. 1992). I know that he has the respectand admiration of
the criminal defense bar. At the same time, it is my opinion that
he hasworked to establish credibility with prosecutors and judges
alike.Fred has continued to grow since his tenure with the Public
Defenders Office.When Fred left the Public Defenders' Office to
practice civil and railroad defense workhe has established
himselfas a well respected and vigorous defense attorney with Hall
&Evans. As part of his practice, Fred continues to represent
attorneys finding themselveswith disciplinary matters before
entities created by the Colorado Supreme Court.I've always known
Fred to be one of the hardest working and competent attorneysI
know. He always displays the utmost respect to his clients and
fellow attorneys underany and all circumstances. As long as I have
known him, Fred always stays abreast withthe latest case law, even
in areas of law that differ from the bulk of his practice. I
havehad many occasions to pick his brain over a variety of issues
thathave come up in my
O,",TI practice over the- years'. . ,: .Besides his sharp
intellect, Fred's main attributes in a courtroom are hiscomposure
and patience. His affable personality and style seems much
appreciated by
1775 Sherman Street, Sui te 1650 Denver, Colorado 80203
303.830.0630 Toll Free 800.965.0630 Fax
303.832.4552www.gerashsteiner.net
8/3/2019 Gerash
2/2
judges, jurors, witnesses and opposing counsel. In fact, a
professional witness that I haveworked with for many years who
usually testifies against Fred in many of his railroadcases,
frequently attests to his professionalism and honesty in the heat
of battle.
In addition to his legal skills, Fred would enrich the court
with his diversebackground. Fred grew up in a family without
significant means, yet has attained atremendous amount of success
on his own. He is a loving and committed husband to hiswife
Lillian, an environmental engineer and their two beautiful, and now
almost grownchildren, Gabriel and Elise. His commitment to the
legal profession is paralleled only byhis love and commitment to
his family and friends.
To conclude, Fred would be an outstanding choice to the Colorado
SupremeCourt. In my opinion, he possesses the necessary intellect,
experience, trial and peopleskills necessary to be an excellent
Supreme Court Justice. Fred would bring a vastamount of reason and
fairness to the Court.
