Glendon L. Laird
GLENDON L. LAIRD is Of Counsel in the Colorado Office of McElroy Deutsch. After obtaining his J.D., Mr. Laird served as Judicial Clerk to the Honorable Fred M. Winner, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado 1977-1978. He has been in private practice as a trial lawyer continuously since 1978, primarily in Colorado courts, but also appearing in Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona state and federal courts pro hac vice. Following his clerkship with U.S.D.C. Judge Fred M. Winner, Mr. Laird began his litigation career with the Denver firm of White and Steele, PC. Mr. Laird left White and Steele after more than 30 years as a Shareholder in 2009 to join McElroy Deutsch as a Partner.
Mr. Laird was nominated and elected as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. This membership requires extensive jury trial experience, a determination of high personal character and honorable reputation.
Mr. Laird is a member of the Colorado Bar Association, Co-Chair of the Legal Fee Dispute Arbitration Committee (2013-2021), Colorado Bar Association, the Denver Bar Association, the Colorado Defense Lawyer’s Association, the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), and is a fellow by invitation of the Board of Trustees of the Colorado Bar Foundation.
Mr. Laird has tried before juries to verdict cases involving wrongful death, catastrophic personal injury and significant business and property loss claims. He has tried cases involving product liability, construction defect, structural failure and collapse, professional malpractice (including insurance agent and broker cases), automobile and trucking accidents, ski injury cases, has tried to jury verdict child molestation, property damage and personal injury cases involving explosions and fire, as well as premises liability claims. Mr. Laird has represented manufacturers in product liability cases including component part manufacturers and manufacturers/distributors involved in toxic tort claims. Mr. Laird was recognized in Vol. 13 Issue 37 of DRI's Magazine, The Voice, for his victory in obtaining summary judgment on behalf of his client in connection with catastrophic fire at a hydroelectric facility resulting in five deaths. On appeal, Mr. Laird successfully defended the trial court's Order granting summary judgment at the Colorado Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court. Mr. Laird also has secured a significant number of orders of dismissal and for summary judgment in favor of his clients.
Mr. Laird has more than 44-years’ experience representing individuals and corporations in a diverse range of claims. These include, by way of example, construction related matters for developers and contractors, professional malpractice cases and licensing matters involving attorneys, agents, brokers, engineers, architects, accountants, medical doctors and hospitals, recreational claims involving skiing, rafting, climbing and equine activities, product liability claims, toxic exposure matters including asbestos exposure, land use disputes, commercial carrier and auto liability claims, premises liability claims, and industrial accident claims.
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated (2023) - Martindale-Hubbell's highest peer rating standard. This is 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. A description of the standard or methodology on which the accolade is based can be found HERE (No aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court).
- Listed in Super Lawyers® (2006-2008, 2010-2019), a Thomson Reuters business, in the areas of Professional Liability: Defense, Construction Litigation: Business and Civil Litigation: Defense. A description of the standard or methodology on which the accolade is based can be found HERE (No aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court).
- Listed in Best Lawyers® (2024), a Woodward/White, Inc. business and partners with U.S. News & World Report, in the area of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. A description of the standard or methodology on which the accolade is based can be found HERE (No aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court).
Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances
PUBLISHED
- Kohnen v. Safeway Stores, Inc., 761 P.2d 231 (Colo. App.);
- Martinez v. Badis, 842 P.2d 245 (Colo.);
- General Electric Co. v. Niemet, 866 P.2d 1361 (Colo.);
- Dewey v. Hardy, 917 P.2d 305 (Colo. App.);
- Graven v. Vail Associates, 909 P.2d 514 (Colo.);
- Sports Racing Services, Inc. v. Sports Car Club of America, 131 F.3d 874 (10th Cir.);
- Vikell Investors Pacific, Inc. v. Kip Hampden, Ltd., 946 P.2d 589 (Colo. App.). Lead trial counsel for defendant.
- Bayer v. Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Inc., 960 P.2d 70 (Colo.);
- Doering v. Copper Mountain, Inc., 259 F.3d 1202 (10th Cir.). Lead trial counsel for defendant.
- Ford v. Summertree Lane L.L.C., 56 P.3d 1206 (Colo. App.);
- Hoang v. Arbess, 80 P.3d 863 (Colo. App.)
RECENT APPELLATE OPINIONS
- Begley & Hirsch Revocable Trust v. Ireson, 490 P.3d 963 (2020) Legal malpractice matter in which a motion to dismiss was granted and then reversed by the Colorado Court of Appeals. Following return to the trial court a motion for summary judgment was granted and affirmed on appeal including an award of costs.
- The Vail Spa Condominium Association and State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. v. Associated Fire Sprinkler System, Inc., AAA Insulation, LLC, and Shirmer Engineering Corp. Vail Spa sought $4.7 million and State Farm Fire & Casualty Company $1 million for fire damage which occurred during a fire system upgrade. Defense verdict for client AAA Insulation. Defendant AAA awarded costs following affirmation of the verdict by the Court of Appeals. (August 2008).
- Mitchell v. Classic Homes, Ltd. Construction defect claim against Classic Homes. Final demand prior to trial and during trial $175,000. Offer from client, the defendant $50,000 plus completion of repairs. Jury verdict for the defendant and against plaintiff.
- Union Pacific Insurance Co. v. Dora L. Blaylock and Republic Parking System. This matter involved the collision of an airplane and a bus at the Denver International Airport. Plaintiff sought $44,000 against client the defendant. Offer was made to settle the case by our client in the amount $26,400. The jury returned a defense verdict.
- City of Steamboat Springs v. Vintage Construction Co. Our client constructed the Howleson Lodge which collapsed. The demands by the plaintiff were in excess of $700,000. The jury returned a verdict in favor of client, Vintage Construction, and against the plaintiff and we were awarded costs.
- Jacques v. Merit Electric, Inc. The case involved a traumatic amputation of the plaintiff’s fingers. The demand prior to trial was $50,000. A $1 offer of settlement was made in the case. The jury determined a verdict in favor of client, the defendant, and against the plaintiff.
- Lawrence v. [engineering defendant], 2014: obtained successive summary judgment resulting in final dismissal of all claims against client.
- Foster et al. v. Structural Integrity Associates, Inc., et al., No. 12CA0402 (Colo. App. Div. 6, 2013) (cert. denied, 2014). Multiple death and personal injury claim arising from an explosion and fire in a power generating facility. Summary judgment granted and upheld on appeal. (Lead counsel.)
- Barnett v. Elite Prop. of America, Inc., 252 P.3d 14 (Colo. App. Div. 2, 2010) (cert. denied). Summary judgment granted in connection with alleged construction defects. (Lead trial counsel.)
GLENDON L. LAIRD is Of Counsel in the Colorado Office of McElroy Deutsch. After obtaining his J.D., Mr. Laird served as Judicial Clerk to the Honorable Fred M. Winner, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado 1977-1978. He has been in private practice as a trial lawyer continuously since 1978, primarily in Colorado courts, but also appearing in Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona state and federal courts pro hac vice. Following his clerkship with U.S.D.C. Judge Fred M. Winner, Mr. Laird began his litigation career with the Denver firm of White and Steele, PC. Mr. Laird left White and Steele after more than 30 years as a Shareholder in 2009 to join McElroy Deutsch as a Partner.
Mr. Laird was nominated and elected as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. This membership requires extensive jury trial experience, a determination of high personal character and honorable reputation.
Mr. Laird is a member of the Colorado Bar Association, Co-Chair of the Legal Fee Dispute Arbitration Committee (2013-2021), Colorado Bar Association, the Denver Bar Association, the Colorado Defense Lawyer’s Association, the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), and is a fellow by invitation of the Board of Trustees of the Colorado Bar Foundation.
Mr. Laird has tried before juries to verdict cases involving wrongful death, catastrophic personal injury and significant business and property loss claims. He has tried cases involving product liability, construction defect, structural failure and collapse, professional malpractice (including insurance agent and broker cases), automobile and trucking accidents, ski injury cases, has tried to jury verdict child molestation, property damage and personal injury cases involving explosions and fire, as well as premises liability claims. Mr. Laird has represented manufacturers in product liability cases including component part manufacturers and manufacturers/distributors involved in toxic tort claims. Mr. Laird was recognized in Vol. 13 Issue 37 of DRI's Magazine, The Voice, for his victory in obtaining summary judgment on behalf of his client in connection with catastrophic fire at a hydroelectric facility resulting in five deaths. On appeal, Mr. Laird successfully defended the trial court's Order granting summary judgment at the Colorado Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court. Mr. Laird also has secured a significant number of orders of dismissal and for summary judgment in favor of his clients.
Mr. Laird has more than 44-years’ experience representing individuals and corporations in a diverse range of claims. These include, by way of example, construction related matters for developers and contractors, professional malpractice cases and licensing matters involving attorneys, agents, brokers, engineers, architects, accountants, medical doctors and hospitals, recreational claims involving skiing, rafting, climbing and equine activities, product liability claims, toxic exposure matters including asbestos exposure, land use disputes, commercial carrier and auto liability claims, premises liability claims, and industrial accident claims.
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated (2023) - Martindale-Hubbell's highest peer rating standard. This is 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. A description of the standard or methodology on which the accolade is based can be found HERE (No aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court).
- Listed in Super Lawyers® (2006-2008, 2010-2019), a Thomson Reuters business, in the areas of Professional Liability: Defense, Construction Litigation: Business and Civil Litigation: Defense. A description of the standard or methodology on which the accolade is based can be found HERE (No aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court).
- Listed in Best Lawyers® (2024), a Woodward/White, Inc. business and partners with U.S. News & World Report, in the area of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. A description of the standard or methodology on which the accolade is based can be found HERE (No aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court).
Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances
PUBLISHED
- Kohnen v. Safeway Stores, Inc., 761 P.2d 231 (Colo. App.);
- Martinez v. Badis, 842 P.2d 245 (Colo.);
- General Electric Co. v. Niemet, 866 P.2d 1361 (Colo.);
- Dewey v. Hardy, 917 P.2d 305 (Colo. App.);
- Graven v. Vail Associates, 909 P.2d 514 (Colo.);
- Sports Racing Services, Inc. v. Sports Car Club of America, 131 F.3d 874 (10th Cir.);
- Vikell Investors Pacific, Inc. v. Kip Hampden, Ltd., 946 P.2d 589 (Colo. App.). Lead trial counsel for defendant.
- Bayer v. Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Inc., 960 P.2d 70 (Colo.);
- Doering v. Copper Mountain, Inc., 259 F.3d 1202 (10th Cir.). Lead trial counsel for defendant.
- Ford v. Summertree Lane L.L.C., 56 P.3d 1206 (Colo. App.);
- Hoang v. Arbess, 80 P.3d 863 (Colo. App.)
RECENT APPELLATE OPINIONS
- Begley & Hirsch Revocable Trust v. Ireson, 490 P.3d 963 (2020) Legal malpractice matter in which a motion to dismiss was granted and then reversed by the Colorado Court of Appeals. Following return to the trial court a motion for summary judgment was granted and affirmed on appeal including an award of costs.
- The Vail Spa Condominium Association and State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. v. Associated Fire Sprinkler System, Inc., AAA Insulation, LLC, and Shirmer Engineering Corp. Vail Spa sought $4.7 million and State Farm Fire & Casualty Company $1 million for fire damage which occurred during a fire system upgrade. Defense verdict for client AAA Insulation. Defendant AAA awarded costs following affirmation of the verdict by the Court of Appeals. (August 2008).
- Mitchell v. Classic Homes, Ltd. Construction defect claim against Classic Homes. Final demand prior to trial and during trial $175,000. Offer from client, the defendant $50,000 plus completion of repairs. Jury verdict for the defendant and against plaintiff.
- Union Pacific Insurance Co. v. Dora L. Blaylock and Republic Parking System. This matter involved the collision of an airplane and a bus at the Denver International Airport. Plaintiff sought $44,000 against client the defendant. Offer was made to settle the case by our client in the amount $26,400. The jury returned a defense verdict.
- City of Steamboat Springs v. Vintage Construction Co. Our client constructed the Howleson Lodge which collapsed. The demands by the plaintiff were in excess of $700,000. The jury returned a verdict in favor of client, Vintage Construction, and against the plaintiff and we were awarded costs.
- Jacques v. Merit Electric, Inc. The case involved a traumatic amputation of the plaintiff’s fingers. The demand prior to trial was $50,000. A $1 offer of settlement was made in the case. The jury determined a verdict in favor of client, the defendant, and against the plaintiff.
- Lawrence v. [engineering defendant], 2014: obtained successive summary judgment resulting in final dismissal of all claims against client.
- Foster et al. v. Structural Integrity Associates, Inc., et al., No. 12CA0402 (Colo. App. Div. 6, 2013) (cert. denied, 2014). Multiple death and personal injury claim arising from an explosion and fire in a power generating facility. Summary judgment granted and upheld on appeal. (Lead counsel.)
- Barnett v. Elite Prop. of America, Inc., 252 P.3d 14 (Colo. App. Div. 2, 2010) (cert. denied). Summary judgment granted in connection with alleged construction defects. (Lead trial counsel.)