DENVER, Colo. — From leading Colorado’s largest judicial district to earning a place among the nation’s top trial lawyers, former 18th Judicial District Attorney John Kellner has been recognized as a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Attorneys in Colorado.
Kellner joined Dan Caplis Law as managing partner in January 2025, bringing decades of courtroom experience, public service leadership, and trial advocacy to the firm’s catastrophic injury and wrongful death practice. His selection to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 highlights a career defined by high-stakes litigation, relentless advocacy, and a commitment to justice.
As the elected District Attorney for Colorado’s 18th Judicial District, the state’s largest judicial district serving more than 1.1 million residents across Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln counties, Kellner built a reputation as one of Colorado’s most respected prosecutors. During his tenure, he led some of the state’s most complex homicide and cold case prosecutions, earning recognition as Colorado Prosecutor of the Year by the Colorado District Attorneys’ Council.
“Whether pursuing justice for crime victims as a prosecutor or fighting for families devastated by catastrophic negligence, John brings an extraordinary level of preparation, integrity, and courtroom skill to every case,” said Dan Caplis, founding partner of Dan Caplis Law.
Since entering private practice, Kellner has already helped secure one of the largest jury verdicts in Colorado history. Working alongside Dan Caplis, he helped obtain a $205 million jury verdict in a wrongful death case involving a six-year-old girl killed on an amusement park ride, demonstrating the same trial-ready approach that defined his public service career.
The National Trial Lawyers is an invitation-only professional organization composed of premier trial attorneys from across the United States. Membership in the Top 100 is extended through a multi-phase selection process that includes peer nominations and independent research, recognizing attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership within the legal profession.
About Dan Caplis Law
Dan Caplis Law is a Colorado-based personal injury law firm representing clients throughout Colorado in cases involving brain injuries, car crashes, trucking accidents, catastrophic injuries, premises liability, wrongful death, and other serious injury matters.