Daniel P.

Gerash
Eric L. Steiner, MD, JD
Alex R. Steiner
GS
& Counselon 3t Law
GERASH
STEINER
Of Counsel:
Walter L. Gerash
Beth L. Krulewitch
Lisa Monet-Wayne
September 15, 2011
Supreme Court Nominating Commission
Chief Justice Michael Bender, Ex Ofticio Chair
101 West Colfax Avenue, Suite 800
Denver, CO 80202
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to highly recommend Frederick T. Martinez for appointment as the
next Colorado Supreme Court Justice. I have known Fred and his family professionally
and personally for nearly twenty-two years. We workcd together as young attorneys at
the Public Defender Denver trial office for a number While at the Public
Defenders' office, we tenaciously worked side by side. However, when Fred went into
private practice we also tbed an attempted first dcgree murder case where he did not
personally receive any direct reward other than the experience ofthe litigation. Even
though Fred was pulled in toward the end of discovery and close to trial, I thought that
Fred was able to identify the key isslies on a relatively quick basis and help mount a
successful defense. He has also enjoyed much success at the appellate level (search and
seizure - People v. Montoya, 828 P.2d 251 (Colo. 1992). I know that he has the respect
and admiration of the criminal defense bar. At the same time, it is my opinion that he has
worked 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 work
he has established himself as a well respected and vigorous defense attorney with Hall &
Evans. As part of his practice, Fred continues to represent attorneys finding themselves
with disciplinary matters before entities created by the Colorado Supreme Court.
I've always known Fred to be one ofthe hardest working and competent attorneys
I know. He always displays the utmost respect to his clients and fellow attorneys under
any and all circumstances. As long as I have known him, Fred always stays abreast with
the latest case law, even in areas of law that differ from the bulk of his practice. I have
had 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 his
composure and patience. His affable personality and style seems much appreciated by
1775 Sherman Street, Suite 1650 Denver, Colorado 80203 303.830.0630 Toll Free 800.965.0630 Fax 303.832.4552
www.gerashsteiner.net
judges, jurors, witnesses and opposing counsel. In fact, a professional witness that I have
worked with for many years who usually testifies against Fred in many of his railroad
cases, 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 diverse
background. Fred grew up in a family without significant means, yet has attained a
tremendous amount of success on his own. He is a loving and committed husband to his
wife Lillian, an environmental engineer and their two beautiful, and now almost grown
children, Gabriel and Elise. His commitment to the legal profession is paralleled only by
his love and commitment to his family and friends.
To conclude, Fred would be an outstanding choice to the Colorado Supreme
Court. In my opinion, he possesses the necessary intellect, experience, trial and people
skills necessary to be an excellent Supreme Court Justice. Fred would bring a vast
amount of reason and fairness to the Court.