David S. Kaplan

David S. Kaplan is senior counsel at Stimson LaBranche Hubbard, bringing more than four decades of experience in criminal defense. He represents clients in complex criminal matters in both state and federal courts, including violent crime and white collar defense. Kaplan also defends attorneys in disciplinary actions, professionals in licensing disputes, and students in academic disciplinary proceedings.

Kaplan earned his J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and his B.A. from the University of Colorado. His legal education, combined with extensive courtroom experience, has equipped him to handle high-stakes litigation and provide strategic defense in complex cases.

Kaplan began his career as a Deputy State Public Defender in Denver before entering private practice as a partner in Pozner and Kaplan, and later at Holland, Kaplan, and Pagliuca. In 2000, he was appointed Colorado State Public Defender, leading one of the nation’s top indigent defense systems. He later became a partner at Haddon, Morgan, and Foreman before joining Stimson LaBranche Hubbard in 2021.

Kaplan has a long history of leadership in the legal community, including serving as past president of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar and holding key roles with the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice and multiple public defender commissions. He has lectured extensively on trial tactics and criminal defense issues and has trained attorneys through faculty positions and professional programs.

David S. Kaplan’s professional service includes membership in the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the American Bar Association, and the ACLU of Colorado. Recognized in Best Lawyers in America since 2015 for Non-White Collar Criminal Defense, Kaplan continues to advocate vigorously for the rights of the accused while contributing to the advancement of criminal justice in Colorado.

Law Office Affiliations

• Senior Counsel, Stimson LaBranche Hubbard, LLC
• Former President, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Legislative Coordinator, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Colorado
• Member, Denver Drug Court Advisory Committee, Probation Subcommittee
• Board of Directors, American Civil Liberties Union, Colorado
• Chair of the Denver Subcommittee, American Bar Association, Criminal Litigation Committee
• Board of Governors, Colorado Bar Association
• Chairman, Legislative Action Committee

Licensed State

• Colorado

Education

• University of Denver Sturm College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Colorado
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges