Special Counsel
A key member of the Foster Graham criminal defense practice, Ms. Marks has successfully tried and defended adult and juvenile criminal matters, including first and second-degree murder, sexual assault, domestic violence, fraud, armed robbery, DUI and felony drug cases, among others. Her passion for practice is clear; guilty or innocent – every individual deserves a voice and a zealous advocate, particularly when accused of crimes that may jeopardize his or her freedom, livelihood, and family.
Recognized this year by the National Trial Lawyers’ Association as a member of the top “Forty Under Forty” national trial attorneys for her outstanding work in the courtroom, her list of noteworthy accolades do not stop there. 5280 Magazine recently announced that Ms. Marks has been named Colorado Superlawyer – Rising Star for 2012. This distinction brings with it the recognition of being named the top 5% of practicing attorneys in the state of Colorado. Ms. Marks serves and/or has served on multiple leadership boards in the community, including Rose Community Foundation’s “Roots and Branches”, the Anti-Defation League’s “Glass Partners in Leadership Program”, the “President’s Leadership Circle” of the Young American’s Bank and most recently, the joint University of Colorado/Boulder District Attorney’s Task Force. Ms. Marks is passionate about and has volunteered significant time toward educating young people, parents and educators alike about the pitfalls of the criminal judicial system. Ms. Marks is well known in the Denver metro area for a series of workshops she routinely gives to student and community organizations about the juvenile criminal justice system.
Ms. Marks pairs her work in criminal defense litigation with a business background. Prior to graduating from the top ranked University of Virginia Law School, Lara worked for Accenture Consulting, one of the country’s “Big 6” consulting firms. As a consultant in financial and accounting business processes, Lara helped Fortune 500 clients undergoing organizational change to streamline their business processes, cope with transition and identify opportunities for success in a restructured environment. Her business background, along with her top tier education in law, has allowed her to expand her expertise to handle breach of contract disputes, copyright infringement litigation, franchising, trademark and copyright matters, Title VII and EEOC disputes, and bankruptcy litigation.
Education
- University of Virginia School of Law, Juris Doctor
- University of Colorado Boulder B.S. in Business Administration, cum laude
Recent Awards, Recognition and Courtroom Achievements:
- 2012: National Trial Lawyer’s Association, named one of “Forty Under Forty” trial lawyers
- 2012: Colorado SuperLawyers, Rising Star (Criminal Defense and Civil Rights Litigation)
- Successfully defended United States Air Force Cadet in sexual assault trial – (2011)
- Successfully defended Denver police officer in false reporting trial – 15 minute acquittal (2011)
- Successfully represented client in sexual assault case – dismissed prior to trial (2011)
- Successfully represented client in felony menacing case – dismissed prior to trial (2011)
- Successfully represented client in domestic violence (assault) case – dismissed prior to trial (2012)
Professional Memberships and Affiliations
- Colorado Bar Association
- Colorado Womens’ Bar Association
- Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
Practice Areas
- Criminal Defense
- Civil Rights Litigation
Community Involvement
- University of Colorado, Boulder CU/DA Task Force for Student Athletes
- Anti-Defamation League Glass Partners-in-Leadership Institute
- Colorado Women’s Bar Association, Judicial Committee
- Cherry Creek High School Mock Trial Team, Coach
- Allied Jewish Federation, Committee Co-Chair
- Young Americans Bank, Alumni Board & Young Ameritown Volunteer
- Holocaust Awareness Institute, Speaker
- Rose Community Foundation – Roots and Branches Board