Laurin D. Quiat

He | Him | His

Partner

Denver
T +1.303.764.4136
F +1.303.861.7805

Overview

Laurin Quiat serves as BakerHostetler’s nationwide construction team leader, as well as managing partner and Litigation Leader of the firm’s Denver office. Laurin’s prominence as a litigator in the areas of construction, products liability, commercial and intellectual property reflects an impressive record of achievement. Laurin has tried more than 100 cases to verdict, guiding clients to favorable conclusions in matters that ranged from a multi-week, wrongful death trial against an industrial products manufacturer to high-stakes corporate actions involving million-dollar businesses.

His skill in the courtroom even created legal precedent. Laurin’s representation of a manufacturer of an alleged defectively designed steering cable system not only led to a defense verdict on all issues, it also established that juries must be instructed in accordance with the more manufacturer-friendly, risk-benefit test only when a case involves primarily technical and scientific information.

Laurin’s leadership and success gains notice. For nearly a decade, he has led the firm's national Litigation Training Program. Additionally, among other honors, he has been ranked as a Colorado “Super Lawyer” for the past eight years. However, client satisfaction is his greatest reward. Laurin is a firm advocate of his clients’ positions, and is well-versed in his clients' business operations and the tax consequences that result from the resolution of litigation.

Select Experience

  • Represented the owner of a Las Vegas resort in a project involving damages of more than $100 million. Pursued several specialty subcontractors, including the electrical and drywall subcontractors, for their delay and substandard performance. After several years of investigations and depositions, Laurin and his team secured multimillion-dollar settlements with each of the subcontractors and their insurance carriers.
  • Represented the manufacturer of an alleged defectively designed and unreasonably dangerous steering cable system in a multiweek jury trial in Colorado's federal court, obtaining a defense verdict on all issues. The decision, affirmed by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, established new legal precedent, in which the jury will be instructed in accordance with the more manufacturer-friendly risk-benefit test only when a case involves primarily technical and scientific information.
  • Represented the manufacturer of industrial products in a multi-week, wrongful death trial in Nevada. Obtained a complete defense verdict on all claims against the client.
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Experience

  • Represented the owner of a Las Vegas resort in a project involving damages of more than $100 million. Pursued several specialty subcontractors, including the electrical and drywall subcontractors, for their delay and substandard performance. After several years of investigations and depositions, Laurin and his team secured multimillion-dollar settlements with each of the subcontractors and their insurance carriers.
  • Represented the manufacturer of an alleged defectively designed and unreasonably dangerous steering cable system in a multiweek jury trial in Colorado's federal court, obtaining a defense verdict on all issues. The decision, affirmed by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, established new legal precedent, in which the jury will be instructed in accordance with the more manufacturer-friendly risk-benefit test only when a case involves primarily technical and scientific information.
  • Represented the manufacturer of industrial products in a multi-week, wrongful death trial in Nevada. Obtained a complete defense verdict on all claims against the client.
  • Represented a drilling and oil services company against claims by an oil and gas company in a case alleging breach of lease, early termination fees and improper performance under several oil and gas drilling contracts. Laurin and his team convinced the jury that the contract under which the corporations were operating was improperly constructed, securing a multimillion-dollar victory for the drilling company.
  • Represented large mechanical contractor in multi-week jury trial over claims relating to a wind turbine facility that resulted in client being awarded substantial damages.
  • Represented specialty software design firm in claims for breach of contract and infringement, and defending against counterclaims for multiple business torts. After multi-week jury trial client was awarded multimillion-dollar verdict.
  • Represented an exercise and rehabilitation product manufacturer in Las Vegas defense court against claims that a defective device caused plaintiff's personal injuries. Obtained a complete defense verdict on all claims against client.
  • Represented national appraisal firm in multi-week jury trial in Colorado against claims of alleged appraiser fraud, negligence and conspiracy. Obtained client-friendly resolution at the close of plaintiffs' case.
  • Represented multiple clients in defense of claims brought under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act.
  • Represents modular home manufacturers against multimillion-dollar claims.
  • Represents clients in trademark infringement and Lanham Act claims involving competing apps and websites.
  • Represented many clients in complex divorce actions involving multiple million-dollar businesses, family partnerships and real estate trusts. 

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • The Legal 500 United States (2016 to 2019)
    • Recommended in Real Estate - Construction (Including Construction Litigation)
  • The Best Lawyers in America® 
    • Colorado: Commercial Litigation (2023)
    • Colorado: Construction Law (2017 to Present)
    • Colorado: Litigation - Construction (2015 to Present)
  • Colorado "Super Lawyer" (2009, 2012 to 2023)
  • Law Week Colorado 
    • "Best Construction Defects Lawyer for Defendants" (2019)
    • "Barrister's Best Overall Litigator" (2012)
  • Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent

Memberships

  • American Bar Association: Forum Committee on the Construction Industry
  • Colorado Bar Association: Construction Law Committee

News

News

Community

  • Colorado Special Olympics
    • Chairman of the Board (2019 to 2020)
    • Board of Directors (2013 to 2020)
    • Finance Committee: Chair (2015 to 2017)

Prior Positions

  • BakerHostetler: Denver office Litigation Coordinator

Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit, 1985
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit, 2000
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit, 1985
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado, 1986
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 2004
  • Colorado, 1985

Education

  • J.D., University of Miami School of Law, 1984, cum laude
  • B.A., Franklin & Marshall College, 1981