Special Counsel
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Christian Griffin is an accomplished litigator known for his passionate courtroom advocacy and tireless dedication to pursuing justice for his clients. With a practice focused on criminal defense and civil rights, Christian brings a unique combination of trial expertise and client-centered representation to every case he handles.

Before re-joining Caplan & Earnest in 2026, Christian founded Christian Griffin Law, where he focused exclusively on criminal defense and plaintiffs’ civil rights cases. His work earned significant recognition, including for a $3.41 million federal jury verdict in Franco v. City of Boulder — among the top 20 verdicts in Colorado in 2021 — a case in which he partnered with Caplan & Earnest attorney Gwyn Whalen to represent a client whose constitutional rights had been violated by Boulder Police Officers after a call for welfare check.

Christian also previously worked as a civil litigation associate at Caplan & Earnest; a deputy state public defender with the Colorado State Public Defender’s Office, achieving an undefeated jury trial record and receiving the ACLU of Colorado’s Civil Rights in Action Award; and a law clerk for then-Judge Whalen in Boulder District Court.

His commitment to justice stems from his extensive litigation experience on behalf of marginalized clients, his educational background in both law and social work, and his religious beliefs regarding human dignity.

Outside of work, Christian enjoys reading, running, watching movies, drinking wine, and hanging out with his dog, Boo Bear.

Education

• University of Denver Sturm College of Law, J.D.
• Loyola University Chicago, M.S.W.
• Wheaton College, B.A. in Psychology

Admissions

• Colorado State Bar
• United States District Court for the District of Colorado
• Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

Awards

• Colorado Super Lawyer, Civil Rights, 2026
• Top 20 Verdicts in Colorado, Franco v. City of Boulder, 2021
• Colorado Independent’s Righteous Whistleblower Award, 2015
• ACLU of Colorado’s Civil Rights in Action Award, 2014
• Finalist, Statewide Public Defender of the Year, 2012 & 2013