BACKGROUND:
Ms. Kramer first joined SGR, LLC in 2006 as a law clerk and remained as an attorney following graduation from law school in 2008. Now a partner, she has engaged in the defense of public entities since the inception of her legal career and has handled cases at both the state and federal levels. She also handles investigations with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Office of Civil Rights and Colorado Civil Rights Division. Her practice emphasizes the representation of school districts, counties, municipalities, and other public entities, as well as associated officials and employees. Her practice includes civil rights claims, constitutional claims, employment litigation, and tort claims, including premises liability. Other areas of emphasis include gender, race, age discrimination, retaliation and ADA litigation. She has tried civil jury cases in state and federal court and argued appeals in both state and federal court. Ms. Kramer has been named a Rising Star from 2016 – 2019 in publications of Colorado Super Lawyers. Her practice group at SGR was ranked as Tier 1 by Best Lawyers for 2019.
PRACTICE AREAS:
- Torts and General Casualty
- Governmental Entity Defense
- Employment Litigation
- Civil Rights Law
- Education Law
LAW SCHOOL:
University of Colorado
Year degree obtained: 2008
Honors: Legal intern to the Honorable Allison Eid of the Colorado Supreme Court; Judicial intern to the Honorable Christina M. Habas of the Second Judicial District of Colorado; Colorado Journal of International Environmental Law and Policy (“CJIELP”), Notes & Comments Editor (2007-2008); University of Colorado Moot Court Team (Second Place at Regionals 2007); David Sutcliffe Memorial Scholarship; Judge Alfred A. Arraj Scholarship.
Publications: Reclaiming Reclamation: The Benefits and Costs of Hard Rock Mining, 19 Colo. J. Int’l Envtl. L. & Pol’y 293 (2008)
UNDERGRADUATE UNIVERSITY AND DEGREE:
University of Colorado at Boulder, B.A.
Year obtained: 2005
Honors: Magna cum laude with Distinction; Leadership Certificate from President’s Leadership Class; Mortar Board; Phi Beta Kappa; Dean’s List.
NOTABLE REPORTED CASES/CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
- Wilk, et al.: Prevailed on summary judgment on claims against a District, its Board and several employees involving the expulsion of a high school student due to concern about potential acts of school violence. This case involved alleged violations of the First Amendment with respect to student speech and expression as well as alleged violations of substantive and procedural due process in the context of school discipline. Ms. Kramer became well-versed in the threat assessment process and national trends associated with same. Following oral argument before Judge Matsch of the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, summary judgment was granted in full and the individual Defendants were granted qualified immunity.
- Dock: Successfully defended a premises liability claim, resulting in dismissal based on Plaintiff’s failure to comply with the notice provision of the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act. Following extensive discovery and a full Trinity evidentiary hearing, the Court granted the motion to dismiss and awarded defense fees and costs.
- Long: Successfully briefed a complex motion to dismiss based on a lack of waiver of immunity under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act. Participated in a two day Trinity evidentiary hearing after which the Court granted the motion to dismiss and awarded defense fees and costs.
- Sperry: Summary judgment on multiple claims, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. Oral argument before Judge Matsch of the United States District Court for the District of Colorado and a panel of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld dismissal of the case.
- Lindhurst: Successfully briefed a motion to dismiss based on a lack of waiver of immunity under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act. Full-day Trinity evidentiary hearing after which the Court awarded defense fees and costs.
- Kisskalt: Successful motion for summary judgment and award of costs concerning an excessive force claim against a police officer.
- Chafin: Successful motion for summary judgment on multiple claims and successful motion to stay various discovery pending resolution of same.
- Loveland: Successful motion to dismiss based on lack of a dangerous condition and waiver of immunity under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act. Ms. Kramer handled oral argument before a panel of the Colorado Court of Appeals as well as oral argument before the Colorado Supreme Court. The Colorado Supreme Court affirmed the application of immunity, confirming important aspects of the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act and clarifying the law regarding what constitutes a “dangerous condition” as defined by statute. The Court also awarded defense fees and costs.
- Merrick: Successful motion for summary judgment involving discrimination claims in violation of the ADEA and Title VII, oral argument before Judge Matsch.
PUBLICATIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
Litigating Causation Issues in Title VII Cases. Colorado Defense Lawyers Association; July, 2015
War Stories, Part II: Motions, Hearings and Trial, Working with the Court. Colorado Defense Lawyer’s Association, July, 2016
“I’ve Been Sued?” Panel Discussion with Employment and Civil Rights/Government Tort Groups of Colorado Defense Lawyers Association; December, 2016
Articles for Colorado School Districts Self Insurance Pool: “From Jack’s Amendment to Jack’s Law: An Update on Colorado Law Allowing the Administration of Medical Marijuana in Schools” and “FSLA Rules for Exempt Employees: Minimum Wage Requirements”.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
Faculty of Federal Advocates
Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
Colorado Bar Association
Colorado Association of School Boards
Defense Research Institute (DRI)