John M. Richilano — White Collar Criminal Defense Attorney

Biography

John Richilano has been a trial lawyer for nearly 50 years. He began his career as a trial lawyer for the Colorado State Public Defender from 1976 through 1980, then served as an Assistant Federal Defender for the District of Colorado from 1981 to 1985. After a period with a boutique litigation firm, he opened his own practice in 1989, building on his substantial criminal trial experience until it matured into one of the most sophisticated white collar criminal practices in the Rocky Mountain Region. He has also placed a strong emphasis on complex commercial litigation and attorney discipline defense.

John was lead local counsel for the defense in United States v. Joseph P. Nacchio, an insider trading case against the former CEO and co-chairman of Qwest Communications International, Inc. He has defended a wide range of white collar investigations and indictments, including matters involving environmental crimes, bank fraud, securities fraud, and wire fraud tied to the energy markets. Over the course of his career he has tried roughly 75 court and jury trials in state and federal court.

John has served as President of the Faculty of Federal Advocates (1999–2001), Chair of the U.S. District Court Standing Committee on Conduct (1993–1996), Chair of the Board of Editors for The Colorado Lawyer (1992–1994), and President of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar (1983–1984). He has lectured and published extensively on criminal law and legal ethics.

Recognition

John is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and carries a Band 1 ranking with Chambers and Partners USA in white collar criminal defense. He is the recipient of Best Lawyers' 2010 and 2017 "Lawyer of the Year" honors in White Collar Criminal Defense, and is listed in Best Lawyers in America for white collar and commercial litigation. He has held an AV Martindale-Hubbell rating for more than 20 years, and has been recognized in Colorado Super Lawyers for five years running — including as a top-50 vote getter statewide in four of those five years.

Representative Matters

Successfully defended health care professionals in a variety of criminal investigations and prosecutions, both state and federal, alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act and federal health care program rules.
Successfully defended a transactions lawyer whose client file was subpoenaed by a state grand jury, obtaining a published opinion by the Colorado Supreme Court establishing a higher standard of proof for the crime-fraud exception to the attorney-client privilege.
Successfully defended an insider trading target in an SEC investigation, resulting in no criminal charges or civil enforcement action being brought.
Has represented investors, innovators, and advisors in the cryptocurrency space, defending SEC and grand jury subpoenas.

In Their Words

"Richilano is lauded as a tremendously savvy and experienced criminal defense expert, who 'speaks gently, but knows which buttons to press.' He knows the weakness of the case." Chambers and Partners USA, 2014

"The hard-charging style of John Richilano…was effective. I thought he was really good at what he did." The Denver Post, quoting a juror in United States v. Nacchio

Credentials

Education

Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, J.D., 1975
Marquette University, 1972

Court Admissions

U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado