Riding Off Into The Mountains

Dan Recht, Notable Attorney and Bon Vivant, Retires From Law

By Cara DeGette

Editor, GPHN

Dan Recht, Park Hill resident, celebrated criminal defense lawyer, former president of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, former chairman of the ACLU of Colorado and frequent television and NPR radio commentator on civil rights and constitutional law, has retired.

His partners and pals at the law firm he co-founded note that Recht — who lives on Ivy Street — is going out “on top while he’s young and able to pursue his pent-up passions outside of the courtroom.”

“Of course, we are happy for him in making this positive lifestyle decision … but we are saddened to lose his zeal  for criminal defense, his good nature and positive outlook on law and life generally, and his  lead-by-example ethical advocacy,” his colleagues noted in a January message.

Recht, 67 (“but who’s counting”), is also an avid cyclist — and those who know him will laugh at that gross understatement. In September, 2019 Recht was featured in the Greater Park Hill News detailing many of his cycling adventures, including riding to the top of Mount Evans — Colorado’s highest peak — at least 20 times. That full story can be read at greaterparkhill.org/news-and-opinion/dan-recht-crushes-it/.

Over his career, Recht worked for high profile clients, including the Denver Nuggets, as well as the Tattered Cover bookstore in a landmark free speech case. Recht defended the bookseller’s right to keep the names of its customers and their book purchases confidential.

Post-retirement, Recht plans to spend more time with his family, do more adventure travel, dedicate time to groups that advance peace in the Middle East and “up” his crazy bike racing and riding.