Molly Kokesh

Molly Kokesh helps clients navigate high stakes environmental and natural resources disputes from initial case assessment through trial and appeal. She has extensive experience handling contract disputes, class action royalty cases, and matters involving CERCLA and the Clean Water Act. She has also helped natural resources clients respond to crisis-related events, including internal investigations, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pre-enforcement proceedings, and OSHA administrative proceedings.

In 2021, Law Week Colorado named Molly an “Up and Coming Lawyer” for her work on complex appeals, and she has been named a Colorado Rising Star by Thomson Reuters each year since 2023. Molly currently serves on the Davis Graham associate committee.  

Prior to joining Davis Graham, Molly served as a law clerk to the Honorable David M. Ebel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit and for Chief Justice Nancy Rice of the Colorado Supreme Court. 

Molly earned her J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, graduating in the top 1% of her class. She received her B.A. from Augustana University, where she graduated magna cum laude, earned All-American honors in track, and helped her cross country team win an NCAA Division II National Championship. 

Representative Experience

• In CERCLA contribution action, obtained favorable bench trial verdict from District of Montana, successfully defended result before the Ninth Circuit, and obtained denial of certiorari from the U.S. Supreme Court.  
• Obtained favorable appellate ruling in contract dispute over ancient deeds before the Colorado Court of Appeals.  
• Obtained favorable resolution of complex contract dispute for telecommunications company.

Presentations & Publications

• Judge Zita Weinshienk’s Legacy, The 1891 Blog by the Colorado Women’s Bar Association (December 2022)
• eDiscovery 101: The Basics of Conducting Efficient and Effective Electronic Discovery, CBA-CLE (April 2022)

Community involvement

• Mile High United Way, Catalyst Society Member
• Huntington’s Disease Society of America Rocky Mountain Chapter, Board Member
• Law School…Yes, We Can, Volunteer Mentor
• William E. Doyle Inn of Court