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About our team
Our lawyers work hard on behalf of those who risk their lives every day in the line of duty. Our attorneys specialize in representing and defending first responders.
1000+
Successful Cases
20+
Years' Combined Experience
Our Mission
Front Line Law attorneys specialize in the defense and representation of first responders throughout the State.
Front Line Law attorneys
specialize in the defense
and representation of first
responders throughout
the State.
Front Line Law attorneys have experience in prosecution work, and specialize in representing and defending first responders throughout Colorado in administrative, local, state, and federal cases.
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Our Team

Management

Celina C. Phillips - Director of Operations

Celina C. Phillips

Director of Operations & Firm Conflicts Coordinator
Celina’s dedication to first responders and others in this line of duty derives from her long line of military family. Having such close ties with military, law-enforcement, and other first responders has only served to solidified her desire to give back to those who put their lives on the line for us every day. She cares deeply about the mental and emotional health of these warriors and guardians as she has witnessed first-hand the hardships they face.

Celina’s role as Director of Operations & Firm Conflicts Coordinator for Front Line Law allows her to fulfill her passion of giving back to those everyday heroes. She is proud to offer the highest quality of support to the people that serve Colorado and beyond. She works assiduously to ensure that every team member of the Firm gives their all to uphold the same values and ethos.

Celina has over 25 combined years of experience in managing operations, ensuring legal compliance, collaborating with leadership, developing and maintaining long-lasting relationships within agencies and businesses, state regulations and federal compliance, medical records, and all aspects of confidential client files. Celina’s previous business and professional endeavors have granted her the means for personal development of not only herself but her businesses’ portfolio as well.

Celina has completed courses in Harvard AT&T Business Management, operations management, telecommunications, and medical administration and transcription. Each of which contributes to her wide range of skills that help her excel in her field.

She prides herself in striving for perfection in every single aspect of her life. Celina’s years as a business owner has given her the ability to execute quality work in the most efficient manner to ensure complete client satisfaction. She strives to build an environment of accountability and works diligently to maintain operational excellence. Her fine attention to detail allows her to handle even the most delicate situations with utmost care.

When Celina is not serving the needs of Front Line Law, she enjoys spending her time off with her very large family, fur babies, and friends. She cherishes every moment with the people she loves and often tries to plan events and excursions within the beautiful state of Colorado.
Celina C. Phillips - Director of Operations

Celina C. Phillips

Director of Operations

Attorneys

Carrie L. Slinkard - Founder & Managing Partner

Carrie L. Slinkard

Founder and Managing Partner
Carrie has spent more than a decade working closely with law enforcement officials, peace officers, and first responders throughout the State of Colorado.

She has substantial practical experience defending police officers and first responders in a wide variety of cases, including criminal matters, complex administrative cases, federal civil rights actions, and employment proceedings.

She has served as lead counsel in numerous high profile felony and misdemeanor cases filed against individual police officers throughout the state, and she has written and argued hundreds of substantive and procedural motions before municipal, state, and federal court judges.

Carrie was named Prosecutor of the Year in 2012, and has taken more than 75 cases to trial before a jury.

She has a winning trial record, and has background experience teaching courtroom skills and training academy cadets and first responders on the presentation of testimony in courtrooms throughout the state.

In 2013, Carrie left her job as a felony prosecutor for Adams County in the Seventeenth Judicial District, to work in private practice.
Now, more than ten years have passed since Carrie first became an attorney, and throughout the course of her career Carrie defended hundreds of peace officers, jail deputies, first responders, patrol cops, and commanding officers in complex internal affairs investigations, officer involved shootings, critical incident investigations, and numerous grand jury proceedings.

Carrie knows how to protect confidential employment records from improper and unlawful disclosure in both the civil and criminal context, and she is familiar with all of the hot-button legislative issues affecting first responders on both the State and federal level.

Carrie has worked for, against, and alongside other attorneys who specialize in public employer liability, and to date, Carrie has more than ten years of relevant litigation experience, during which time she always worked closely with police officers, jail deputies, command staff, and prosecutors alike.

Carrie strongly believes that first responders and all law enforcement officers deserve the best defense available regardless of the case, and she is dedicated to that cause.

Carrie left her position as a Partner at Bruno, Colin & Lowe PC in 2019 to form the law offices of Front Line Law, LLC, and she is compassionate, sincere, and proudly dedicated to the successful defense of all first responders she has the honor to represent.

In 2022, Carrie was declared as a Lawyer of Distinction. Members of Lawyers of Distinction have been vetted and recognized by their peers as being among the best of the best in their respective fields. Members are subject to a final review for ethical violations within the past ten years before confirmation of membership and cannot pay to be nominated. Lawyers of Distinction’s roster includes many of the most powerful and respected attorneys in the United States.
Carrie L. Slinkard - Founder & Managing Partner

Carrie L. Slinkard

Founder & Managing Partner
Taylor K. Frandsen - Associate Attorney

Taylor K. Frandsen

Associate Attorney
Taylor is a Colorado Native who completed her undergrad at Colorado State University where she majored in political science and philosophy and minored in legal studies. She moved to San Diego where is attended California Western School of Law on scholarship. After graduating law school Taylor moved back to Colorado where she has dedicated her career to helping first responders.

Taylor has worked on hundreds of internal affairs investigations, helping law enforcement officers through all stages of the investigation and ensuring the officer ends up in the best possible position. Taylor understands the stress an officer goes through when they receive an internal affairs notification, and she is extremely passionate about advocating on behalf of the officers and making sure their rights are protected. She has taken internal affairs investigations all the way to hearing boards, arguing against agencies that have conducted poor investigations, disproportionately disciplined officers, and terminated officers without justification.

Taylor has responded to many officer involved shootings, day and night, weekday and weekend, to assist the officers through the process and ensure they are protected not only criminally, but civilly and administratively as well.

Taylor has a very high record of trials resulting in full acquittals for many first responders. She excels at crafting winning legal defenses in both criminal and administrative cases.

She is extremely dedicated to ensuring first responders receive the best possible legal services and is so thankful for their service and for protecting our communities. In her free time Taylor enjoys traveling to places she’s never been, ready a good book, and spending time with her family and her puppies.
Taylor K. Frandsen - Associate Attorney

Taylor K. Frandsen

Associate Attorney
Alejandro J. Fernandez - Associate Attorney

Alejandro J. Fernandez

Associate Attorney
Alejandro is a Florida native who attended Florida State University receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology. Alejandro obtained his Juris Doctor from Barry University School of Law in Orlando Florida, where he excelled academically and demonstrated a commitment to legal advocacy and criminal law.

Alejandro has prior experience in the private practice sector, working on cases ranging from criminal defense cases to medical malpractice and commercial litigation matters. Alejandro built a love of trial practice that eventually led him to the Office of the Public Defender, where he gained experience working on numerous felony and high-profile cases.

Witnessing firsthand the sacrifices made by his own family members who are first responders, Alejandro was inspired to pursue a career defending first responders, recognizing the profound impact that legal advocacy can have on the lives of others. He understood that the principles of justice and fairness were not just abstract concepts but tangible ideals worth fighting for.

Since joining Front Line Law Alejandro has a proven track record of wins and positive outcomes in many criminal and internal affairs cases. These cases range from Officer Involved Shootings to even minor traffic tickets. Alejandro carries the same passion into every case no matter the situation.

In his free time Alejandro likes snowboarding, hiking with his two dogs, and learning about history.
Alejandro J. Fernandez - Associate Attorney

Alejandro J. Fernandez

Associate Attorney
Kodie N. Austin - Associate Attorney

Kodie N. Austin

Associate Attorney
Kodie was born and raised in Southern California but recently relocated to Colorado with her husband and dogs. Although she initially studied political science at the University of Connecticut, Kodie finished her undergraduate career studying history at California State University, Long Beach. Kodie then went on to attend Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, where she graduated with a concentration in Criminal Law. Soon after, Kodie passed the California Bar Exam. While in law school, Kodie worked for the school’s Project for the Innocent Clinic, interned for the United States Attorney’s Office, and was a Certified Law Clerk for the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Kodie also served on the executive board of Loyola’s Criminal Law Society all three years.

After passing the California bar exam, Kodie was sworn in as a Deputy District Attorney for Riverside County. During her time as a prosecutor, Kodie handled both misdemeanor and felony cases and spent most days advocating in the courtroom.

Kodie not only experienced the work first responders do for our communities while working alongside them as a prosecutor, but she also understands the depth of their work on a personal level. Kodie’s father has been a deputy for over 20 years, her brother is a patrol officer, and her husband is a former deputy, as well. This personal appreciation for first responders is why Kodie joined the Front Line Law team. Kodie initially began her work with Front Line as paralegal while she studied for the Colorado State Bar Exam, but upon her passing, she immediately began representing clients throughout Colorado.

During Kodie’s first year with the firm, she assisted multiple clients reduce the disciplinary consequences of their internal affairs investigations, guided others through critical incident investigations, and received a “Not Guilty” verdict on all charges of a multi-count criminal trial.

Whether it be a client facing criminal charges or disciplinary consequences through an internal affairs investigation, Kodie is committed to fighting for those who have chosen to risk their lives for their communities each and every day. When she is not working, Kodie loves to spend time camping, cooking, and exploring the new state she calls home with her husband and two dogs.
Kodie N. Austin - Associate Attorney

Kodie N. Austin

Associate Attorney

Paralegals

Nicolas G. DiProspero - Paralegal

Nicolas G. DiProspero

Paralegal
Nick is a New Jersey native and graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in Justice Studies with a concentration in Paralegal Studies. During this time, Nick was a part of the Lambda Epsilon Chi Paralegal Honor Society and Dean’s List recipient.

Nick first started his legal career in 2015 as an intern at a local law firm, where he excelled and was hired full time shortly thereafter.

Nick has extensive legal experience, spanning almost a decade, which includes assisting on criminal and civil defense. Nick's case experience is complex, ranging from petty parking tickets to those that involve international carjacking gangs, and even murder. He has worked closely with various levels of law enforcement ranging from local department all the way up to the FBI, U.S. Customs, and Border Protection.

Nick has been in Colorado and with Front Line Law for since 2019, during which time, he has assisted hundreds and hundreds of Colorado first responders on internal affairs cases, critical incidents, criminal defense work, and state and federal civil rights lawsuits. Nick is an integral part of the Front Line Law team and works hard to provide the best work possible to the Firm's clients, bringing a deep commitment to justice and advocacy to the Firm. In his spare time, Nick enjoys going to see live music, hiking, rock climbing, and spending time with his friends.
Nicolas G. DiProspero - Paralegal

Nicolas G. DiProspero

Paralegal
Arianna P. Phillips - Associate Attorney

Arianna P. Phillips

Associate Attorney
Arianna began her work with Front Line Law as a volunteer and now serves our clients as a Paralegal. Her passion for our work stems from her direct family connections to first responders, and she holds the highest esteem for those who risk their lives in the line of service.

She works relentlessly to provide every client with the understanding and compassion that they deserve. Arianna knows that our clients are going through stressful situations when having to reach out to our Firm and she prides herself on making sure that every interaction provides a sense of relief and comfort.

In school,  Arianna was the Salutatorian of her graduating class and president of the National Honors Society. She maintained a 4.2 grade point average and will soon be attending law school so she can continue assisting clients in the future as a Front Line Law Associate Attorney. Arianna attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she pursed a Major in English, with a focus on literature and a Minor in Art Practices.

In her free time, Arianna enjoys creating art in every form, including oil and acrylic paintings, tattoo designs, and digital art. In addition to work, school, family, and friends, Arianna proudly creates personalized and customized commissioned art pieces as well.
Arianna P. Phillips - Associate Attorney

Arianna P. Phillips

Paralegal
Kathryn J. Delmonico - Paralegal

Kathryn J. Delmonico

Paralegal
Kathryn was born and raised in Colorado. She graduated from Colorado State University with a BA in Sociology. She then attended Creighton University School of Law and graduated with a J.D. and a M.S. in Government Organization and Leadership with a concentration in International Law. During her last year of law school, Kathryn interned for the Military Commission Defense Organization in Washington, D.C. and became experienced in administrative procedures in the Military Code of Justice.

After spending a few years in Omaha, Nebraska, she was eager to get back to Colorful Colorado where she was then hired as a Paralegal with Front Line Law. Kathryn has used her legal education and experience with the Military Code of Justice to ensure clients and attorneys are prepared and successful in complex administrative matters involving agencies like the State Personnel Board, as well as numerous criminal trials, and internal affairs matters.

Since she joined the Front Line Law team, Kathryn has provided our clients with empathy and compassion and she relies on her experience and education to ensure that clients feel heard as they navigate the intricacies of their legal matters.
Kathryn J. Delmonico - Paralegal

Kathryn J. Delmonico

Paralegal
Our Clients
Are men and women who have dedicated their lives to public safety.
Are men and women who
have dedicated their lives
to public safety.
They consist of police officers, firefighters, corrections officers, Deputy Sheriffs, active-duty military personnel, emergency medical providers, paramedics, nurses, and the like. We provide legal defense services that have been designed to meet the needs of men and women who put their lives on the line every day.
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We fight
Uphill battles in support of the first
responders, who depend on us during
their darkest of days.
We understand that hard work today guarantees our success tomorrow, and we always strive to be a strong and confident voice for our clients. Every day we go to work, looking to prove to new and existing clients why we are worthy of their blind faith and trust. We do not take this responsibility lightly, and we know that to do this job - and to do it well - we must first learn anything and everything there is to know about first responders, their current plight, and their day-to-day struggles.

We also recognize when our clients are not handling the stress of the legal process well. We are quick to identify when clients need additional time and support.
We train ourselves to identify the underlying causes of our clients’ high anxiety, and we do our best to alleviate their stress and anxiety in whatever way possible.
We are proudly dedicated to the pursuit of justice for all first responders.
Through our words, and in our actions, we do whatever we can to inspire the continued confidence of our devoted client base. We do our best to change the lives of those we are honored to represent.
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What our clients say
“I was very happy with the work Front Line Law provided and outcome of my case. Alejandro did a great job! He approached everything professionally, thoughtfully and with tact. I also know there was a lot of work done behind the scenes, so I appreciate everyone’s hard work with that as well. Thank you again to everyone at Front Line Law and continued success!”
B.B. 03/20/23
“Front Line Law was there for me when no one else was. Carrie and crew were extremely supportive and walked me through everything until I was satisfied. They answered their phone at all hours of the day and night, just to put me at ease. There isn't a Law firm out there that will out work this firm. I would bet my life on it.”
G.T. 02/09/23
“My overall experience has been awesome while working with Taylor. She's been very helpful with explaining the process of everything, and also has been realistic when talking to me about different options in regard to my case and what possible outcomes there were. I have nothing negative to say about my experience, and know that if I need any legal representation in the future I will be reaching back out to this firm.”
R.N. 10/01/22
“When I first contacted your office, I didn’t think anyone could help me. You’ve done so much for me! You are truly wonderful at what you do. You brought me so much peace when I couldn’t find it anywhere else. Thank you for the positivity.”
R.P. 08/02/22
“From the bottom of my heart, I wanted to give a huge thanks for taking my case in a time of high stress. You are awesome and hope I never have to go through that situation again, but if I do you will be my first call!”
K.T. 05/11/22
“I sought Carrie out specifically because I like the way she treated me in the past. She was thorough and made sure we squashed any issues ahead of time, and she made sure that my administration was doing the things they should be doing. I want others to know that my issue was very small, nothing criminal or critical, but that is why I wanted to go with Carrie. I knew that she would still treat me with the same level of respect as if I would have been in a shoot vs this small thing. It was nice that even though this wasn't some major case or something super exciting or super critical that she still showed me the same attention. You will get the same level of service whether it's critical or not critical. Not many people like Carrie in the world anymore so I'm happy to repay everything she's done for me if I ever can.”
J.M. 02/10/22
“I have nothing but praise Front Line Law and your team. I was treated respectfully and was very happy with the representation Front Line Law provided. The attorney was on top of things and was invaluable during my internal affairs interview. The attorney was supportive of my position but gave me good advice without coddling me. I really appreciate them treating me respectfully and making time for my stuff on short notice. I am very happy with my experience as a whole with your office. I will continue to recommend you all to my coworkers and I thank you for what you do.”
R.P. 12/23/21
“I am so grateful for Front Line. They handled my case in a very professional manner. The lawyers here are great listeners and really took the time to understand my side. I appreciate that they know what Law Enforcement Officers go through instead of just going through law school and claiming to know everything. No officer expects to need legal help, but it’s nice to know it’ll be okay. Front Line did a great job with my first case. When my second case came around, I had no doubt about who I should call.”
A.B. 11/15/21
“Could not say enough good things about this law firm. Hiring a stranger to represent your interest and well-being is no easy choice. You want to know your hard earned money is being appropriately used in your defense. Carrie has represented me multiple times and has fought tooth and nail to get me my desired outcome. This law firm has a soft spot for law enforcement and related fields and ACTUALLY cares about you as an individual and not as a paycheck. I was kept up to date on everything and any questions I had were answered immediately. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”
C.T. 03/2021
“I was very happy with the work Front Line Law provided and outcome of my case. Alejandro did a great job! He approached everything professionally, thoughtfully and with tact. I also know there was a lot of work done behind the scenes, so I appreciate everyone’s hard work with that as well. Thank you again to everyone at Front Line Law and continued success!”
B.B. 03/20/23
“Front Line Law was there for me when no one else was. Carrie and crew were extremely supportive and walked me through everything until I was satisfied. They answered their phone at all hours of the day and night, just to put me at ease. There isn't a Law firm out there that will out work this firm. I would bet my life on it.”
G.T. 02/09/23
“My overall experience has been awesome while working with Taylor. She's been very helpful with explaining the process of everything, and also has been realistic when talking to me about different options in regard to my case and what possible outcomes there were. I have nothing negative to say about my experience, and know that if I need any legal representation in the future I will be reaching back out to this firm.”
R.N. 10/01/22
“When I first contacted your office, I didn’t think anyone could help me. You’ve done so much for me! You are truly wonderful at what you do. You brought me so much peace when I couldn’t find it anywhere else. Thank you for the positivity.”
R.P. 08/02/22
“From the bottom of my heart, I wanted to give a huge thanks for taking my case in a time of high stress. You are awesome and hope I never have to go through that situation again, but if I do you will be my first call!”
K.T. 05/11/22
“I sought Carrie out specifically because I like the way she treated me in the past. She was thorough and made sure we squashed any issues ahead of time, and she made sure that my administration was doing the things they should be doing. I want others to know that my issue was very small, nothing criminal or critical, but that is why I wanted to go with Carrie. I knew that she would still treat me with the same level of respect as if I would have been in a shoot vs this small thing. It was nice that even though this wasn't some major case or something super exciting or super critical that she still showed me the same attention. You will get the same level of service whether it's critical or not critical. Not many people like Carrie in the world anymore so I'm happy to repay everything she's done for me if I ever can.”
J.M. 02/10/22
“I have nothing but praise Front Line Law and your team. I was treated respectfully and was very happy with the representation Front Line Law provided. The attorney was on top of things and was invaluable during my internal affairs interview. The attorney was supportive of my position but gave me good advice without coddling me. I really appreciate them treating me respectfully and making time for my stuff on short notice. I am very happy with my experience as a whole with your office. I will continue to recommend you all to my coworkers and I thank you for what you do.”
R.P. 12/23/21
“I am so grateful for Front Line. They handled my case in a very professional manner. The lawyers here are great listeners and really took the time to understand my side. I appreciate that they know what Law Enforcement Officers go through instead of just going through law school and claiming to know everything. No officer expects to need legal help, but it’s nice to know it’ll be okay. Front Line did a great job with my first case. When my second case came around, I had no doubt about who I should call.”
A.B. 11/15/21
“Could not say enough good things about this law firm. Hiring a stranger to represent your interest and well-being is no easy choice. You want to know your hard earned money is being appropriately used in your defense. Carrie has represented me multiple times and has fought tooth and nail to get me my desired outcome. This law firm has a soft spot for law enforcement and related fields and ACTUALLY cares about you as an individual and not as a paycheck. I was kept up to date on everything and any questions I had were answered immediately. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”
C.T. 03/2021