Ali’a Keliiholokai

Ali’a A. Keliiholokai is an Associate in the Denver office of Messner Reeves, where her practice focuses on litigation.

Before joining the firm as an associate, Ali’a gained substantial courtroom experience through the University of Denver Sturm College of Law’s Criminal Defense Clinic. There, she represented individuals accused of misdemeanors in Colorado municipal and county courts. She appeared on the record in 15 proceedings, including two jury trials, and secured a not-guilty verdict for a client facing two misdemeanor charges and a sentencing enhancer. Her experience also included negotiating favorable plea agreements, helping secure a client’s release from pretrial incarceration, and addressing complex medical expert and discovery issues.

Ali’a was named the Criminal Defense Clinic’s Outstanding Student Attorney for 2025–2026. She graduated from the Sturm College of Law in 2026 with a distinction in Public Good and certifications in Specialized Legal Research and Constitutional Rights and Remedies.

Prior to law school, Ali’a worked as a contracts administrator supporting a legal team in the government-contracting sector. She joined Messner Reeves as a 1L summer associate through the firm’s participation in the Pledge to Diversity program and returned for a second summer in 2025.

A lifelong Coloradoan originally from Lakewood, Ali’a has volunteered with the Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Center, assisting with immigration and family law matters. She has also served as an election judge providing in-person voting services to incarcerated individuals.

Ali’a earned her Bachelor of Business Administration, magna cum laude, from Pace University’s Lubin School of Business in 2023.