Michael J. Norton

Senior Partner

Focus

Complex Civil Litigation
White Collar Criminal Defense

Biography

Michael J. Norton is a senior member of the law firm of Burns, Figa & Will, P.C., in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Norton specializes in complex civil litigation, including probate litigation, and white collar criminal defense.

From 1988 to 1993, Norton served as the United States Attorney for the District of Colorado. Norton was first appointed by President Ronald Reagan and then reappointed by President George H. W. Bush. He resigned from this office in April 1993 to re-enter the private practice of law.

As United States Attorney, Norton served as the chief federal law enforcement officer for Colorado and directed the U.S. Justice Department's criminal and civil justice priorities. Among other matters, Norton coordinated investigations and prosecutions of organized crime activities in narcotics and dangerous drug distributions, environmental crimes, financial crimes, and securities frauds. Norton coordinated the government's intensive criminal investigation and prosecution of Rockwell International Corporation for environmental crimes at the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant, Golden, Colorado. The result of this investigation and prosecution was the imposition of a fine of $18.5 million - the largest criminal hazardous waste fine in U.S. history to that time.

Prior to joining Burns, Figa & Will, P.C., Norton spent several years in private industry and the practice of law. In 1965, Norton joined the National Milk Producers Federation, Washington, D.C., as assistant general counsel. In 1969, Norton became Director of Congressional Affairs for the United States General Services Administration, Washington, D.C. In 1972, Norton was appointed GSA's Region 8 Administrator, Denver, CO, for the six Rocky Mountain states.

Norton is married to the former Jane Ellen Bergman of Grand Junction, CO. Mrs. Norton served as Colorado's 46th Lieutenant Governor from 2003 to 2007. Mrs. Norton is presently Executive Director of the Denver Police Foundation. Together, they have four children, Lori, Joe, Lacee and Tyler. Norton's oldest son Jeff died of leukemia in 1983. The Norton's are active in their church, Smoky Hill Vineyard, Centennial, CO.

Norton received a B.A. degree from Colgate University, Hamilton, NY, in 1960. Norton was active in varsity sports and received varsity letters in swimming and lacrosse. Norton received a J.D. from American University's Washington College of Law, Washington, DC, in June 1968. Norton received his Masters of Divinity degree from Denver Seminary, Denver, Colorado, in May 2009.

Norton has appeared in federal and state courts in several states, including Colorado, Texas, California, Pennsylvania and Missouri. He is a member of the bars of the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, the Colorado State Supreme Court, and the Virginia State Supreme Court. Norton served eight years as a member and chair of the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline. Norton has also served on the Board of Governors of the Colorado Bar Association and as a member of the Colorado Supreme Court's Judicial Code Commission. Norton has served as a member of the Governor of Colorado's Law Enforcement Council, the Colorado Governor's Energy Task Force, the Colorado Governor's Military Affairs Advisory Council, and the Business Advisory Council of the University of Denver's College of Business Administration.

Norton has been active as a continuing legal education lecturer and author on criminal justice issues, securities law enforcement, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, environmental law enforcement, and prosecutorial ethics. For several years, Norton has been an allied attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund, an organization dedicated to preserving and protecting families, the sanctity of human life, and first Amendment religious freedom. In 2000 and 2004, Norton served as Colorado Counsel to the George W. Bush for President Campaign. He has served on the Board of Directors of professional football punter Mike Horan's Punts with a Purpose, the Rocky Mountain Family Council, and Colorado Family Action. Norton has been a Boy Scout and a Girl Scout leader and has coached boys and girls baseball and soccer teams.

Please feel free to read his Curriculum Vitae.

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