Biographies
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Attorneys at Law 6400 S. Fiddlers Green Circle Phone (303) 796-2626 |
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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 wills, trusts, and estate planning. From April 1993 to March 2002, Norton was a partner in Denver area law firms, including the law firm of Norton Lidstone, P.C., Greenwood Village, CO. From March 1988 to April 1993, Norton served as the United States Attorney for the District of Colorado. Norton was first appointed to this office by President Ronald Reagan and then reappointed to the office by President George H. W. Bush. He resigned from this office in April 1993 to enter the private practice of law. As United States Attorney, Norton was the chief federal law enforcement officer for the State of Colorado and, as such, directed the U.S. Justice Department's criminal and civil justice priorities in the District. These priorities included the coordinated investigation and prosecution of organized crime activities in narcotics and dangerous drug distributions; a major thrust against white collar crime, including environmental crimes, financial crimes, and securities frauds; and the prosecution of child pornography and obscenity crimes. Among other matters, Norton coordinated the government's intensive criminal investigation and prosecution of Rockwell International Corporation for environmental crimes at the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant near 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. After graduating from Colgate University, in Hamilton, NY, in 1960, Norton spent several years in sales and in legislative affairs in private industry. Beginning in June 1960, Norton served as a sales representative with The R. T. French Company in Houston, Texas and Mobile, Alabama. After serving with an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Indianapolis, Indiana, Norton joined the National Milk Producers Federation in Washington, D.C., as assistant general counsel. In 1969, after service with the United States Department of Agriculture, Norton became Director of Congressional Affairs for the United States General Services Administration, Washington, DC. In 1972, Norton was appointed GSA's Region 8 Administrator, Denver, CO, for the six Rocky Mountain states. Norton graduated from Colgate University, Hamilton, NY, in 1960 and received a B.A. degree with a major in economics and a minor in English literature. Norton was active in varsity sports and received varsity letters in swimming and lacrosse. Norton was also a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. Norton graduated from American University's Washington College of Law, Washington, DC, in 1968 and received a J.D. degree. During his mostly night law school years, Norton was awarded Lawyers Cooperative Publishing Company Awards for Outstanding Achievement in six courses, including Torts, Labor Law, Administrative Law. Norton 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 is also a member of the American Bar Association, the Colorado Bar Association, and the Arapahoe County, Colorado, Bar Association. Norton served eight years as a member, including chair of the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline. He was appointed to this Commission by former Governor Bill Owens. Norton has also served on the Board of Governors of the Colorado Bar Association. Norton was a member of the District of Colorado's Civil Justice Reform Act Committee and, in addition, 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 writer on criminal justice priorities, securities law enforcement, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, environmental law enforcement, and prosecutorial ethics. In both 2000 and 2004, Norton served as Colorado Counsel to the George W. Bush for President Campaign. He was also chair of Colorado Lawyers for Bush-Cheney in both 2000 and 2004. He has served on the Board of Directors of professional football punter Mike Horan's Pros with a Purpose, the Rocky Mountain Family Council,the Rocky Mountain Family Legal Institute, and Denver's Project Safe Place. He is currently a member of the board of directors of Colorado Family Action, which is dedicated to preserving and protecting families and religious liberties. Additionally, he has served on the Board of Directors of the Ronald McDonald House, the Jefferson County American Cancer Society, and the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Norton has been a Boy Scout and a Girl Scout leader and has coached youth baseball and soccer teams. Norton is married to the former Jane Ellen Bergman of Grand Junction, CO. Mrs. Norton served as Colorado's Lieutenant Governor until January 2007, and is presently Executive Director of the Denver Police Foundation. Together, they have four children. Norton's oldest son Jeff died of leukemia in 1983. His daughter Lori and her family reside in Broomfield, CO. His son Joe and his family reside in the Richmond, VA, area. Norton has two children by marriage - Lacee Artist and Tyler Artist. Norton is active in his church and is currently a candidate for a Masters of Diviinty degree at Denver Seminary, Denver, Colorado. His planned completion date is 2009. Please feel free to email Mike, or read his Curriculum Vitae, or return to the Biographies index. |
