Michael Fairhurst

Michael Fairhurst

Mr. Fairhurst is the founding Partner of Killmer Lane’s Western Slope office based in Carbondale, CO. Mr. Fairhurst has devoted his entire legal career to representing people whose rights have been violated. He has only represented people – and never corporations or other large entities – who have been subjected to abuses of power. Mr. Fairhurst has extensive experience with issues ranging from police misconduct to prisoners’ rights to disability rights to employment discrimination and retaliation, and more. Mr. Fairhurst joined Killmer Lane as an Associate Attorney in 2013.

Mr. Fairhurst is the founding Partner of Killmer & Lane’s Western Slope office based in Carbondale, CO. Mr. Fairhurst has devoted his entire legal career to representing people whose rights have been violated. He has only represented people – and never corporations or other large entities – who have been subjected to abuses of power. Mr. Fairhurst has extensive experience with issues ranging from police misconduct to prisoners’ rights to disability rights to employment discrimination and retaliation, and more. Mr. Fairhurst joined Killmer, Lane & Newman as an Associate Attorney in 2013. Since then, Mr. Fairhurst has been part of the winning trial team in several major employment and civil rights cases. This includes the Marvin Booker v. City and County of Denver case, which resulted in the largest civil rights jury verdict at the time in Colorado history. Mr. Fairhurst became a Senior Associate Attorney at Killmer, Lane & Newman in 2016 and a Partner in 2018.

Mr. Fairhurst’s Western Slope-based office of the law firm serves the entire western part of Colorado, including but not limited to Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Aspen, Basalt, El Jebel, Parachute, New Castle, Rifle, Paonia, Palisade, Vail, Eagle, Avon, Breckenridge, Durango, Telluride, Gunnison, Crested Butte, Montrose, Ouray, Cortez, Steamboat Springs, Pagosa Springs, Buena Vista, Leadville, Salida, Meeker, Craig, and Hayden.

Super Lawyers Rising Star (2016-Present)

Case of the Year Award Finalist, Colorado Trial Lawyers Association (2018) – K.M. v. Hickenlooper: Lawsuit brought on behalf multiple intellectually disabled individuals against state officials for engaging in unconstitutional, intrusive body searches without justification.

Colorado Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association, Board Member (2020-Present)

Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Board Member (2017-Present)

Colorado Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association, Treasurer (2018-20)

Colorado Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association, Outreach Officer (2017)

Defeating Claims of Qualified Immunity in Civil Rights Cases Under Colorado and Federal Law (February 2023)

Defeating Claims of Qualified Immunity in Civil Rights Cases (January 2020)

Pleading and Proving Municipal Liability Claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (July 2017)

Mr. Fairhurst obtained his juris doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law in 2012. Mr. Fairhurst graduated magna cum laude from Williams College in 2007.

Mr. Fairhurst is admitted to practice law in the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, and the State of Colorado.

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Killmer Lane

Killmer Lane, LLP offers a passionate group of lawyers with many years of experience. All of our attorneys emphasize representing people to ensure that their important legal rights are protected in the courts, the workplace, and in our society.

David Lane

Partner

Liana Gerstle Orshan

Partner

Reid Allison

Partner

Maddie Lips

Associate

Tom Kelley

Of Counsel

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This law firm is absolutely awesome. There names are well known nation wide! If any one of them are your attorney you’re in good hands. Sit back and relax they got you.
June L.
When I contacted Michael, of the firm Killmer Lane, LLP, I was broken. I had been discriminated against, was very ill, and I felt defeated. Michael listened; that was the biggest thing for me. Instantly I felt relief, like someone besides me cared. I received exceptional advice and Michael and my team understood my anger and gently helped me move past that. This firm is extremely knowledgeable on civil rights and all the other areas of law that will support your case … I would recommend Michael Fairhurst, and the rest of the team he works with without any hesitation as attorneys who listen to their clients and follows through to get them the absolute best results.
Michelle R.
The best of the best.
La G.

Darold Killmer and his team did amazing work on my case resulting in a mediation settlement exceeding my expectations. They never gave up even though it took longer than I expected. They are trustworthy, provide excellent communications and one of the most respected law firms in Colorado.

Brian S.

Thorough, knowledgeable, compassionate, and great people. I really felt like I had a huge team helping me get justice, and my life back. I am forever grateful for their help.

Heather R.

There are not enough good words to say about Killmer Lane, and more specifically Darold Killmer. Such an unbelievably honest and caring lawyer – I didn’t even know they made them this way. If they accept your case – they will work hard for you, always be there for you, and ensure you succeed – not only in your case, but personally too. Best place in CO for legal support.

Kd K.

You will not find a finer group of attorneys. They are principled, passionate professionals who are dedicated to fighting for the underdog.

Jim S.

I had Darold Killmer and Maddie Lips as my attorneys and they were great through the entire process. Articulate, punctual, and thoughtful as well. They really are the best, go with them for employment matters!

Kate M.

One of the toughest times in my life was when I found myself needing a civil rights attorney. I was lucky enough to meet attorney Michael Fairhurst with Killmer Lane. If you believe you have been wronged and need someone to be your advocate, Michael is the one to contact at the Western Slope Office. He always made me feel very comfortable with his reassuring and confident demeanor. And more importantly, he is extremely knowledgeable and worked very hard to learn every detail pertaining to my situation. He fought hard, and we won! I would highly recommend his services to anyone!

Jeanne S.

Raquel was absolutely amazing! When she called me to gather my statement pertaining to an employment discrimination inquiry, she was very attentive to my concerns. As I was explaining my situation, she had many follow-up questions to ensure that she understood my situation which gave me confidence that she was listening to me. She has the patience and attentiveness that I really need during this difficult process. This level of professionalism drew me in to express myself confidently. I didn’t feel rushed while talking to her as i can tell she wanted to be as thorough as possible to get my story.

Keshia

Prompt, professional, helpful and thorough … I strongly endorse Killmer Lane. Specifically, I worked Michael Fairhurst. Michael responded quickly and took time to thoroughly explain all of my options. He provided sound and pragmatic advice while working under a tight timeline. His professional and honest communication style provided a calm, reliable viewpoint which made navigating a stressful time much easier. Additionally all of the intake staff and associates were wonderful through the process. Great practice and would happily work with them again.

Dustin H.
They stand up for ones rights no matter what.
Gale R.