Katherine Hartigan is a licensed attorney who specializes in criminal defense, civil rights, and representing respondent parents in D&N cases. She passionately believes in zealously advocating to achieve the best results for her clients, especially those marginalized by society. Ms. Hartigan has a strong criminal defense background. She worked as a Colorado Public Defender at both the Pueblo and Adams County Trial Offices. Ms. Hartigan has tried over 40 jury trials, litigated hundreds of motions hearings, and represented over one thousand clients facing criminal charges.
Ms. Hartigan received her Juris Doctorate Degree from University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where she was a member of the National Trial Team, a recipient of the Public Interest Law Clerkship, and received Public Interest and Civil Rights awards. Ms. Hartigan graduated with a certificate in Constitutional Rights and Remedies. She received her undergraduate degree from Assumption College in Massachusetts. Ms. Hartigan is a Colorado Native, a yoga teacher, and a dog lover.
During law school, Ms. Hartigan was part of the team who litigated and tried Anderson v. Colorado Dept of Corrections, a case about Troy Anderson, a prisoner with mental illness held in solitary confinement. Troy Anderson brought claims under the 8th Amendment due to DOC failing to provide outdoor exercise, the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment, and the ADA and Rehabilitation Act for discrimination based on Mr. Anderson’s mental illness. Mr. Anderson prevailed, in part, on his claims after his Federal Court trial. In 2017, the Anderson case was one of four national finalists for the Trial Lawyer of the Year award presented by Public Justice.
Ms. Hartigan is a member of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association, the Colorado Bar Association, and the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
Ms. Hartigan was nominated as a top 40 Lawyer under 40 for the National Trial Lawyers.