Judge Kirby graduated from Regis University in Denver with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. He then became a Naval Officer graduating from Officer Candidate School and continued on active duty until 1992 and continues today in the Navy Reserves as a Commander. Judge Kirby graduated from the University of Denver School of Law and was licensed in 1995. Judge Kirby was a Deputy Public Defender for the State of Colorado until his appointment as a Magistrate in 2007. He Kirby was appointed to the Adams County Court Bench in July, 2009.