Judge Michael "Mick" O'Hara was born and raised in Southern California. He received his undergraduate degree from St. Mary's Seminary in Perryville, Missouri, and his J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1984. After law school, Mick joined a small boutique litigation firm, Grimes & Warwick, in San Diego where he practiced for approximately 7 years. In 1991, Mick moved his family to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, practicing eleven years with the same firm, where he ultimately served as managing partner. There, his litigation practice emphasized family law, personal injury and criminal defense. In August, 2002, Governor Bill Owens appointed Mick to serve as a district court judge for the 14th Judicial District, covering Moffat, Routt and Grand Counties. Mick is currently the chief judge for the district and is the water judge for division 6.
Mick makes his home in Steamboat Springs. He enjoys Nordic skiing, mountain biking and an appreciation of the outdoors. Mick has also served the community as a little league coach, a member of the board of directors of Hospice of Steamboat, and was a volunteer attorney for the Northwest Colorado Legal Aid for several years. He now spends time volunteering with several organizations, including serving as a regional ski jumping judge. He was awarded the Northwest Colorado Bar Association Professionalism Award in 1999.