Judge Michael Roche was an Arapahoe County judge from 2016-2026. After attending the University of Michigan, both as an undergraduate and for law school, Mike clerked for United States District Judge Howard Mckibben (Nev.).
Judge Roche was an associate and partner with Baker and Hostetler from August 1991 to September 2005. He later became one of the founding partners of the Denver office of Lathrop and Gage, working there from 2006 until his appointment to the bench in 2016.
Michael has extensive experience in construction, contract, securities, patent, subrogation, and business divorce matters, including “bet the company” litigation.
Judicial Service
Arapahoe County Judge 18th Judicial District 2016-2026
Education
JD University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, MI 1990
BA University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 1987
Contact
Career Highlights
- Joined Jag in 2026
- Managed fast-paced criminal caseload of more than 500 criminal cases
- Presided over 200 jury trials and more than 150 court trials
- Cross-designated by chief judge to preside over district court civil matters
- Founding partner of Denver office
- Specialized in construction, contract, securities, patent, subrogation, and business divorce matters
- Lead counsel in Arapahoe High School shooting arbitration
- Served as an arbitrator in various contract and construction disputes
Community and Professional Activities
- National Judicial College 40 Hour Mediation Training Certificate
- Arapahoe County Bar Association Outstanding Public Service Award 2017
- Founding member and past President of Sonia Sotomayor Inn of Court
- Member of Arapahoe County Bar Association Access to Justice Committee
- Law School Yes We Can Mentor
- Casting for Recovery Volunteer Fly Fishing Guide
Fun Facts
- I’m an avid fly-fisherman, and have caught everything from brook trout to sailfish on a fly. I have volunteered as a fly-fishing guide for a national breast cancer charity for the last 15 years.
- I climbed Mt. Elbert (Colorado’s highest 14er) and ran the Bolder Boulder 10k the first weekend I moved to Colorado.
- I was once banned from playing blackjack in a Reno, Nevada casino for counting cards.