STARRS MIHMLLP

TRIAL LAWYERS

Elizabeth A. Starrs estarrs@starrslaw.com

September 16, 2011

Chief Justice Michael Bender Ex Officio Chair of the Supreme Court Nominating Commission 101 West Colfax Avenue, Suite 800 Denver, Colorado 80202

Re:

Application of Patrick T O'Rourke for Judgeship on the Colorado Supreme Court

Dear Chief Justice Bender: This letter is to support Patrick T. O'Rourke for the vacancy on the Colorado Supreme Court created by Justice Martinez's retirement. I have known Pat O'Rourke for several years. We met in the capacity as co-defense counsel in defending medical malpractice and employment cases. Later, when he became Associate University Counsel with the University of Colorado, I dealt with him on the fe\\' matters I was handling for CU at the time. Pat was a member of the 2008 Colorado Bar Association Leadership Training (COBALT) class and, as part of that year's Steering Committee for COBALT, I interacted with him regularly. Pat has always appeared to have both an interest in the law and a special ability to apply it to the issue at hand. He certainly has proven himself a formidable advocate on the appellate level but dealing with him privately I recognize that he understands the nuances of the law's impact on a case and the reasonableness of contrary interpretations. He has also demonstrated the ability to make tough calls when necessary. This combination - to see both legitimate sides to an argument but able to make a decision - is an important asset in an appellate court judge. It seems that Pat has taken every opportunity to contribute to the literature in a practical and effective way, from physicians' professional magazines to insurance journals. He writes in a manner which distills the essence of a point of law and its relevance to a particular situation. I find this highly admirable.

707 Seventeenth Street, Suite 2600

Denver, CO 80202: 303.592.5900

303.592.5910

www.starrslaw.com

Chief Justice Michael Bender September 16, 2011 Page 2

Pat O'Rourke has the qualities necessary to become a distinguished member of the judiciary. I highly recommend that he be given an opportunity to do this. Please feel free to contact me if I can assist you, or any member of the Commission, in any way. Very truly yours, STARRS MIHM LLP

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