Kirsten M. Kurath

Attorney Kirsten M. Kurath brings a comprehensive background in water law, real estate, estate planning, and general practice to McDonough Law Group. Licensed in Colorado and Utah, and admitted to the U.S. District Court, District of Colorado, Kirsten graduated from the University of Arizona and received her J.D. from the University of North Carolina.

Kirsten’s legal career is distinguished by her focus on water-related issues, where she has adeptly represented a wide array of clients—from energy companies and irrigation districts to individual water users—across disputes and water court applications. Her practice also extends beyond water law, encompassing a broad spectrum of practice areas including estate planning, special district law, construction, and employment law.

Her professional ethos is marked by a commitment to excellence and service. Beyond her practice, Kirsten is an active participant in the legal community and contributes to various professional organizations. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Water Trust, is a vice chair of the Colorado River Basin Roundtable, sits on the Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center Advisory Council at Colorado Mesa University and is a member of several legal associations and water law groups.

Kirsten’s commitment to her field is also evident in her role as an educator and speaker, where she has shared her knowledge on Colorado water law and related topics at numerous conferences and seminars. Her legal acumen has made positive contributions affecting many significant Western Slope water law issues.

Born in Pensacola, Florida, and raised in Connecticut with connections to New Hampshire and Vermont, Kirsten’s journey took her to the Sonoran Desert in Tucson, Arizona, during her high school years—a move that sparked her love for the desert and where she met her husband. Kirsten has made the Western Slope her home since the fall of 1994 and is also available to meet with clients in the North Fork Valley.