Amanda C. Hopkins

The Twelfth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously (6-0), with two commission vacancies and two commissioners absent, finds that Judge Amanda C. Hopkins MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS . The commission evaluated Judge Hopkins based on several criteria, including integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.

Judge Hopkins presides over civil, domestic relations, juvenile, criminal, and water matters throughout the San Luis Valley. Judge Hopkins is a fair and impartial decision maker who “treats all matters, litigants, and parties with equal respect.” Attorneys and non-attorneys alike highlight Judge Hopkins's effective communication and active listening skills, noting her commitment to ensuring that all participants understand the proceedings and feel that their voices have been fairly heard. Judge Hopkins diligently prepares for her docket, stays up-to-date on case law and statutory changes, and issues thorough findings and orders. Due to her diligent preparation and understanding of the law, appellate judges from the Colorado Court of Appeals scored Judge Hopkins’s overall performance as a 3.6 out of 4. Furthermore, whether focusing on the remediation of generational trauma and educational neglect within her truancy docket or navigating the complexities of high-profile litigation with care, Judge Hopkins demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the community. Her administrative leadership as Chief Judge and her judicial approach reflect a sincere dedication to enhancing the legal outcomes and quality of life for all residents of the Twelfth Judicial District. One area of growth highlighted by attorneys, non-attorneys, and Judge Hopkins herself, is the timeliness of her decision making in civil litigation. Judge Hopkins acknowledged delays in issuing written orders and has sought further training and education to address this issue. Additionally, a few survey responses raised concern regarding Judge Hopkins’s understanding of water law, the rules of civil procedure, and the rules of evidence.

Based on the Commission’s overall evaluation, Judge Hopkins has demonstrated that she meets performance standards in all categories. In reaching this finding, the Commission interviewed Judge Hopkins, conducted numerous courtroom observations, and reviewed judicial performance data, which includes Judge Hopkins’s written orders, feedback from attorneys and non-attorneys, and a self-evaluation done by the Judge herself. Because of the small number of survey responses, the Commission used the survey feedback to address concerns during Judge Hopkins’s interview and check the Commissioner’s independent findings.

Judge Hopkins was appointed to the bench in 2018 and named Chief Judge of the 12th Judicial District in 2023. She graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Political Economy and received her Juris Doctor from Seattle University in 2006. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Hopkins worked for the Alamosa Office of the State Public Defender and became the managing deputy public defender of the office in 2011. In 2025, Judge Hopkins received the “Restorative Justice Champion” award from the Center for Restorative Programs for her work with families and schools appearing on her truancy docket.

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