Gretchen B. Larson

The Commission finds that Judge Gretchen B. Larson MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS by a vote of 8-0. The Commission has one vacancy and one absent commissioner. The Commission considered multiple sources of information, including survey results, courtroom observations, interviews, the judge’s self-evaluation, and case management data. Survey results indicate that attorneys rated Judge Larson very highly, while non-attorney responses were more mixed; the Commission considered these results in the context of all available information.

The Commission finds that Judge Larson demonstrates strong legal knowledge and applies the law appropriately in the cases before her. She is well-prepared, understands the issues presented, and issues rulings grounded in the law and facts. Commissioners noted her skill in the courtroom and her ability to manage complex matters effectively while maintaining appropriate control over courtroom proceedings and ensuring cases move forward in a timely and orderly manner.

The Commission also finds that Judge Larson exhibits a judicial temperament that is fair, respectful, compassionate, and professional. She treats parties, attorneys, litigants, and court staff with dignity and works to ensure that participants understand court processes and decisions. Based on the totality of the information reviewed, the Commission determined that Judge Larson consistently demonstrates the competencies required of a judicial officer.

Judge Gretchen B. Larson, a Colorado native, received her undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University in 1989 and her law degree from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1993. She worked as a prosecutor with the 21st Judicial District (Grand Junction) from 1993 to 1999 and with the 9th Judicial District (Glenwood Springs) from 1999 to 2005. In March 2005, she returned to the District Attorney’s Office in Grand Junction until her appointment to the county court bench by Governor Bill Owens in July 2006 and to the district court bench by Governor Hickenlooper in November 2016.

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