Judith Smith

The Denver County Court Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 5-0 that Judge Judith Smith MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS . The Colorado statutory judicial performance criteria are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.

Judge Smith is upbeat and approachable and creates a positive and cordial atmosphere in her courtroom. She is a true problem solver and has frequently shown a willingness to explore novel solutions. In her courtroom, she uses plain language, shows empathy and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to be heard. She speaks directly with litigants and takes the time to ensure that people in her courtroom understand the reasoning behind her decisions. She is a legal scholar and is often sought out by colleagues for her advice and expertise. Judge Smith has a strong understanding of technology and was instrumental in the court’s recent transition to a comprehensive web-based system that increases efficiency across the court, allows for real-time note entry and reduces the use of paper. Judge Smith has a reputation for her intelligence, work ethic and positivity.

In evaluating Judge Smith, the commission did extensive live, livestream and recorded courtroom observations, conducted a personal interview with the judicial officer, and reviewed case management data and the judicial officer self-evaluation, with supporting documents when submitted, to inform its decision for meets/does not meet performance standards.

Judge Smith was appointed to the Denver County Court in September 2018. She serves on Court committees for information technology, judicial retention and appeals index. Prior to her appointment, Judge Smith spent 14 years as an assistant United States attorney for the District of Colorado where she led the special prosecutions section and established the cybercrime and national security section. Before that, she was a Denver deputy district attorney where she specialized in juvenile prosecutions. She began her career in private practice with a global law firm and also clerked for a federal judge in the 10th Circuit Court. Her memberships include the Colorado Women’s Bar Association and the Colorado LGBTQ+ Bar Association. Judge Smith earned her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Colorado Boulder and her Master of Laws degree from Columbia Law School.

1300 Broadway, Suite 220 Denver, Colorado 80203

(303) 928-7777