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Michael Kotlarczyk
District Court Judge, 20th Judicial District
Running in 2026: District Court Judge, 20th Judicial District (November 3)
Judicial performance evaluation, 2026
Commission recommendation: Meets performance standards (10–0) · 10 of 10 commissioners voted “meets”
The commission's narrative
The Twentieth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance, by a vote of 10-0, finds that Judge Michael Kotlarczyk MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS .
Since Judge Kotlarczyk’s appointment in 2024, he has presided primarily over civil cases. The Commission finds that Judge Kotlarczyk is well prepared for court with a polite, efficient, empathetic, and patient demeanor. He effectively balances running an efficient courtroom with ensuring that each party, including pro se parties, has ample opportunity to be heard and understood. Judge Kotlarczyk is well organized and employs effective case-management procedures that support the timely issuance of written orders and rulings. His orders and opinions are thoughtful, clear and concise, demonstrating thorough legal analysis and a strong command of the issues presented. Judge Kotlarczyk recognizes the impact that implicit bias may have on decisions and is careful to take steps necessary to be aware of and limit any such impact on his judicial conduct and decision making.
The Commission on Judicial Performance evaluates judges on six standards: legal knowledge, communication, integrity, judicial temperament and service to the legal profession. To evaluate Judge Kotlarczyk’s performance, the Commission observed him in court, reviewed opinions he authored, considered his self-evaluation, held a public hearing to invite comments, and reviewed responses to a survey distributed to all persons who have appeared in his court. The Commission also conducted personal interviews with Judge Kotlarczyk, the District Attorney, the Chief Judge and representatives of the Boulder Defense Bar.
Judge Kotlarczyk was appointed as a District Judge in October 2024. Prior to his appointment, he served as a Senior Assistant Attorney General and Assistant Solicitor General in the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. Before entering public service, Judge Kotlarczyk was in private practice at Reilly Pozner LLP and Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP. Judge Kotlarczyk received his undergraduate degree from Drake University and graduated magna cum laude with a law degree from Georgetown Law. Judge Kotlarczyk serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado Law School, teaching trial advocacy and serves on the Boulder County Bar Association’s Professional Committee. He continues to explore service opportunities in the community.
1300 Broadway, Suite 220 Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 928-7777
The evaluation on judicialperformance.colorado.gov · 2026 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
From the state's Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation. A commission of citizens, attorneys and non-attorneys for each judicial district (the state commission for appellate judges) reviews each judge standing for retention and finds that they meet, or do not meet, performance standards. Voters decide.
Personal Financial Disclosures
Income listed: up to $610,000; debts: up to $530,000 on their latest disclosure with entries: the top of each range they selected, added up (the form asks for ranges, not amounts; a range with no top counts at its figure).
| Statement | Filed | What it lists |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Annual District Court Judge | 2026-01-12 | 2 income sources, 5 assets, 2 colorado property, 2 offices and directorships, 1 state-regulated businesses, 2 debts |
| 2025 Annual District Court Judge | 2025-01-10 | 3 income sources, 5 assets, 2 colorado property, 2 offices and directorships, 1 state-regulated businesses, 3 debts |
| 2024 District Court Judge | 2024-10-23 | 2 income sources, 5 assets, 2 colorado property, 2 offices and directorships, 2 state-regulated businesses, 5 debts |
Findings
None.