The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance agrees by a vote of 8-0, with one member absent and one vacancy on the Commission, that Judge Michelle Jones, 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 to the public.
After meeting with Judge Jones, reviewing her prior work, and assessing feedback from attorneys and non-attorneys, the Commission was unanimous that she meets judicial performance standards. Judge Jones is repeatedly described as intelligent and thoughtful, patient, respectful, and fair with a balanced demeanor and strong intellect. Her writing is understandable and clear, citing appropriate case law, and giving sound, well-reasoned decisions. She makes it a priority to be patient with all parties, including all pro se parties, taking time to explain the procedure of what is happening and why, and setting expectations early in the proceedings. She is an active listener and ensures that all parties are heard when they come before her court. She has twice volunteered over the last few years to step in and bring challenging overburdened dockets up to speed, improving efficiencies, reducing the number of cases on the docket, and reducing the age of case and response time to motions in the division’s inbox. The comments surrounding Judge Jones and the work she has done are overwhelmingly positive. The comments refer to her as a good leader.
The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Jones, reviewed opinions she authored, observed her in court, reviewed comments from interested parties during the evaluation, and reviewed survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys who had experience with Judge Jones. Attorney and non-attorney respondents, although low in response numbers, found no performance issues in any evaluation criteria. This was consistent with the Commission’s overall findings.
Judge Jones was appointed to the bench effective January 10, 2023. She was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan and attended Boston College where she double majored in political science and communications. She moved to Colorado in 2005 and attended University of Denver Sturm College of Law, from where she earned her juris doctor. After law school, she worked as a defense attorney, administrative law hearing officer, administrative law judge, and as a Magistrate for the 18th Judicial District serving both Arapahoe and Douglas Counties prior to her appointment to her position of District Court Judge. She frequently volunteers to present on educational panels, including at the Family Law Institute. She also volunteers annually for the Colorado Bar Association’s High School Mock Trial Competitions. She is active in her community and enjoys spending time with her family.
1300 Broadway, Suite 220 Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 928-7777