Natalie G. Stricklin

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 Natalie G. Stricklin 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.

After meeting with Judge Stricklin, reviewing her prior work, and assessing feedback from attorneys and non-attorneys, the Commission was unanimous that Judge Stricklin meets judicial performance standards. Judge Stricklin is a clear communicator who treats all courtroom participants with respect. Her courtroom is marked by clarity, professionalism, respect, and attentiveness reflecting Judge Stricklin’s strong commitment to fairness and accessibility in the judicial process. She is praised for her preparation and command of the law. Her rulings are well reasoned and grounded in thoughtful analysis of the facts and applicable legal principles, and she is willing to reconsider a ruling when presented with a persuasive legal argument. Based on all the information reviewed, the Commission finds that Judge Stricklin meets and often exceeds performance expectations. Judge Stricklin’s professionalism, fairness, and dedication to continuous improvement support the Commission’s unanimous recommendation that Judge Stricklin meets performance standards and should be retained.

The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Stricklin, reviewed rulings 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 Stricklin. 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 Stricklin was appointed to the District Court bench in December 2023. She graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and Magna Cum Laude from Michigan State University College of Law in 2007. Following graduation, she accepted a position as a Deputy State Public Defender with the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender working in the Greeley Regional Office from 2007 to 2010 and the Arapahoe Regional Office as a Senior Deputy State Public Defender from 2010 to 2015. After several months in private practice handling criminal defense and family law cases, Judge Stricklin accepted a position in November 2015 serving as an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Districts of Colorado and Wyoming. She has volunteered for the Arapahoe County High School Mock Trial Competition for three years and with the courthouse Take Your Kids to Work Day activities last year. She has also been a guest lecturer at DU Law School’s Women in the Law class and CU Law School’s Jury Selection and History class. In her spare time, she cheers on her daughter’s desire to participate in every extra-curricular activity available.

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