Sarah Block Wallace

The Second Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 9-0, with one Commissioner recusing that Judge Sarah Block Wallace 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 Wallace currently presides over civil matters in the Denver District Court. Judge Wallace meets all aspects of the performance criteria on which she is evaluated. The Commission found Judge Wallace to be a thoughtful, hardworking, and highly engaged jurist who demonstrates a strong commitment to the fair and efficient administration of justice. Judge Wallace’s written decisions are clear, thorough, well-reasoned, and definitive. Her notable strengths, observed by the Commission and described in survey responses, include her strong case management skills, her professionalism and courtroom demeanor, and her ability to manage complex and high-profile matters with diligence, composure, and care. Survey respondents and the Commission also noted Judge Wallace’s commitment to maintaining courtroom dignity, treating participants respectfully, and ensuring proceedings are conducted efficiently and professionally. The Commission, based on its observation and analysis of survey responses, did not identify any evaluation category in which Judge Wallace displayed a notable weakness as to the performance criteria. Judge Wallace exceeded the Court’s productivity benchmark for civil courtrooms.

The Commission met with the Chief Judge of Denver District Court to discuss challenges facing the court system. The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Wallace and observed her during court proceedings. It also reviewed opinions she authored, comments received from interested parties during the evaluation, case management data, and judicial performance survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys who interacted with her. The surveys reflected personal opinions regarding Judge Wallace in the categories of case management, application and knowledge of the law, communications, diligence, demeanor, and fairness. A total of 39 attorneys and 12 non-attorneys responded to the judicial performance surveys expressing their opinion of Judge Wallace. The overall information and data reviewed supports the Commission’s recommendation that Judge Wallace meets performance standards.

Judge Wallace was appointed to the Denver District Court in January 2023. Prior to her appointment, she was a partner at Ballard Spahr LLP, where her practice focused on commercial litigation and complex civil matters. Judge Wallace is active in service to the legal profession and broader community, through her leadership with the CU Law Alumni Board, mentoring law students and interns, participation in legal education programs, and regular involvement in mock trial and professional development activities. Judge Wallace received her undergraduate degree from Colby College and her law degree from the University of Colorado Law School.

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