The Twenty-First Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Scott Joesph Burrill MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS by a vote of 8-0. The Commission has one vacancy and one absent commissioner. The Commission considered multiple sources of information including survey results, courtroom observations, interviews, judge’s self-evaluation and case management data. Survey results indicated that 71% of attorneys and 75% of non-attorneys felt that Judge Burrill met performance standards. The Commission considered these results in the context of all available information.
The judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public. The Commission finds that Judge Burrill demonstrates excellent organization, preparedness and willingness to learn. Judge Burrill conducts himself in a professional manner and shows empathy to those in his courtroom. Judge Burrill shows genuine interest in helping defendants that need support to improve their lives. Judge Burrill clearly explains possible consequences, reasons for posing certain questions and allows plentiful time for defendants to speak. The Commission commends Judge Burrill on these actions and attributes.
The Commission finds that Judge Burrill is thorough with the steps that need to be followed in each case and is skilled at working through his docket. Judge Burrill’s hard work and integrity are evident to the Commission. Based on the totality of the information reviewed, the Commission determined that Judge Burrill is an asset to the Mesa County Judicial system and consistently demonstrates the competencies required of a judicial officer.
Judge Burrill was appointed to the Mesa County Court in July of 2024, taking the bench in August 2024. Judge Burrill is from Madison, Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for his undergraduate degree, graduating in 2006. He attended the University of Iowa College of Law, earning his Juris Doctorate in 2010 and graduating with distinction. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Burrill was a Deputy State Public Defender from 2010-2024, practicing in both the Montrose and Grand Junction regional offices. While with OSPD, he served as both a county court and district court supervisor. Judge Burrill serves on the Mesa County Pretrial Committee, the local CJAC Committee, and is on the CCJA Legislative Advisory Group.
1300 Broadway, Suite 220 Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 928-7777