Theresa Slade

The Twenty-Third Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 70, with one commissioner absent and two commission vacancies, that Judge Theresa Slade MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS . The Colorado statutory judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.

Judge Slade presides over a mixed docket in Elbert County and, during her current term, has served in Douglas, Arapahoe, and Elbert Counties, where she managed a broad range of case types including criminal, civil, domestic relations, juvenile, mental health, and probate matters as her assignments shifted over time. She demonstrates a professional and respectful courtroom demeanor and conducts proceedings in a manner that promotes order and clarity. She is able to address complex, sensitive, and emotionally difficult issues with care and precision. Her written decisions are generally clear, concise, and well reasoned. Judge Slade is a diligent judicial officer who manages a demanding docket and remains attentive to changes in the law and courtroom practice. She applies her legal knowledge and experience to ensure that matters are handled efficiently and appropriately. Commission members observed these qualities during their evaluation and interview. Her opinions reflect a structured approach to legal analysis and a clear communication style. Based on these findings the Commission unanimously agreed that Judge Slade meets performance standards.

The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Slade, reviewed opinions she authored, observed her in court, and reviewed judicial performance survey responses from attorneys and non attorneys who had interaction in Judge Slade’s court. Among the survey questions was: “Based on your responses to the previous questions related to the performance evaluation criteria, do you think Judge Slade meets judicial performance standards?” Of the attorneys responding, 82% answered yes; and 18% answered no. Of the non attorneys responding, 60% answered yes and 40% answered no. A total of twelve attorneys and ten non attorneys responded to the judicial performance surveys expressing their opinion of Judge Slade.

Judge Slade was appointed to the District Court in August 2012. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and her law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Before joining the bench, she practiced in the 18th Judicial District as a Deputy District Attorney, Alternate Defense Counsel, Respondent Parent Counsel, and Guardian ad Litem, and she also served as a municipal and magistrate judge. She previously owned and operated Slade & Associates, where she practiced criminal and juvenile defense and represented parents and children in dependency and neglect matters. During her judicial career, Judge Slade has served on statewide and local committees, including the Colorado Supreme Court Juvenile Rules Committee, the Colorado Victims Assistance (COVA) Board, the Colorado Restorative Justice Committee, and the Elbert County Community Management Board. She has volunteered extensively, including presenting legal education programs, coaching high school mock trial teams, participating in Constitution Day presentations, speaking in schools, and assisting with CASA volunteer training.

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