DENVER — Going to court without an attorney may seem intimidating or overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be, thanks to free programs offered through the Colorado Judicial Department.

Recognizing that many Coloradans represent themselves in legal matters, the Judicial Department and partners are hosting free legal assistance and educational sessions in 11 locations around the state during the week of Oct. 20, 2025. The Judicial Department also partnered with Our Courts Colorado to provide informational videos available online beginning Oct. 1 on the following topics: divorce, civil lawsuits, bankruptcy, and immigration. The videos are accessible at https://www.cobar.org/ourcourtscolorado/Legal-Resource-Day.

The Judicial Department is committed to equipping self-represented litigants with the information and education they need to be prepared to appear before a judge and answer questions about evictions, family law, sealing a criminal case, small claims, or other legal matters. At Legal Resource Days events, volunteer lawyers and other professionals offer free informational and educational sessions to individuals representing themselves. 

Times and types of sessions vary by location. Spanish interpreters will be available, and all sessions are free. Registration is required for some sessions; please see each location’s web page for instructions and details. 

If you are unable to attend one of the Legal Resource Days events, you can learn more about the Judicial Department’s Self-Help and Court Information Centers at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/stories/self-help-centers. These centers are available across all 23 judicial districts and offer resources for court customers to gain a better understanding of the legal system.

·    1st Judicial District (Jefferson and Gilpin Counties): Free 15-minute Ask-An-Attorney sessions will be held on a first-come, first-served basis on Wednesday, Oct. 22, in the atrium of the Jefferson County Courthouse (100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden) between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Traffic, criminal, civil, family law and probate attorneys will be providing pro-bono assistance. Community service organizations will be hosting informational tables at the event.

·    2nd Judicial District (Denver County): Free 30-minute Ask-An-Attorney clinics are available to discuss issues concerning family law, probate and county court civil matters. Free classes will be held online, by phone, or in person at the Denver City and County Building (1437 Bannock Street, Room 281, Denver) on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The class schedule is posted at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts/denver-district/denver-courts-pro-seself-help-centers. For more information, email 02SelfHelp@judicial.state.co.us or call 303-606-2442. Registration is required for some sessions.

·    4th Judicial District (El Paso and Teller Counties): Free 20-minute Meet-A-Lawyer sessions to receive free legal advice and in-person sessions on small claims, consumer rights, guardianships, and evictions will take place on Friday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the El Paso County Combined Courts (270 Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903) meeting in the Jury Room. Opening Remarks from Judge Johnson. For more information email 04selfhelp@judicial.state.co.us

·    6th Judicial District (Archuleta, La Plata, and San Juan Counties): In-person sessions will be held at the La Plata County Combined Courts (1060 E. 2nd Avenue, Durango) on Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on topics including domestic relations cases (divorce/child custody, post-decree modifications) civil cases (eviction, money, protection orders), and probate (guardianship, conservatorships, trust/estates, wills).  For more information, call 970-385-6179. 

·    8th Judicial District (Larimer and Jackson Counties): The 8th Judicial District will hold an Ask-a-Lawyer Day on Friday, Oct. 24 at the Fort Collins Justice Center (201 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521) and the Loveland Library (300 N Adams Ave, Loveland, CO 80537). Participants can sign up to meet with an attorney for a free 30-minute session on family law, civil matters, evictions, and probate. Contact 08CourtResourceCenter@judicial.state.co.us for more information.

·    10th Judicial District (Pueblo County): The 10th Judicial District will host a Free Legal Resource Day on Friday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dennis Maes Pueblo Judicial Building (501 N. Elizabeth St., Pueblo). Free in-person educational sessions and 20-minute Ask-An-Attorney consultations will be available in family law, probate, civil money cases, landlord/tenant, small claims, and record sealing. For more info, contact 10jdselfhelp@judicial.state.co.us or call 719-404-8752.

·    11th Judicial District (Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Park Counties): In-person sessions on probate and simple estate planning, courtroom prep, Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals and divorce, and evictions will be held at the Fremont County Courthouse (136 Justice Center Road #103, Canon City) on Friday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free 20-minute Ask-An-Attorney sessions will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment. Registration is required. For more information, visit coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts/chaffee-county.

·    17th Judicial District (Adams and Broomfield Counties): Free 15-minute Ask-An-Attorney sessions will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis Thursday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed for lunch 11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m.) at the Adams County Courthouse (1100 Judicial Center Dr. Brighton, CO 80601). Attorneys will be available to assist with divorce, custody, child support, tenant/landlord, traffic, juvenile, criminal, civil protection orders & probate. Community vendors will be on-site to engage with attendees and share resources. Spanish interpreters will also be available. For more information or questions, contact the Resource Center by email: 17SHRC@judicial.state.co.us or call: 303-654- 3213.

·    18th Judicial District (Arapahoe County): Free 15-minute Ask-An-Attorney sessions for family law and probate matters will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Arapahoe County Justice Center, Jury Assembly Room – Courthouse 1 (7325 S. Potomac Street, Centennial). Community resource service organizations will also host information booths.

·    21st Judicial District (Mesa County): Mesa County will be having Legal Resource Day on Oct. 21, at the Grand Junction Central Library (443 N. 6th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501) from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free 20-minute Ask-An-Attorney sessions regarding civil, family matters, and probate cases are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be two informational presentations: Introduction to Child Support from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Preparing for Contested Hearings from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Community resource information will be available. Questions about the event, email 21selfhelp@judicial.state.co.us or call (970)257-3663.

·    22nd Judicial District (Dolores and Montezuma Counties): In-person sessions will be held at the Montezuma Combined Court (865 N Park St Cortez) on Tuesday Oct.21, from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Preregistration is required for Ask–An-Attorney sessions and recommended for the classes being offered. Call 970 565-1328 for more information or to register. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available.

Applications are now being accepted for upcoming and current vacancies on 17 Judicial Nominating Commissions throughout Colorado. Also listed are four vacancies for the Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission.

As detailed below, 42 judicial nominating commission vacancies and seven vacancies on the Supreme Court judicial nominating commission will be filled between now and mid-January 2025. Judicial nominating commissioners are volunteers who serve six-year terms. They interview applicants for judicial vacancies and nominate candidates to the governor for consideration.

Each judicial district nominating commission consists of seven citizens residing in that judicial district and one supreme court justice who serves as a non-voting ex officio member. No more than four members can be from the same political party, and there must be at least one voting member from each county in the district. Commission members serve six-year terms. Non-lawyers, who make up the majority of every nominating commission, are appointed by the governor. Lawyer members are appointed by joint action of the governor, attorney general, and chief justice.

Vacancies to be filled are as follows:

• 1st Judicial District (Jefferson and Gilpin Counties) – one attorney vacancy and one non-attorney vacancy
• 2nd Judicial District (City and County of Denver) – one non-attorney vacancy
• 4th Judicial District (El Paso and Teller Counties)- one attorney vacancy and two non-attorney vacancies
• 6th Judicial District (La Plata, Archuleta and San Juan Counties) – one attorney and three non-attorney vacancies
• 7th Judicial District (Delta, Gunnison, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel and Hinsdale Counties) – one attorney vacancy. 
• 9th Judicial District (Garfield, Rio Blanco and Pitkin Counties) – one attorney vacancy and two non-attorney vacancies. At least one must reside in Rio Blanco County.
• 10th Judicial District (Pueblo County) – one attorney vacancy and one non-attorney vacancy
• 12th Judicial District (Saguache, Mineral, Rio Grande, Alamosa, Conejos and Costilla Counties) – two attorney vacancies, one non-attorney vacancy. At least one must reside in Costilla and Rio Grande counties.
• 13th Judicial District (Morgan, Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Yuma, Washington and Kit Carson Counties) –two attorney vacancies, and one non-attorney vacancy. Each one must reside in Morgan, Kit Carson, and Washington counties.
• 14th Judicial District (Moffatt, Routt and Grand Counties) – two non-attorney vacancies
• 15th Judicial District (Cheyenne, Kiowa, Prowers and Baca Counties) – one attorney vacancy, and three non-attorney vacancies. At least one must reside in Kiowa, Baca, and Cheyenne counties.
• 16th Judicial District (Crowley, Otero and Bent Counties) – three non-attorney vacancies. At least one must reside in Crowley County.
• 17th Judicial District (Adams County & City and County of Broomfield) – two attorney and two non-attorney vacancies.
• 19th Judicial District (Weld County) – one attorney vacancy

• 20th Judicial District (Boulder County) – one non-attorney vacancy

• 21st Judicial District (Mesa County) – two attorney vacancies, and one non-attorney vacancy
• 22nd Judicial District (Dolores and Montezuma counties) – one attorney and one non-attorney vacancy.
• Supreme Court (statewide) – one attorney vacancy in the 1st Congressional District, one attorney and one non-attorney vacancy in the 3^rd Congressional District, one attorney and one non-attorney vacancy in the 4^th Congressional District, one non-attorney vacancy in the 6^th Congressional District, and one non-attorney for the at-large vacancy.

More information on nominating commissions can be found on the judicial department’s website at coloradojudicial.gov/supreme-court/judicial-nominating-commissions.

Applications are being accepted now for all vacancies, and applicants are encouraged to apply early, as appointments may begin this month. Applications may be made only online at the State of Colorado Boards and Commissions Application page. Applicants should include a current resume or biography where indicated on the application.

Please contact: boards@state.co.us with questions or for more information.

DENVER — In a precedent-setting step to enhance the intersection of emerging technology and legal practice, Chief Justice Monica Márquez formally issued a charge this morning to create a new Legal Technology Advisory Committee. Based on the unanimous recommendation from the Standing Committee on the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct, this newly formed committee is designed to guide attorneys, licensed legal paraprofessionals, other legal professionals, judicial officers, and members of the public on the appropriate use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies and their impact on the practice of law, professional ethics, and the judiciary. 

In light of the world-changing power of AI, Chief Justice Márquez emphasized the need to devise systems and guidance to help the legal profession make sense of the risks and benefits associated with these emerging technologies. “As AI evolves, our legal community must have the right tools and knowledge to use its capabilities responsibly,” said Chief Justice Márquez. “The creation of the Legal Technology Advisory Committee will help legal professionals, the judiciary, and litigants keep pace with the rapid AI technology changes that affect our legal system and how people interact with the courts.”

The Legal Technology Advisory Committee will be comprised of 12 appointed members, including judicial officers, clerks of court, legal practitioners, and subject matter experts, whom the Chief Justice will appoint. In accordance with the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct, the committee will develop guidance materials that focus on safeguarding the integrity of the legal system, supporting access to justice, protecting client confidentiality, encouraging innovation, and ensuring competent client service. The Committee is charged with submitting its initial recommendations to the Chief Justice by October 1, 2026.

For more information about the Legal Technology Advisory Committee and its charge, visit www.coloradojudicial.gov.

DENVER – The Colorado Judicial Department is introducing a new structure for how courts respond to individuals found or likely to be found incompetent to stand trial, launching new alternatives aimed at reducing wait times for inpatient competency restoration, supporting recovery, and promoting public safety.

Colorado courts, in partnership with Bridges of Colorado, have begun implementing the new Competency Diversion Program, following the passage of House Bill 24-1355. The Competency Diversion Program is a new statewide program that diverts eligible individuals out of the traditional competency process and into community-based care.

The program is being implemented in three phases:

• Launched April 1, 2025: 2nd, 17th, 18th, and 20th Judicial Districts
• Launching October 1, 2025: 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 15th, 16th, 21st, and 22nd Judicial Districts
• Final cohort by July 1, 2026: Remaining 10 judicial districts

To support this work, the Colorado Supreme Court established the Judicial Mental Health Advisory Committee (JMHAC) in 2024. JMHAC brings together judicial officers from across the state to strengthen court responses to mental health challenges, improve collaboration, and guide statewide strategy.

In addition, Colorado secured a federal Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program grant to conduct a statewide evaluation of the Competency Court Dockets and the Competency Diversion Program.

The evaluation will assess outcomes such as participant engagement, recidivism rates, court efficiency, and access to care to help shape evidence-based practices and inform future expansion. A multidisciplinary subcommittee of the JMHAC is guiding the evaluation and will launch in partnership with selected pilot courts in 2026.

Finally, the State Court Administrator’s Office, through its Criminal Justice Programs Unit, is supporting each district with training, data tools, and policy templates. Competency Analysts support court coordinators and districts with intergovernmental processes, as well as the implementation of steering committees. A new Data Information Management System (DIMS), supported by grant funds, is also helping coordinators track outcomes, including program completion, resource availability, recidivism, and cost savings.

“This work is the result of years of collaboration, deep listening, and versatility,” said Gene Klivansky, Competency Programs Supervisor. “Colorado is taking bold, creative, and person-centered steps to change how we respond to mental health needs in our courts and communities.”

To learn more about House Bill 24-1355, please visit: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1355.

Grants provide funding for courthouses with limited resources

DENVER—The Colorado Judicial Department has opened the application period for fiscal year 2025-26 grants from the Underfunded Courthouse Facility Cash Fund. The grants provide supplemental funding for courthouse facilities projects in Colorado counties with the most limited resources.

To be eligible for grants, counties must meet at least two of four criteria set in the statute: counties whose total population is below the median among all Colorado counties; counties in which per-capita income is below the state median; counties in which property tax revenues are below the state median; and counties in which the population living below the federal poverty line is above the state median.

Approximately three million dollars ($3,000,000) is available from the Colorado Underfunded Courthouse Facility Cash Fund. Forty counties meeting at least two of the criteria set in statute are eligible for grants. Of those counties, 21 are given the highest priority for grants as they meet all the statutory criteria.

Under Colorado law, counties are responsible for building and maintaining courtrooms and other court facilities; the Judicial Department is responsible for furnishing those courthouses. However, the level of funding and services that each county can provide varies throughout the state. The 2014 General Assembly created the grant program to help counties with the most limited financial resources ensure access to safe courthouses that allow for the efficient and effective administration of justice.

Funds from the grants may be used to pay for master planning services for courthouse projects, matching funds, leveraging funding opportunities for construction or remodeling projects, or to address emergency needs due to the imminent closure of a courthouse. Grant funds may not be used to pay for furniture, fixtures, or equipment, and cannot be used as the sole source of funding for new construction unless the need stems from the imminent closure of a courthouse.

Application details, rules, and other information on the grants can be found at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/financial-services/underfunded-courthouse-facility-grant-program.

Grant applications must be received through the Office of the State Court Administrator’s grant management system, AmpliFund, by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please direct questions to UFF@judicial.state.co.us.

4th Judicial District Court judge finalists selected

Governor to appoint new district court judge

The 4th Judicial District Nominating Commission has nominated three candidates for a district court judgeship created by the retirement of Honorable David L. Shakes, effective September 30, 2025 

Nominees Mary Kominek Linden of Colorado Springs, Joseph “Joe” Allen Peters of Denver, and Jennifer Ann Viehman of Colorado Springs were selected by the commission on August 13, 2025.

Under the Colorado Constitution, the governor has 15 days from today, within which to appoint one of the nominees as a district court judge for the 4^th Judicial District (El Paso County).

Comments regarding any of the nominees may be sent via e-mail to the governor at gov_judicialappointments@state.co.us

Editor’s Note: Contact information for the three nominees:

·        Mary Kominek Linden: 111 S. Tejon Street, Suite 202, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. 719-205-8003.

·        Joseph “Joe” Allen Peters: Colorado Department of Law, 1300 Broadway, 6^th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. 720-508-6179.

·        Jennifer Ann Viehman: 105 E. Vermijo Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. 719-520-6051.

For questions about this announcement, please contact the Colorado Supreme Court Clerk's Office at: 720-625-5150.

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4th Judicial District Court judge finalists selected

Governor to appoint new district court judges

The 4th Judicial District Nominating Commission has nominated four candidates for two district court judgeships, effective on July 1, 2025 and July 12, 2025, respectively, created by SB25-024 and the resignation of Judge David A. Gilbert. Amy Patricia Cullen Cano of Colorado Springs, Sherri R. Gryboski of Colorado Springs, Kelly June McPherson of Colorado Springs, and Joseph Allen Peters of Denver were selected by the commission on May 21, 2025.

Under the Colorado Constitution, the governor has 15 days from today within which to appoint two of the nominees as district court judges for the 4th Judicial District (El Paso County).

Comments regarding any of the nominees may be sent via e-mail to the governor at gov_judicialappointments@state.co.us

Editor’s Note: Contact information for the three nominees

• Amy Patricia Cullen Cano. 105 E. Vermijo Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. 719-520-6183.
• Sherri R. Gryboski. 270 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. 719-452-5392. Colorado Springs.
• Kelly June McPherson. 270 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. 719-452-5533.
• Joseph Allen Peters. Colorado Department of Law - 1300 Broadway, 6^th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. 720-508-6179.

Colorado Celebrates Treatment Court Month: Honoring the Impact of Problem-Solving Courts Across the State

DENVER– The Colorado Judicial Department is proud to recognize May as Treatment Court Month, joining communities nationwide to celebrate the life-changing work of Problem-Solving Courts. These innovative courts, including Adult Drug Courts, Juvenile Treatment Courts, DUI Courts, Wellness Courts, Veterans Treatment Courts, and Family Treatment Courts, are transforming the justice system by addressing the root causes of criminal justice involvement through a collaborative, treatment-focused approach.

Throughout the month of May, Colorado’s Problem-Solving Courts will celebrate Treatment Court Month with team member recognition events, community engagement activities, and highlighting participant and alumni stories that remind us of the courage it takes to change and the community it takes to support that change.

Since the establishment of Colorado’s first Problem-Solving Court, the state has expanded to support 70 problem-solving courts across 20 judicial districts. These courts bring together judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation officers, treatment providers, child welfare agencies, and community partners to support individuals on their journey of recovery, rehabilitation, and accountability.

Problem-Solving Courts are a powerful example of how justice and compassion can work together. They provide structure, support, and access to treatment for individuals struggling with substance use and mental health challenges, and they continue to improve lives, strengthen families, and enhance public safety across Colorado.

Research shows that treatment courts significantly reduce recidivism and substance use, improve family reunification outcomes, and save taxpayer dollars by reducing incarceration costs. Most importantly, they offer participants the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

That opportunity is captured in the words of Colorado Problem-Solving Court alumni, whose stories speak to the power of recovery, resilience, and transformation:

One graduate reflected on the transformation that began with just one small step:

“I graduated Larimer County Drug Court in January of 2020. I was addicted to meth and opiates. I wanted to get better but didn’t know how. Drug court helped me—bit by bit. I got clean, found a job, and learned how to live a life of not just sobriety but in recovery.”

Another shared the resilience they found through accountability and support:

“Drug court saved my life. I lost everything except my life. Drug court taught me a new way to live, with structure, accountability, and daily purpose. Today, I’ve been sober for four years, got married (to a fellow graduate), and just bought a house. This is the happiest I’ve ever been.”

About Colorado Problem-Solving Courts:

Colorado’s Problem-Solving Courts are dockets within the state’s judicial system that provide treatment and intensive supervision for individuals with behavioral health challenges. Grounded in research, guided by evidence-based practices, and supported by a multidisciplinary team approach, these courts offer participants a path toward stability, healing, and lasting change.

For more information on Colorado’s Problem-Solving Courts or to learn how to support this work, visit: https://cjpu.colorado.gov/problem-solving-courts

4th Judicial District announces Two District Court vacancies 

Commission sets date to select nominees 

The 4th Judicial District Nominating Commission will meet on May 21, 2025, at El Paso County Judicial Building, 270 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903, to interview and select nominees for appointment by the governor to the office of district judge for the 4^th Judicial District (El Paso and Teller Counties). The first vacancy was created pursuant to SB25-024 and is effective July 1, 2025. The second vacancy will be created by the resignation of Hon. David A. Gilbert and is effective July 12, 2025. 

To be eligible, the applicant must be a qualified elector of the 4th Judicial District at the time of investiture and must have been admitted to the practice of law in Colorado for five years. The current annual salary for this position is $198,798. The initial term of office of a district judge is a provisional term of two years; thereafter, the incumbent district judge, if retained by the voters, has a term of six years. 

Application forms are available from the office of the ex officio chair of the nominating commission, Justice Maria Berkenkotter, 2 E. 14^th Ave., Denver, CO 80203, and the office of the Court Executive, Scott Sosebee, 719-452-5000/Deputy Court Executive, Bridget Collins, 719-452-5000. Applications are also available on the court’s home page at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/careers/judge-opportunities

The completed application must be e-mailed to the address listed in the instructions below no later than May 5, 2025, by 4:00 p.m. Late applications will not be considered. Any person wishing to suggest a candidate to fill the vacancy may do so by letter to be submitted to any member of the nominating commission, with a copy to the ex officio chair, no later than April 28, 2025, by 4:00 p.m.

The members of the nominating commission for the 4th Judicial District are:

Kathleen Cefus of Divide; Michael Allen of Monument; and Stella Hodgkins, C. Onye Ikwaukor, Roland Rainey, and Misty Plowright, all of Colorado Springs.

Editor’s Note: Contact information for the nominating commission members: 

• Stella Hodgkins, stella.hodgkins@gmail.com
• C. Onye Ikwaukor, onye44@gmail.com
• Kathleen Cefus, ekcefus@msn.com
• Roland Rainey, rojune28@yahoo.com
• Misty Plowright, misty.plowright@gmail.com
• Michael Allen, mtallen@mikemoranlaw.com

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Colorado Judicial Department Opens Application Process for

Family Violence Justice Fund grants

Grants provide funding for nonprofit organizations providing civil legal services to low-income people experiencing family violence.

DENVER—The Colorado Judicial Department has opened the application period for fiscal year 2025-26 grants from the Family Violence Justice Fund. The grants provide funding to Colorado nonprofit organizations that help low-income people who are experiencing family violence. 

Successful grant recipients must have experience providing legal services, including legal representation, to eligible persons in areas such as protection orders, divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, or other judicial actions where legal services are necessary to protect the client’s interests related to family violence. Grants are awarded to qualifying organizations based on a geographic, need-driven formula that considers the number of low-income individuals who may require services in each county or city across the State.

Funding available for the upcoming grant cycle is expected to be $2.1 million. In fiscal year 2024-25, twelve organizations received grants totaling $2.1 million.

Application links, rules, and other information about the grant program may be found at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/financial-services/family-violence-justice-fund-grant-program. Applications must be received through the Office of the State Court Administrator’s grant management system, AmpliFund, by 5 p.m. on April 30th, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please direct questions to FamilyViolenceJusticeFund@judicial.state.co.us.