Fourth Judicial District - El Paso County Court Judge
Honorable Yolanda M. Fennick
Retention Year: 2024
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standards
Reports:
2024 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2023 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three commissioners absent that Judge Yolanda M. Fennick MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Judge Fennick currently presides in County Court over a docket that is 90% criminal and 10% civil. She was appointed on November 11, 2021. Observations and survey comments noted the judge’s positive demeanor and creating a welcoming environment by greeting most courtroom attendees. Judge Fennick considers external factors affecting people in her courtroom. Commission observations and self- reflection also supported this strength. Judge Fennick issues written decisions as opposed to oral rulings from the bench. This practice has allowed Judge Fennick to provide clear and concise rulings that relay the ruling concretely. Judge Fennick stated this additional step has been an exercise to improve her knowledge in criminal law. Judge Fennick has been described as being conscientious and unbiased with care of evidence case law. This Commission suggests that Judge Fennick give attention to the improvement of docket time management. Adjusting procedures and practices of the courtroom to reflect consideration of everyone’s time is encouraged. Specifically, the length of time between dockets lends itself to making longer than normal wait times and little to no explanation of courtroom expectations. Judge Fennick noted seeking mentorship from tenured colleagues; this would be an area on which she should seek input. The Commission finds Judge Fennick to be a true asset to the bench. With continued hard work and experience on the bench, Judge Fennick will continue to improve.
Please note, the response rate for surveys for all judges in Colorado is not as high as the Commission would like. Judge Fennick had 23 responses overall out of more than 935 survey invitations distributed. The response rate of less than 3% makes the survey results statistically invalid. Of the 23 who responded, only five opined that she does not meet performance standards. Judge Fennick has had no rulings reversed on appeal. Judge Fennick self-disclosed that she had filed the appropriate financial disclosures. Judge Fennick has no disciplinary history.
Before becoming a County Court Judge, Judge Fennick practiced at private law firms focused on civil and domestic relations law. Prior to private practice, Judge Fennick was a staff attorney with Colorado Legal Services. She received her law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. The Commission believes that Judge Fennick is a dedicated judicial officer who is actively seeking to expand her knowledge of criminal law.