Eighteenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Benjamin Figa
Retention Year: 2024
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standards
Reports:
2024 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2023 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
Need an accessible PDF Document Version?
Please click on the link below and email our staff
The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 7-0, with three Commissioners absent from voting, that Judge Benjamin Figa MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
During his initial term, Judge Figa primarily presides over a Domestic Relations docket in Douglas County. Judge Figa is described as diligent, taking the time to understand and analyze the issues so he can issue well-reasoned orders. Observations by the Commission revealed Judge Figa to be humble, hardworking, and respectful of parties and counsel while also maintaining control over his courtroom. Judge Figa has worked hard to move through his heavy docket, and his current number of open cases are well under the benchmark for this docket type. Survey respondents praised his communication, noting he listened and was respectful, while also maintaining good control over his courtroom. Comments indicate Judge Figa’s lower survey scores stem primarily from being new to Domestic Relations and assigned to a high-volume docket, resulting in longer wait times for a hearing date or ruling. Input from Chief Judge Amico, as well as interviews of representatives from the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, and Probation, revealed that Judge Figa has a strong work ethic, is reflective and self-aware, and is always striving to improve. The Commission acknowledges Judge Figa’s dedication to service and commitment to the legal profession. The Commission agrees Judge Figa meets performance standards and recommends his retention.
The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Figa, observed him in the Courtroom, and reviewed his written orders. In a judicial performance survey with a maximum score of 4.0, Judge Figa received a 3.9 from Colorado’s Appellate Judges (10 responses). Survey respondents asked to rate Judge Figa’s performance standards gave him an overall score of 2.9. Judge Figa’s scores from attorneys are significantly higher than his scores from non-attorneys. Among survey respondents, 81% of attorneys (29 total) and 45% of non-attorneys (18 total) agreed that Judge Figa meets performance standards. Survey comments specifically highlight communication and demeanor as Judge Figa’s strengths.
Judge Figa earned his B.A. from Northwestern University. Immediately after receiving his law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2009, Judge Figa clerked for Chief Justice Michael L. Bender (Ret.) of the Colorado Supreme Court. Before his appointment in July 2022, Judge Figa practiced civil litigation, served as an Assistant City Attorney for the City and County of Denver’s Municipal Operations Section, a Deputy Legal Counsel for the Office of Governor John W. Hickenlooper, and a Deputy District Attorney in the 20th Judicial District.