Second Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Shelley Ilene Gilman
Retention Year: 2000
Recommendation: Retain
The Second Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Shelley Ilene Gilman BE RETAINED.
Judge Gilman was appointed to the Denver District Court bench in February 1998. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Gilman practiced in the several county trial offices and in the appellate division of the Colorado State Public Defender and then was in private practice in Denver, specializing in juvenile, criminal and appellate matters. Judge Gilman graduated from the University of Illinois and received her law degree from the University of Denver College of Law in 1978. Judge Gilman presently hears criminal cases. She also served in the domestic relations division for more than one year.
The Commission reviewed written evaluations of Judge Gilman from attorneys and non-attorneys, including written verbatim comments attached to the evaluation questionnaires. The Commission also considered a written self-evaluation completed by Judge Gilman and conducted a personal interview with Judge Gilman.
Judge Gilman is active in community service. She teaches at legal seminars and chairs or participates in Bar Association and other law committees. She takes transfers of cases from other judges when her docket permits. Judge Gilman's judicial philosophy is to be patient, to be an active listener, to be fair and impartial in all matters, and to treat everyone courteously. Judge Gilman exercises regularly and enjoys spending time with her young child.
Judge Gilman received high ratings from both attorneys and non-attorneys in virtually every category, particularly in the areas of being courteous; treating all parties equally; communicating clearly, thoroughly and in a well-reasoned manner; maintaining proper judicial temperament; correctly applying the law; and performing with diligence, efficiency and minimal delay. Of the attorneys responding to the questionnaire, 92% recommended that Judge Gilman be retained in office, 2% recommended that she not be retained, and 6% had no opinion. Of the non-attorneys responding to the questionnaire, 77% recommended retention, 15% recommended non-retention, and 9% had no opinion.