Gomez, Monica 2018 Evaluation

Reports:
2018 Retention Survey Report
2017 Interim Survey Report

The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously (10-0) agrees that Judge Monica J. Gomez MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.

Judge Gomez earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Colorado and her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law. Prior to becoming a judge, Judge Gomez began her legal career as a Colorado Deputy Public Defender and served in that capacity between 1992 and 2004. Afterwards, she served honorably as an Assistant Attorney General in the Employment Division and taught legal writing and basic criminal procedure at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Prior to her appointment to the Douglas County Court bench in the 18th Judicial District in March, 2007, Judge Gomez served as a Drug Court Magistrate in the 4th Judicial District and as a workers’ compensation attorney. Judge Gomez continues to serve her community by mentoring high school students in moot court competitions and having served as President of the Hispanic Bar Association in El Paso County in the past.

The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Gomez, reviewed opinions she authored, observed her in court, reviewed comments received from interested parties during the evaluation, and reviewed survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys who had experience with her. Among the survey questions was, "based on your responses to the previous questions related to the performance evaluation criteria, do you think Judge Gomez meets judicial performance standards?" Of the attorneys responding to the survey, 86% answered yes, meets performance standards, 9% answered no, does not meet performance standards, and 5% had no opinion regarding whether Judge Gomez meets or does not meet performance standards. Of the non-attorneys responding to the survey, 84% answered yes, meets performance standards, 10% answered no, does not meet performance standards, and 6% had no opinion regarding whether Judge Gomez meets or does not meet performance standards. Twenty-three attorneys and sixty-seven non-attorneys responded to the judicial performance surveys expressing their opinions of Judge Gomez’s performance. 

Judge Gomez is currently handling a diverse docket in Douglas County consisting of criminal, civil, misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and small claims cases. Based on the Commission's overall evaluation, Judge Gomez has demonstrated she meets or exceeds performance standards in all categories. Judge Gomez received high marks in all areas. While there were some concerns regarding docket management, giving cases the time they need, and demeanor, she was described as being humble, kind, fair and respectful. Based on these findings, the Commission unanimously agreed that Judge Gomez meets judicial performance standards.