Graham, Dennis 2004 Evaluation

Reports:

2004 Retention Survey Report

The State Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Dennis A. Graham BE RETAINED.

Judge Graham was appointed to the Colorado Court of Appeals on July 3, 2002. Prior to his appointment, Judge Graham served as a law clerk for the Honorable Robert H. McWilliams at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit (1975-1976), and was then engaged in a private law practice for 27 years, specializing in complex commercial transactions with an emphasis in securities. Judge Graham graduated from Colorado State University in 1968, and received his law degree with distinction from the University of Nebraska in 1975. Judge Graham serves on the Court's Information Technology Committee. He is also involved in numerous civic organizations, including the Toastmasters Club.

Although Judge Graham is relatively new to the bench, he has started to make a mark as a good and respected jurist. Ninety-eight percent of the trial judges who responded to the Commission's survey recommended that Judge Graham be retained in office. The survey results from attorneys were less favorable, with 79% recommending that Judge Graham be retained. The attorneys' comments reflect that Judge Graham is generally well prepared and thoughtful, although he could be more patient in oral argument and needs to gain greater familiarity with criminal law.

Judge Graham would like to be perceived as a "gentleman" on the bench, and to garner a reputation as a prompt and efficient judge. He strives to better communicate to the public the role and activities of the court, through presentations to schools and community organizations. The Commission encourages Judge Graham to critically evaluate his performance as he further grows into his job.