Hannen, Justin 2012 Evaluation

Reports:

2012 Retention Survey Report (PDF)

2011 Interim Survey Report (PDF)

2009 Interim Survey Report (PDF)

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The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommended that Judge Justin Mark Hannen BE RETAINED.

Judge Hannen is an experienced Jurist who graduated magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Denver College of Law and earned the Harry Clayton Davis and the American Jurisprudence awards for superior legal scholarship. Judge Hannen engaged in the private practice of law as an Officer, Director and Shareholder with various law firms from 1972 until 1989. His practice focused on civil litigation, commercial, real estate, and local government law. Judge Hannen became the Douglas County Attorney in 1989 and served in that position until his appointment to the District Court by Governor Owens in 2002. While serving in private practice, Judge Hannen received numerous awards and recognition for his professionalism, competence, and pro bono work. He served as President of the Arapahoe Bar Association and is a consultant to numerous legal organizations that promote legal professional enhancement. Also, he judges High School Mock Trial competitions and is a presenter with Our Courts, a joint public service program of the Colorado Judicial Institute and the Colorado Bar Association.

In evaluating Judge Hannen, the Commission observed him in the courtroom and interviewed district attorneys, clerks, the Chief Probation Officer, and Judge Hannen himself. The Commission also reviewed surveys about Judge Hannen’s performance in the courtroom, a self-evaluation, and written decisions rendered by the judge. Judge Hannen is described by his colleagues as an intelligent gentleman who is fair, calm, and brings dignity to judicial proceedings. He works hard and stays current with the law by reading statutes, new case law, and anything else that increases his legal knowledge. Judge Hannen’s judicial docket previously focused on criminal cases, including a number of high profile cases. Currently, he presides over a 100% civil docket, which includes rule 120 motions and forcible entry and detainer cases, and he handles some criminal matters. He is also available to assist his teammates with domestic case matters. He is an excellent judge who adds great value and depth to the Eighteenth Judicial District bench. Currently, he has launched the Civil Access Pilot Program which encourages expedited, cost effective, resolution of cases using, communication, negotiation and mediation with trial as the last resort.

Of all attorneys surveyed about retention, 81% recommended to retain, 12% not to retain, and 6% were undecided or didn’t have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 87% recommended to retain and 13% not to retain. Of all non-attorneys surveyed, 87% recommend to retain, 8% not to retain, and 5% were undecided or didn’t have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 92% recommended to retain and 8% not to retain. (These percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.). The Commission finds that Judge Hannen is a distinguished judge, who will continue to serve the Eighteenth Judicial District with excellence.