Colorado Supreme Court
Honorable Gregory J. Hobbs Jr.
Retention Year: 2008
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The State Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Justice Gregory J. Hobbs, Jr. BE RETAINED.
Justice Hobbs was appointed to the Colorado Supreme Court in1996. He graduated from University of Notre Dame and the University of California School of Law at Berkeley (Boalt Hall), where he was the Supreme Court Editor of the California Law Review. His community interests include serving as the Vice-President of the Colorado Foundation for Water Education, a Co-convener of Dividing the Waters (Western Water Judges educational project), and a member of Colorado’s Access to Justice Commission. He has also authored several books on water law and of poetry.
Before his appointment to the Court, Justice Hobbs practiced law in public and private practice for 25 years with emphasis on water, environment, land use and transportation. In public practice, he served as a First Assistant Attorney General for the State of Colorado and an Enforcement Attorney for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he was a sixth grade teacher.
Justice Hobbs is a well-seasoned jurist who has written opinions on nearly every aspect of the law. Attorneys who responded to survey questions rated Justice Hobbs above average for: (1) issuing opinions in a timely matter, (2) allowing parties to present their arguments and answer questions, and (3) being prepared for oral argument. Attorneys commented that Justice Hobbs’ expertise in water law is a great asset, and complimented him on his writing style and ability to understand complex issues. Attorneys who responded to survey questions rated Justice Hobbs below average on refraining from reaching issues that need not be decided. Judges surveyed rated him as comparable to other appellate judges in all respects.
The Commission also reviewed various opinions that Justice Hobbs authored. His opinions appeared to be clear, direct, and respectful, but at times they addressed more than is necessary to resolve the case. In oral arguments, Justice Hobbs is both courteous and engaging. Overall, 91% of attorneys surveyed and 97% of judges surveyed supported his retention, with 75% of the attorneys and 80% of the judges strongly recommending that Justice Hobbs be retained in office.