Twenty-Second Judicial District - Montezuma County Judge
Honorable JenniLynn Lawrence
Retention Year: 2018
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standard
The Twenty-Second Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously (6-0) agrees that Judge JenniLynn Lawrence MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
After graduating from Mancos High School, Judge Lawrence obtained her BA in English from Fort Lewis College, followed by an MA in Interdisciplinary Education from Adams State College, and then her JD from the University of Wisconsin Law School. During her 13 years of private practice, she earned the esteemed AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell; Judge Lawrence was appointed to the County Court bench for the 22nd Judicial District on November 10th, 2010. Actively involved in the community, Judge Lawrence participates in the Mesa Verde Aquatic Club swim program, serving as the parent representative. Judge Lawrence also goes to local schools to teach students about the courts and the constitution.
The Commission reviewed the results of the attorney and non-attorney surveys who had experience with Judge Lawrence, conducted unannounced courtroom observations, reviewed caseload statistics and written decisions, filled out decision/opinion review matrices, and conducted an interview with Judge Lawrence. Judge Lawrence met performance standards according to 71% of Attorneys, 84% of Total Non-Attorneys, 100% of Jurors, and 72% of Non-Attorneys Other (which includes law enforcement personnel, defendants, litigants, and witnesses); 7% of Attorneys, 8% of Total Non-Attorneys, and 12% of Non-Attorneys Other had no opinion.
Judge Lawrence presides over criminal, traffic, civil, and small claims cases. Jurors expressed appreciation for her professionalism and communication skills. Judge Lawrence received high marks on her courtroom demeanor, fairness, communications, diligence, and application of law. The Commission confirmed these traits during their courtroom observations. Judge Lawrence is often described as professional, competent, and polite by both attorneys and non-attorneys. Based on these findings, the Commission unanimously agreed Judge Lawrence meets performance standards.