Eighth Judicial District - Larimer County Court Judge
Honorable Joshua Blake Lehman
Retention Year: 2024
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standards
Reports:
2024 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2023 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Eighth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance, by a vote of 10-0, agrees that Judge Joshua Blake Lehman MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Judge Lehman handles a mixed docket consisting of civil, misdemeanor, traffic, and small claims. Judge Lehman presents himself in court as approachable, knowledgeable, and respectful of all parties. He strives to ensure that all parties are afforded equal access and equal opportunity in court proceedings. He enjoys his position as a County Court Judge, and it is evident to all parties appearing before him as demonstrated by his judicial performance survey scores. He feels he is making a difference in people’s lives and in his community. The Commission believes Judge Lehman is a dedicated, efficient, and respectful judge and appreciates his continued efforts for the community. During observations of Judge Lehman in court, he appeared respectful of all those in the courtroom, and he was efficient in handling his cases. He allows remote appearances in most situations, which the Commission finds effective in improving access to justice. Judge Lehman strives to do a good job for the community and puts in the effort to keep up with changes in the law.
The Commission personally interviewed Judge Lehman, observed him in court (both in person and virtually), analyzed judicial performance survey data, reviewed a sample of written orders, considered written comments from attorneys and non-attorneys, and reviewed his self-evaluation. In addition, the Commission received comments from representatives of the District Attorney’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office. A total of 28 individuals, 12 attorneys and 16 non-attorneys, believed they had sufficient knowledge to assess whether Judge Lehman meets performance standards. When asked whether Judge Lehman meets performance standards: Of the attorneys responding to the survey, all 12 answered yes. Of the non-attorneys responding to the survey, 15 answered yes and one expressed no opinion. His overall performance score based on a total of 36 responses is 3.8 out of 4 for all performance categories combined (case management, application and knowledge of law, communications, diligence, demeanor, and fairness). Given significantly low response rates to the surveys overall, the Commission gave the appropriate weight to the survey responses in its evaluation.
Judge Lehman was appointed to the bench in 2014. Before he was appointed, he served nearly ten years as a deputy district attorney in Fort Collins. Prior to his time in the District Attorney’s Office, he represented federal employees in adverse employment actions and discrimination claims. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice from the University of Wyoming in 1998, and his Juris Doctorate from the Wyoming College of Law in 2001. He was admitted to the Colorado Bar in 2001.