Twentieth Judicial District - Boulder County Court Judge
Honorable Lael Elisabeth Montgomery
Retention Year: 2000
Recommendation: Retain
The Twentieth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Lael Elisabeth Montgomery BE RETAINED.
This recommendation is based upon survey results from litigants, court staff, jurors, law enforcement personnel, attorneys and others; information received at a public hearing conducted on April 4, 2000; courtroom observations by Commission members; a personal interview conducted with the judge; and other information and materials received.
Judge Montgomery was appointed as County Court Judge for Boulder County in January of 1997. Prior to her appointment, she served as a Deputy District Attorney in the Twentieth Judicial District for fourteen years. She graduated from the University of Colorado School of Law and was admitted to the Colorado Bar in 1982.
In County Court Judge Montgomery's caseload involves primarily traffic and criminal matters, including domestic violence cases. She hears restraining orders and some civil cases as well.
Parties surveyed consistently rated her highly in all categories. Major strengths listed were courtesy, impartiality, communication skills, and judicial temperament. While Judge Montgomery is fairly new to the bench, it appears that she maintains appropriate control in the courtroom. Despite the large docket of County Court matters placed before her, she has received high ratings for case efficiency and is known for her diligence and patient courtroom demeanor.
Judge Montgomery was highly rated in all areas surveyed by both non-attorneys and attorneys. Of attorneys surveyed, 96% recommended Judge Montgomery be retained in office, 2% recommended that she not be retained while 2% had no opinion. Of the non-attorneys surveyed 92% recommended retention, 3% for non-retention and 5% had no opinion.
It is the recommendation of the Commission that Judge Montgomery be retained.