Catanzarite, Nicholas 2022 Evaluation

Reports:

2022 Retention Survey Report (PDF)

2021 Interim Survey Report (PDF)

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The Fourteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 7-0 that Judge Nicholas Catanzarite MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. The Colorado statutory judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.

Judge Catanzarite presides over Grand County matters within the 14^th Judicial District. Judge Catanzarite’s demeanor is described as being fair, patient, and consistent. He has embraced the virtual courtroom throughout the COVID-19 pandemic even when it requires him to repeat information. Judge Catanzarite’s written decisions are easily understood. Judge Catanzarite is very respectful and professional. Commission members observed these qualities during their evaluations and interviews. Based on these findings, the Commission unanimously agreed that Judge Nicholas Catanzarite meets performance standards.

The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Catanzarite, reviewed opinions and motions written by him, observed him in court, reviewed a self-evaluation prepared by Judge Catanzarite, and reviewed survey responses from both attorneys and non-attorneys who had interaction in Judge Catanzarite’s court. Judge Catanzarite’s survey results, which may be skewed by the low number of responses, showed that Judge Catanzarite received much higher ratings among the general public than with attorneys. While only 68% of attorneys responding felt Judge Catanzarite met performance standards, 92% of non-attorneys felt that he met performance standards. Among the responses received, it was recognized that while Judge Catanzarite is quick to take breaks allowing him to research a topic, that he is still learning the wide breadth of knowledge that comes before a judge. Based on the observations, the commission feels that continuing to advance his knowledge of the law would be beneficial to Judge Catanzarite.

Judge Nicholas Catanzarite was appointed to Grand County Court in 2015. Prior to his appointment to County Judge, he practiced law in Grand County for 3 years with a focus on criminal defense, real estate, and family law. Judge Catanzarite earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 2011.