Malkinson, Zachary 2022 Evaluation

Reports:

2022 Retention Survey Report

2021 Interim Survey Report

The 20^th Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 10-0 that Judge Zachary Ilya Malkinson 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 Malkinson presides over traffic, misdemeanor, civil, criminal, and small claims cases in the 20^th Judicial District in Boulder, CO. His judicial temperament is decisive, even-tempered, and respectful. His courtroom is well managed and efficient. His legal decisions reflect consideration and an understanding of the law. His written rulings and communication from the bench are clear and professional. Judge Malkinson is well-prepared, keeping an efficient docket so cases move rapidly, yet allowing the time needed in each case. Survey results show that both attorneys and non-attorneys appreciate that he gives each side the time to be heard. In response to the Covid crisis, Judge Malkinson updated court procedures to keep them in compliance with changes in the law and Chief Judge Bakke adopted and issued his recommendations as administrative orders. He works regularly to improve his own articulation of the law applied in his cases.

The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Malkinson, reviewed opinions he authored, observed his performance in court, and reviewed judicial performance survey responses from both attorneys and non-attorneys who participated in Judge Malkinson’s court proceedings. The Commission also received comments on Judge Malkinson’s performance from the district attorney and representatives of the defense bar and hosted a public hearing, allowing citizens any additional input regarding his performance as a judge.

Judge Malkinson was appointed to the County Court bench in January 2019. He was raised in Boulder and attended Boulder High School. He previously practiced as a partner in the Boulder law firms Malkinson, Salomone and Malkinson Wheeler, and as a solo practitioner with the Law Office of Zachary Malkinson. His law practice focused on criminal defense, where he represented clients charged with cases ranging from traffic offenses to homicide. Before entering private practice, Judge Malkinson was a trial attorney for the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office in Oakland, CA. Judge Malkinson earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and his law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 2001.