Colorado Court of Appeals
Honorable Matthew D. Grove
Retention Year: 2022
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standard
Reports:
2022 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2021 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Matthew D. Grove MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 11 - 0. 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 Grove has been on the Colorado Court of Appeals for just over three years, and this is his first retention as a Court of Appeals judge. The Commission finds that his opinions are thoughtful, well-written, and understandable. The Commission further finds that in oral argument, Judge Grove presses counsel effectively for answers by asking relevant and direct questions. The Commission also appreciates Judge Grove’s approach to treat every case the same from a process and effort perspective and to treat all parties equally and professionally. His background as an appellate law clerk, assistant attorney general, and assistant solicitor general provides him with a broad perspective to address the myriad issues that come before the court. Judge Grove also runs his Chambers in a collegial, adaptable, flexible, and efficient way, effectively utilizing law clerks and staff. The Commission encourages Judge Grove to increase his participation in impactful professional engagement activities. The Commission finds Judge Grove is a valuable addition to the Court of Appeals.
To conduct our evaluation, the Commission interviewed Judge Grove, reviewed his self-evaluation, observed oral arguments, read a selection of his legal opinions, and considered survey responses from attorneys and judges. Judge Grove’s survey scores were at or above average in almost all categories. Notably, Judge Grove’s survey results reflect his conscientious approach to oral argument and his impartiality. Judge Grove’s demeanor is noted to be polite and respectful. Respondents also rated Judge Grove highly for his strong analytical and writing skills. The Commission also commends Judge Grove’s dedication to providing individualized training for his law clerks.
Judge Grove was appointed to the Court of Appeals on January 9, 2019. Before taking the bench, he worked for ten years in the Public Officials Unit of the Colorado Department of Law, where he focused on election law, campaign finance, and a variety of other issues. Judge Grove was previously in private practice, worked as an Assistant Attorney General in the Federated States of Micronesia, and served as a law clerk for former Colorado Supreme Court Justice Nathan B. Coats. Judge Grove dedicates significant time to outreach to law students at University of Colorado and University of Denver law schools. In his free time, Judge Grove enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and is a violinist in the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra.