Colorado Court of Appeals
Honorable Gilbert M. Román
Retention Year: 2016
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standard
Reports:
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The State Commission on Judicial Performance recommends by a vote of 9 to 0, with one recusal, that Judge Gilbert M. Román BE RETAINED.
Judge Román was appointed to the Colorado Court of Appeals on August 1, 2005. He is a 1984 graduate of Colorado State University and received his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1987. Prior to his appointment, Judge Román was in private practice focusing on complex civil litigation. He has received a number of awards, including the Richard Marden Davis Award from the Denver Bar Foundation and the Outstanding Lawyer Award from the Hispanic National Bar Association. Judge Román has served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Denver College of Law and as an instructor at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. He formerly served on the Board of Governors for the Colorado Bar Association and as a board member of both the Colorado Hispanic and the Hispanic National Bar Associations. He served on the Chief Justice’s Commissions on the Legal Profession and Professional Development. Judge Román is very active in the community, representing the judicial branch in many educational and professional forums. In the past term he earned the Appellate Judicial Skills Certificate given by the National Judicial College.
The Commission reviewed survey responses from attorneys and judges regarding Judge Román’s performance, read opinions he authored, observed him in oral arguments, reviewed his self-evaluation, attended a Courts in the Community program, and conducted a personal interview. Among the survey questions was “how strongly do you recommend that Judge Román be retained or not be retained in office?” Of attorneys completing the survey 82% recommended to retain, 14% recommended not to retain, and 5% made no recommendation regarding retention. Of judges completing the survey 97% recommended to retain and 3% made no recommendation regarding retention.
Judge Román has gone to great lengths not only to improve his skills, but also to share his techniques and experiences with other judges. His attorney survey results are particularly strong on allowing parties to present their case, being fair and impartial, treating parties equally, and overall courtesy. In courtroom observation, the Commission confirmed these aspects, finding him well prepared, and courteous while actively participating. His writing skills scored above average in the attorney survey. The Commission’s own reading of his opinions confirmed this. His overall scores from judges were consistent with other appellate judges up for retention. Several comments from judges and attorneys noted his collegiality. Judge Román exhibits a genuine interest in improving the court system at all levels. The Commission commends him for his significant activity in the community.