Fourteenth Judicial District - Routt County Court Judge
Honorable Erin M. Rowe Wilson
Retention Year: 2024
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standards
Reports:
2024 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2023 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Fourteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted unanimously (10-0) that Judge Erin M. Rowe Wilson MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Judge Wilson has now served two years. Her legal knowledge continues to steadily grow, and she works to improve that knowledge on a regular basis. Judge Wilson maintains her integrity both in the courtroom and the community and demonstrates an even temperament in her work. Judge Wilson is often praised for her attention to communicating effectively with all who are present in the courtroom. She gives particular care and attention to non-English speakers, and her explanation of the process to parties without an attorney is noteworthy. However, this same communication needs improvement related to time management and is sometimes viewed as overprocessing. The Commission requests that management of her docket specifically related to time be definitively addressed, with attention to planning and balance. Finally, the Commission was pleased to see the commitment Judge Wilson shows to the community by her volunteer work.
The Commission utilized multiple means to evaluate Judge Wilson’s performance. Commissioners reviewed survey results that all attorneys and their clients had opportunity to fill out, as did defendants who represented themselves. Direct courtroom observations were performed. Judge Wilson was directly interviewed by the Commissioners plus a fellow judge was consulted. An extensive written self-evaluation by Judge Wilson was shared with the Commissioners. Finally, after reviewing all this information, the Commissioners met, discussed, and then voted on whether Judge Wilson met the standard for retention. Based on the extensive data collected, Commissioners also made recommendations for areas that could be improved in Judge Wilson’s work, which as noted above, focused heavily on time management of her docket.
Judge Wilson was appointed to the bench in March 2022. Prior to appointment, she spent 15 years primarily representing the indigent criminally accused in cases all over Colorado. Based upon her demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized populations and her academic achievements, at the age of 37 she was awarded a Chancellor’s Scholarship to attend the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. After law school, Judge Wilson worked as a Deputy Public Defender until she moved to Steamboat Springs in 2013. For her undergraduate education, Judge Wilson attended the University of Southern California, graduating with degrees in International Relations and Broadcast Journalism. Judge Wilson lives in Steamboat Springs with her husband and youngest daughter. Judge Wilson is dedicated to community service and is involved in local Access to Justice initiatives, serves on the Board of Northwest Colorado Health, and volunteers in local public schools. She serves on several committees within the judicial department that are focused on promoting the fair and equitable treatment of all persons within our judicial system.