Fourth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Kirk S. Samelson
Retention Year: 2002
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Kirk S. Samelson BE RETAINED.
Judge Samelson was raised in Illinois. He earned his undergraduate degree from the United States Air Force Academy in 1973 and law degree from the University of Denver in 1977 while on active duty. He was appointed to the El Paso District Court bench in 2000. Judge Samelson is currently presiding over civil, domestic and water law cases. Judge Samelson has always been active in the community and at this time he volunteers with Teen Court.
The Commission made the decision to retain Judge Samelson based on surveys completed by attorneys and other people who had appeared in his court. Judge Samelson also submitted a self-evaluation and was interviewed by the Commission.
Judge Samelson’s retention score was very high (91%) by both the attorneys and non-attorneys. In all other areas he scored well above average. He states that being a judge is the most rewarding job he has ever had. Judge Samelson feels there is tremendous satisfaction in knowing that he is helping to solve problems that cannot be resolved in another manner.