Second Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Herbert L. Stern
Retention Year: 2010
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Second Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Herbert L. Stern BE RETAINED.
Judge Stern was appointed to the Denver District Court bench in 1990. Prior to his appointment, Judge Stern worked as a Public Defender and in private practice. Judge Stern received his undergraduate degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Denver College of Law. Judge Stern heard criminal cases from 2005-2007. After a brief stint in the domestic relations division, he moved to the civil division where he currently presides.
The Commission reviewed written evaluations of Judge Stern from attorneys and non-attorneys, including their written comments. The Commission also considered Judge Stern’s written self-evaluation, reviewed three opinions and conducted an interview. In addition, selected members of the Commission observed Judge Stern in court. The Commission noted some areas of decline since Judge Stern’s last review in 2004.
Judge Stern received above average ratings from both attorneys and non-attorneys in virtually every category. However, he rated lower than other Denver District Court judges.
Of all attorneys surveyed about retention, 73% recommended to retain, 16% not to retain, and 11% expressed no opinion. Excluding those who had no opinion, 82% recommended to retain and 18% not to retain. Of all non-attorneys surveyed, 91% recommended to retain, 5% not to retain and 5% expressed no opinion. Excluding those who had no opinion, 95% recommended to retain and 5% not to retain. (These percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.)