Swift, Pattie 2012 Evaluation

Reports:

2012 Retention Survey Report (PDF)

2011 Interim Survey Report (PDF)

2009 Interim Survey Report (PDF)

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The Twelfth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance by a vote of 9-0 with one member absent unanimously recommends that Chief Judge Pattie P. Swift BE RETAINED.

Judge Swift has been the Chief Judge of the Twelfth Judicial District and Water Judge of Water Division 3 since October 1, 2011. Judge Swift was appointed to the District Court in February 2003. She is a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law graduating with academic honors. Judge Swift has been involved with many community service activities and organizations, including services for families, dependency and neglect drug treatment, primary, secondary and college students, social service organizations, and the arts. She has served as the Chair of the Colorado Judicial Ethics Advisory Board. She has been very active with the Colorado Panel on Multi-District Litigation and Judicial Education. She has been a parent volunteer and active with the public schools. Prior to her appointment to the District Court, Judge Swift was a County Judge for Costilla County from 1989 to 2003.

The Commission reviewed survey results of Judge Swift from attorneys and non-attorneys including written comments. The Commission considered Judge Swift’s self-evaluation, which was thoughtful, introspective, and revealing of important insights about her role as a judge. The Commission reviewed opinions and conducted a personal interview. Members of the Commission observed Judge Swift in court. Attorneys who responded to survey questions indicate that, compared to the other district judges standing for retention, Judge Swift’s performance is very strong in the areas of being courteous towards attorneys, being fair and impartial, and issuing opinions in a timely and well written, clear, and understandable manner explaining the basis of the court’s decision. Many attorneys commented that she is knowledgeable and concerned about each side of a legal argument.

The Commission reviewed opinions written by Judge Swift and found them to demonstrate knowledge of the law and strong legal reasoning. Her opinions reflect a conscientious approach to explaining the basis of the court's decision. Judge Swift’s writing is concise with pointed legal analysis. Judge Swift’s judicial demeanor reflects fairness and respect to all parties.
Judge Swift received impressive ratings from both attorneys and non-attorneys with higher averages in many categories compared to other district judges standing for retention.

Of all attorneys surveyed about retention, 78% recommended to retain, 16% not to retain, and 6% were undecided or didn’t have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 83% recommended to retain and 17% recommended not to retain. Of all non-attorneys surveyed, 80% recommended to retain, 14% not to retain, and 6% were undecided or didn’t have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 85% recommended to retain and 15% recommended not to retain.