Ulrich, Anna 2018 Evaluation

Reports:
2018 Retention Survey Report

The Twelfth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously (9-0) agrees that Judge Anna Ulrich MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.

Judge Ulrich was appointed to the Saguache County Court in November 2016. Prior to her appointment to the Bench, Judge Ulrich was a sole practitioner focusing on domestic relations cases and advocating on behalf of the best interests of children in various types of cases. Because the Saguache County Court position is part time, Judge Ulrich has continued in her private practice since her appointment. She has previously served as the assistant county attorney for Chaffee County, a research attorney for the Twelfth Judicial District, and as an associate attorney for two private law firms. Judge Ulrich received her undergraduate degree from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas in 1997 and her Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado in 2001.

The Commission read opinions written by Judge Ulrich, performed courtroom observations, conducted an interview, and reviewed survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys who had experience with Judge Ulrich. Among the questions asked of those who had experience with Judge Ulrich was “based on your responses to the previous questions related to performance evaluation criteria, do you think Judge Ulrich meets judicial performance standards?” Of the attorneys responding to the survey, 67% answered yes, meets performance standards and 33% answered no, does not meet performance standards. Of the non-attorneys responding to the survey, 86% answered yes, meets performance standards and 14% had no opinion regarding whether Judge Ulrich meets or does not meet performance standards. A total of 9 attorneys and 7 non-attorneys responded to the surveys expressing their opinion of Judge Ulrich’s performance.

Judge Ulrich presides over criminal cases, traffic infractions, protection orders, civil cases of $25,000 or less, landlord-tenant cases, and small claims cases of $7,500 or less. Judge Ulrich received praise from attorneys for her patience and demeanor in the courtroom and her willingness to handle strange or complicated matters. Attorneys were concerned, however, about her knowledge of criminal law and procedure. Judge Ulrich was applauded by non-attorneys for her kind and patient treatment of everyone who appeared before her. Specifically, several survey respondents noted that Judge Ulrich consistently gives people the time they need to speak and feel heard in the courtroom. The Commission felt that Judge Ulrich should work to improve her written orders and shared the concern regarding Judge Ulrich’s knowledge of criminal law; however, the Commission acknowledges that Judge Ulrich has only been on the Bench for about eighteen months.