Eighteenth Judicial District - Douglas County Court Judge
Honorable Kelly Erin Waidler
Retention Year: 2024
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standards
Reports:
2024 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2023 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 7-0, with three commissioners absent from voting, that Judge Kelly Erin Waidler MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Judge Waidler presides over predominately criminal cases in Douglas County, Colorado. Judge Waidler’s demeanor is described as being patient, courteous, and professional. Survey respondents praised her communication skills having received high scores in her ability to use language that is accessible to everyone and speaking clearly so individuals in the courtroom can hear and understand what is being said. Attorneys and non-attorneys consistently provided positive survey responses regarding Judge Waidler. She received high scores across all evaluated categories, notably excelling in case management, communication, and diligence. Respondents and interviewees consistently praised her patience in the courtroom and overall demeanor. The Commission, having observed these qualities during its evaluation, is unanimous in its recommendation for Judge Waidler’s retention. Based on these findings the Commission unanimously agreed that Judge Kelly Erin Waidler meets performance standards.
In addition to meeting with Chief Judge Amico, the Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Waidler, reviewed orders she authored, observed her in court, met with representatives from the Office of the District Attorney, Colorado State Public Defender, and the Probation department, and reviewed judicial performance survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys who had interaction in Judge Waidler’s court. Survey respondents were asked if they thought Judge Waidler met judicial performance standards. Of the attorneys responding to the survey, 84% answered yes; 12% answered no; and 4% had no opinion. Of the non-attorneys responding to the survey, 82% answered yes, 5% answered no; and 13% had no opinion. A total of 27 attorneys and 44 non-attorneys responded to the judicial performance surveys expressing their opinion of Judge Waidler. The Commission acknowledges Judge Waidler's service to the community and positive performance in her inaugural judicial performance evaluation.
Judge Waidler was appointed to the County Court by Governor Jared Polis in April 2021. She graduated from Colorado College and received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science before attending the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and obtaining her law degree in 2007. Judge Waidler worked in the Denver District Attorney’s Office for her entire legal career leading up to her judicial appointment and was a Chief Deputy District Attorney at the time she left office.