Williams, John 2012 Evaluation

Reports:

2012 Retention Survey Report (PDF)

2011 Interim Survey Report (PDF)

2009 Interim Survey Report (PDF)

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The Eighth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends by a vote of 10-0 that Judge John David (Dave) Williams BE RETAINED.

Judge Williams was appointed to the District Court in 2003, and was retained by voters in the 2006 general election. Judge Williams’ caseload, before January 2012, was mostly criminal cases with a few domestic relations, juvenile, and civil cases. His caseload currently has 85% civil, 10% domestic relations, and 5% juvenile cases. Prior to his appointment he was in private legal practice for 30 years in Fort Collins specializing in commercial law, real estate, and business planning. Judge Williams graduated from Michigan State University in 1968 and received his Juris Doctor from the Harvard Law School in 1971. He is a guest lecturer each semester in the College of Business classes at Colorado State University, and also provides college and law school students internships to learn more about the legal system. Judge Williams organized the “Our Courts” speakers program for Larimer County, which provides trained speakers who describe to the public how the court system is organized and operates. Judge Williams also serves as a judge for the high school mock trial competition.

The Commission reviewed evaluation surveys, letters submitted by individuals, and the judge’s self-evaluation and written opinions; performed courtroom observations; interviewed representatives of the District Attorney and Public Defender Offices; and conducted an interview with Judge Williams. Attorneys who responded to survey questions indicated that Judge Williams’ performance in case management, application and knowledge of the law, communications, demeanor, and diligence were outstanding. Non-attorneys who responded to survey questions also indicated that Judge Williams’ performance in case management, application and knowledge of the law, communications, demeanor, and diligence were outstanding. He scores higher than the average score of all the district judges standing for retention in the following categories: overall application and knowledge of the law; communications; demeanor; and diligence. He scores significantly higher for his willingness to handle cases that are complicated and time consuming. The Commission was impressed with Judge Williams’ performance in all aspects of the evaluation criteria and believes that he will continue to be an excellent judge.

Of all attorneys surveyed about retention, 91% recommended to retain, 5% not to retain, and 3% were undecided or didn’t have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 95% recommended to retain and 5% recommended to not retain. Of non-attorneys surveyed, 87% recommended to retain, 5% not to retain, and 7% were undecided or didn’t have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 94% recommended to retain and 7% recommended to not retain. (These totals may not total 100% due to rounding.)