Williford, Joshua 2020 Evaluation

Reports:
2020 Retention Survey Report
2019 Interim Survey Report

The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 9-0, with one Commissioner absent from voting, that Judge Joshua Jay Williford MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.  

Judge Williford presides over civil, criminal, misdemeanor, and traffic matters in Arapahoe County, Colorado.  Judge Williford’s strengths include his passion for the law, his judicial demeanor, and his work ethic.  As described by those that interact with him, he is fair and approachable, knowledgeable in the law, consistent, dependable, reasonable, and he conducts himself professionally at all times.   Commission members observed these qualities in him during his personal interview and while observing him in court proceedings.  Judge Williford stays current in jurisprudence by reviewing case announcements provided by the Colorado Supreme Court and by reviewing relevant court decisions and case law in his areas of expertise.  He uses the knowledge gained in these reviews to refine his Judicial Officer skills and written decisions.  Based on these findings the Commission unanimously agreed that Judge Williford meets performance standards.

The Commission met with Chief Judge Michelle Ann Amico to discuss her interactions with Judge Williford, as well as with members of the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office and the Probation Office, to discuss their impressions of Judge Williford’s performance.  The Commission members also conducted a personal interview with Judge Williford, observed him during court proceedings, and reviewed judicial performance survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys that interacted with him in his courtroom.  The surveys reflected personal opinions on Judge Williford’s Case Management, Application and Knowledge of the Law, Communications, Diligence, Demeanor, and Fairness.  Of the thirty-six (36) completed surveys returned Judge Williford achieved an overall performance rating of 3.7 of a possible 4.0, compared to all County Judges at a rating of 3.4.  His ratings for meeting performance standards from attorneys was 90%, and 92% from non-attorneys.

Judge Williford was appointed to the Bench on September 14, 2016.  He earned his undergraduate degree from Wheaton College and his law degree from the University of Denver.  Prior to his appointment he worked in the Office of the 18th Judicial District Attorney where he served as the Chief Deputy District Attorney.  Judge Williford volunteers at the House of Light which provides beds, bedding, and furniture to single mothers and families transitioning from homelessness or domestic violence.