Wood, Kimberly 2006 Evaluation

Reports:

2006 Retention Survey Report (PDF)

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The Twelfth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Kimberly Lynn Wood BE RETAINED.

Judge Wood is a graduate of Baylor University and Washington & Lee School of Law. Judge Wood was appointed to the Costilla County bench in January of 2003. Prior to her appointment to the Costilla County Bench, Judge Wood served as the Twelfth Judicial District’s Juvenile Magistrate for two years. She also served as a Deputy District Attorney for one year and was in private practice for eights years, concentrating primarily in the areas of family, criminal and juvenile law. As a County Judge, Judge Wood hears criminal cases, civil cases under $15,000, misdemeanors, traffic infractions, small claims, and restraining orders. The Costilla County Judgeship is a part-time position. Judge Wood also serves as the Twelfth Judicial District’s Domestic Relations Magistrate.

The Commission received a written self-evaluation, held four public hearings, and conducted both Courtroom observations and an interview of Judge Wood. The Commission also reviewed the results of a professional survey of litigants, attorneys, and other professionals who have appeared before Judge Wood. The results include written comments, an over-all statistical score, as well as statistical scores in five areas: case management, application and knowledge of law, communications, demeanor, and diligence. The results also contain the state-wide average scores for county court and trial court judges.

Judge Wood strives to render justice with fairness and compassion. She treats those in her Courtroom with respect, listens carefully, and attempts to communicate clearly and thoroughly. Judge Wood takes particular care to personally address each and every litigant in her Court. The Commission is particularly impressed with Judge Wood’s performance as a recent appointed to the County Court bench. Judge Wood serves on the Twelfth Judicial District’s Family Friendly Court Committee and the Colorado Supreme Court’s Judicial Merit Selection 40th Anniversary Committee.

Non-attorneys responding to the survey gave Judge Wood high marks in all areas. She received her highest over-all rating for communication skills, treating participants politely and with respect, treatment people who represent themselves fairly, and maintaining appropriate control over the proceedings. 77% of the non-attorneys in the survey recommended that Judge Wood be retained.

Judge Wood also received high scores from attorneys – exceeding the state-wide average for County and Trial Court Judges in all areas. Judge Wood received her highest over-all score of 3.9 (on a scale of 4.0) for her communication skills. Her second highest over-all score, 3.7, was in the are of demeanor. Judge Wood received particularly high marks from attorneys for treating all parties politely, giving all participants an opportunity to be heard, and using understandable language. Attorneys also acknowledged her for promptly making rulings during and after trial, being consistent, and providing prompt access to the court for emergency matters. 100% of the attorneys in the survey recommended that Judge Wood be retained.