CJI supports the work of the Diversity on the Bench coalition, whose goal is to ensure Colorado's courts reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
Key Recommendations
The Coalition published two reports in late 2024 that contain recommendations for improvements, with focus on judicial nominating commissions and the retention process. As of 2025, the Coalition is working to implement these recommendations.
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Judicial Nominating Commissions
1. Implement an exit interview for outgoing commissioners.
2. Develop a robust onboarding process.
3. Start a buddy system.
4. Publish expectations for how chief judges and the Justices can assist the commissions.
5. Develop clear criteria for the position and a short list of questions that every candidate will be asked. -
Retention Process
1. Provide targeted training to chief judges.
2. Ensure judicial review commissions are well-equipped and held accountable.
3. Adjust the retention process to make room for more voices.
4. Provide greater support during the retention process.
Read the full text of these 2024 Coalition reports:
Other areas of attention for the Coalition include building a pipeline of diverse candidates for judicial vacancies; using data to solve problems and bust myths; and communicating more widely about the diversity issue, diverse judges, and the Coalition's work.
Progress
These legislative reports document the status of diversity on Colorado's bench. They are produced by the Colorado Judicial Branch's Judicial Officer Outreach Program.
Spotlight on Diverse Judges
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Published in the September/October 2024 issue of Colorado Lawyer. Click the judge's photo to read it.
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Published in the March 2021 issue of Colorado Lawyer. Click the judge's photo to read it.
History of the Coalition
The Diversity on the Bench initiative started in 2019 under the leadership of Hon. Gary Jackson, who served on the Denver County Court and noticed the lack of diversity on Colorado's bench. Judge Jackson engaged leaders from the Colorado Judicial Institute, the Colorado Bar Association, and other organizations to beginning addressing the issue.
Read the original Concept Paper and Action Plan from 2019/2020:
Get Involved!
If you are interested in helping with Diversity on the Bench coalition's work, please complete the volunteer form on the Volunteer page.
