Nominations Are Now Open for the 2026 Judicial Excellence Awards
Nominations for CJI's 2026 Judicial Excellence Awards are now open. Nominations will close on May 14th!
Please review before beginning your nomination:
- The online form does not have a “save” function. Please plan to complete it in one sitting.
- Alternatively, you may complete the required contact information for yourself and your nominee in the form and then email the remaining materials to Cynthia@ColoradoJudicialInstitute.org.
You may email the following sections:
- Reasons for Nomination
- Community Service
- References
- Letters or videos of support
Support Materials Requirement:
Each nomination must include at least one letter or video of support but no more than three letters or videos of support. While only one letter or video is required for eligibility, nominations that include all three letters or videos of support provide the Committee with more comprehensive information to consider during its deliberations.
Confidentiality:
All nominations, including information about the nominator, will be kept completely confidential.
Criteria:
Award criteria reflect the high standards of Colorado's judicial system, including but not limited to:
- Managing cases and dockets efficiently, expeditiously, humanely, and objectively while remaining in firm control of courtroom activities.
- Displaying a high level of open communication with a demeanor and attitude that makes the courts accessible to all.
- Being an innovator who is creative in dealing with courtroom processes.
In addition, nominees shall have served at minimum:
- District Court Judge nominees: three years of full-time experience on the District Court bench.
- County Court Judge nominees: three years of experience as judicial officers in the state court system and can be either part-time or full-time judges.
- Magistrate nominees: three years of part-time or full-time experience on the bench.
Questions:
If you have questions about nominations, please contact Cynthia at 303-766-7501.
