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Judicial Excellence Awards

COLORADO JUDICIAL INSTITUTE

Foundation Annual
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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

May 14, 2026

22 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Judicial Excellence Awards

Program Overview:
Since 2000, CJI's Judicial Excellence Awards have recognized the work of outstanding Colorado district court judges, county court judges, and magistrates. Awards are based on nominations from peers in the judiciary, court staff, attorneys, and citizens of Colorado. Awardees are celebrated at CJI's Judicial Excellence for Colorado Gala Dinner each fall.

Geographic Scope:

  • Colorado state courts only

  • All 22 judicial districts

    • Award Categories:

  • District Court Judge

  • County Court Judge

  • Magistrate

  • Special Judicial Leadership Award (occasionally)

    • Eligibility Requirements:

    District Court Judge Nominees:

  • Minimum three years of full-time experience on the District Court bench

    • County Court Judge Nominees:

  • Minimum three years of experience as judicial officers in the state court system

  • Can be either part-time or full-time judges

    • Magistrate Nominees:

  • Minimum three years of part-time or full-time experience on the bench

    • Award Criteria:
    Award criteria reflect the high standards of Colorado's judicial system, including but not limited to:

  • Case Management: Managing cases and dockets efficiently, expeditiously, humanely, and objectively while remaining in firm control of courtroom activities

  • Communication & Accessibility: Displaying a high level of open communication with a demeanor and attitude that makes the courts accessible to all

  • Innovation: Being an innovator who is creative in dealing with courtroom processes

    • Diversity Commitment:
    CJI strives to ensure that the Judicial Excellence Awards reflect all of Colorado's diversity.

    Celebration:

  • Awardees are honored at CJI's Judicial Excellence for Colorado Gala Dinner held each fall

  • Multiple sponsorship levels available for the dinner event

    • Contact Information:

  • Cynthia Ophaug-Johansen

  • Phone: 303-766-7501

  • Email: Cynthia@ColoradoJudicialInstitute.org

    • How to Apply

    Nomination Process

    Nomination Timeline:

  • Nominations Open: Early 2026

  • Nomination Deadline: May 14, 2026

    • How to Submit:

  • Online nomination form (preferred)

  • Alternative: Complete required contact information in form, then email remaining materials to Cynthia@ColoradoJudicialInstitute.org

    • Technical Note:

  • The online form does not have a "save" function

  • Plan to complete in one sitting, OR

  • Complete contact information section and email remaining materials

    • Required Information:

    Nominator Information:

  • First name, last name

  • Organization, job title

  • Address (country, address line 1, address line 2, city, state, postal code)

  • Email address

  • Phone with extension

    • Nominee Information:

  • First name, last name

  • Position (District Court Judge, County Court Judge, or Magistrate)

  • Year appointed, month appointed

  • Court/judicial district

  • County (if applicable)

  • Contact information (address, email, phone)

    • Nomination Content:
    1. Reasons for Nomination (required)
    - Detailed description of how nominee meets the award criteria
    - Additional pages may be attached if needed

    2. Community Service (required)
    - List any other community service the nominee provides, if known

    3. References (required)
    - Names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers of three additional people with information about nominee's qualifications

    4. Letters or Videos of Support (required)
    - Minimum: At least one letter or video of support required for eligibility
    - Recommended: Up to three letters or videos of support provide more comprehensive information
    - Can be uploaded in form or emailed to Cynthia@ColoradoJudicialInstitute.org

    Confidentiality:

  • All nominations, including nominator information, will be kept completely confidential

    • Contact for Questions:

  • Cynthia Ophaug-Johansen

  • Phone: 303-766-7501

  • Email: Cynthia@ColoradoJudicialInstitute.org

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