Michelle Jones

Before she was appointed a district court judge in the Eighteenth Judicial District in January 2023, Michelle Jones was a defense attorney, an administrative law hearing officer, an administrative law judge and a magistrate for the 18th Judicial District, serving both Arapahoe and Douglas counties.

She grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and double majored in political science and communications at Boston College. She moved to Colorado in 2005 and earned her law degree at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She presents on educational panels, including at the Family Law Institute, and volunteers each year for the Colorado Bar Association's High School Mock Trial Competitions.

One commission member was absent for the 8 to 0 vote, and one seat was vacant. The commission writes that attorney and non-attorney respondents, "although low in response numbers, found no performance issues in any evaluation criteria."

The commission writes that she "is repeatedly described as intelligent and thoughtful, patient, respectful, and fair with a balanced demeanor and strong intellect" and that her writing "is understandable and clear, citing appropriate case law, and giving sound, well-reasoned decisions." The commission also writes that she "has twice volunteered over the last few years to step in and bring challenging overburdened dockets up to speed," reducing the number and age of cases on those dockets and the time taken to answer motions. It adds that comments "refer to her as a good leader."