The State Commission on Judicial Performance
unanimously recommends that Judge John R. Webb
BE RETAINED.
Judge Webb was appointed to the Colorado Court of Appeals on February
1, 2002. Prior to being appointed to the bench, he was with the
law firm of Jacobs, Chase, Frick, Kleinkopf & Kelley. A native
of Grand Forks, North Dakota, Judge Webb graduated from the University
of Colorado School of Law in 1973, and then spent the next year
as a law clerk for Judge Robert H. McWilliams of the U.S. Court
of Appeals for the 10th Circuit. He joined the law firm of Holme,
Roberts & Owen in 1974, and worked there for 26 years, emphasizing
complex commercial litigation. Judge Webb currently serves on the
Colorado Supreme Court's Civil Rules Committee as well as its Standing
Committee on the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct.
While Judge Webb's extensive career in the private practice of
law has acquainted him with a wide range of civil law issues, some
attorney comments suggested he should become better versed in criminal
law and procedure. He would like to work on writing opinions that
explain why the court reached the decision it did, so that the litigants
and the public can have a better understanding of the law and how
it works. The Commission believes that Judge Webb holds himself
to high standards of professional ethics, and that his scholarly
style appears well suited to the appellate bench.
The Commission appreciates the fact that after practicing law very
successfully for over a quarter-century, Judge Webb sought a judicial
appointment, because he wanted to conclude his legal career by giving
back to the community.
Of those who expressed an opinion, 84% of attorneys and 99% of
judges surveyed said they believed that Judge Webb should be retained.
Comments appeared to reflect a general consensus that Judge Webb
is extremely capable and diligent, and will only improve as he gains
more experience on the bench. |