The 22nd Judicial District Commission unanimously recommended to retain Montezuma County Court Judge JenniLynn Lawrence last week.

According to a 2014 judicial performance survey, Lawrence received an overall average grade of 3.18. An average score of 4 is the highest, and 0 is the lowest.

The report states Lawrence possesses a thorough understanding of the law, issues clear and understandable decisions, clearly explains her oral decisions to attorneys and non-attorneys, is well organized and has improved the management of her docket.

The 2014 judicial performance survey includes results from attorneys who have had cases in her court and non-attorneys who observed her performance. Respondents rated judges on criteria including integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament and administrative performance.

Of the 39 attorneys surveyed in 2014, 3 in 4 recommended she be retained. Of 180 non-attorneys, 4 in 5 recommended she be retained.

In making its recommendation, the Judicial District Commission also conducted unannounced courtroom observations, reviewed case load statistics, received testimony from public defenders and the district attorney and conducted an interview with Lawrence.

Lawrence currently serves as the Four Corners Bar Association president and the trial judge's counsel for the Colorado County Court Judges Association.

Lawrence is a Mancos High School graduate. She obtained her bachelor's degree in English from Fort Lewis College, master's in interdisciplinary education from Adams State College and juris doctoral degree from the University of Wisconsin.

Lawrence serves as a 4-H leader and adviser, is involved in the Sleeping Ute Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

tbaker@cortezjournal.com