Colorado Courts Presents Pathways to the Bench Panel Discussion

October 23, 2025, VAIL, Colo. — For attorneys who are seeking a new professional challenge, serving in a judicial role may be the next bold step in their legal journey. To encourage this consideration, the Colorado Court’s 5th Judicial District will be hosting “Pathways to the Bench: Do I Want to Become a Judge, and, if so, What Should I Do?” on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 5 p.m. at Sonnenalp Vail, 20 Vail Rd., Vail, CO 81657. 

The event will feature a live panel discussion with Q&A with judges from the 5th Judicial District who will cover several topics that provide insight into the realities of judicial service, such as:

• Pathways to the Bench
  • Personal/professional backgrounds
  • Early career paths and pivotal experiences
  • Motivations for pursuing judicial office
• Judicial Selection in Colorado
  • Application and appointment processes
  • Key distinctions between nominating and appointment phases
  • Tips and lessons from judges and a judicial nominating committee member
• Life on the Bench
  • Daily responsibilities and typical case types
  • Managing dockets, self-represented litigants, and evolving legal issues
  • Judicial decision-making, discretion, and ethics

“A strong and independent judiciary is vital to the health of our communities,” said Chief Judge Paul Dunkelman of the 5th Judicial District. “Whether or not you're currently thinking about a future on the bench, this is a unique opportunity to engage directly with judges from your community, to hear their stories, ask questions, and build valuable connections.”

Pathways to the Bench is sponsored by the Judicial Officer Outreach Program, Continental Divide Bar Association, and the Mountain Chapter of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association. 

To attend, please send an RSVP to Braden Angel at Angel Law Firm of Colorado at: braden@angellawoffice.com. 

For additional event information, please contact: Nga Vương-Sandoval, Judicial Officer Outreach Program lead, Colorado Judicial Department at: nga.vuongsandoval@judicial.state.co.us 

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