Justice Melissa Hart announces retirement from Colorado Supreme Court

Dec. 19, 2025, DENVER—Colorado Supreme Court Justice Melissa Hart has announced her retirement from the bench, effective Jan. 5, 2026. After a temporary leave of absence, Justice Hart submitted her retirement notice to Chief Justice Monica Márquez today, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. She will remain on leave through her retirement.  In a statement about her decision, Justice Hart said she plans to focus on “access to civil justice for low and middle-income Coloradans and making the family law system work for unrepresented litigants.”

“I remain deeply committed to the work that is central to Colorado’s Judicial Branch - preserving the rule of law and serving the public,” said Justice Melissa Hart in her letter to the Chief Justice. “Colorado, like every other state in the country, is struggling to serve the public in these areas [of access to justice and family law systems]. I joined the bench because I felt called to address these issues, and I plan to continue this work after retirement.”

To ensure the Court’s work continues without interruption, all cases are being handled in accordance with established procedures to provide timely and fair resolutions. Consistent with court rules, adjustments will be made to the case-assignment process to ensure a smooth transition.

“Justice Hart has devoted the past eight years to serving both the judiciary and the people of Colorado,” said Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez. “Her unwavering commitment, energy, and efforts to expand access to justice have significantly benefited our state. Justice Hart’s absence will be deeply felt throughout the branch. Her legal expertise, steadfast dedication to the rule of law, and significant work on numerous committees will leave a lasting legacy.”

Justice Hart was appointed to the Colorado Supreme Court on Dec. 14, 2017, by Governor John Hickenlooper. During her tenure on the bench, she served as the court’s liaison to the Colorado Access to Justice Commission, the Pathways to Access Standing Committee, the Standing Committee on Family Issues, the Ralph Carr Judicial Learning Center, and as the co-Chair of the Judicial Department’s Workplace Culture Initiative Steering Committee. Justice Hart served as the Chair-Elect of the Council of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admission to the Bar and as an Adviser to the American Law Institute’s Principles of the Law, High-Volume Civil Adjudication project. 

While serving on the Court, Justice Hart was an adjunct professor at both the University of Colorado Law School and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Prior to joining the Court, Justice Hart was a professor at the University of Colorado Law School, where she directed the Byron R. White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law. Throughout her years as a professor, Justice Hart maintained an active pro bono practice, writing amicus briefs in appellate courts and representing clients through Metro Volunteer Lawyers in family law cases. Her teaching and scholarship focused on access to justice, constitutional law, judicial decision-making, legal ethics, employment discrimination, and civil procedure.

When a judicial officer position becomes vacant, the vacancy is announced publicly, the application process is initiated, and details about the nomination commission are provided. 

The court will issue this information in a forthcoming, separate announcement in accordance with the procedures for judicial vacancies.

The Supreme Court thanks Justice Melissa Hart for her tenure on the Court and dedication to the rule of law. 

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