Jon J. Olafson at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Colorado · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Jon J. Olafson
Judge · 2nd Judicial District District Court
Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.
Available research
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures2 sourced items · labeled by scope
SourcesOfficial and public records supporting this profile
Judicial Performance Evaluation
Meets Performance Standards
Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation / applicable Commission on Judicial Performance · 2026 · 2nd Judicial District District Court · District Court Judge
9 For / primary
0 Against / secondary
Published measures
Case Management: Responses Promptly issues a decision on the case after
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=27)Attorneys: 2.9 / 4 (N=27)Non-Attorneys: 3.7 / 4 (N=27)
Case Management: trial. Maintains appropriate control over proceedings.
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=44)Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=44)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=44)
Case Management: Promptly rules on pre-trial motions.
Overall: 3.1 / 4 (N=40)Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=40)Non-Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=40)
Case Management: Sets reasonable schedules for cases.
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=41)Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=41)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=41)
Case Management: Provides an alternative to in-person hearings
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=35)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=35)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=35)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Responses Is able to identify and analyze relevant facts.
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=43)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=43)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=43)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Bases decisions on evidence and arguments.
Overall: 3.1 / 4 (N=37)Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=37)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Issues consistent decisions when the
Overall: 2.9 / 4 (N=24)Attorneys: 2.9 / 4 (N=24)
Application and Knowledge of Law: circumstances are similar. Rulings cite the applicable substantive law.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=37)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=37)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Consistently applies laws and rules.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=34)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=34)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Gives reasons for rulings.
Overall: 3.6 / 4 (N=36)Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=36)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=36)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Willing to make decisions without regard to
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=3)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=3)
Communications: Responses Makes sure all participants understand the
Overall: 3.8 / 4 (N=41)Attorneys: 3.7 / 4 (N=41)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=41)
Communications: proceedings. When issuing a ruling, the judge provides an
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=37)Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=37)
Communications: explanation for the decision. Provides written communications that are clear,
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=37)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=37)
Communications: thorough, and well- reasoned. Listens carefully during court proceedings.
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=37)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=37)
Communications: Uses language that everyone can understand.
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=4)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=4)
Communications: Speaks clearly so everyone in the courtroom
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=4)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=4)
Communications: can understand what's being said. Gives reasons for a ruling when needed.
Overall: 3.8 / 4 (N=4)Non-Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=4)
Demeanor: Responses Gives proceedings a sense of dignity.
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=43)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=43)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=43)
Demeanor: Treats participants with respect.
Overall: 3.7 / 4 (N=43)Attorneys: 3.7 / 4 (N=43)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=43)
Demeanor: Reacts to an incident(s) in the courtroom
Overall: 3.6 / 4 (N=24)Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=24)
Demeanor: appropriately. Addresses individuals (e.g. attorneys, court staff, litigants, public witnesses) respectfully in
Overall: 3.7 / 4 (N=37)Attorneys: 3.7 / 4 (N=37)
Demeanor: the courtroom. Maintains a professional demeanor in the
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=37)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=37)
Demeanor: courtroom. Has a sense of compassion and human
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=4)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=4)
Diligence: Responses Uses good judgment in application of relevant
Overall: 3.1 / 4 (N=38)Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=38)
Diligence: law and rules. Is willing to handle cases on the docket even when they are complicated and time
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=35)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=35)
Diligence: consuming. Does the necessary “homework” and is
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=38)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=38)
Diligence: prepared for cases. Begins court on time.
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=4)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=4)
Diligence: Maintains appropriate control over proceedings.
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=4)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=4)
Diligence: Sets reasonable schedules for cases.
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=4)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=4)
Diligence: Is prepared for cases
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=4)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=4)
Diligence: Manages court proceedings so there is little
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=4)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=4)
Fairness: Responses Gives participants an opportunity to be heard.
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=4)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=4)
Fairness: Treats those involved in the case without bias.
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=4)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=4)
Fairness: Treats people fairly who represent themselves.
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=3)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=3)
Fairness: Gives each side enough time to present their
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=4)Non-Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=4)Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=37)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=37)
Fairness: case. Conducts their courtroom in a neutral manner.
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=40)Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=40)
Fairness: Is fair and impartial to both sides.
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=40)Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=40)
Published standards
Colorado statutory judicial performance standards
The Second Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 9-0, with one Commissioner recusing, that Judge Jon J. Olafson MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS . The Colorado statutory judicial performance criteria are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.
Participation
Attorney email invite
41 returned / 699 distributed
Attorney Survey Website
0 returned
Total Attorneys
41 returned
Non-attorney email Invite
0 returned / 67 distributed
Court Staff Email Invite (Self-select)
2 returned / 2,782 distributed
Citizen Feedback
0 returned
Juror Survey
2 returned
Total Non-Attorneys
4 returned
Commission narrative
The Second Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 9-0, with one Commissioner recusing, that Judge Jon J. Olafson MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS . The Colorado statutory judicial performance criteria are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.
Judge Olafson currently presides over civil matters in the Denver District Court. Judge Olafson meets all aspects of the performance criteria on which he is evaluated. The Commission recognizes Judge Olafson for his strong case management skills and his commitment to the fair and efficient administration of justice. Judge Olafson’s written decisions are thorough and well-reasoned. His notable strengths, as observed by the Commission and described in survey responses, include his civility and courtroom demeanor, his clear communication with courtroom participants, and his commitment to reducing courtroom bias. The Commission commends Judge Olafson for ensuring that proceedings are conducted efficiently and for his efforts to create an environment of fairness for all members of the community who appear before him. The Commission, based on its observation and analysis of survey responses, did not identify any evaluation category in which Judge Olafson displayed a notable weakness as to the performance criteria. Judge Olafson exceeded the Court’s productivity benchmark for civil courtrooms.
The Commission met with the Chief Judge of Denver District Court to discuss challenges facing the court system. The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Olafson and observed him during court proceedings. It also reviewed opinions he authored, comments received from interested parties during the evaluation, case management data, and judicial performance survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys who interacted with him. The surveys reflected personal opinions regarding Judge Olafson in the categories of case management, application and knowledge of the law, communications, diligence, demeanor, and fairness. A total of 41 attorneys and 4 non-attorneys responded to the judicial performance surveys expressing their opinion of Judge Olafson. The overall information and data reviewed supports the Commission’s recommendation that Judge Olafson meets performance standards.
Judge Olafson was appointed to the Denver District Court in December 2023. Prior to his appointment, Judge Olafson practiced commercial and employment litigation, including as a partner at Buchalter, PC. Judge Olafson is active in service to the legal profession and broader community, serving as Secretary of the Board for the Center for Legal Inclusiveness, ex officio Director for Opera Colorado, an Advisory Board Member for the University of North Dakota College of Arts and Sciences, and President Emeritus for the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra. Judge Olafson received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota and his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law.
Evaluation history
2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024 · 2025 · Historical cycles are shown separately until instrument compatibility is established.
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Expanded Media Coverage
Statewide
Colorado expanded media coverage requests must comply with Chapter 38, Rule 3 and are submitted to the court before the proceeding; authorization remains subject to court rules, orders, restrictions, and limitations.
you agree with the criteria set forth in Chapter 38, Rule 3, as well as all orders, rules, restrictions, or limitations issued or imposed by the courtRequest for Expanded Media Coverage ↗
Expanded Media Notice
Statewide
Colorado expanded media coverage applications generally must be submitted at least twenty-four hours before the court proceeding, though judges may consider shorter-notice requests in some circumstances.
Expanded Media Coverage applications to be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the court proceeding in question.Request for Expanded Media Coverage ↗
Sources
Colorado Judicial Branch official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
View Colorado Judicial Branch official judicial roster ↗Request for Expanded Media Coverage
Statewide source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
View Request for Expanded Media Coverage ↗