Laqunya Baker at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Colorado · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Laqunya Baker
Judge · 18th Judicial District District Court
Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.
Available research
Biography and careerSource-attributed professional, judicial, and education record
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 · 18th Judicial District District Court · District Court Judge
8 For / primary
0 Against / secondary
Published measures
Case Management: Responses Promptly issues a decision on the case after
Overall: 3.6 / 4 (N=16)Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=16)Non-Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=16)
Case Management: trial. Maintains appropriate control over proceedings.
Overall: 3.8 / 4 (N=20)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=20)Non-Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=20)
Case Management: Promptly rules on pre-trial motions.
Overall: 3.6 / 4 (N=16)Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=16)Non-Attorneys: 3.7 / 4 (N=16)
Case Management: Sets reasonable schedules for cases.
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=17)Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=17)Non-Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=17)
Case Management: Provides an alternative to in-person hearings
Overall: 3.7 / 4 (N=15)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=15)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Responses Is able to identify and analyze relevant facts.
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=20)Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=20)Non-Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=20)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Bases decisions on evidence and arguments.
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=6)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Issues consistent decisions when the
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=5)
Application and Knowledge of Law: circumstances are similar. Rulings cite the applicable substantive law.
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=5)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Consistently applies laws and rules.
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=6)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Gives reasons for rulings.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=15)Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=15)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Willing to make decisions without regard to
Overall: 3.9 / 4 (N=11)Non-Attorneys: 3.9 / 4 (N=11)
Communications: Responses Makes sure all participants understand the
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=19)Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=19)Non-Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=19)
Communications: proceedings. When issuing a ruling, the judge provides an
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)
Communications: explanation for the decision. Provides written communications that are clear,
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=6)
Communications: thorough, and well- reasoned. Listens carefully during court proceedings.
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)
Communications: Uses language that everyone can understand.
Overall: 3.6 / 4 (N=14)Non-Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=14)
Communications: Speaks clearly so everyone in the courtroom
Overall: 3.9 / 4 (N=14)Non-Attorneys: 3.9 / 4 (N=14)
Communications: can understand what's being said. Gives reasons for a ruling when needed.
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=13)Non-Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=13)
Demeanor: Responses Gives proceedings a sense of dignity.
Overall: 3.8 / 4 (N=20)Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=20)Non-Attorneys: 3.9 / 4 (N=20)
Demeanor: Treats participants with respect.
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=20)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=20)Non-Attorneys: 3.9 / 4 (N=20)
Demeanor: Reacts to an incident(s) in the courtroom
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=6)
Demeanor: appropriately. Addresses individuals (e.g. attorneys, court staff, litigants, public witnesses) respectfully in
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=6)
Demeanor: the courtroom. Maintains a professional demeanor in the
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=6)
Demeanor: courtroom. Has a sense of compassion and human
Overall: 3.7 / 4 (N=13)Non-Attorneys: 3.7 / 4 (N=13)
Diligence: Responses Uses good judgment in application of relevant
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=5)
Diligence: law and rules. Is willing to handle cases on the docket even when they are complicated and time
Overall: 3.6 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=5)
Diligence: consuming. Does the necessary “homework” and is
Overall: 3.6 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=5)
Diligence: prepared for cases. Begins court on time.
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=13)Non-Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=13)
Diligence: Maintains appropriate control over proceedings.
Overall: 3.8 / 4 (N=13)Non-Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=13)
Diligence: Sets reasonable schedules for cases.
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=11)Non-Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=11)
Diligence: Is prepared for cases
Overall: 3.7 / 4 (N=12)Non-Attorneys: 3.7 / 4 (N=12)
Diligence: Manages court proceedings so there is little
Overall: 3.7 / 4 (N=13)Non-Attorneys: 3.7 / 4 (N=13)
Fairness: Responses Gives participants an opportunity to be heard.
Overall: 3.6 / 4 (N=14)Non-Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=14)
Fairness: Treats those involved in the case without bias.
Overall: 3.7 / 4 (N=13)Non-Attorneys: 3.7 / 4 (N=13)
Fairness: Treats people fairly who represent themselves.
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=8)Non-Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=8)
Fairness: Gives each side enough time to present their
Overall: 3.6 / 4 (N=13)Non-Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=13)Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)
Fairness: case. Conducts their courtroom in a neutral manner.
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)
Fairness: Is fair and impartial to both sides.
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)
Published standards
Colorado statutory judicial performance standards
The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance agrees by a vote of 8-0, with one member absent and one vacancy on the Commission, that Judge LaQunya Latrese Baker-McKay 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
6 returned / 213 distributed
Attorney Survey Website
0 returned
Total Attorneys
6 returned
Non-attorney email Invite
5 returned / 294 distributed
Court Staff Email Invite (Self-select)
7 returned / 2,782 distributed
Citizen Feedback
0 returned
Juror Survey
3 returned
Total Non-Attorneys
15 returned
Commission narrative
The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance agrees by a vote of 8-0, with one member absent and one vacancy on the Commission, that Judge LaQunya Latrese Baker-McKay 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.
After meeting with Judge Baker-McKay and after reviewing her prior work and assessing feedback from attorneys and non-attorneys, the Commission was unanimous that Judge Baker-Mckay meets judicial performance standards. Judge Baker-McKay was described as a clear communicator who treats all courtroom participants with respect. Her courtroom was noted for its clarity, professionalism, attentiveness, and fairness. These qualities reflect her strong commitment to equity and effective management of her criminal and competency dockets. She is strong in her preparation and command of the law. Her rulings are thoughtful, well-reasoned, and grounded in legal authority. Based on all the aforementioned considerations, the Judicial Performance Commission recommends that Judge Baker-McKay meets performance standards and should be retained.
The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Baker-McKay, reviewed opinions she authored, observed her in court, reviewed comments from interested parties during the evaluation. They also reviewed survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys who had experience with Judge Baker-McKay. Attorney and non-attorney respondents, although low in response numbers, found no performance issues in any evaluation criteria. This was consistent with the Commission’s overall findings.
Judge Baker-McKay was appointed to the Arapahoe County Court bench on July 1, 2022, and the District Court on July 28, 2023, both by Governor Jared Polis, when she was sworn in as the first Black woman to serve on the Arapahoe County District Court bench. Before joining the bench, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the College of Charleston. She interned with U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn before attending Charlotte School of Law in North Carolina. Following graduation, she was a Deputy State Public Defender in Golden, Colorado. She later practiced civil litigation in state and federal courts across the United States before returning to criminal defense with the Office of Alternate Defense Counsel in the Denver metro area. She also served as a part-time magistrate for Denver County Court and as a Visiting Assistant Professor of the Practice of Law at the University of Denver. She remains active in the Aurora community and participates in ongoing service efforts through the Aurora Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Evaluation history
2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024 · 2025 · Historical cycles are shown separately until instrument compatibility is established.
Biography
Professional career
- Following her time as a public defender, LaQunya practiced as a general civil litigation association in state and federal courts throughout the United States before returning to criminal defense with the Office of Alternate Defense Council throughout the Denver metro area.
- After interning with the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office in Charlotte, LaQunya decided to serve as a Deputy State Public Defender for the State of Colorado in Golden.
Judicial service
- After briefly serving as a part-time Magistrate for the Denver County Court bench and a Visiting Assisting Professor of the Practice of Law at the University of Denver, Governor Jared Polis appointed Judge Baker to the Arapahoe County Court bench on July 1, 2022.
- On July 28, 2023, Judge Baker was sworn in as the first Black woman to the Arapahoe County District Court bench following her appointment by Governor Polis.
Education
- After briefly serving as a part-time Magistrate for the Denver County Court bench and a Visiting Assisting Professor of the Practice of Law at the University of Denver, Governor Jared Polis appointed Judge Baker to the Arapahoe County Court bench on July 1, 2022.
- Laqunya Baker received a Bachelor of Art degree in Communications with a concentration in Media Studies and Minor in African American Studies from The College of Charleston.
- During that time LaQunya interned with the United States House of Representative Jim Clyburn before attending law school at the Charlotte School of Law in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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 ↗