Tamara Sullivan at a glance
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- Judge
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- Colorado · State
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- Active
Tamara Sullivan
Judge · Colorado County Court, Costilla County
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 · Colorado County Court, Costilla County · County Court Judge
6 For / primary
0 Against / secondary
Published measures
Case Management: Responses Promptly issues a decision on the case after
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=9)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=9)Non-Attorneys: 2.6 / 4 (N=9)
Case Management: trial. Maintains appropriate control over proceedings.
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=9)Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=9)Non-Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=9)
Case Management: Promptly rules on pre-trial motions.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=10)Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=10)Non-Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=10)
Case Management: Sets reasonable schedules for cases.
Overall: 3.1 / 4 (N=10)Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=10)Non-Attorneys: 2.7 / 4 (N=10)
Case Management: Provides an alternative to in-person hearings
Overall: 3.1 / 4 (N=9)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=9)Non-Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=9)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Responses Is able to identify and analyze relevant facts.
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=10)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=10)Non-Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=10)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Bases decisions on evidence and arguments.
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=4)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=4)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Issues consistent decisions when the
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=1)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=1)
Application and Knowledge of Law: circumstances are similar. Rulings cite the applicable substantive law.
Overall: 2.7 / 4 (N=3)Attorneys: 2.7 / 4 (N=3)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Consistently applies laws and rules.
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=2)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=2)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Gives reasons for rulings.
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=3)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=3)Non-Attorneys: 2 / 4 (N=3)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Willing to make decisions without regard to
Overall: 2.8 / 4 (N=6)Non-Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=6)
Communications: Responses Makes sure all participants understand the
Overall: 2.8 / 4 (N=9)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=9)Non-Attorneys: 2.4 / 4 (N=9)
Communications: proceedings. When issuing a ruling, the judge provides an
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=4)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=4)
Communications: explanation for the decision. Provides written communications that are clear,
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=2)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=2)
Communications: thorough, and well- reasoned. Listens carefully during court proceedings.
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=4)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=4)
Communications: Uses language that everyone can understand.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=6)Non-Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=6)
Communications: Speaks clearly so everyone in the courtroom
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=6)Non-Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=6)
Communications: can understand what's being said. Gives reasons for a ruling when needed.
Overall: 2.2 / 4 (N=5)Non-Attorneys: 2.2 / 4 (N=5)
Demeanor: Responses Gives proceedings a sense of dignity.
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=10)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=10)Non-Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=10)
Demeanor: Treats participants with respect.
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=10)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=10)Non-Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=10)
Demeanor: Reacts to an incident(s) in the courtroom
Overall: 3.7 / 4 (N=3)Attorneys: 3.7 / 4 (N=3)
Demeanor: appropriately. Addresses individuals (e.g. attorneys, court staff, litigants, public witnesses) respectfully in
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=4)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=4)
Demeanor: the courtroom. Maintains a professional demeanor in the
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=4)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=4)
Demeanor: courtroom. Has a sense of compassion and human
Overall: 2.7 / 4 (N=6)Non-Attorneys: 2.7 / 4 (N=6)
Diligence: Responses Uses good judgment in application of relevant
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=4)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=4)
Diligence: law and rules. Is willing to handle cases on the docket even when they are complicated and time
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=3)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=3)
Diligence: consuming. Does the necessary “homework” and is
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=4)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=4)
Diligence: prepared for cases. Begins court on time.
Overall: 2 / 4 (N=6)Non-Attorneys: 2 / 4 (N=6)
Diligence: Maintains appropriate control over proceedings.
Overall: 2.8 / 4 (N=6)Non-Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=6)
Diligence: Sets reasonable schedules for cases.
Overall: 2.8 / 4 (N=6)Non-Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=6)
Diligence: Is prepared for cases
Overall: 2.8 / 4 (N=6)Non-Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=6)
Diligence: Manages court proceedings so there is little
Overall: 2.7 / 4 (N=6)Non-Attorneys: 2.7 / 4 (N=6)
Fairness: Responses Gives participants an opportunity to be heard.
Overall: 2.8 / 4 (N=6)Non-Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=6)
Fairness: Treats those involved in the case without bias.
Overall: 2.8 / 4 (N=6)Non-Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=6)
Fairness: Treats people fairly who represent themselves.
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=5)Non-Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=5)
Fairness: Gives each side enough time to present their
Overall: 2.8 / 4 (N=6)Non-Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=6)Overall: 3.8 / 4 (N=4)Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=4)
Fairness: case. Conducts their courtroom in a neutral manner.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=4)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=4)
Fairness: Is fair and impartial to both sides.
Overall: 2.8 / 4 (N=4)Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=4)
Published standards
Colorado statutory judicial performance standards
The Twelfth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously (6-0), with two commission vacancies and two commissioners absent, finds that Judge Tamara McSherry Sullivan, Costilla County Court Judge, MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS . The commission evaluated Judge Sullivan based on several criteria, including integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.
Participation
Attorney email invite
4 returned / 104 distributed
Attorney Survey Website
0 returned
Total Attorneys
4 returned
Non-attorney email Invite
5 returned / 669 distributed
Court Staff Email Invite (Self-select)
1 returned / 2,782 distributed
Citizen Feedback
0 returned
Juror Survey
0 returned
Total Non-Attorneys
6 returned
Commission narrative
The Twelfth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously (6-0), with two commission vacancies and two commissioners absent, finds that Judge Tamara McSherry Sullivan, Costilla County Court Judge, MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS . The commission evaluated Judge Sullivan based on several criteria, including integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.
The evaluation of Judge Sullivan reflects a strong alignment between her personal judicial philosophy and the feedback provided by the legal community and the Judicial Performance Commission. Judge Sullivan’s self-evaluation emphasizes that her decade of experience with Colorado Legal Services in the San Luis Valley deeply informed her commitment to "promoting access to justice" and "maintaining patience and neutrality". These self-identified strengths are directly echoed in the performance survey results, where respondents specifically praised her patience, professional demeanor, and "nuanced understanding of the human element in legal disputes". Furthermore, her background in managing a legal office translated into high marks for "organizational aptitude" and "administrative performance". Ultimately, the Commission’s unanimous (6-0) finding that she meets performance standards serves as a strong validation of her goal to provide a "fair and respectful courtroom environment for all individuals."
In her capacity as the Costilla County Court Judge, it is imperative to clarify that Judge Sullivan's judicial mandate does not grant her any authority regarding the management, operational oversight, or policy formulation of the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office or any other law enforcement agencies. This separation of powers ensures that her role remains focused on the fair and neutral administration of justice within the courtroom. Consequently, she is not involved in the administrative decisions or broader law enforcement activities currently occurring within Costilla County.
A native of Cortez, Colorado, Judge Sullivan obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English from Regis University in 2006, followed by a Master of Arts in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School in 2007. She subsequently earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Denver in 2012. Before her appointment to the Costilla County Court, Judge Sullivan practiced as a staff attorney with Colorado Legal Services within the San Luis Valley.
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 ↗