---
title: "Thomas M. Ward | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-m-ward-co-district-court-magistrate-he-him-his-20th-judicial-district"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Thomas M. Ward

20th Judicial District Magistrate Court · Magistrate

## Profile

- Court: 20th Judicial District Magistrate Court
- State: Colorado
- Role: Magistrate
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### expanded media coverage

Scope: 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.

Evidence excerpt: 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 court

[Request for Expanded Media Coverage](https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/media/request-expanded-media-coverage?topic=76&wrapped=true)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### expanded media notice

Scope: 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.

Evidence excerpt: Expanded Media Coverage applications to be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the court proceeding in question.

[Request for Expanded Media Coverage](https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/media/request-expanded-media-coverage?topic=76&wrapped=true)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/contact/thomas-m-ward)
- [Official roster](https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/contact/thomas-m-ward)
- [Colorado Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/contact/thomas-m-ward)
- [Request for Expanded Media Coverage](https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/media/request-expanded-media-coverage?topic=76&wrapped=true)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- District Court Judge in the 17th Judicial District of Colorado, appointed in 2026, and a former District Court Magistrate in the 20th Judicial District since 2023
- Ward has been an Adjunct Professor at the University of Colorado Law School since 2024

### Education

- University of Colorado Law School — J.D. (2012)
- in Business Administration, University of Maryland, College Park — B.S. (2003)

### Additional information

- Ward had served as a District Court Magistrate in the 20th Judicial District since April 2023
- Governor Jared Polis appointed Thomas M. Ward to the 17th Judicial District Court in August 2026, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Hon
- Worked in consulting before becoming an attorney
- Forcible entry/unlawful detainer cases He also served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association and its Access to Justice Task Force