William Bain at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Colorado · State
- Judicial service
- Active
William Bain
Judge · 4th 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 · 4th Judicial District District Court · District Court Judge
7 For / primary
0 Against / secondary
Published measures
Case Management: Responses Promptly issues a decision on the case after
Overall: 3.1 / 4 (N=22)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=22)Non-Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=22)
Case Management: trial. Maintains appropriate control over proceedings.
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=28)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=28)Non-Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=28)
Case Management: Promptly rules on pre-trial motions.
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=23)Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=23)Non-Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=23)
Case Management: Sets reasonable schedules for cases.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=25)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=25)Non-Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=25)
Case Management: Provides an alternative to in-person hearings
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=19)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=19)Non-Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=19)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Responses Is able to identify and analyze relevant facts.
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=29)Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=29)Non-Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=29)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Bases decisions on evidence and arguments.
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=13)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=13)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Issues consistent decisions when the
Overall: 2.8 / 4 (N=11)Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=11)
Application and Knowledge of Law: circumstances are similar. Rulings cite the applicable substantive law.
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=13)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=13)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Consistently applies laws and rules.
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=13)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=13)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Gives reasons for rulings.
Overall: 3.6 / 4 (N=25)Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=25)Non-Attorneys: 3.7 / 4 (N=25)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Willing to make decisions without regard to
Overall: 3.6 / 4 (N=14)Non-Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=14)
Communications: Responses Makes sure all participants understand the
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=28)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=28)Non-Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=28)
Communications: proceedings. When issuing a ruling, the judge provides an
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=13)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=13)
Communications: explanation for the decision. Provides written communications that are clear,
Overall: 3.1 / 4 (N=13)Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=13)
Communications: thorough, and well- reasoned. Listens carefully during court proceedings.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=10)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=10)
Communications: Uses language that everyone can understand.
Overall: 3.7 / 4 (N=16)Non-Attorneys: 3.7 / 4 (N=16)
Communications: Speaks clearly so everyone in the courtroom
Overall: 3.7 / 4 (N=16)Non-Attorneys: 3.7 / 4 (N=16)
Communications: can understand what's being said. Gives reasons for a ruling when needed.
Overall: 3.7 / 4 (N=16)Non-Attorneys: 3.7 / 4 (N=16)
Demeanor: Responses Gives proceedings a sense of dignity.
Overall: 3.6 / 4 (N=27)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=27)Non-Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=27)
Demeanor: Treats participants with respect.
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=28)Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=28)Non-Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=28)
Demeanor: Reacts to an incident(s) in the courtroom
Overall: 2.9 / 4 (N=8)Attorneys: 2.9 / 4 (N=8)
Demeanor: appropriately. Addresses individuals (e.g. attorneys, court staff, litigants, public witnesses) respectfully in
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=10)Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=10)
Demeanor: the courtroom. Maintains a professional demeanor in the
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=10)Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=10)
Demeanor: courtroom. Has a sense of compassion and human
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=16)Non-Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=16)
Diligence: Responses Uses good judgment in application of relevant
Overall: 3.1 / 4 (N=12)Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=12)
Diligence: law and rules. Is willing to handle cases on the docket even when they are complicated and time
Overall: 3.1 / 4 (N=12)Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=12)
Diligence: consuming. Does the necessary “homework” and is
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=11)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=11)
Diligence: prepared for cases. Begins court on time.
Overall: 3.7 / 4 (N=16)Non-Attorneys: 3.7 / 4 (N=16)
Diligence: Maintains appropriate control over proceedings.
Overall: 3.6 / 4 (N=16)Non-Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=16)
Diligence: Sets reasonable schedules for cases.
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=14)Non-Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=14)
Diligence: Is prepared for cases
Overall: 3.6 / 4 (N=16)Non-Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=16)
Diligence: Manages court proceedings so there is little
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=16)Non-Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=16)
Fairness: Responses Gives participants an opportunity to be heard.
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=16)Non-Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=16)
Fairness: Treats those involved in the case without bias.
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=16)Non-Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=16)
Fairness: Treats people fairly who represent themselves.
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=9)Non-Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=9)
Fairness: Gives each side enough time to present their
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=16)Non-Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=16)Overall: 3 / 4 (N=11)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=11)
Fairness: case. Conducts their courtroom in a neutral manner.
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=11)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=11)
Fairness: Is fair and impartial to both sides.
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=11)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=11)
Published standards
Colorado statutory judicial performance standards
The Commission on Judicial Performance agrees by vote of 7-0 (with one absence, two recusals) that Judge William B. Bain MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS . The judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.
Participation
Attorney email invite
12 returned / 411 distributed
Attorney Survey Website
1 returned
Total Attorneys
13 returned
Non-attorney email Invite
3 returned / 154 distributed
Court Staff Email Invite (Self-select)
4 returned / 2,782 distributed
Citizen Feedback
0 returned
Juror Survey
9 returned
Total Non-Attorneys
16 returned
Commission narrative
The Commission on Judicial Performance agrees by vote of 7-0 (with one absence, two recusals) that Judge William B. Bain MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS . The judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.
Judge Bain was appointed to the Fourth Judicial District Court in 2011. He served as Chief Judge of the Fourth Judicial District from 2017 to 2024. Currently Judge Bain presides over Criminal (50%) and Civil (50%) dockets.
As part of its evaluation of Judge Bain, the Commission reviewed Judge Bain’s self-evaluation, a sample of his written opinions, and the 2026 judicial performance survey results. Although the response rate to distributed surveys was relatively low, Judge Bain received an overall score of 3.4/4 from respondents. A survey of District Court Judges conducted by the Appellate Court Judges rated him at 3.6/4 overall, with a comment describing Judge Bain as a “superb judge in every respect.” The Commission observed Judge Bain in the courtroom and conducted a personal interview with him. The Commission also collected feedback on Judge Bain from the Chief Judge of the Fourth Judicial District and representatives from the District Attorney’s and Public Defender’s Office. The District Attorney’s Office provided a positive assessment, describing Judge Bain as steady, thorough, and fair. One concern was raised regarding calendar management and its potential impact on speedy trial deadlines. Judge Bain responded that he has never missed a speedy trial deadline and emphasized that he manages his caseload with particular care considering speedy trial deadlines. He noted that attorney preparedness can at times create tension but, expressed a willingness to evaluate the concern and make improvements where appropriate.
Judge Bain is a sixth-generation Coloradan. Following his graduation from Middlebury College in Vermont, he taught High School English in Texas for three years before attending Cornell Law School in New York. Prior to his appointment to the Fourth Judicial Court, Judge Bain served 10 years as a prosecutor in the District Attorney’s Office and three years as an assistant city attorney for the City of Colorado Springs practicing civil litigation. Judge Bain was the first Chief Judge in Colorado to resume jury trials following COVID pandemic restrictions. He was honored with the Ben S. Wendelken Award of Excellence from the El Paso County Bar Association in 2024 for his contributions to the legal system.
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 ↗