2022 retention · District Court · 19th Judicial District
67 percentile · rank 22 of 67
composite 0100
57 percentile · rank 57 of 134
composite 0100
70 82nd percentile among peers · 85th percentile statewide
15132
Composite index 61.44 among peers (54.35 statewide): the mean of the three percentiles below. Rank orders by it.
3.50 of 4 · 64.18 percentile
2.603.80
3.58 of 4 · 73.88 percentile
2.583.82
86.00% 46.27 percentile
43.00%100.00%
Attorneys
- Say “meets standards”
- 86.00%
Non-attorneys
- Say “meets standards”
- 83.00%
| Category | Score | Peer median | Peer range (dot is this judge, line is the median) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Management | 3.60median 3.40 | 3.40 | |
| Application and Knowledge of Law | 3.40median 3.30 | 3.30 | |
| Communications | 3.60median 3.50 | 3.50 | |
| Diligence | 3.50median 3.40 | 3.40 | |
| Demeanor | 3.70median 3.50 | 3.50 | |
| Fairness | 3.70median 3.40 | 3.40 |
Commission: meets standards
The Nineteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance agrees by the unanimous vote of those voting, (8 in favor, 1 absent, and 1 recusal), that Judge Shannon D. Lyons MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Judge Lyons currently presides over mostly civil cases (approx. 90%) in his courtroom, with a small percentage of water cases (approx.. 8%), and a few (approx.. 2%) domestic relations cases. Prior to this change he presided over a primarily criminal docket. The challenges of the COVID-19 environment and subsequent changing courtroom procedures resulted in a backlog in civil trial cases such as these. The commission observed Judge Lyons both through virtual and in-person visits to his courtroom. His ability to transition between the restrictions of the pandemic and the more established procedures has been excellent.
The commission looked carefully at areas most important to Judge Lyons’ performance on the bench: integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance and service to the legal profession and the public. Through observation and review of his opinions, survey results, and related information, the commission found Judge Lyons effective in all areas. He has maintained a good flow of cases and is able to timely close over 90 percent of his assigned cases within the goal benchmark of 18 months. His observed demeanor in the courtroom toward all parties is respectful and thoughtful; yet he takes the time necessary to listen to all parties and communicate to all the information needed to understand the proceedings and the ruling he enters. Judge Lyons has consistently been rated high by both attorneys and non-attorneys that have appeared before him. His application and knowledge of the law is slightly better than all other District Court judges and his diligence in preparing for hearings/trials as well as being aware of precedential case law has been favorably mentioned in the survey. Judge Lyons earned high survey remarks for his calm and reassuring demeanor in the courtroom.
Judge Lyons is a graduate of Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio. After law school, Judge Lyons provided pro bono legal services through the Lend-A-Lawyer program in Montrose, CO. He then served as a public defender in Pueblo, Logan, Morgan and Weld counties. In 2001, he was part of a group that formed a law partnership specializing in criminal defense, and later served as the firm’s managing partner. In 2007, he received the Professionalism in the Law Award from the Weld County Bar Association. Judge Lyons was appointed to the district court in 2013. Judge Lyons has served on local boards, nonprofits and commissions which include The American Red Cross, Greeley Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, Greeley Chamber of Commerce, United Way Promises for Children, and the Weld Community Foundation Investment Committee.
2016 retention · District Court · 19th Judicial District
30 percentile · rank 43 of 61
composite 0100
27 percentile · rank 79 of 108
composite 0100
114 90th percentile among peers · 83rd percentile statewide
17164
Composite index 32.24 among peers (30.71 statewide): the mean of the three percentiles below. Rank orders by it.
3.49 of 4 · 40.98 percentile
2.793.84
3.34 of 4 · 35.25 percentile
2.813.84
66.00% 20.49 percentile
40.00%100.00%
Attorneys
- Overall grade
- 3.00
- Say “meets standards”
- 66.00%
Non-attorneys
- Overall grade
- 3.69
- Say “meets standards”
- 85.00%
| Category | Score | Peer median | Peer range (dot is this judge, line is the median) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Management | 2.97median 3.38 | 3.38 | |
| Application and Knowledge of Law | 3.17median 3.41 | 3.41 | |
| Communications | 3.49median 3.53 | 3.53 | |
| Diligence | 3.29median 3.48 | 3.48 | |
| Demeanor | 3.45median 3.47 | 3.47 | |
| Fairness | 3.68median 3.68 | 3.68 |
Commission: meets standards (9–0)
The Nineteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Shannon D. Lyons BE RETAINED by a vote of 9–0, with one Commissioner recusing.
Judge Lyons was appointed to the Weld County District Court in 2013. He is a graduate of Capital University Law School (Ohio), and received his undergraduate degree in economics from Grinnell College (Iowa). Judge Lyons began his legal career providing pro bono legal services through the Lender-A-Lawyer program with Colorado Rural Legal Services in Montrose. He later served as Deputy Public Defender in Pueblo, Logan, Morgan and Weld counties. Judge Lyons received the Weld County Bar Association's professionalism award in 2007. Before appointment, Judge Lyons was Senior Litigation Counsel for Otis, Coan & Peters, LLC in Greeley, Colorado, and practiced in business and real estate matters with an emphasis on commercial litigation. He also served on local boards and commissions including the City of Greeley Budget Advisory Committee, the American Red Cross (Northern Colorado Chapter), and the Greeley Chamber of Commerce and Community Council for Education. Since his appointment to the Court, Judge Lyons continues to serve on the Community Council for Education and the United Way Early Childhood Council. He is a member of the Greeley Rotary Club, and has also coached several youth sports teams.
The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Lyons, reviewed opinions he authored, observed him in court, and reviewed surveys sent to attorneys and non-attorneys. Among the survey questions was “how strongly do you recommend that Judge Shannon Lyons be retained in office, or not be retained in office?” Of non-attorneys completing the survey, 85% recommended to retain, 4% not to retain, and 10% made no recommendation. Of attorneys completing surveys, 66% recommended to retain, 22% not to retain, and 12% made no recommendation. (Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding).
Judge Lyons currently presides over a mostly criminal docket, with some civil matters. Based on survey results of the non-attorneys, Judge Lyons received an overall combined average rating which exceeded the average combined rating of all district judges standing for retention. Based on survey results of attorneys, Judge Lyons received an overall combined average rating that was below the average combined rating of all district judges standing for retention. Members of the Commission were impressed with Judge Lyons’ commitment to working with others to receive assessments of his ability to be fair and impartial. Judge Lyons has demonstrated concern for victims in his opinions in criminal matters. Judge Lyons informed the Commission that he strives to project a sense of patience and to promote confidence in the Court. He is often described in the surveys as patient, intelligent, respectful, professional and calm.