2018 retention · County Court · Rio Blanco County
87 percentile · rank 9 of 71
composite 0100
86 percentile · rank 18 of 128
composite 0100
19 10th percentile among peers · 5th percentile statewide
4130
Composite index 85.21 among peers (84.38 statewide): the mean of the three percentiles below. Rank orders by it.
3.66 of 4 · 77.46 percentile
2.593.90
3.70 of 4 · 85.21 percentile
2.593.90
100.00% 92.96 percentile
0.00%100.00%
Attorneys
- Overall grade
- 3.99
- Say “meets standards”
- 100.00%
Non-attorneys
- Overall grade
- 3.41
- Say “meets standards”
- 80.00%
| Category | Score | Peer median | Peer range (dot is this judge, line is the median) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Management | 4.00median 3.50 | 3.50 | |
| Application and Knowledge of Law | 3.68median 3.38 | 3.38 | |
| Communications | 3.70median 3.58 | 3.58 | |
| Diligence | 3.71median 3.42 | 3.42 | |
| Demeanor | 3.71median 3.49 | 3.49 | |
| Fairness | 3.43median 3.60 | 3.60 |
Commission: meets standards (9–0)
The Ninth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 9-0 that Judge Laurie Anne Noble MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Judge Noble was appointed as an Associate County Judge in Rio Blanco County, in Rangely, in 1992. In 2005, she was appointed County Judge in Rio Blanco County, in Meeker, and currently services both courts, as well as the Municipal Court for the Town of Meeker. Previously, Judge Noble was in private practice, an Adjunct Instructor at Colorado Northwestern Community College, and Town Attorney for the Town of Rangely. She received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from West Virginia University in 1982 and her Juris Doctor degree from West Virginia University College of Law in 1989. Judge Noble is active in Rio Blanco County, giving legal presentations in the schools and working with Mock Trial teams.
The Commission reviewed survey data from a cross-section of respondents who had experience with Judge Noble including attorneys, court staff, law enforcement employees, jurors and litigants. The Commission also reviewed Judge Noble’s caseload data, her self-evaluation and three opinions written and issued by her. Commissioners observed her in court and conducted a personal interview. Among the survey questions was “based on your responses to the previous questions related to the performance evaluation criteria, do you think Judge Noble meets judicial performance standards?” Survey results from attorneys responded 100% yes, she meets performance standards. Of the total non-attorneys responding to the survey, 80% answered yes, 10% answered no and 10% had no opinion. Regarding overall communication, demeanor, diligence and case management where a score of 4 is excellent, with the scale descending 3, 2, 1, and 0 for fail, attorneys gave Judge Noble a perfect 4 out of a 4 rating. Her application and knowledge of law received 3.97. All county judges in Colorado eligible to stand for retention scored lower in all categories. Compared to attorney responses, ratings by non-attorneys were slightly more critical of her overall performance and the survey results reflected a slightly lower average.
All of her ratings by attorneys were higher than average for all county judges in Colorado. She moves cases efficiently, but gives extra time when compliance with orders is difficult because of location in Rio Blanco County. The Commission felt her written decisions were deliberately thought out, well written and clear. Judge Noble presides over civil, domestic relations, criminal, misdemeanor, traffic and small claims cases in both Meeker and Rangely. Judge Noble’s strengths were noted that she is respectful, fair, patient, knowledgeable, and maintains control of her court. Observations in court and during her personal interview reflected her commitment to treat everyone with patience and courtesy; it was apparent she has an open mind and treats everyone with respect. Judge Noble is very prepared for her daily docket, exhibits an excellent judicial temperament and, by all accounts, is well suited for this judicial district/community. The Commission unanimously agreed that Judge Noble Meets Judicial Performance Standards.
2016 retention · County Court · Rio Blanco County
75 percentile · rank 9 of 36
composite 0100
86 percentile · rank 15 of 108
composite 0100
27 23rd percentile among peers · 10th percentile statewide
5140
Composite index 75.93 among peers (83.02 statewide): the mean of the three percentiles below. Rank orders by it.
3.63 of 4 · 61.11 percentile
3.113.84
3.69 of 4 · 73.61 percentile
3.023.84
100.00% 93.06 percentile
50.00%100.00%
Attorneys
- Overall grade
- 3.89
- Say “meets standards”
- 100.00%
Non-attorneys
- Overall grade
- 3.49
- Say “meets standards”
- 81.00%
| Category | Score | Peer median | Peer range (dot is this judge, line is the median) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Management | 3.86median 3.50 | 3.50 | |
| Application and Knowledge of Law | 3.66median 3.49 | 3.49 | |
| Communications | 3.71median 3.65 | 3.65 | |
| Diligence | 3.66median 3.50 | 3.50 | |
| Demeanor | 3.77median 3.62 | 3.62 | |
| Fairness | 3.49median 3.66 | 3.66 |
Commission: meets standards (10–0)
The Ninth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends by a vote of 10-0 that Judge Laurie Noble BE RETAINED.
Judge Noble was appointed part-time Rio Blanco County Court Judge for Rangely in July of 1992 and part-time Rio Blanco County Court Judge for Meeker in 2005. She still holds both positions. Judge Noble received her Bachelor of Science in Journalism from West Virginia University in 1982 and her law degree from West Virginia University College of Law in 1989. Prior to her appointments, Judge Noble was an attorney in private practice. Her community activities include school activities and presentations and the Mock Trial program at the Colorado Law Enforcement Training Program in Rangely.
The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Noble, and members observed her in court. The results of surveys sent to attorneys and non-attorneys were reviewed. Also reviewed were her self-evaluation and three opinions by her which were clear, thorough and very well written. Survey results from attorneys recommended 100% retention. Comments rated Judge Noble highly in fairness, diligence, preparedness, demeanor, clarity and knowledge of the law. Of non-attorneys completing the survey 81% recommended retention, 12% recommended not to retain, and 6% made no recommendation. The combined retention recommendation percentage was 88%.
Judge Noble’s caseload is approximately 10% civil, 10% domestic relations, 25% criminal, 25% misdemeanor, 25% traffic and 5% small claims cases. The distance Judge Noble must travel between the two courts can be difficult, but she seems to handle it well. She is well-integrated into the communities she serves and is a well-respected member of the Ninth Judicial Bench.