Jon J. Olafson

Commission: meets standards (9–0)

The Second Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 9-0, with one Commissioner recusing, that Judge Jon J. Olafson MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. The Colorado statutory judicial performance criteria are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.

Judge Olafson currently presides over civil matters in the Denver District Court. Judge Olafson meets all aspects of the performance criteria on which he is evaluated. The Commission recognizes Judge Olafson for his strong case management skills and his commitment to the fair and efficient administration of justice. Judge Olafson’s written decisions are thorough and well-reasoned. His notable strengths, as observed by the Commission and described in survey responses, include his civility and courtroom demeanor, his clear communication with courtroom participants, and his commitment to reducing courtroom bias. The Commission commends Judge Olafson for ensuring that proceedings are conducted efficiently and for his efforts to create an environment of fairness for all members of the community who appear before him. The Commission, based on its observation and analysis of survey responses, did not identify any evaluation category in which Judge Olafson displayed a notable weakness as to the performance criteria. Judge Olafson exceeded the Court’s productivity benchmark for civil courtrooms.

The Commission met with the Chief Judge of Denver District Court to discuss challenges facing the court system. The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Olafson and observed him during court proceedings. It also reviewed opinions he authored, comments received from interested parties during the evaluation, case management data, and judicial performance survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys who interacted with him. The surveys reflected personal opinions regarding Judge Olafson in the categories of case management, application and knowledge of the law, communications, diligence, demeanor, and fairness. A total of 41 attorneys and 4 non-attorneys responded to the judicial performance surveys expressing their opinion of Judge Olafson. The overall information and data reviewed supports the Commission’s recommendation that Judge Olafson meets performance standards.

Judge Olafson was appointed to the Denver District Court in December 2023. Prior to his appointment, Judge Olafson practiced commercial and employment litigation, including as a partner at Buchalter, PC. Judge Olafson is active in service to the legal profession and broader community, serving as Secretary of the Board for the Center for Legal Inclusiveness, ex officio Director for Opera Colorado, an Advisory Board Member for the University of North Dakota College of Arts and Sciences, and President Emeritus for the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra. Judge Olafson received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota and his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law.

State evaluation page · 2026 survey report (PDF)