Karen Ann Romeo

Commission: meets standards (10–0)

The Fifth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance finds that District Judge Karen Ann Romeo MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS by a unanimous vote of 10-0. The Colorado statutory judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.

Judge Romeo was appointed to the bench in 2008, having previously served as an assistant district attorney. She was handling 50% of the civil cases, 50% of the juvenile cases, and 50% of the criminal cases in Summit County until mid-January 2022, when she assumed 100% of the criminal cases and 100% of the juvenile cases in-order-to accommodate docket changes elsewhere in the Fifth Judicial District. The Commission commends Judge Romeo for her flexibility and for placing the best interests of the District ahead of any personal preferences. She also handles approximately 75% of the probate caseload and 25% of the mental health caseload in Summit County. Judge Romeo was praised in interviews for her self-awareness and her commitment to being the best judge she can be. In her personal evaluation, Judge Romeo placed emphasis on “showing her work.” She strives to ensure that all parties and the public understand her decisions and the reasoning behind her decisions. The non-attorney comments were especially positive about her patience, impartiality, fairness, willingness to listen, and preparation for the case even if they did not prevail. Attorneys appreciated her balance and even keel in the courtroom as well as her case management. There were no apparent areas designated for performance improvement; however, the Commission encourages Judge Romeo to continue her focus on issuing timely orders, and continuing legal education and professional mentorship opportunities.

During its evaluation, the Commission reviewed survey data from attorneys, non-attorneys, and appellate court judges, interviewed the Chief Judge of the District, interviewed other District stakeholders, conducted a personal interview with Judge Romeo, reviewed her personal performance evaluation, reviewed a sampling of written opinions and court orders, and observed the judge in court. In the survey, Judge Romeo scored a 3.4 out of a possible 4.0, which is consistent with all district judges across the state. She met performance standards in all categories and scored above average for her courtroom demeanor and fairness. Among responding attorneys, Judge Romeo scored higher for meeting performance standards compared to other district judges across the state. Among the 14 non-attorney respondents, Judge Romeo scored slightly lower for meeting performance standards compared to other district judges across the state.

Judge Romeo is a Colorado native and grew up in Littleton, Colorado. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado, and her law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in Michigan. After law school, she clerked for Judge Perricone in Jefferson County. In 1997, she joined the District Attorney’s office in the Fifth District where she served as Chief Deputy District Attorney and eventually Assistant District Attorney. She enjoys hiking, snow shoeing, and traveling.

State evaluation page · 2022 survey report (PDF)

Commission: meets standards (9–0)

The Fifth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends 9-0 with one member absent that Judge Karen Ann Romeo BE RETAINED.

Judge Romeo is a Colorado native. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado, and her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in Michigan. Following law school she clerked for Judge Perricone in Jefferson County, before being hired by the District Attorney's Office in the Fifth Judicial District in 1997. There she served as Chief Deputy and eventually Assistant District Attorney. She was appointed to the District Court of the Fifth Judicial District in 2008. Judge Romeo hears cases primarily in Summit County, where she is actively involved in the community, participating in the Special Olympics, community dinners, blood drives and acting athletic activities such as fun runs and volunteer coaching at the high school. The Commission reviewed written evaluations of Judge Romeo from attorneys and non-attorneys, as well as a written self-evaluation completed by Judge Romeo. A personal interview of Judge Romeo was conducted by the Commission. Members of the Commission reviewed samples of Judge Romeo’s written rulings, and observed her in the courtroom during several proceedings. The Commission also conducted interviews with a representative of the Public Defender’s Office, and with the District Attorney, the Summit County Sheriff, and the Chief Judge. The 2016 Judicial Performance Survey Report regarding Judge Romeo provided feedback from 54 respondents, both attorneys and non-attorneys who have appeared in her courtroom. The survey respondents uniformly rated Judge Romeo very high overall, and above average in all areas assessed: case management, application and knowledge of law, demeanor, diligence, and communications. Of attorneys completing the survey 90% recommended to retain, and 10% not to retain. Of non-attorneys completing the survey 97% recommended to retain, and 3% expressed no opinion. Judge Romeo is held in high regard by the Commission, attorneys and non-attorneys who appear before her. She is recognized as a hard working judge who manages her docket well. She treats all those appearing before her with fairness, dignity, and respect, and is especially aware of the impact of crime on victims. Judge Romeo is particularly well regarded for her courtroom demeanor and communication skills. Judge Romeo presides over Summit County’s Recovery Court, for persons suffering from addictions. This work is very important to Judge Romeo, though challenging and emotional at times. Judge Romeo continuously strives to improve her work as a Judge, and values the feedback she receives.

State evaluation page · 2016 survey report (PDF)