LAW WEEK COLORADO
GOLDEN — A federal securities lawyer, a state prosecutor and a private-practice attorney are the three finalists vying to succeed 1st Judicial District Judge M.J. Menendez, who resigned recently to return to work as a federal prosecutor.
A judicial nominating commission covering Jefferson and Gilpin counties announced the finalists today.
The nominees are Elizabeth E. Krupa, a trial attorney for the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, where she has been since 2003; Christie Bachmeyer Phillips, chief deputy district attorney in the 1st District, where she has been since 1993; and Thomas A. Walsh, a civil litigator with Walsh Law, P.C.
Gov. Ritter has 15 days from today to appoint one of the three as Menendez’s successor. The governor seeks comments on the nominees through July 28 at judicial.appointments@state.co.us.
Brief biographies of the finalists follow:
* As an SEC lawyer, Krupa, who lives in Evergreen, prosecutes securities violations in both civil and injunctive actions (85%) and administrative proceedings (15%). She has practiced criminal law, including misdemeanors, felonies, drug court, and juvenile cases. Prior to her current position, she was a trial attorney for the Colorado Federal Public Defender’s Office (2002-2003), trial attorney for the Colorado State Public Defenders Office (1992-2002), and clerked for the Honorable John W. Coughlin, Second Judicial District (1993-1994). She earned her B.A. from the University of Denver (1991) and her J.D. from the University of Denver, College of Law (1994).
* Phillips, of Evergreen, has worked at the DA’s office on: misdemeanor and traffic cases, juvenile court, and domestic violence cases. Prior to this, she was an associate for Weller Friedrich Ward and Andrew as civil litigator (1989-1993). Philips earned her B.A. from CSU Fresno (1980) and her J.D. from University of Colorado (1989).
* Besides his work as a civil litigator, Walsh, of Lakewood, also handles contracts, employment matters, administrative proceedings, civil protection orders, and collections. Mr. Walsh’s previous experience includes: solo practitioner (1997-2004) and associate, Holley, Albertson, & Polk, P.C. (1990-1997). Walsh’s private practice has also included: traffic violations, criminal matters, domestic relations, adoptions, juvenile matters, bankruptcy, and eminent domain. Mr. Walsh is currently chair of the Mock Trial Committee for the First Judicial District Bar Associations; a den leader for the Boy Scouts of America; and a volunteer for the City of Lakewood Recreation Department. Mr. Walsh received his B.A. from the Colorado College (1987) and his J.D. from the University of Colorado (1990).
Menendez’s resignation was effective Friday.