Tag: magistrate judge kristen mix
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Colorado’s federal judges recused 200+ times in 4 years for variety of reasons
A handful of magistrate judges accounted for a large portion of the recusals
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Trump’s executive orders prompt US Attorney Office to pull out of Colorado judge’s diversity program
A pair of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump this week has prompted the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Colorado to withdraw from a federal judge’s longstanding internship program for law students of diverse backgrounds. Retired U.S. Magistrate Judge Kristen L. Mix started the Diversity Internship Program in 2014 to place University of Colorado and…
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Colorado’s federal judges give themselves increased disciplinary power over attorneys
The judges of Colorado’s federal trial court have voted to give themselves the power to refer lawyers for discipline — potentially resulting in suspension or disbarment — simply for violating individual courtroom protocols. Without explanation, the U.S. District Court amended its local rules effective Dec. 1 to permit judges to impose “additional standards of professional conduct” beyond those contained…
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10th Circuit partially reinstates fired nursing home worker’s lawsuit over COVID-19 vaccination
The federal appeals court based in Denver ruled on Tuesday that a former nursing home employee can pursue her claim of religious discrimination against her employer for failing to grant a religious exemption to its COVID-19 vaccination requirement. Diann R. Bolonchuk alleged she was an 18-year employee of Cherry Creek Nursing Center/Nexion Health when it…
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Colorado court’s pilot program to aid self-represented prisoners launches after delay, tweaks
Colorado’s federal trial court this spring began accepting participants in a pilot program intended to link incarcerated plaintiffs with attorneys for onetime legal advice calls, although the initiative has undergone changes since its initial announcement. Colorado’s U.S. District Court authorized a limited legal assistance program last year, allowing prisoners at Fremont Correctional Facility who have…
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‘Opportunity to level the playing field’: Federal judges deliver pro bono pitch to lawyers
Two years ago, U.S. Magistrate Judge Kristen L. Mix faced a disturbing set of allegations from a prisoner in federal court. The man, incarcerated at the Colorado State Penitentiary, alleged he was a prosecution witness in the trial of another inmate who committed murder. He asked to be housed in protective custody, but instead the…
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Colorado’s federal trial court rolls out ‘chief magistrate judge’ position
Colorado’s federal trial court recently inaugurated a new leadership position, “chief magistrate judge,” in response to a request from the entire magistrate judge bench. Michael E. Hegarty, the most senior magistrate judge who joined the court in 2006, will be the first to hold the title of chief. “Judge Michael Hegarty is one of the…