On Friday, December 27, 2024, The Mountain Mail reported that Judge Patrick Murphy, the Chief Judge of the 11th Judicial District, retired after three decades of service to the Chaffee County courts. His retirement officially took effect on December 31, 2024.

Murphy began his legal career as a public defender, serving in that role for 18 years before he was appointed a county judge in 2013. A native of Colorado, he first arrived in Salida in 1994 while working as a public defender in La Junta. After his tenure in La Junta, he requested a transfer to Salida and eventually became the head of the public defender’s office in 2003, a position he held for ten years prior to becoming a judge.

In his remarks, Murphy expressed his desire to transition into a judicial role to take on more responsibilities within public service. He noted that his experiences with both effective and ineffective judges influenced his approach to the role. Upon taking office in 2013, he observed that the district’s judicial ranks were exclusively male, which motivated him to pursue greater representation within the judiciary. Under his leadership, the district has seen a significant shift, now boasting a majority of women among judicial officers. Amanda Hunter has been appointed as the new District Court chief judge, while Lauren Swan was appointed by Governor Jared Polis to fill Murphy’s position.

Murphy emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives within the judicial system. He stated that different experiences contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the community’s needs and enhance decision-making processes. He also highlighted his department’s effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the courts remained operational without layoffs, a feat achieved by only a few districts statewide.

Throughout his tenure, Murphy prioritized cases involving children, particularly in matters of divorce and custody. He aimed to ensure that parental grievances did not overshadow the well-being of children. He was also instrumental in re-establishing a truancy court in the district, collaborating with schools and administrators to address truancy effectively. Additionally, he increased the frequency of hearings for child neglect cases, making these issues a central focus of his judicial work.

As he steps into retirement, Murphy plans to take on a part-time role as a legal research attorney. He clarified that this new position would involve minimal stress and allow him to work remotely for two days each week, enabling him to maintain connections with the team he has cultivated over the past decade. In addition to his legal work, he intends to spend quality time with friends and family and to engage in travel—activities he has postponed during his extensive career.

Murphy concluded his service by encouraging aspiring legal professionals to consider public service roles such as prosecutors, public defenders, or guardians ad litem, emphasizing the intrinsic value of serving the community. He reflected on his experience as a judge in Chaffee County, describing it as the highlight of his career and a privilege to serve in such a tight-knit community.

 

 

Source: The Mountain Mail