Governor Jared Polis Makes District Court Appointments

DENVER — Today the Governor appointed Robert R. Gunning to the 20th Judicial District Court. The vacancy is created by the retirement of the Honorable Norma A. Sierra and is effective October 6, 2022. 

Mr. Gunning is a Mediator with Accord ADR Group and part-time Of Counsel at Silverstein & Pomerantz, LLP, positions he has held since 2019 and 2021, respectively. His practice consists primarily of civil mediation matters and tax litigation. Previously, Mr. Gunning was a Founding Partner at Maxwell Gunning, LLP (2019-2021); District Court Magistrate in the 20th Judicial District (2013-2019); Administrative Law Judge for the Colorado State Personnel Board (2011-2013); Principal at Robert R. Gunning, LLC (2011-2013); Partner (2006-2011) and Of Counsel (2004-2006) at Silverstein & Pomerantz, LLP; Assistant County Attorney in Boulder County (1999-2004); and Associate at Victor F. Boog, P.C. (1996-1999). Mr. Gunning earned his B.A. from the College of William & Mary in 1990 and his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law in 1993.  

The Governor also appointed Michelle E. Jones and David N. Karpel to the 18th Judicial District Court. The vacancies are created by the retirements of the Honorable Fredrick T. Martinez and Honorable Elizabeth A. Weishaupl. Both appointments are effective January 10, 2023.

Ms. Jones is a Magistrate in the 18th Judicial District, a position she has held since 2020. Her docket consists of domestic relations and juvenile matters. Previously, she was an Administrative Law Judge for the Office of Administrative Courts (2014-2020); Hearing Officer and Division Clerk for the Colorado Department of Revenue (2008-2014); and Attorney at The Orr Law Firm (2007-2008). Ms. Jones earned her B.A from Boston College in 2004 and her J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2007. 

Mr. Karpel is Assistant Chief Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security, a position he has held since 2019. He provides counsel to Homeland Security Investigations on international investigations and prosecutions. Previously, he was a Federal Prosecutor with the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (2009-2019); Attorney at Key Equipment Finance (2007-2009); Senior Deputy District Attorney at the Denver District Attorney’s Office (2000-2007); Co-Founder and General Counsel of Assistive Technology Products, Inc. (1998-2000); Attorney at Concord Services, Inc. and Vice President/General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Ramtron International Corporation (1992-1997); Judge Advocate General’s Corps in the United States Navy, Navy Legal Service Office (1989-1992); and Senior Negotiator for Amoco U.K. Exploration Company (1988-1989). Mr. Karpel earned his B.S. from the University of Colorado in 1981 and his J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 1988. 

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