Jon J. Olafson

Judge Olafson (he/him/his) has been on the bench since 2023.  Prior to his appointment, Judge Olafson was an experienced corporate, employment, commercial, and litigation attorney, who was routinely recognized by SuperLawyers, Best Lawyers, and 5280 Magazine. Judge Olafson is also a frequent and an award-winning speaker and leader regarding organizational engagement and cognitive bias.   Judge Olafson has his BA from the University of North Dakota and his JD from the Texas Tech University School of Law.   Judge Olafson also has certificates from Cornell University and Harvard University, where he studied cognitive bias.

Judge Olafson currently serves as the Secretary of the Board for the Center for Legal Inclusiveness, Student Liaison for the Sam Cary Bar Association, the Immediate Past President of the Nathan Yip Foundation, and an ex officio Director for Opera Colorado. Judge Olafson is also the President Emeritus for the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra, an organization he served for over ten years. He is the recipient of the 2021 Attorney of the Year award from the Colorado LGBT Bar Association, the 2022 Ben Aisenberg Diversity Leadership Award from the Sam Cary Bar Association, the 2022 Professor Benson Public Service Award from the Texas Tech University School of Law, and a 2024 Spotlight Award recipient from the CLBA.