Jon J. Olafson

Judge Olafson (he/him/his) has been on the bench since December of 2023, after his appointment by Governor Polis.   Prior to his appointment, Judge Olafson was an experienced corporate, employment, commercial, and litigation attorney,  where he was routinely recognized by SuperLawyers, Best Lawyers, and 5280 Magazine. Judge Olafson is also an  award- winning speaker and leader with regard to organizational inclusion, diversity, equity, belonging, and authenticity.   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 a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University.

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 on the Board of Directors   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, and the 2022 Professor Benson Public Service Award  from the Texas Tech University