During her eight years on the bench (2012 – 2020), Judge Starrs presided over civil, domestic, and criminal dockets. Before taking the bench, Judge Starrs was in the private practice of law for more than 30 years, handling complex civil litigation matters, including those involving allegations of professional malpractice, wrongful death, and employment discrimination.
Judge Starrs has served as President of both the Colorado Bar Association and the Denver Bar Association. She is a fellow of the American College and the International Association of Trial Advocates, and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Judicial Service
District Court Judge, 2nd Judicial District, Colorado 2012-2020
Education
J.D. – Suffolk University Law School
B.A. – University of Michigan
Contact
Phone: 303-572-1919
Email: estarrs@jaginc.com
Career Highlights
- Selected as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (1998): Member (1998-2004), Advocate member (2005-present), President, Colorado Chapter (2007)
- Selected as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (2000): State Committee of ACTL (2001-2003; 2009-2012), Pilot Project Rules Committee (2009-2011)
- Selected as the first woman in Colorado to be a Fellow of the International Association of Trial Lawyers (2002)
- Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court, Commission on Professional Development (2011-2014)
- Colorado Supreme Court Committee on the Effective and Efficient Use of Juries (widely known at that time as the “Jury Reform Committee”) (1997)
- Judicial Excellence Award, Denver Bar Association (2019)
- Raising the Bar Award, Colorado Women’s Bar Association Foundation (2006)
- Mary Lathrop Award, Colorado Women’s Bar Association (2009)
- Best Lawyers in America (2010-2012)
- Super Lawyer (2006-2012):Top 10 Lawyers in Colorado (2011-2012)
- Top 25 Women Lawyers (2006-2012)
- Second Judicial District Nominating Commission (2000-2006)
- United States District Court, District of Colorado, Committee on Conduct (1996-1999)
Community and Professional Activities
- Member, Colorado Bar Association: 1983 – present: President (2006-2007),Founder of the Colorado Bar Association Leadership Training (COBALT) program (2007),
- President, Denver Bar Association (2002-2003)
- President, Colorado Women’s Bar Association Foundation (1992 and 2012)
- President, Colorado Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates (2007)
- Executive Counsel, Colorado Women’s Bar Association (1984-1985, and 1989-1990)
- Spina Bifida Association of Colorado, Board of Directors (2008-2012)
- Spina Bifida Association of America, Revenue Sharing Task Force (2010-2011)
- Florence Crittendon School, Career Advisory Board (1995-1997)
- Girl Scouts of America, Troop Leader (1984-1985)
Fun Facts
- Remembers everyone’s birthday
- Has seen Diana Ross & The Supremes in concert more than any other musical act
