Hon. John P. Leopold (Ret.) served as a District Judge for 19 years, and as Chief Judge for 4 years, in Colorado’s 18th Judicial District, the largest district (in terms of population) in the state. Prior to his appointment, he was a private practitioner, representing a wide range of individuals in civil, domestic, probate, juvenile, and criminal matters.
Since joining JAMS in 2006, Judge Leopold has mediated and arbitrated a variety of complex matters involving many types of law, including medical malpractice, business litigation, personal injury, insurance coverage, and contracts (commercial and personal).
J.D., University of Denver Sturm College of Law, 1974
B.A., Colby College, Waterville, ME, 1968
United States Air Force, 1968-1972
Memberships & Affiliations
Received Alumni Professionalism Law Star Award, University of Denver Sturm College of Law, October 2013
Received Martin P. Miller Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arapahoe County (Colorado) Bar Association, January 2012
Received 1999 Judicial Excellence Award from the Colorado Chapter, American Board of Trial Advocates; 2001 Outstanding Judicial Officer Award from the Colorado Judicial Branch; Lifetime Membership, Colorado Association of Community Corrections Board
Received Colby College Brick Award (June, 2018) for "outstanding loyalty to the College through consisrent and dedicated service in its behalf"
Colorado Bar Foundation Trustee, 2015-present
President, Colorado District Judges Association (1998); Vice President, Colorado Trial Judges Association (1998); President, Arapahoe County Bar Association (1985-1986); Fellow, Academy of Court Appointed Masters
Master, Thompson G. Marsh Inn, American Inn of Court
Member: Colorado, Arapahoe County, and Colorado Women’s Bar Associations
Frequent presenter at CLE programs for Continuing Education in Colorado, Inc. (Colorado Bar Association); Colorado Judicial Branch; Colorado Women’s Bar Association; Arapahoe County Bar Association
Member, University of Denver Sturm College of Law Alumni Council (Chair: 2008-2010); Co-Chair, Council's Bar Passage Committee
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