Supreme Court Justice Monica M. Márquez was sworn in as Colorado’s new chief justice on July 26, 2024. This appointment marks a historic moment as she becomes the first Latina to hold this title in the state. Justice Márquez takes over from Justice Brian D. Boatright, following his three-year term as chief justice.
The decision to rotate the position of chief justice every three years was made by a unanimous vote of the Supreme Court justices in 2020. Chief Justice Márquez is not only notable for her new role but also for being the second chief justice from the Western Slope and the third female chief justice in Colorado's history. Additionally, she stands out among eleven openly LGBT state supreme court justices currently serving in the United States as the longest-tenured.
Justice Márquez expressed her gratitude towards her predecessor, saying, “I am deeply grateful to Chief Justice Boatright for his leadership... Our highest mission remains serving the people of Colorado and upholding the integrity of the judicial system.” She emphasized her commitment to strengthening relationships with government and community partners.
Governor Bill Ritter appointed Justice Márquez to the Colorado Supreme Court in November 2010 after Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey retired. Before joining the court, she held several positions at the Colorado Attorney General’s Office under Attorneys General Ken Salazar and John Suthers. As Deputy Attorney General, she led efforts representing various Colorado Executive Branch agencies.
Her career prior to these roles included practicing general commercial litigation and employment law at Holme Roberts & Owen, LLP, and clerking for judges David M. Ebel and Michael A. Ponsor.
The Colorado Supreme Court serves as the state's highest court with its decisions binding on all other state courts. The Chief Justice acts as executive head of both this court and other components of Colorado's Judicial Branch.