Governor Polis Makes Historic Court of Appeals Appointment & Saguache County Court Appointment

DENVER - Today, Governor Jared Polis made a historic judicial appointment to the Court of Appeals and an appointment in Saguache County. 

Governor Polis appointed Judge Timothy J. Schutz to the Colorado Court of Appeals. This vacancy is created by the retirement of the Honorable Chief Judge Steven L. Bernard and is effective January 1, 2022. Gov. Polis thanks Chief Judge Bernard for his service to the State of Colorado and the leadership he has shown on the Court of Appeals.  

“I’m excited to appoint the first appellate Judge from El Paso county since 1969,” said Governor Polis. 

No judge from Colorado Springs has served on the Court of Appeals since Judge David Enoch, who served on the Court of Appeals from 1969 to 1988. 

Mr. Schutz is a District Court Judge in the 4th Judicial District, a position he has held since 2010. His docket consists of criminal and civil matters. Previously, Judge Schutz was a Partner (1992-2010) and Associate (1991-1992) at Hanes & Schutz; and an Associate at Holland & Hart (1987-1991). Judge Schutz earned his B.S. from Moorhead State University in 1984 and his J.D. from the University of North Dakota in 1987.

Governor Polis also appointed Craig K. Schuenemann to the Saguache County Court in the 12th Judicial District. This vacancy is created by the resignation of the Honorable Anna Ulrich and is effective immediately.

Mr. Schuenemann is an Associate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, LLP, a position he has held since 2011. His practice consists of commercial litigation matters. Previously, Mr. Schuenemann was an Associate at Faegre & Benson LLP (2009-2011); and Law Clerk to Judge Charles Weller of the Second Judicial District in Nevada (2008-2009). Mr. Schuenemann earned his B.S. from the United States Naval Academy in 1999 and his J.D. from George Washington University School of Law in 2008.