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Law firm updates
Former federal prosecutor and trial attorney Alison Connaughty has joined Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell as of counsel. She previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the District of Colorado, an assistant attorney general for Colorado and a deputy district attorney for Jefferson County. As a prosecutor, Connaughty first-chaired 47 jury trials. She currently serves as president of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association.
The judiciary
The 4th Judicial District Nominating Commission nominated four candidates for two district court judgeships, effective on July 1 and July 12, respectively, created by Senate Bill 25-024 and the resignation of Judge David Gilbert. Amy Cano of Colorado Springs, Sherri Gryboski of Colorado Springs, Kelly McPherson of Colorado Springs and Joseph Peters of Denver were selected by the commission on May 21. Comments regarding any of the nominees may be emailed to the governor.
The 6th Judicial District Nominating Commission nominated three candidates for a county court judgeship created by Senate Bill 25-024, effective July 1. Nominees Shane Goranson of Durango, Douglas Reynolds of Durango and Richard Schmittel Jr. of Westminster were selected by the commission on May 27. Comments regarding any of the nominees may be emailed to the governor.
Gov. Jared Polis appointed Judge Milla Lishchuk to the Morgan County Court in the 13th Judicial District. The vacancy is created by the retirement of Judge Dennis Brandenburg and is effective July 1. Lishchuk is a county court judge in Baca County, a position she’s held since 2021. Her docket consists of criminal and civil matters. Lishchuk is also a hearing officer for the Colorado Department of Revenue, Hearing Divisions, a position she’s held since 2020. Previously, Lishchuk was an attorney and hearings manager for the Board of Assessment Appeals from 2011 to 2019, part-time attorney with the Law Offices of Alan G. Molk from 2012 to 2015, part-time attorney with Michael Dowling and Associates from 2011 to 2015, attorney with Reilly Pozner LLP from 2010 to 2011 and judicial clerk for Judges Mark Hannen and Robert Russell and Magistrate Kara Martin in 2010. Lishchuk earned her bachelor’s degree from the Metropolitan State College of Denver in 2007, and her law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2009.