Michael L. Bender
| Michael L. Bender | |
|---|---|
| Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court | |
|
In office December 1, 2010 – January 7, 2014 | |
| Succeeded by | Nancy E. Rice |
| Associate Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court | |
|
In office January 2, 1997 – December 1, 2010 | |
| Appointed by | Roy Romer |
| Preceded by | Mary Mullarkey |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 7, 1942 |
| Spouse(s) | Helen H. Hand |
| Alma mater |
Dartmouth College, University of Colorado Law School |
Michael L. Bender (born January 7, 1942)[1] is the 44th and former Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court.
Bender earned a B.A. from Dartmouth College in 1964 and a law degree from the University of Colorado Law School in 1967.[1] Prior to becoming a judge, he worked in private practice, for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and as a public defender in Denver and Jefferson County and for the state.[2] Bender also taught criminal law, criminal trial advocacy, and employment discrimination law at the University of Denver College of Law.[1]
Bender was first appointed to the Colorado Supreme Court January 2, 1997 by Governor Roy Romer.[1] He won retention in 2010, despite opposition from conservative and Libertarian groups.[2] He was voted Chief Justice by his fellow justices in 2010, taking the position on December 1, 2010. He retired from the court on January 7, 2014.
Bender is a registered Democrat.[2] He has five children with his wife, Helen H. Hand, a psychologist who runs Colorado Free University; the couple live in the Stapleton development in Denver.[2]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Bio - Michael L. Bender, Colorado State Judicial Branch, retrieved June 22, 2012.
- 1 2 3 4 Cardona, Felisa (November 11, 2010), "Michael L. Bender to lead Colorado's top court", The Denver Post, retrieved June 22, 2012.