Case Records

Overview

Records of cases before the PDJ are available for public access in accordance with Chief Justice Directive 05-01. Copies of records may be requested during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and may be obtained in person, by mail, or by email. In addition, original records can be viewed at the PDJ’s office. Fees for copies may be assessed in accordance with Chief Justice Directive 06-01.  

The following information outlines which records are publicly available and which records are sealed (accessible only to the PDJ and PDJ’s staff) or suppressed (accessible only to the PDJ, PDJ’s staff, and parties to the case and their attorneys).

Availability of Records

Lawyer discipline cases (including reinstatement and readmission)

In general, under C.R.C.P. 251.31, all records concerning disciplinary cases are available to the public after a formal disciplinary complaint is filed. The following records, however, are sealed or suppressed: 

  • Matters subject to a protective order
  • Work product of the PDJ or hearing boards
  • Opinions imposing a private admonition
  • Files and records resulting from a diversion, and successfully completed diversion matters 
  • Immediate suspension matters dismissed by the PDJ 
  • Stipulations rejected by the PDJ before the filing of a formal complaint

Lawyer disability cases

Records in lawyer disability cases are suppressed, except for orders placing an attorney on disability inactive status or removing an attorney from disability inactive status.

Unauthorized practice of law cases

Records concerning UPL cases, including contempt matters, are generally confidential under C.R.C.P. 240(b). The Colorado Supreme Court, rather than the PDJ, maintains custody of these records after the PDJ issues a report in the case.

Bar admissions cases

Records concerning bar admissions hearings before a hearing board are suppressed unless the applicant requests that the hearing be public under C.R.C.P. 209.4(2). The Colorado Supreme Court, rather than the PDJ, maintains records for bar admissions hearings after a hearing board issues a report in the case.

Administrative records

Chapter 38, Rule 2 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure governs access to administrative records of the judicial branch. 

For information about the PDJ’s procedures for releasing administrative records, please contact the PDJ’s office.