Colorado's legal landscape is set to see a new addition to its judiciary. In an official move, Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera appointed Shelby L. Fyles to fill an upcoming vacancy on the 23rd Judicial District Court. This announcement came yesterday from the Lieutenant Governor's office, leveraging the constitutional authority vested during her tenure as the acting Governor. Fyles will be succeeding the Honorable Elizabeth B. Volz, who is set to retire on February 2, 2026, the effective date of this appointment.
Fyles brings a diverse background in legal practice to the bench, having served as an Associate Judge for the City of Aurora since 2023. Her dockets have primarily dealt with municipal matters, showcasing her ability to effectively navigate the intricacies of municipal law. The trajectory of her career, as outlined by the Lieutenant Governor's office, includes stints handling serious felony cases and advocating for young victims of crime, experiences likely to inform her jurisprudence as she transitions to her new role. Her capacity to quickly adapt to different legal challenges will be tested once she assumes the mantle of a 23rd Judicial District Court judge.
The selection of Fyles is rooted in substantial prosecutorial experience, as noted by the Colorado Governor's Office. Her previous roles include Senior Lead Deputy District Attorney (2021-2023), where she led legal teams, and Senior Deputy District Attorney within the Child Victim Unit (2019-2022), where she fought to protect the vulnerable. Before these roles, Fyles sharpened her litigation skills as Senior Deputy District Attorney, General Felony (2017-2019), and Deputy District Attorney in the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office (2012-2017).
This wealth of experience draws from a solid educational foundation. Fyles earned her B.S. from American University in 2006, followed by a J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 2011. Her appointment stands as a testament to her years of commitment to the legal system and serves to further diversify Colorado's judiciary with perspectives shaped by years to rigorously advocate for justice in various prosecutorial roles. The legal community and the citizens of Colorado will be keen on observing how Fyles will apply her knowledge and experience to serve the public in her new capacity as a 23rd Judicial District Court judge.
