Luminary Legacy Gala Preview: Spotlight on Judge Priscilla Loew
- Isabella Dietrich
- 37 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Serving on the judiciary is a precarious position where one must balance the loss of individualism while simultaneously leading the legal community and modeling judicial values and ethics. Judge Priscilla Loew has managed this balance with spectacularly through her steadfast observance of fairness and equity in her courtroom all while modeling what it means to be a mentor, leader, and trailblazer. While all appointments come with their challenges, Judge Loew’s time on the bench has been marked by high profile cases garnering international attention as well as leadership both on and off the bench.
Judge Loew was appointed to the District Court bench for the 17th judicial district by Governor John Hickenlooper in 2017. Prior to that she served as a District Court Magistrate in the 17th judicial district for one year. She worked as a Senior Deputy District Attorney for the Denver District Attorney's Office from 2008-2016 after clerking for the Honorable Larry J. Naves from 2007-2008. Her first position after graduating from Denver Sturm College of Law in 2006 was as a Weld County District Attorney.
Throughout her judicial appointment, Judge Loew has had dockets on every district court subject including criminal, civil, domestic, probate, and juvenile. For each assignment, she rose to meet the challenges of each area. Judge Loew’s commitment to fairness and respect has permeated each rotation she has had. Even in areas of law where a pro se individual’s experience can easily be minimized, such as juvenile or domestic, Judge Loew has centered with public’s experience with fairness and justice in her courtroom management.
Her commitment to such principles is illustrated by her committee work to improve judicial processes for the public. For example, she spearheaded an initiative to provide service animals to those in the courtroom to assist those experiencing emotional turmoil. Judge Loew not only assesses problems but rises to tackle them. During the COVID-19 pandemic she was an integral part of the Virtual Jury Trial Committee that worked to ensure the safety of the public while protecting the speedy and fair trial rights of the accused.
Judge Loew has dedicated her limited free time to mentoring others in the profession. Outside of formal memberships, Judge Loew also acts as an informal mentor and support network for many. Her peers note that Judge Loew always has an open ear and is a collaborative partner in discussion when a sticky legal issue is on their mind and is willing to share an order to assist working through a difficult issue. It is this spirit of generosity and kindness balanced with the steadfast dedication to judicial principles for each party appearing before her in the courtroom that mark her career as one exceptional and a model to be upheld. Judge Loew continues to provide support to her peers through her position as the Co-Dean of Advanced New Judge Orientation where she assists in providing curriculum and training to her newly appointed peers.
Judge Loew has also worked for equity in the performance review and retention process of her peers, by recognizing and acknowledging bias in comments towards female judicial officers and judicial officers of color. She provides mentorship to new judges and members of the legal community, and acts as a regular contributor to continuing legal education for the legal community. It is with great appreciation for her longstanding service that the CWBA looks forward to honoring Judge Loew with the Judicial Excellence Award at the upcoming Legal Luminary Gala on March 5, 2026.
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Isabella Dietrich is an Associate Attorney at Nexus Family Law Group. Prior to joining Nexus, Isabella was a law clerk in Denver District Court with the Honorable Judge Eric Johnson and interned for Justice Hart at the Colorado Supreme Court. Isabella is a former board member for the CWBA and member of the EmpowHERment and PublisHERs Committee. Isabella attended the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and prior to that attended the University of Iowa for her bachelor's degrees. During her undergraduate career Isabella worked with the University of Iowa to assist in drafting legislation for the university's interests regarding access to mental health resources, higher education funding, and medical amnesty. In her spare time, Isabella enjoys volunteering at community gardens, reading, and needle work crafts.