Karen L. Townsend
District Court Judge
11th Judicial District --
McKinley and San Juan Counties
Year: 2008
Evaluation: Judge Townsend received positive ratings in most areas of her work. Attorneys rated the judge well for her attentiveness to proceedings, maintaining proper control over the proceedings, treating self-represented litigants fairly, and for being courteous to all participants. The court staff and resource staff (e.g. law enforcement officers, CASA volunteers, etc.) rated Judge Townsend positively for being punctual in commencing proceedings, discharging responsibilities diligently, and for displaying a sense of fairness. Although still reasonably positive, she did receive somewhat lower ratings from court staff when it comes to respecting all court employees regardless of their position. However, she indicated that she is already attempting to address this issue.
Experience & Education: Judge Townsend has served on the bench since August 2006. Prior to her appointment, she worked as a Domestic Violence Hearing Officer, City Attorney for Aztec, a Guardian ad Litem for abuse and neglect cases, and in private practice. The Judge is a board member of the Aztec Boys and Girls Club and is involved with the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. She received her undergraduate degree from Fort Lewis College and law degree from Syracuse University.