Theresa M. Baca
District Court Judge
2nd Judicial District --
Bernalillo County
Year: 2008
Evaluation: Overall, Judge Baca's evaluation results were generally positive. The attorneys rated her well for her punctuality in commencing proceedings, for her attentiveness to proceedings, and her appropriate actions in encouraging settlement negotiations. She also received positive evaluations from both the court staff and the resource staff. Among the positive evaluations from these two groups was promptness in scheduling hearings and trials, ensuring that personal staff is professional, productive and knowledgeable, as well as maintaining proper control over the courtroom. Judge Baca received somewhat lower ratings from the attorneys for not always avoiding prejudging the outcome of cases, and for not being thoroughly knowledgeable regarding substantive law and the rules of procedure and evidence. The court staff rated her somewhat lower in not always maintaining appropriate hours given the workload. Judge Baca indicated that she will continue to improve in all areas.
Experience & Education: Judge Baca has served as District Court Judge since 1993. Prior to becoming a District Court Judge, she worked as an assistant District Attorney for Bernalillo County, staff attorney for the United States Small Business Administration and as a Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court Judge. She received her undergraduate degree from St. John's College in Santa Fe and her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania.